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The enigma of multiphase flow
Multiphase flow measurement has generated tremendous interest for researchers and end users. It is now considered as a special discipline with millions of dollars invested in R&D to fine tune the technology and increase benefits to the customers.
The need for multiphase metering arises when it is required to meter the well stream(s) before they are processed.
Multiphase flow is more understood by classifying based on flow regimes rather than single-phase measurement characteristics such as velocity profile, etc. Flow regimes depend on fluid properties, flow rates and the orientation and geometry of the flow lines. It is seldom true that the flow regimes remains the same during a period of time, say between Day and night or Summer and winter.
The challenge lies in understanding issues such as above and to package a metering solution. In the same manner as single phase flow meters, perhaps to even a greater extent, it is recognized and accepted by the industry professionals that one-meter size / type is highly unlikely to give the best performance for all parts of the multiphase flow envelope.
More challenges lie in the design, where the watercut measurement accuracy, a key measurement factor that determines the accuracy of the net oil detoriate with higher Gas Volume fractions and higher water cuts or during transition between oil continuous and water continuous flow regimes.
Multiphase meters required to cater to a wider operating range of gross liquid and gas in a field meet one more challenge, the extreme turndown ratios required for the total flow rate. Standard modules and sizes fail to cover the full range of measurement.
Haimo steps in with solutions based on:
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A combination of one or more of Cross correlation or venturi or partial separation techniques to address all flow regimes anticipated during the life of the well. |
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Measure the watercut in a conditioned flow regime independent of the gross flow measurements. |
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The unique concepts of 2-in-1 meter configurations to address rangeability and turn down to as high as 50 to 1. |
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Why use MFM’s in place of test separators
Test separators are a viable solution for testing wells as long as their measurement envelope still fits within the operating conditions of the field. This is not likely, as wells start to produce water, or increase watercut or gas-out due to change in reservoir characteristics such as pressure, level etc.
Haimo Multiphase flow meters offer endless opportunities to solve the above problems by offering compact, custom built and flexible skids.
Some are elaborated here…
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Better measurement accuracy, reliability, and repeatability. |
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Performance independent of flow regimes; long transport lines require long period for stabilization of conventional test separators. |
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More compact and occupies lesser space in platforms compared to conventional Test separators; also lower CAPEX as you save on Test separators, test lines, manifolds, valve systems, installation and operational costs. |
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Issues such as liquid carry over in gas and gas carry under in liquid that cause errors in Conventional separators do not arise in multiphase meters. |
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Real time minute data generation enables a more in-depth study of the transients; rather than the values integrated and averaged over a period achieved using test separators – thus assisting in better allocation. |
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Reduced or no Gas flaring. |
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The testing is real time measurement and can be an unmanned operation and the oil wells can be tested continuously without manual intervention. |
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Negligible residence time as compared to test separator; quick switchover between wells and Quicker set up - Hence higher test frequency and more mobility. |
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Test separator capacity is free to be used elsewhere or even converted to Bulk separators. |
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Why Well testing
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For production optimization and reservoir management; to determine when wells should be shut-in or worked over, to optimize artificial lift, to monitor response to water/gas injection, etc. |
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For getting accurate and real time production data, which is the key to optimize day to day operations, for ex. need to choke back a well to prevent gas or water coning. |
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Useful to design/modify the facilities as required. |
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To know the composition changes in the well fluid due to pressure reduction as more and more fluids are taken out – useful to decide the life of a well or implement preemptive measures to keep up production. |
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To study and acquaint the conditions of oil well production and reservoir changing so as to provide basis for production improvement measures. |
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Allocation metering of Production among Different Owners / areas, since production from different wells may have different tax/royalty burdens. |
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