Annular Velocity

The values in Table 20 can be used to get a quick estimate of fluid velocity using Figure 16. The values along the bottom of the figure are annular capacity in barrels per foot (bbl/ft). The values along the vertical axis are annular velocity in feet per minute (ft/min). The curves that run from upper left to lower right are pump rates in barrels per minute (bbl/min).

Move up along the annular capacity line until you find the annular velocity you want and read the pump rate in bbl/min from the curve that is closest to the velocity you are hoping to achieve.

As an alternative, follow the annular capacity line up until you hit the pump rate curve and read the annular velocity given on the left axis.

FIGURE 16. Annular Velocity