PC-MAY22-PG24-25.1_Layout 1 16/05/2022 09:58 Page 25
FLOW & LEVEL CONTROL
considered, as this establishes the true performance at standard conditions. This step is especially important as it will highlight the level of uncertainty that should be achieved for the different fluid properties faced in field conditions. It should also be remembered that it is the combination of the performance of the MFMs under well-established flow and process conditions, and the estimation of the uncertainty of the relevant PVT package, from line to standard conditions, that will provide the overall uncertainty of the system in field conditions.
Addressing in-situ flow meter performance Two methods can be used to address this. The first is to take the manufacturer’s statement, literature, and the laboratory’s knowledge to establish the performance of the water, oil, and gas at line conditions. This performance analysis should then be coupled with the PVT uncertainty performance; TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory have, over the past 40 years, developed PVT software based on empirically based derived component properties, unlike other PVT simulators The next step is then to combine both
uncertainties from the MFM performance and the equations of state (EOS) and propagate this to the standard conditions. This allows the end-user to establish, without ambiguity, the performance and how the meter will behave in field conditions. The second MFM performance review
method is at the well site, either by remote or physical witnessing. This is usually required if there is some doubt about the performance that requires secondary equipment for verification, or when advice is required on the best metering solution to be defined as a reference. In field conditions, the uncertainty will be substantially higher than what can be delivered in well-controlled conditions such as in third-party facilities.
Identify the sweet spot After meter selection, a test programme is established and a specific procedure is defined to validate the response of the MFM, using engineering expertise and some statistical evaluation. It is then possible to understand the typical response of the MFM in the specific field conditions, identify the sweet spot and what should be avoided. This could result in a new manufacturer maintenance programme, the MFM’s replacement, or the installation of a complementary device following the end-user's expectation. Overall, the work to be done to state the
uncertainty accurately, and therefore fully understand the performance of MFMs, requires expertise and precise calculations. Thorough mapping of MFM performance against its in-situ application should be established by either oil and gas operators, or third-party MFM experts - and be validated where possible at a calibration facility.
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