API PUBL 2566

Abstract

This report documents information available in open literature, and from vendors, on the state of the art of multiphase metering systems. The term "multiphase metering" in its broadest interpretation can be used to refer to both wet gas metering, as well as, the measurement of oil, water, and gas portions of commingled streams, which is commonly referred to as "multiphase metering". Whether one is conducting a "wet gas" or "multiphase" measurement typically depends on which fluid (oil or gas) is the primary \ production, as well as, the type of equipment used. This report documents both wet gas and multiphase metering systems. There are many more multiphase metering installations than wet gas metering installations. Also, the amount of literature and practical field tests available for multiphase meters is much more extensive than for wet gas metering. This imbalance in available information and literature is reflected in the coverage of the two subjects in this report. <br>The information in this report is intended to guide the American Petroleum Institute - Committee on Petroleum Measurement, and other API Task Groups, in the development of "Recommended Practices" or "Standards" applied to the multiphase measurements of fluid streams in Upstream Production Operations. The format of this white paper follows substantially the format specified by the Multiphase Metering Standards Task Group in the scope of work for this project. <br>There are currently over 1000 installations worldwide (IV-30)(Footnote *) that utilize the new multiphase measurement technology to conduct production measurements in oil and gas producing fields. The pace of these installations has accelerated significantly over the past 5 years (IV-30). During this period a large amount of data related to the performance of multiphase and wet gas metering devices have been published as listed in Appendix 2. <br>Footnote * - Numbers in parenthesis designate references in Appendix 2. V-30 is reference 30 in Section V. <br>Multiphase measurement is a maturing technology (II-3). Significant amount of field and performance data are available (II-4, II-6, II-11, II-12, IV-1) to be utilized into some form of guideline to direct the forthcoming demand for the application of this technology. The operators in the North Sea, who were the early users of this technology, have undertaken a number of regulatory initiatives to develop such guidelines (XII-3, XII-8). The need for guidelines is also anticipated by the operations in the Gulf of Mexico (XII-1, XII-2, XII-4, XII-7). This issue is discussed further in Section 22 of this report. The gathering of the information on multiphase flow measurement technology, which is the objective of this "White Paper", would be a first step in development of API specifications or standards on multiphase meters. To assist the API effort, the nomenclature, terms and definitions used by other bodies attempting to develop multiphase metering specifications have been adopted and used throughout this report.