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.