Robust Multi-Phase Flow Measurement Using Magnetic Resonance Technology

A compact 3-phase flow meter based on Magnetic Resonance technology has been developed to the prototype stage, and tested in a commercial flow loop. No single well head meter currently available on the market simultaneously satisfies the customer’s need for accuracy across a broad range of produced volumes and hydrocarbon properties, operational robustness, with low cost hurdle. Consequently, a large number of installations are either insufficiently metered or rely on accurate, yet costly and operationally cumbersome test separators. Insufficient metering may result in suboptimal reservoir management and uncertainty in allocation of co-mingled production. This development targets provision of highly accurate, real-time quantification of flow rates for oil, water, and gas in multiphase flow. Magnetic resonance is intrinsically sensitive to flow; however, current applications to flow measurement are limited to very low flow rates that are inapplicable to oil-field applications. This meter employs a new principle that enables robust 3-phase flow metering with a broader operating envelope than existing flow meters, has no sensors in the flow stream, no radioactive source, yet could potentially be produced at sufficiently low cost to promote increasing numbers of well head installations. Results obtained at a commercial flow loop confirm a broad operating envelope, accurate 3-phase flow characterization, as well as direct measurement of phase slip. This paper describes the technical design of the flow meter and presents measurements of individual phase instantaneous velocity and hold up, for all phases under full 3-phase flow conditions acquired in a commercial flow loop. The data includes a range of fluid properties and flow conditions.