Multiphase Flow Metering

Over the last two decades the development, evaluation and use of MFM systems has been a major focus for the Oil & Gas industry worldwide. Since the early 1990's, when the first commercial meters started to appear, there have been around 2,000 field applications of MFM for field allocation, production optimisation and well testing. So far, many alternative metering systems have been developed, but none of them can be referred to as generally applicable or universally accurate. Both established and novel technologies suitable to measure the flow rates of gas, oil and water in a three-phase flow are reviewed and assessed within this book. Those technologies already implemented in the various commercial meters are evaluated in terms of operational and economical advantages or shortcomings from an operator point of view. The lessons learned about the practical reliability, accuracy and use of the available technology is discussed. The book suggests where the research to develop the next generation of MFM devices will be focused in order to meet the as yet unsolved problems. The book provides a critical and independent review of the current status and future trends of MFM, supported by the authors’ strong background on multiphase flow and by practical examples. These are based on the authors’ direct experience on MFM, gained over many years of research in connection with both operators and service companies. As there are currently no books on the subject of Multiphase Flow Metering for the Oil & Gas industry, this book will fill in the gap and provide a theoretical and practical reference for professionals, academics, and students. * Written by leading scholars and industry experts of international standing* Includes strong coverage of the theoretical background, yet also provides practical examples and current developments* Provides practical reference for professionals, students and academics

Plant Flow Measurement and Control Handbook is a comprehensive reference source for practicing engineers in the field of instrumentation and controls. It covers many practical topics, such as installation, maintenance and potential issues, giving an overview of available techniques, along with recommendations for application. In addition, it covers available flow sensors, such as automation and control. The author brings his 35 years of experience in working in instrumentation and control within the industry to this title with a focus on fluid flow measurement, its importance in plant design and the appropriate control of processes. The book provides a good balance between practical issues and theory and is fully supported with industry case studies and a high level of illustrations to assist learning. It is unique in its coverage of multiphase flow, solid flow, process connection to the plant, flow computation and control. Readers will not only further understand design, but they will also further comprehend integration tactics that can be applied to the plant through a step-by-step design process that goes from installation to operation. Provides specification sheets, engineering drawings, calibration procedures and installation practices for each type of measurement Presents the correct flow meter that is suitable for a particular application Includes a selection table and step-by-step guide to help users make the best decision Cover examples and applications from engineering practice that will aid in understanding and application

These essays present the latest international research results in the field of multiphase flow and heat transfer. They are based on papers presented at the "Second International Symposium on Multiphase Flow and Heat Transfer" conducted in China in 1989.

The research included in this volume focuses on using synergies between experimental and computational techniques to gain a better understanding of all classes of multiphase and complex flow. The included papers illustrate the close interaction between numerical modellers and researchers working to gradually resolve the many outstanding issues in our understanding of multiphase flow. Recently multiphase fluid dynamics have generated a great deal of attention, leading to many notable advances in experimental, analytical and numerical studies. Progress in numerical methods has permitted the solution of many practical problems, helping to improve our understanding of the physics involved. Multiphase flows are found in all areas of technology and the range of related problems of interest is vast, including astrophysics, biology, geophysics, atmospheric process, and many areas of engineering.

The oil and gas industry's goal of developing high performing multiphase flow metering systems capable of reducing costs in the exploitation of marginal oil and gas reserves, especially in remote environments, cannot be over emphasised. Development of a cost-effective multiphase flow meter to determine the individual phase flow rates of oil, water and gas was experimentally investigated by means of low cost, simple and non-intrusive commercially available sensors. Features from absolute pressure, differential pressure (axial), gamma densitometer, conductivity and capacitance meters, in combination with pattern recognition techniques were used to detect shifts in flow conditions, such as flow structure, pressure and salinity changes and measured multiphase flow parameters simultaneously without the need for preconditioning or prior knowledge of either phase. The experiments were carried out at the National Engineering Laboratory (NEL) Multiphase facility. Data was sampled at 250 Hz across a wide spectrum of flow conditions. Fluids used were nitrogen gas, oil (Forties and Beryl crude oil - D80, 33o API gravity) and water (salinity levels of 50 and 100 g/l MgSO4). The sensor spool piece was horizontally mounted on a 4-inch (102mm) pipe, and the database was obtained from two different locations on the flow loop. The ability to learn from 'experience' is a feature of neural networks. The use of neural networks allows re-calibration of the measuring system on line through a retraining process when new information becomes available. Some benefits and capabilities of intelligent multiphase flow systems include: · Reduction in the physical size of installations. · Sensor fusion by merging the operating envelopes of different sensors employed provided even better results. · Monitoring of flow conditions, not just flow rate but also composition of components. · Using conventional sensors within the system will present the industry with a much lower cost multiphase meter, and.

This book presents isothermal and non-isothermal multiphase flows with and without phase change or chemical reactions. Six main axes of multiphase flow are covered in a strategic order: Multiphase Flow in Industry, Multiphase Flow Measurement and Instrumentation, Multiphase Flow With Phase Change & Chemical Reactions, Multiphase Flow Modeling, Experimental Multiphase Flow, and Wet and Dry Particulate Systems. Each part is opened by mini-reviews written by internationally prominent researchers from the academy and industry. The content is of interest to researchers and engineers working in mining, oil and gas, power, nuclear, chemical process, space, food, biomedical, micro and nanotechnology, and other industries.

A dual-pressure drop based flow measurement device (DPDE) was developed taking advantage of the compressibility of two-phase flow. By creating a pressure drop between two crimped pipe elements with restrictions, a variation in density and volumetric flow rate was created. This variation caused by flow expansion is used to predict mass flow rate and gas fraction of two-phase flow. An air-water-ethanol mixture was used, and the device was tested for gas fractions ranging from 0-85% with mass flow rates varying from 30-100 kg/h. The predicted mass flow rate and density are compared to results obtained from a Coriolis meter and gas/liquid feed rates to the system. Average errors of 5 kg/h and 100 kg/m3 were observed for mass flow rate and density, respectively.