Model of continuous liquid removal from gas wells by droplet diameter estimation

• We propose a new liquid-removal model which considers the influence of the droplets' diameter.
• Field production and well data from Li's paper were used for validation of this model.
• The prediction results are superior to those of Li's model in high GWR conditions.
• The prediction results are superior to those of Coleman's model in low GWR conditions.

Observational procedures are used to develop liquid loading models associated with gas production. The performance of various critical liquid-removal flow rate models are compared and critiqued by examining model outputs. Critical liquid-removal flow rates calculated by different models are found to vary considerably. Using the balance relationship between total surface free energy of liquid droplets and turbulent kinetic energy of gas flow, we developed a new model that considers the influence of droplet diameter on critical liquid-removal flow rate of gas wells. Model reliability is verified by comparing model results with gas well production data from four gas reservoirs in China.