Numerical study on gas–liquid two‐phase flow within downhole jet pumps

Abstract This study addresses the technical bottlenecks of conventional artificial lift technologies under high‐pressure conditions in deep well operations, utilizing CFD methods to investigate gas–liquid two‐phase flow characteristics in downhole jet pumps based on actual operating conditions. The research employs Solidworks for modelling, ANSYS ICEM for mesh generation, and the k‐ε turbulence model for numerical simulation analysis. Experimental results demonstrate that jet pump performance characteristics are primarily influenced by key structural parameters including area ratio, nozzle‐throat gap distance, throat length, and diffuser angle, with area ratio showing the most significant impact on hydraulic efficiency. Through the combination of theoretical design empirical formulas and field production data, along with in‐depth numerical simulation optimization, optimal design ranges were established: nozzle‐throat area ratio of 0.23–0.28, nozzle‐throat gap distance of 2–3 times nozzle diameter, throat length of 7–8 times throat diameter, and diffuser angle of 6°. The scientific validity and reliability of these parameters were verified through systematic comparative analysis of pressure distribution characteristics, velocity field evolution patterns, and turbulent field variation characteristics under different working conditions. This research elucidates the complex flow mechanisms in jet pump operations and establishes a theoretical framework for structural optimization and performance enhancement, thereby contributing to improved deep well lifting efficiency and economic viability of production operations.