Coriolis and ultrasonic flow meters are widely accepted for application in single phase oil flows by the oil industry. However, there is little validation nor independent test results to support the claim that they produce accurate allocation measurement results. Inaccurate results related to the oil flow can present both operational and financial risks by negatively influence decision making and understanding of operational efficiency. The JIP will therefore provide testing guidelines, a performance assessment and correction algorithms as a foundation for using Coriolis and ultrasonic flow meters for phase contaminated oil flows.

“Accurate measurement of the production of oil fields is an important means of reducing the financial risks that Exploration & Production (E&P) companies face in allocation processes. Yet more and more we see the application of these meters in phase contaminated oil flows, despite limited evidence of their performance,” said Dennis van Putten, Expert Multiphase Flow Metering, DNV GL – Oil & Gas. “There is still a lack of common understanding of the multiphase phenomena within the industry and no systematic approach to the use of these technologies in such conditions. Biases will occur in phase contaminated flows and an accepted correction algorithm is required as an important step towards qualifying Coriolis meters and ultrasonic flow meters in these situations.”

To achieve this correction algorithm, a test programme will be performed under conditions close to real field situations (oil /water/ natural gas mixtures). These conditions can be created in DNV GL’s Multiphase Flow Facility in Groningen, The Netherlands. “We have more than 30 years gas flow measurement experience and we designed and constructed this new facility for these types of tests in 2013. Its value has already been recognised by the industry,” van Putten explained.

“We have already seen a great deal of interest in this project from the industry. The value for E&P companies in joining this JIP is in finding solutions which can mitigate the large financial risks present in production allocation systems,” said Bert Tinge, Senior Business Development Manager, DNV GL – Oil & Gas.

Coriolis and ultrasonic flow meter manufacturers are participating in the JIP. “By being part of the project, the manufacturers will gain valuable insight into the performance of their own technology under single phase conditions contaminated with small fractions of water and gas. The JIP will provide them with a route to broad industrial acceptance and corresponding access to the market,” Tinge continues.

Industry partners, E&P companies and manufacturers interested in taking part in the JIP are welcome to join the launch meeting on 24th June, 2015 at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in The Netherlands.

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Schlumberger announced today the release of the Vx Spectra* surface multiphase flowmeter, which is the latest generation of multiphase flowmeters for offshore and land applications. The new multiphase flowmeter enables operators to obtain flow rate measurements in production testing and permanent monitoring.

“A precise production allocation requires continuous and accurate flow rate measurements to better understand current and future reservoir productivity,” said Sameh Hanna, president, Schlumberger Testing Services. “The Vx Spectra technology delivers flow measurements in wider applications than conventional metering systems, enabling measurements in various flow conditions from heavy oil to wet gas.”

The new flowmeter uses full gamma spectroscopy to provide the highest accuracy in multiphase production measurement. The flowmeter introduces two new venturi throat sizes adapted to an extended range of flow rates. The Vx Spectra 19mm monitors low-rate producing wells down to 30 bbl/d, and the 40mm venturi version introduces a mid-range multiphase meter with high flexibility to match oil and gas production flow rates. Modular design configurations offer easy integration with operators’ production facilities.

To confirm the metrological performance of the Vx Spectra surface multiphase flowmeter, extensive testing was conducted, acquiring more than 400 test points at four industry reference flow loop metering facilities. Tests were conducted with various fluids and at different pressures and flow regimes.

For more information on the Vx Spectra surface multiphase flowmeter, visit www.slb.com/VxSpectra.

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