critical flow

[jtolle7]

This may sound stupid but i am looking for a true definition of critical flow.

In the application of production testing or frac flowback I am under the impression that critical flow is defined as the point at with gas and fluid can be brought back without causing casing or formation damage is this true.

 

[zdas04]

"Critical flow" is one of those terms that only has meaning within a specific context. It sounds like you are using the term like it is used n artificial lift. In this context, R.G. Turner coined the term in a JPT paper in November, 1969 to mean the gas velocity at which an average size liquid droplet will be more affected by buoyant forces than by gravity and will travel to the surface.

Hope this helps.

David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering

http://www.muleshoe-eng.com

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[jtolle7]

Yes thank you very much that did help