Numerical Simulation on the Annular Flow Induced by Spiral Casing Centralizer

It is necessary to analyze the annular flow law induced by spiral casing centralizer in order to properly determine the location of spiral casing centralizer and improve slurry displacement efficiency,which will be meaningful to cementing optimization.Based on annular fluid dynamics,the theoretical model of the flow field in annulus was established,the annular flow induced by spiral casing centralizer was analyzed and the numerical calculation results was verified by using the experimental result.These results matched well with the laser velocity measurement data,showing that the finite element analytical method is reliable.By using ANSYS software,the annular flow and effective whirl flowing length were calculated under different conditions,and the effects of spiral angle of casing centralizer,yield stress and flow rate to whirl velocity were analyzed.The results of numerical simulation indicate that the whirl velocity and the effective whirl flowing length are strongly influenced by spiral angle of casing centralizer and flow rate,which would be an essential consideration for optimizing the location of spiral casing centralizer.