Multiphase flowmeter pilot reduces costs by up to USD 550,000 per well pad

Torxen replaced test separators with Vx Spectra™ surface multiphase flowmeter technology—delivering continuous, accurate flow rate measurements that met Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) Directive 017 requirements while significantly reducing capex and fugitive emissions.

Torxen, a private exploration and production company in Alberta, Canada, sought to reduce capex, footprint, and fugitive emissions from its light oil assets by assessing alternative flow rate measurement and production monitoring solutions. However, AER Directive 017 limited the ability to replace conventional test separators; compliance required a site-specific exemption application. Before deploying any new technology at scale, Torxen needed to demonstrate its efficacy and reliability to AER for approval.

Torxen partnered with SLB for a field test of the Vx Spectra surface multiphase flowmeter—testing seven wells over a 6-month period. Leveraging advanced full-gamma spectroscopy, the Vx Spectra flowmeter accurately captured multiphase flow dynamics, providing real-time, continuous flow rate measurements and well performance evaluation without the need for separation. In addition to reducing flaring, the Vx Spectra flowmeter enabled Torxen to monitor and measure production across multiple wells while simplifying wellsite architecture and maintenance.

The Vx Spectra surface multiphase flowmeter demonstrated equivalent accuracy to test separator readings, ensuring compliance with AER Directive 017. Well testing showed average relative deviation of oil at just ±3% for six of the wells that were within the operational range of the Vx Spectra surface multiphase flowmeter.

By transitioning from separators to the Vx Spectra flowmeter, Torxen expects to reduce well pad costs by up to USD 550,000 in capex per new well pad. This successful field trial improved Torxen’s proration factor and overall production efficiency, setting the stage for broader adoption of the Vx Spectra flowmeter in Alberta and beyond.

Average Relative Deviation

* Rates below meter's range.

The field trial showed, on average, a ±3% relative deviation of oil for six of the wells that were within the Vx Spectra surface multiphase flowmeter’s operational range. With flow rates below the operating envelope of the Vx Spectra flowmeter, Well 4 still showed a relative deviation within 10% for oil.