Technical Paper: Field Experience in Multiphase Gas-Well Testing: The Benefit of the Combination of Venturi and Gamma Ray Fraction Meter

Society: SPE
Paper Number: 103223
Presentation Date: 2007
 

Abstract

Using multiphase flowmeters in field operations has now become a widely accepted practice especially in the range of Gas Volume Fraction (GVF) of 0 to 85%. There is still some doubt about the performance of this type of device especially in the High (92-96%) or Very High GVF (96-98%) ranges. Most of the purchasers put a cut off in the GVF range of 85-92% following the type of technology. These criteria are often based on past experience or special cases, which could be several years old. A split in terms of naming is even commonly accepted in the multiphase business between Multiphase Flow Meter and Wet Gas Meter.

With the recent dedicated Gas Mode developed by Schlumberger, it is now possible to test both gas and oil wells with the same hardware. The focus put in the past few years on a combination of robust and simple measurements (Venturi and gamma ray) in multiphase flow-metering solutions for any type of well based on the advantages and benefits of the industry recognized Vx Technology.

In this paper, we will review the benefit of the combination of Venturi and gamma ray fraction meter and its application to gas well testing.

Today, the use of the entire information of a gamma ray spectrum gamma ray (more than 2 rays) allows a real-time or an a posteriori quality control and improvement of the overall performance of the meter in any type of conditions. This statement will be presented through a campaign of tests done in South America. First of all, we will show how the entire information of a gamma ray spectrum permits a quality control in real time, and allows tracking of fluid composition change over time. Then we will focus on high producing gas wells clean-up that have been successfully tested using the Vx technology in Gas Mode in 2005. Exceptional results against conventional test separator have been presented in previous paper (Ref [10]) with a maximum error of 2-3% for the gas. The current paper will also put a special emphasis on the salinity change.

Related products and services

Multiphase Well Testing and Monitoring