Case Study

Existing inline metering correction and insight into process conditions

In Brief

Providing reliable measurements allowing the operator to manage their process efficiently

Customer Challenges

  • An operator of an offshore field was measuring flow rates on production separator oil and water outlets across three platforms
  • The existing inline metering systems were providing unreliable measurements and prevented the operator from managing their process efficiently
  • The customer required non-intrusive but robust solution, which could handle the highly dynamic flowing conditions
  • The customer's preference was to continue production, avoid shutdown and resolve the metering issue

Expro Excellence

  • Expro proposed to use a mobile self contained surveillance package with 3"-12" meter sizes to monitor the separator liquid flow outlets, determine a volumetric rate and establish a gas volume fraction
  • Expro's clamp on non-intrusive metering was retrofitted to existing lines without any modifications
  • Expro performed 24-hour surveillance with different wells flowing into the separator based on the customer's testing program
  • Results were compared to the existing inline metering system

Value to Client

  • Expro's diagnostic identified two key issues:
    • Slugging was due to a faulty level control valve
    • Free gas (GVF) was measured in the single phase liquids, oil and water outlets
    • Expro surveillance provided an accurate reference flow rate measurement to identify the error in the existing inline metering
    • The customer received insight into the dynamic nature of their process conditions to facilitate a change and bring the process conditions within the working envelope of the existing inline metering

Contact

For further information, please contact WFM@expro.com.