Evaluation of PhaseWatcher Multiphase Flow Meter (MPFM) Performance in Sour Environments

Al-Khamis, Mohammed N.; Bassam, Abdulaziz Fahad Al; Bakhteyar, Zaki; Aftab, Muhammad Nadeem

doi:10.4043/19152-ms

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 3 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…A homogenization mechanism that removes all the possible regimes but the homogenous one such as the initial work of applying a dual-cell mix meter according to Hewitt et al (1995) [8] is an elegant strategy which leads to a uniform density distribution of the mixture across the pipe and then simplify the individual phase fraction measurement only by applying a radioactive source and a scintillation detector in front of each other on the pipe. 2009) also worked on this issue by the installation of a T-blind in the fluid flow direction and then redirecting the flow upward to reach favorable homogenization instead of implementing mixers in the pipeline [9][10][11].…”

Section: Measurement Strategymentioning

confidence: 99%

An experimental evaluation of the effect of homogenization quality as a preconditioning on oil-water two-phase volume fraction measurement accuracy using gamma-ray attenuation technique

2018

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The problem of how to accurately measure multiphase flow in the oil/gas industry remains as an important issue since the early 80 s. Meanwhile, oil-water two-phase flow rate measurement has been regarded as an important issue. Gamma-ray attenuation is one of the most commonly used methods for phase fraction measurement which is entirely dependent on the flow regime variations. The peripheral strategy applied for removing the regime dependency problem, is using a homogenization system as a preconditioning tool, as this research work demonstrates. Here, at first, TPFHL as a two-phase flow homogenizer loop has been introduced and verified by a quantitative assessment. In the wake of this procedure, SEMPF as a static-equivalent multiphase flow with an additional capability for preparing a uniform mixture has been explained. The proposed idea in this system was verified by Monte Carlo simulations. Finally, the different water-gas oil two-phase volume fractions fed to the homogenizer loop and injected into the static-equivalent system. A comparison between performance of these two systems by using gamma-ray attenuation technique, showed not only an extra ability to prepare a homogenized mixture but a remarkably increased measurement accuracy for the static-equivalent system. K: Inspection with gamma rays; Radiation monitoring 1Corresponding author.

show abstract

Section: Measurement Strategymentioning

confidence: 99%

An experimental evaluation of the effect of homogenization quality as a preconditioning on oil-water two-phase volume fraction measurement accuracy using gamma-ray attenuation technique

2018

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Three-phase flow measurement in the petroleum industry

Thorn

Johansen

Hjertaker

2012

Meas. Sci. Technol.

249

114

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The problem of how to accurately measure the flowrate of oil–gas–water mixtures in a pipeline remains one of the key challenges in the petroleum industry. This paper discusses why three-phase flow measurement is still important and why it remains a difficult problem to solve. The measurement strategies and principal base technologies currently used by commercial manufacturers are described, and research developments that could influence future flowmeter design are considered. Finally, future issues, which will need to be addressed by manufacturers and users of three-phase flowmeters, are discussed.

show abstract

A Decade of Experience with MPFM in Northern Fields of Saudi Aramco

Al-Kadem

Khelaiwi

Mashhad

et al. 2015

SPE Middle East Oil &Amp; Gas Show and Conference

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Multiphase flow metering is considered one of the most essential technologies in well testing. Since the mid 1990's, Multiphase Flow Meters (MPFM) have evolved from a revolutionary new technology into a consolidated solution widely adopted by the major operators worldwide. This evolution has taken place thanks to the high quality of measurements, low operational cost and the capability of enabling remote monitoring of wells' performance and testing with ease. The installed MPFMs in Northern fields of Saudi Aramco have contributed effectively to enhancing the semi-real time measurements' quality as well as improving reservoir characterization. Though, MPFMs are prone to mechanical and firmware failures. The MPFM technology largely seems to be performing as expected and delivering high quality data. So far, 58% of the systems have been in service for more than 8 years and continuing to operate efficiently. Thorough analysis of the routine maintenance and checkups conducted during the past 10 years revealed the following: The MPFMs Mean Time between Failure (MTBF) and Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) indicated that the MPFMs have been available 97% of the time. The use of a probabilistic approach (Monte-Carlo™ Simulation) to study the P10, P50 and P90 values of the maintained MPFMs indicated that the variance between these values is small, demonstrating the reliability of these equipment. The classification of the diverse types of problems faced while operating the MPFMs highlighted the dominant cause of failures and enabled the initiation of a surveillance and subsequent failure mitigation program. This paper discusses the lessons learnt and experience gained from operating 168 MPFMs provided by different vendors in different environments during a 10-year period, along with the appropriate solutions that were implemented to mitigate the challenges faced and subsequently improve the efficiency and data quality of the MPFM.

show abstract

Evaluation of PhaseWatcher Multiphase Flow Meter (MPFM) Performance in Sour Environments

Cited by 5 publications

References 3 publications

An experimental evaluation of the effect of homogenization quality as a preconditioning on oil-water two-phase volume fraction measurement accuracy using gamma-ray attenuation technique

An experimental evaluation of the effect of homogenization quality as a preconditioning on oil-water two-phase volume fraction measurement accuracy using gamma-ray attenuation technique

Three-phase flow measurement in the petroleum industry

A Decade of Experience with MPFM in Northern Fields of Saudi Aramco

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About