Detection and Identification of Scales Using Dual Energy / Venturi Subsea or Topside Multiphase Flow meters

摘要

Scale deposition poses serious challenges to maintainingrnproduction and minimizing operating costs and it ranks highrnamongst the concerns of operators presenting a major threat tornflow assurance, not least for remote subsea and satelliternunmanned developments. A new methodology enabling thernearly detection, type identification, estimation of the thicknessrnof the scale deposit and its rate of accumulation over time isrnpresented using dual-energy spectral gamma ray / venturirnmultiphase flow meters.rnSeveral field examples of scale built-up are presented withrndetailed analysis showing the sometimes-surprising speed ofrndeposition even at very low water cuts. The data from dualenergyrnspectral gamma ray / venturi multiphase flow metersrnwas used to define the type of acid treatment required and tornevaluate its efficiency. The impact of scale deposition on thernmetrological performance of the meter is illustrated and thernprocedures for quantification and compensation forrnmaintaining the measurement quality over time is presented.