Multiphase Flow Meter MPFM ™

Technology Overview

Multiphase Flow Meter MPFMs measure the flow rates of individual phases in oil, condensate and wet gas production lines without the need for separation or complex sensor technologies.

Multiphase Flow Meter systems are founded on a combination of traditional fluid flow theory and modern signal processing and neural network techniques.

Multiphase Flow Meter systems work with signals emitted by oil and gas industry standard sensors and do not require nuclear source sensors (only available as an option). The signals are processed in low power consumption computer installed on the flow line and the measurements are transmitted via the SCADA interface.

 

 

 

Electro - Mechanical System

Multiphase Flow Meter spools are designed for compactness, durability, ease of maintenance and flexibility. The system comprises a number of modular sub-spools which are selected to suit given process requirements.

The Cone Spool contains two DP transmitters (one across the cone, the other measuring recovery pressure downstream), one AP transmitter and an RTD. The Cone also acts as a capacitance sensor for oil external applications and as a conductance sensor for water external applications. The spool is normally installed horizontally and the flow passes through the spool in a straight line with very low pressure drop.

The Coriolis Spool carries out mass flow rate and fluid density measurements independently (corrected by feed-back from the Cone Spool for multiphase effects).

The Gamma Ray Spool (option) employs a dual low energy source system. Gamma spool is capable of measuring water cut and GVF at the same time and replaces the impedance function integrated into the Cone Spool.

The Red Eye Spool (option) employs Weatherford Red Eye infra red absorption spectroscopy which can measure water cut independently. Red Eye is recommended in water continuous flow regime.

All Multiphase Flow Meter sensors are industry standard sensors chosen specially for rugged use. Further information about the sensors used in Multiphase Flow Meter can be found in detailed data sheets which are available on request.

 

Application Areas

Multiphase Flow Meter MPFMs have been in use for over ten years in on-shore and off-shore fields across the globe. Multiphase Flow Meter MPFMs are ideally suited for well testing and allocation applications in fixed or mobile configurations. ESMER technology can be implemented for heavy or light oil multiphase flow or wet gas / condensate process conditions by the relevant combination of sensors and calibration algorithms.

Hydrodynamic and Thermodynamic Flow Models 

Multiphase Flow Meter MPFMs can be configured for use under a variety of fluid and flow regimes by means of a combination of adaptable hydrodynamic and thermodynamic models. Models are fine tuned against process conditions by means of neural nets.

Specification

Each Multiphase Flow Meter MPFM is built and calibrated to order to meet specific process and fluid requirements. Careful attention is paid to material selection to provide protection against corrosion. Multiphase Flow Meter MPFMs are quality tested by third party inspectors. We collaborate closely with TUV, Bureau Veritas, Lloyds to implement industry standards for testing and inspection during FAT testing of systems.

Multiphase Flow Meter C6+ GENERAL ARRANGEMENT DRAWING

 

Flow Loop Calibration & Performance Benchmark

Multiphase Flow Meter MPFMs are calibrated / tested in a multiphase flow loop. NEL UK flow loop is commonly used.

NEL provides an independent performance report on request. Some examples of recent Multiphase Flow Meter MPFM NEL reports :

Evaluation of a 6 inch Multiphase Flow Meter C6 MPFM NEL Report 2013/386 August 2013

Evaluation of a 2-inch Multiphase Flow Meter C2 MPFM NEL Report 2012/580 16 November 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

Multiphase Flow Meter calibrations are carried out under conditions which provide the best match against particular process conditions.

Particular laboratories and calibration matrices will be recommended after a careful study of the process conditions and the operating envelope.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Field Calibration & Validation

Multiphase Flow Meter MPM is connected in series with Multiphase Flow Meter GLCC (passive controlled gas-liquid cylindrical cyclonic separator) or horizontal gravity separator (separator design will depend on process data) for in-field periodic validation and calibration tune up as per API 2566 guidelines

Multiphase Flow Meter GLCC

Flow Computer and Software

• Hazardous Area: Beckoff Microprocessor in Class II 2G EEx d IIB T6 Exd Enclosure
• Safe Area: Beckoff Industrial PC in IP55 Rack Mount Enclosure
• Software: Multiphase Flow Meter / Windows
• Communication: RS232/RS485/Ethernet/MODBUS

Multiphase Flow Meter MPFM BLOCK DIAGRAM