Multiphase Production Well

Testing

An Overview

By: Elie Takla

Multiphase Metering Instructor
France Training Center
 Presentation Map

• Why Multi-Phase Meters?

• Principle of measurement of Vx Technology

• Benefits of Multi-Phase Metering

• PhaseWatcher Hardware
 Conventional Production
Major Operating
Testing
companies surveys
highlighted limitations
• Non-quantified accuracy.
• Poor repeatability between
tests.
• Poor dynamic response.
• Low resolution.
• Unreliable water monitoring.
• Over 1000 parts. Large number of steps
• Over 300 moving parts. in the data chain.
 Conventional Production Well
Testing
- Interaction between control
and measurement
- Dynamic response
dampened
- Measurement sensitivity to
separation efficiency
- Expertise and rigor
required to ensure quality
measurements
Conventional Production Well
Testing
Replacing the Production Test
Separator

2 ft
Moving towards multiphase flow
meters
The permanent
multiphase flow
meter must be:
• Accurate
• Compact
• Easy to procure & Simple
to use
• Broadly accepted in
industry
• Low risk
 Multiphase Production Well
Testing
Two applications

• PhaseTester Services

• PhaseWatcher Services
 Mobile Well to Well Permanently Installed
Production Testing Testing Facility

PhaseTester PhaseWatch
er
Technology Validation &
Track Record
Schlumberger Framo Engineering
A joint
technology
center

Complementary expertise and

technology
 Multiphase Production Well
Testing
Schlumberger
A 60 year track record as an innovative
leader in well testing technology and
practices
Framo Engineering
A 15 year track record as an innovative
leader in subsea field development
technology and practices
 Engineering and
Validation
8 flowloop campaigns Viscosity 4000 cp
3000 tests Salinity up to
saturation

Field tests 35,000 BLPD

400 wells 56 MMscf/D
GVF to 98%
WLR 0%–
100%
 PhaseTester

49 Units in the Field - Completed over 700

commercial well tests
 PhaseWatcher Fr /Vx

27
54
9
Over 90 units installed - 150 years of recorded
data
Measurement Principle
 Understand the challenge ...
• In theory:
to measure multiphase flow rates, it is necessary to know
the instantaneous phase distribution in a cross section
(hold-ups)

… and the velocity distribution of the flow

for this section
Q = Pipe Area * A phase *U
phase
 Vertical flow
A basic classification of multiphase flow has been defined. But in real life, a multiphase flow is often made of complex and brutal transient flow patterns.

Vertical flow patterns are fewer and are classified as

Single Bubble Slug Churn Annular

Purpose of flow conditioning
• Flow conditioning means:
– mixing
– dampening
– slip reduction / slip control
• The goal is to force the flow to
become easier to model
• A Flow conditioner can be:
– static (mixer, blind tee)
– dynamic (rotating mixer)
Example of Static Mixer
The mixer used on
the PhaseWatcher
FR ...
 Example of Blind Tee

Blind Tee upstream the metering section + venturi beta

ratio conditions the phase distribution at the throat.
 Measurement Section
ombination that provides a stand-alone measureme

Venturi

Venturi Meter
Total Mass /
Detector Velocity
Source
Dual Energy
Gamma Ray
P Composition
P Composition Density of mixture
Meter
T Flow
 Composition Meter
Dual Energy Gamma Solution Triangle
Spectrum

Photo-electric Compton

interaction: interaction: fluid

fluid density & density

composition
Main techniques used in MPFM
• Hold-up measurement techniques:
– Nuclear (gamma absorption, neutron
interrogation)
– Electro-magnetic (microwave, capacitance)

Sum holdups = 1 --> to obtain 3 holdups, we need

only 2 measurements

• Velocity measurement techniques:

– Differential pressure (venturi, v-cone,…)
– Cross correlation (nuclear, acoustic or electrical)
Multiphase Flow Metering

Electromagnetic Measurements
used for Phase Fraction
Metering.
Sensitivity to Phase Inversion
Conductivity (s) measurement Permittivity (e) measurement
using an inductive sensor using a capacitance sensor

Ro ~ 
The conductivity
can not be Rw~0
measured due
to the oil “open
circuit”

