Multifásico

Distinguished Author Series

Multiphase Flow Metering: Current Trends and Future Developments
G. Falcone, SPE, Enterprise Oil; G.F. Hewitt, Imperial College; C. Alimonti, SPE, U. of Rome La Sapienza; and B. Harrison, SPE, Enterprise Oil

Abstract Over the last decade, the development, evaluation, and use of multiphase-flow-metering (MFM) systems have been a major focus for the oil and gasindustry worldwide. Many alternative metering systems have been developed, but none can be referred to as generally applicable or universally accurate. Both established and novel technologies suitable to measure the flow rates of gas, oil, and water in three-phase flow are reviewed and assessed within this framework. Technologies already implemented in various commercial meters then are evaluated interms of operational and economical advantages or shortcomings from an operator’s point of view. The lessons learned about the practical reliability, accuracy, and use of available technology are discussed. As operators now realize, use of MFM systems (MFMSs) is essential in exploiting marginal fields. A new approach to flow assurance, deepwater developments, downhole/seabed separation systems,and wet-gas fields is foreseen. The authors suggest where additional research to develop the next generation MFM devices will be focused to meet the as yet unsolved problems. Brief History The first commercial MFMSs appeared approximately 10 years ago, as a result of several multiphase metering research projects in the early 1980s. The driving force to develop MFM technology was the forecastdecline of production from the major North Sea fields, accompanied by the necessity to tie back future smaller discoveries to existing infrastructure. Increasing gas and water fractions, inherent in a mature producing province, would create more-unstable flow conditions in existing production facilities and require more-flexible multiphase solutions. In less than a decade, MFM has become accepted in thefield and is beginning to be considered as a primary metering solution for new field developments. MFM Applications Within the oil and gas industry, it is generally recognized that MFM could lead to great benefits in terms of the following.1,2,3
Copyright 2002 Society of Petroleum Engineers This paper, SPE 74689 is based on paper SPE 71474 originally presented ath the SPE 2001 Annual TechnicalConference and Exhibition, New Orleans, 30 September–3 October. Distinguished Author Series articles are general, descriptive representations that summarize the state of the art in an area of technology by describing recent developments for readers who are not specialists in the topics discussed. Written by individuals recognized as experts in the area, these articles provide key references to moredefinitive work and present specific details only to illustrate the technology. Purpose: to inform the general readership of recent advances in various areas of petroleum engineering.

Layout of Production Facilities. The use of MFMs reduces the hardware needed for onshore, offshore topside, and offshore subsea applications. Of primary importance is the removal of a dedicated test separator forwell-testing applications. Use of MFM (with its smaller footprint) for topside applications minimizes platform space and load requirements for well-testing operations. Finally, costly well-testing lines can be stripped from the production facilities, which may be of vital importance for unmanned locations, deepwater developments, and satellite fields. Well Testing. Conventional test separatorsare expensive and require much time to monitor each well’s performance because of the time required to reach stabilized flow conditions. It is particularly important in deepwater developments, because of the exceptional length of the flowlines. In such cases, production from individual wells connected to the same manifold may be monitored by use of a dedicated test line to avoid shutting down all...