Field experiences with virtual metering technology
Prashant Haldipur A and Peter Chow BA Multiphase Solutions Inc
B Woodside Energy Ltd
The APPEA Journal 50(1) 163-186 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ09011
Published: 2010
Abstract
This paper presents field experiences with the implementation of virtual well metering technology on the North West Shelf (NWS) of Western Australia. This technology is used to obtain well-by-well flow rate estimates using conventional pressure and temperature instrumentation in a wellbore and Christmas tree without the need for expensive multiphase flow meters. Best practices in project execution—including specifications, acceptance testing and commissioning procedures—are presented for deploying this advanced technology.
The paper focusses on two NWS gas-condensate developments operated by Woodside Energy Ltd (WEL) on behalf of the NWS joint venture partners: the Perseus over Goodwyn (PoG) project, which is a four well subsea development of the Perseus and Searipple fields that tie back to the Goodwyn A platform; and a three well subsea development for the Angel field. The PoG virtual metering system (VMS) was commissioned in October 2007 and the Angel VMS more recently in February 2009. The paper compares field data and shows that this technology has provided very reliable and accurate flow rate predictions; historical data suggests that monthly reconciliation factors as low as 3–5% can be achieved.
Virtual metering systems are a cost effective and reliable means to obtain well-by-well flow rates. Besides enabling better reservoir management, these well metering systems are easily integrated with real-time pipeline monitoring systems to enable reliable subsea operations. An integrated virtual metering and pipeline management system that includes look-ahead forecasting capabilities and guidance for real-time flow assurance on operational issues, such as hydrate formation and detection of restriction, is being developed for the Pluto field.
Prashant Haldipur is manager—projects with Multiphase Solutions Inc (MSi) and holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Houston. Prashant’s technical focus is in providing flow assurance and flow metering solutions for the upstream oil and gas industry. Prashant has spent a number of years as project manager deploying virtual metering systems, pipeline management systems and leak detection systems worldwide. In recent years, Prashant has also been extensively involved in business development activities including developing pricing models and global business strategies. Prashant oversees the deployment of all projects at MSi. Prashant.Haldipur@multiphase.com |
Peter Chow is a senior control engineer with Woodside Energy Ltd and holds a BE (hons) in chemical engineering from Adelaide University. Peter has worked extensively in the oil and gas industry, and had been involved both in project engineering and plant operations technical support roles—developing and supporting process control systems and control applications for offshore oil and gas platforms and onshore gas processing plants. Peter was involved in the design of the Angel Platform—Woodside’s first not normally manned offshore gas production facility—which won the Engineer Australia’s 2009 Engineering Excellence Award. Peter is involved in developing process simulators, developing an online flow assurance guidance and training tool for Woodside’s Pluto offshore production system and also an operator training system for the Pluto onshore LNG plant. Peter.Chow@woodside.com.au |
