Field Evaluation of Non-Radioactive Multiphase Flow Meters: Performance Comparison, Accuracy and Reliability Assessment

Abstract

Non-nuclear MPFMs offer an alternative to traditional nuclear-based flow metering systems, addressing environmental and regulatory concerns while potentially maintaining measurement accuracy and reliability. The objective of this study is to field test a non-nuclear multiphase flow meter (MPFM) and assess its performance under challenging operating conditions.

A non-nuclear MPFM consisting of Sonar, Near Infra-red, and Venturi was deployed in one of the stimulated wells during flowback operations to evaluate its capability to measure flow rates of oil, water, and gas phases accurately. The MPFM data will be compared to a downstream conventional separator to analyze the measurement accuracy, repeatability, and operational reliability under the same flowing conditions. Then the overall performance of non-nuclear MPFM will be compared to the nuclear MPFM. The PVT model was built based on the equation of state to convert the flow rates from operating to standard conditions.

The non-nuclear MPFM is anticipated to demonstrate reliable performance in measuring multiphase flow rates of oil, water, and gas during flowback operations. Preliminary results are expected to show measurement accuracy within an acceptable margin of error compared to the conventional separator data, with good repeatability under varying flow conditions. The Sonar, Near Infra-red, and Venturi technologies are likely to provide stable readings despite the complex fluid dynamics in the tight carbonate plays. Additionally, the comparison with nuclear MPFM may highlight advantages such as environmental safety, reduced regulatory burden, and comparable accuracy, making the non-nuclear MPFM a viable alternative for field applications.

This Paper discusses a novel non-nuclear flow measurement technology application. The authors will share recommendations and lessons learned from the comparison tests of MPFMs and separator during different flowing conditions.