The capacitance
 is bypassed due
to the water Rw~0
“short circuit”
 Phase Inversion
Water Cut
Water is the 60 %
continuous phase

50 %

Unknown
and 40 %
changing?
30 %

Oil is the
continuous phase
20 %
?
10 %

0%
time
T as low as
few minutes
Sensitivity to Phase Distribution
Conductivity (s) measurement Permittivity (e) measurement
using an inductive sensor using a capacitance sensor

Ro ~ How not to
The over predict
conductivity the Oil fraction
can not be ?
measured due
to the oil
“open circuit”

How not to
The
over predict
capacitance is
the Water
bypassed due
fraction ?
to the water
Rw~0
“short circuit”
Multiphase Flow
Metering

Cross correlation technique

 Cross correlation Principles

Sensor 1 L Sensor 2

• If we assume the flow

pattern is frozen between
1 and 2: Velocity=L/dt or
q=Volume/dt
 Schlumberger experience
• After three years of:
– intensive cooperation between Schlumberger Cambridge
Research Center and SRPC
– Flow loop tests in Clamart (SRPC), Pau (IFP), Trecate (AGIP)
– Field test campaign (Kuwait)

The conclusion was: X-correlation is not

a robust measurement for multiphase
flow rates
The tests confirmed that
using cross-correlation to
determine bulk velocity
does not offer the
insensitivities to
installation effects
required for multiphase
metering.
Differential pressure
measurement across the
mixer provides the more
stable results and will
remain the standard on
all future production
units.
Other manufacturers
have reached the same
conclusion
Multiphase Flow
Metering

PhaseTester / PhaseWatcher
Metrological Advantages
PhaseWatcher*

Composition:
Dual Energy Gamma
Ray:
- mixture density
- fraction meter
Total Mass / Velocity:
Venturi
* Trademark of Schlumberger
 Metrological Advantages
-The PhaseTester gives a Robust Mass flow rate
measurement
- 3 Hold-ups + Mixture density measurements are
performed on the same plane with the Venturi
- Nuclear measurements are insensitive to:
– phase inversion
– phase distribution
- The PhaseTester gives absolute flow rate
measurements (no need for any dynamic
comparison / calibration). Input parameters are all
physical and easily measurable fluid properties
 Robust Mass Flow rate
• Why ?
– Qmass total ~ Cst . (mix*DP)1/2

– mix = g. g + w. w + o. o

– DP is a direct measurement, performed by a
robust sensor

Why is it interesting….
 Robust Mass Flow rate
Liquid Mass Fraction vs Gas Volume Fraction

100%

90%
Liquid Mass Fraction at line cond.

80%

70%

60%

50%

40% P=100 psia

30% P=300 psia

20% P=600 psia

10% P=1200 psia

0%
50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Gas Volume Fraction at line conditions

In most flowing conditions, most of the mass is in the liquid

(Ex: at 600 psia, 2% liquid volume fraction (GVF=98%) represents ~ 30% of the total mass)
 Robust Mass Flow rate
Flow Loop Data: Liquid Flow Rate

120
NEL1: Pressure < 4bara, Low Viscosity
FRAM O: Pressure < 9 bara, Low Viscosity
IFP: Pressure 5 - 30 bara, Low Viscosity
100 CEPRO: Pressure 8 & 30 bara, Viscosity 1 - 2300 cPo
NEL2: Pressure < 7bara, Low Viscosity
VenturiX Total Liquid Flow Rate m3/h

80

60

40

20

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Reference Total Liquid Flow Rate m3/h
 Metrological Advantages
-The PhaseTester gives a Robust Mass flow rate
measurement
- 3 Hold-ups + Mixture density measurements are
performed on the same plane with the Venturi
- Nuclear measurements are insensitive to:
– phase inversion
– phase distribution
- The PhaseTester gives absolute flow rate
measurements (no need for any dynamic
comparison / calibration). Input parameters are all
physical and easily measurable fluid properties
 Measurements at the same
location
Dual energy g-
Gamma Ray Detector ray Source
The Dual Energy
Fraction Meter gives
(at the throat):
– mixture density
– 3 phase hold-ups
DP across the venturi
section.

