Introduction to multiphase flow metering

Falcone, G. (2009) Introduction to multiphase flow metering. In: Multiphase Flow Metering. Elsevier: Amsterdam, pp. 19-31. ISBN 9780444529916 (doi: 10.1016/S0376-7361(09)05402-8)

Abstract

Publisher Summary: This chapter introduces the basic concept of multiphase flow metering (MFM), and describes its applications for the oil and gas industry. The number, geographical distribution, and future trends of MFM installations are also presented in the chapter. The fluids produced from oil wells are rarely purely liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon mixtures. Most often, the fluid emerges as a multiphase mixture. A conventional two- or three-phase separator can be regarded as a multiphase flow meter. The use of MFM's reduces the hardware needed for onshore, offshore topside, and offshore subsea applications. It is difficult to establish the official number of MFM installations worldwide, as it is necessary to distinguish among: (1) MFM's installed and currently working, (2) MFM's installed, but now discontinued, (3) MFM's ordered, but not yet delivered, (4) MFM's delivered, but not yet installed, and (5) MFM's used as portable well-testing solutions. The parameters expected from MFM are: (1) repeatability and accuracy of the measurement, (2) applicability to a wide range of flow rates, phase fractions, fluids properties and operating pressure, and temperature conditions, (3) ease of installation and intervention, (4) low capital expenditure and operational costs, (5) high mean time before failure (MTBF), and (6) official acceptance by the governments.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Additional Information: Authors: Falcone, G., Hewitt, G.F., and Alimonti, C.
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Falcone, Professor Gioia
• Authors: Falcone, G.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 03767361
• ISBN: 9780444529916