Multiphase Flow Metering: Current Trends and Future Developments

摘要

Over the last decade the development, evaluation and use ofrnMFM systems has been a major focus for the Oil & Gasrnindustry worldwide. So far, many alternative metering systemsrnhave been developed, but none of them can be referred to asrngenerally applicable or universally accurate. Both establishedrnand novel technologies suitable to measure the flow rates ofrngas, oil and water in a three-phase flow are reviewed andrnassessed within this framework. Those technologies alreadyrnimplemented in the various commercial meters are thenrnevaluated in terms of operational and economical advantagesrnor shortcomings from an operator point of view. The lessonsrnlearned about the practical reliability, accuracy and use of thernavailable technology are discussed. As operators now realise,rnincorporation of MFM’s is an essential step in exploitingrnmarginal fields. A new approach to flow assurance, deep waterrndevelopments, downhole/seabed separation systems and wetrngas fields is foreseen. The paper suggests where the researchrnto develop the next generation of MFM devices will bernfocused in order to meet the as yet unsolved problems.