P Continuous measurement of:

– Pressure used to compute
- the single phase densities at
DP the throat conditions
T + – T mixture
Measurements at the same
location
Any three phase composition meter must combine two
different measurements (---> 2 independent equations)

The dual energy composition meter has a formidable

advantage. All measurements are performed:
- at the same time
- at the same place

-----> They sense the same flow

 Metrological Advantages
-The PhaseTester gives a Robust Mass flow rate
measurement
- 3 Hold-ups + Mixture density measurements are
performed on the same plane with the Venturi
- Nuclear measurements are insensitive to:
– phase inversion
– phase distribution
- The PhaseTester gives absolute flow rate
measurements (no need for any dynamic
comparison / calibration). Input parameters are all
physical and easily measurable fluid properties
 Advantages of a nuclear
measurement
Nuclear measurement is insensitive to phase
inversion
- Simple linear equations from physics
Phase N= N0 . e -d (g.g.g
distribution crossed+ o.o.o + w.w.w)
by the beam is
representative of the phase distribution across
the section, nuclear measurement is insensitive
to phase distribution
- Flow conditioning due to the venturi
- Fast hold-up scanning rate
 Metrological Advantages
-The PhaseTester gives a Robust Mass flow rate
measurement
- 3 Hold-ups + Mixture density measurements are
performed on the same plane with the Venturi
- Nuclear measurements are insensitive to:
– phase inversion
– phase distribution
- The PhaseTester gives absolute flow rate
measurements (no need for any dynamic
comparison / calibration). Input parameters are all
physical and easily measurable fluid properties
 No Dynamic Calibration
N= N0 . e -d (g.g.g + o.o.o + w.w.w)

-N0 : Instrumental reference (empty pipe low

and high energy counts)
- Gas g.g : SG (Ranarex), H2S, CO2, N2, le and he
obtained from composition or Insitu
measurement
- Oil o. : density (hydrometer), viscosity, le and
he obtained from composition or Insitu
measurement
- Water w. : density (digital densitymeter), le and he
obtained from composition or Insitu
measurement
 Benefits of Multi-Phase Meters

Vx Technology Solutions

• Improved well diagnostics

• Increased operational safety
• Remote, Unmanned application
• Simple logistics
• Time effective
• Environmentally friendly
Improved Well
Diagnostics

Test of a Gas Lifted Well

 WLR

Total Liquid Rate

Excellent dynamic response and real time well

diagnostics
Monitor the natural behavior of your
Improved Well
Diagnostics

New Well Cleanup and Initial

Well Test with Nitrogen Lift
• No surprises
• Lower lifting cost

• Less rig time

 Save rig time
• No brine left behind

Cumulati
• Get the full picture
ve brine
recovere
d
Increased Operational
Safety
5,000 psi - API 6A

PhaseTester
No vent lines - No separation - Low Delta P

PhaseTester
Remote, Unmanned
application
 PhaseWatcher Solution

Multiport
Selector
Manifold

Remote - Unmanned - Multi-well

Acquired data points every 10 sec. / Output data point
Simple
Logistics
 Compact - Light

PhaseTester
Have you seen anything
like this?
Time Effective

Post Stimulation Well Start-up with

ESP
 • Rapid

Shut
down
• Save time
ESP

• Confirm the ESP

performance
Start ESP Oil slug
Environmentally
Friendly
Well Testing
 No flaring
Environmentally
Friendly
 Well effluent Separator Gas to
flare

Oil to
O burner
il
Oil to
export
Treated
completion
fluids
disposal

Conventional Testing With

Clean-up
Well effluent

Oil & gas to

export

No flaring during well Testing

Environmentally
Friendly
 Getting the Benefits from
Schlumberger Multiphase
Production Well Testing
• Accurate oil, gas & water flowrates with Vx technology

– Test your untestable wells

– Maximize well and field performance
– Improve safety and reduce environmental risk
– Lower Total Cost of production well testing

