Multiphase Flow Metering for Petroleum Well Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional separator systems for measuring multiphase flows from petroleum wells are inefficient, as they require large and expensive equipment, cannot provide real-time measurements, and are prone to measurement errors due to incomplete separation and varying flow rates, limiting the ability to test wells quickly and accurately.
Innovation Solution
A system with a separator and multiphase flow metering systems that allows for direct measurement of oil, water, and gas flow rates, including a fluidic system with bypass conduits to route fluid directly to metering units, enabling both instantaneous and totalized flow measurements, and a control system to switch between measurement modes based on operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional separator systems are used to measure multiphase flows, then phase separation can be achieved, but the equipment becomes large and expensive, reducing economic feasibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement function by using multiple dedicated flow meters (gas meter, liquid meter, water cut meter) to measure different phases simultaneously, rather than using one large separator system. This allows accurate measurement without requiring a single complex separator unit, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The test separator is designed to serve multiple functions: it separates phases for measurement, provides bypass capability for direct flow measurement, and can handle varying flow rates. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain measurement accuracy while reducing the need for oversized equipment, addressing both precision and complexity concerns.
2Measurement precision
If conventional separator systems are used, then phase separation occurs, but real-time measurements cannot be provided due to settling time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary separation of phases within the test separator before measurement, allowing the flow meters to measure already-separated phases. This preliminary action eliminates the need for long settling times during measurement, enabling real-time flow rate detection while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The test separator acts as an intermediary device that pre-separates the multiphase flow before it reaches the measurement instruments. By performing separation upstream of the meters, the system eliminates measurement delays while maintaining accuracy, resolving the time-loss contradiction.
3Measurement precision
If conventional separator systems are used, then measurement can be performed, but measurement errors occur due to incomplete separation and varying flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters by allowing the test separator to operate at different flow rates without requiring complete separation at all conditions. The bypass system enables direct flow measurement when separation is incomplete, maintaining measurement consistency and reliability across varying flow conditions while preserving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between separator mode and bypass mode based on flow conditions. When flow rates vary or separation is incomplete, the system can bypass the separator for direct measurement, ensuring reliable and consistent measurements across dynamic operating conditions while maintaining precision.
4Measurement precision
If conventional separator systems are used, then well testing can be performed, but testing speed is reduced due to sequential well testing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement capability by providing dedicated flow meters for each phase and incorporating a bypass system that enables rapid switching between wells. This segmentation allows individual well testing with precise measurements while reducing testing speed limitations through efficient well-to-well transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic switching between wells through the test separator, with each well receiving sequential measurement time. The bypass system enables rapid transitions between periods, maintaining individual measurement precision while increasing overall testing productivity by reducing idle time between well tests.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables dynamic, real-time measurement of individual flow rates for each phase, reducing measurement errors and allowing for quicker well testing across a wide range of flow rates, while also detecting carry-over and dissolved gas issues, thus improving the efficiency and accuracy of well testing.
Implementation Method 1
the gravimetric separation of at least the liquid (e.g., oil and water) from the gas
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for testing petroleum wells utilize a fluidic system to receive multiphase fluid output from the wells. A metering system measures the flow rate of oil, water, and gas through the fluidic system. The metering system can be operated in a first mode in which the metering system provides time-varying measurements of the flow rates and a second mode in which the metering system measures the flow rates over longer intervals of time, for example, providing measurements of the total flow or average flow rate over certain time intervals. A control system selectively and sequentially routes the output of the wells to perform a series of well tests on the wells and causes the metering system to switch between the first and second modes in response to a change in operating conditions.