Tubing Performance Calculator
Calculate flowing bottomhole pressure vs flow rate using a simplified Hagedorn-Brown multiphase flow model. Plot the tubing performance curve (VLP/TPR).
Input Parameters
Simplified Hagedorn-Brown: Pwf = Pwh + ρ_mix * g * D / 144 + ΔP_friction
Flowing BHP
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psia
Hydrostatic
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psi
Friction Loss
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psi
Tubing Performance Curve
How this was calculated
Simplified approach: This uses a simplified multiphase flow model inspired by Hagedorn-Brown. The full H-B correlation requires iterative pressure traverse calculations with empirical liquid holdup correlations.
Hydrostatic component: Based on average mixture density accounting for gas void fraction, water cut, and oil/water densities.
Friction component: Uses Fanning friction factor with mixture velocity in the tubing.
Note: For rigorous VLP curves, use a commercial multiphase flow simulator.
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Critical Flow Rate Calculator
Calculate minimum gas rate for liquid unloading.
Open Tool →Need help with production optimization, nodal analysis, or artificial lift design?
Book a free strategy call →Understanding Tubing Performance (VLP) Curves
The tubing performance curve, also known as the Vertical Lift Performance (VLP) or Tubing Performance Relationship (TPR), describes the required flowing bottomhole pressure (Pwf) to lift fluids to the surface at various flow rates. It is one half of the nodal analysis system, with the other being the Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR) from the reservoir.
The Hagedorn-Brown (1965) correlation is one of the most widely used multiphase flow correlations for vertical wells. It accounts for the hydrostatic pressure gradient (dominant at low rates) and friction losses (dominant at high rates), creating the characteristic J-shaped VLP curve. The minimum point on the VLP curve represents the most efficient operating point. Below this rate, increasing hydrostatic head (liquid loading) causes pressure to rise, potentially leading to well loading and erratic production. This calculator provides a simplified implementation. Built by Groundwork Analytics.