• No dynamic calibration or meter training required

• Based on reliable and field-proven technologies
PhaseWatcher

Hardware
PhaseWatcher Vx Meter
Venturi Section:
1 • Provides total mass flow rate
• Internal venturi profile (β = 0.5)
• Meter body for sensor mounts
• Pressure rating up to 690 bar
• Available sizes (2”, 4”, 6” nom.)
• HUB connections (3”, 5” or 8”)
PhaseWatcher Vx Meter
Gamma Source:
• 133 Ba isotope
2 • Activity = 10 mCu
• Half life = 10.5 years
• Protected from physical damage
• Radiation exposure < 0.1 µSv/hr at close
range
 Measuring section
Mechanical assembly
Secure the source and source holder with the Hazmat padlock
Measuring section
PhaseWatcher Vx Meter
Gamma Detector:
• Measures photon count and
3
energy level
• Acquires entire energy spectrum
• Sampling frequency = 45 Hz
• Robust, high temperature design
• Designed and built by EMR
PhaseWatcher Vx Meter
Differential Pressure
Sensor:
• Measures dP from venturi inlet to venturi throat
• Remote seals to isolate impulse line from process
fluids
• Optional integrated double block & bleed valves
• Range of 0.03 - 5 bars
• Fuji FCX-A
• Hart digital output

4
PhaseWatcher Vx Meter
Absolute Pressure Sensor:
• Measures pressure in venturi throat
• Used for automatic PVT corrections at line conditions and
standard conditions
• Optional double block & bleed
• Temperature compensated
• Calibrated to working pressure
• Fuji FCX-A
• Hart digital output

5
PhaseWatcher Vx Meter
Temperature Sensor:
• Measures temperature at thermo-well in blind ‘T’
• Used for automatic PVT corrections at line
conditions and standard conditions
• Fisher Rosemount 644
• Rated to 150 deg C
• Hart digital output

6
PhaseWatcher Vx Meter
Data Acquisition Flow
7
Computer:
• Acquires transmitter data
• Computes flow parameters
• Corrects for P,T (PVT model)
• Optional data storage package
• Interfaces to SCADA with
Modbus RTU protocol
• Two serial outputs, RS 422 or
RS 485, configurable 1.2K–
38.4K baud
• Additional inputs/outputs
available
PhaseWatcher Vx Meter
Service Computer:
• Interfaces to DAFC Flow
Computer
• Downloads DAFC memory
8
• Uploads software and
parameter changes
• Can receive continuous
output
• min. 366 MHz, 64 MB RAM, 6
GB HD, CD-ROM drive
PhaseWatcher /
PhaseTester

Sizing
How is the operating envelope
defined?
Sizing of the meter
• DPv limitations
– > 40 mbar
– < Max DPv (Max sensor reading (4.5 bar by default*, Client, or Sonic
conditions at the throat). (*): Sensor could be programmed to go up to 7 bar.
• Specifications
– GVF limitations
– Liquid viscosity
• PVT Model
Advisor Software
• Effects of H2S with NaCl, P, T
Three Sizes Available
Operating Envelope for 2”, 4” and 6”
Nominal Meters
Summary
PhaseWatcher Vx Meters
 Superior performance
 Flow loop and field tested
Standard interfaces to
SCADA/PC
 User friendly Software
 2”, 4”, 6” sizes
 Compact design
 16 weeks delivery time
Backed by Schlumberger
service
 Warranted for first full year
 Conclusion
• Cambridge Research Center, SRPC have invested
a lot of efforts to evaluate all the different
techniques for multiphase flow metering.
• Framo Engineering, have an excellent track record
with the Dual Energy + Venturi combination.
• Schlumberger is well known for its expertise in
nuclear measurements (EMR)

Schlumberger efforts in R&D, in multiphase flow

metering, allows us today to offer a solution to this
technical challenge: The PhaseTester and PhaseWatcher
 Benefits & Basis of Design
• Stand-alone metering system: No dynamic calibration
• Independent of flow regime
• Based on physical relationships
– Well-site quality control
– Minimized empirical modeling
• Robust for field operations
• Short stabilization, fast acquisition
• Low pressure loss.
• High pressure rating & No moving parts
• Tolerant to
– Dirty fluids.
– H2S, CO2, Acids.
• Wide operating envelope.
• Diagnostic of well performance: gas lift, production
optimization
 Provide
Multiphase Well
Testing
Solutions
 Volumetric or Mass IPR ?
Robust venturi
total mass
measurement

Line pressure Mass on surface

is directly
related to
reservoir flow
Oil flowrate Total mass flowrate