Vertical Wells ยท Correlation Number ยท JPT 1965
Understand vertical multiphase flow, pressure gradients, and gas well performance
The Hagedorn-Brown correlation (SPE-940-PA, 1965) calculates pressure gradients in vertical multiphase gas wells. It predicts liquid holdup using dimensionless group analysis and includes the Griffith bubble flow modification per GPSA/API practices.
Hagedorn-Brown uses four dimensionless groups: liquid velocity number (NLV), gas velocity number (NGV), pipe diameter number (ND), and liquid viscosity number (NL). These correlate liquid holdup through empirical polynomial fits.
The Griffith modification corrects Hagedorn-Brown predictions in the bubble flow regime where the original correlation underestimates holdup. It applies a separate calculation when gas void fraction is below the bubble-slug transition threshold.
Hagedorn-Brown applies to vertical to near-vertical wells (less than 15ยฐ deviation) with 1.25 to 3.5 inch tubing. It covers GOR ranges from 50 to 3,000+ scf/bbl and is widely used for gas/condensate wells.