Numerical Simulation of Annular Flow Field and Acoustic Field of Oil Casing Leakage

• Published in: Processes Vol. 13; no. 6; p. 1799
• Main Authors: Yang, Yun-Peng, Sun, Bing-Cai, Jing, Ying-Hua, Wang, Jin-You, Fan, Jian-Chun, Gan, Yi-Fan, Liang, Shuang, Zheng, Yu-Shan, Li, Mo-Song
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 05.06.2025
• Subjects: Acoustic propagation; Acoustic properties; Acoustic waves; Acoustics; Analysis; Annular flow; Annuli; Comparative analysis; Efficiency; Evolution; Gas wells; Leak detection; Leakage; Leaks; Liquid levels; Liquid surfaces; Mathematical models; Methods; Noise propagation; Numerical analysis; Propagation; Simulation; Simulation methods; Sound fields; Sound sources; Velocity; Wave propagation; China
• DOI: 10.3390/pr13061799
• ISSN: 2227-9717

The generation and propagation mechanisms of acoustic waves from leakage below the annular liquid level in gas wells have attracted widespread attention. To study the characteristics of acoustic sources beneath the liquid level, a physical model of leakage in the casing–tubing annulus was established by simulating the distribution patterns of the flow field and acoustic field within the annulus under tubing leakage conditions. Distinct from the traditional acoustic analysis of wellbore leakage in gas wells, this study focuses on acoustic waves generated by leaks located below the annular protection fluid level. It analyzes the flow regime and acoustic source characteristics beneath the liquid level under various operating conditions (including leakage aperture, velocity, and position). The research summarizes the evolution patterns of flow regimes when gas leaks into the annular protection fluid under different conditions and elucidates the generation mechanism of sub-liquid leakage noise and its propagation mechanism across the liquid surface. This work lays the theoretical foundation for detecting sub-liquid leakage at the wellhead using acoustic methods.