“Observer Design for Multiphase Flow in Vertical Pipes with Gas Lift - Theory and Experiments”

Authors: Ole M. Aamo, G.O. Eikrem, H.B. Siahaan and Bjarne A. Foss,
Affiliation: NTNU, Department of Engineering Cybernetics
Reference: 2005, Vol 26, No 2, pp. 65-80.

Keywords: Nonlinear observer design, Multiphase flow, Petroleum technology

Abstract: Unstable regimes occurring for multiphase flow in vertical risers have successfully been stabilized using conventional linear control techniques. However, these control systems rely on downhole measurements which are at best unreliable, if at available. In this paper, we design a nonlinear observer for the states of the multiphase flow that relies on topside measurements only, and apply it to estimate downhole pressure for feedback control. A key feature of the design is that it exploits the structure of the model to obtain robustness with respect to the internal flows in the system. Combining the nonlinear observer with conventional PI control of the downhole pressure, we demonstrate in laboratory experiments the potential for increasing production from gas-lift wells by stabilizing the multiphase flow.

PDF PDF (1994 Kb)        DOI: 10.4173/mic.2005.2.1

DOI forward links to this article:
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[3] Leonardo Nardi Hüffner, Jorge Otávio Trierweiler and Marcelo Farenzena (2018), doi:10.1016/j.petrol.2018.10.047
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BibTeX:
@article{MIC-2005-2-1,
  title={{Observer Design for Multiphase Flow in Vertical Pipes with Gas Lift - Theory and Experiments}},
  author={Aamo, Ole M. and Eikrem, G.O. and Siahaan, H.B. and Foss, Bjarne A.},
  journal={Modeling, Identification and Control},
  volume={26},
  number={2},
  pages={65--80},
  year={2005},
  doi={10.4173/mic.2005.2.1},
  publisher={Norwegian Society of Automatic Control}
};