Review of two-phase flow models for control and estimation

Most model-based control and estimation techniques put limitations on the structure and complexity of the models to which they are applied. This has motivated the development of simplified models of gas-liquid two-phase flow for control and estimation applications. This paper reviews the literature for such models with a focus on applications from the field of drilling. The models are categorized in terms of complexity and the physical interpretation of the simplifications employed. A simulation study is used to evaluate their ability to qualitatively represent dynamics of 3 different gas-liquid scenarios encountered in drilling, based on which conclusions are drawn.