Saep 146 PDF

Engineering Procedure
SAEP-146 15 September 2016

Performance Verification Field Test of Multi-Phase Flow Meters
Document Responsibility: Multi-Phase Flow Meters (MPFM) Standards Committee
Contents
1 Scope .......................................................... 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations .............................. 2
3 Applicable Documents ................................. 2
4 Definitions and Acronyms ............................ 3
5 Project Technical Development ................... 4
6 Roles and Responsibilities .......................... 6
7 Field Test Execution .................................. 11
8 Performance Acceptance
Criteria for Field Test ......................... 15
Revision Summary .......................................... 16
Appendix 1 - MPFM Trial Test

Check List Example for RMP ............. 17
Previous Issue: New Next Planned Update: 15 September 2019

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Contact: Benlizidia, Imed (benlizix) on +966-13-8732871
©Saudi Aramco 2016. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Multi-Phase Flow Meters (MPFM) Standards Committee SAEP-146
Issue Date: 15 September 2016
Next Planned Update: 15 September 2019 Performance Verification Field Test of Multi-Phase Flow Meters
1 Scope
This Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure (SAEP) defines the minimum mandatory
requirements for verifying the performance of Multi-Phase Flow Meters (MPFM) in
Saudi Aramco fields. The main objective is to evaluate the flow measurement
performance of a Multi-Phase Flow Meter (MPFM) against a reliable and fully auditable
reference measurement and determine the MPFM adequacy for deployment in Saudi
Aramco oil fields under a comprehensive range of flow conditions. The performance
criteria will be according to the 34-SAMSS-001 (Saudi Aramco Material System
Specification: “Multi-Phase Flow Meters”).
Compliance to this SAEP is required only when:

a. There is no previous field performance evaluation of a given MPFM under similar
conditions in Saudi Aramco fields.
b. There is a technically justifiable request for field testing due to MPFM sensitivities
that cannot be tested in a live hydrocarbon flow loop facility as per SAEP-145
(i.e., H2S, CO2, sand).
2 Conflicts and Deviations
2.1 Any conflicts between this SAEP and other applicable Mandatory Saudi Aramco
Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be resolved in writing by the
Company Representative through the Manager, Production & Facilities
Development Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this SAEP in writing to the Company
Representative, who shall follow internal Company procedure SAEP-302 and
forward such requests to the Manager, Production & Facilities Development
Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
3 Applicable Documents
The requirements contained in the following documents apply to the extent specified in
this procedure.
3.1 Saudi Aramco Documents
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-145 Flow Loop Test Performance Evaluation for Multi-
Phase Flow Meters
SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory
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Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement
Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification

34-SAMSS-001 Multiphase Flow Meters
3.2 Industry Codes and Standards
National Association of Corrosion Engineers

NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries - Materials
for Use in H2S Containing Environments in Oil and
Gas Production
4 Definitions and Acronyms
4.1 Definitions
Bid Package: The package of documentation supplied to a bidder to quote the

job. A Bid Package includes Instructions to Bidders, Pro Forma Contract, Job
Specifications, Functional Specifications Document, relevant SAMSS
specifications, and other documents as applicable.
Bid Evaluation Team: A team that reviews the contractor's or vendor's bids
and prepare technical and commercial recommendations.
Bid Slate: A list of qualified contractors or vendors to bid on the project.
Non-Material Requirements (NMR): The complete set of documentation

required from the vendor and/or the Contractor during the design and
development phase of the project. There are three categories of NMRs:
 601 NMRs Preliminary drawings for review and approval
 602 NMRs Certified drawings, literature, photographs, and spare parts
data/requirements
 603 NMRs Operations, maintenance manuals, installation instructions, test
certificates.
Third Party Flow Loop: An independent entity that owns and operates a flow
loop facility; whose function is to conduct an unbiased flow loop test against a
set of international standards, guidelines or procedures.
Multi-Phase Flow Meter (MPFM) Vendor: The party that supplies or sells
integrated metering equipment or systems for multi-phase flow environment.
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Reference Measurement Provider (RMP): The party that provides all

equipment, instruments, tools, personnel, transportation, required for the
performance of well testing activities to provide a reliable reference
measurement for performance verification field test of Multiphase Flow Meters.
Scope of Work: Document that describes or refers to the applicable drawings,

standards, specifications as well as the administrative, procedural, and technical
requirements that the contractor shall satisfy or adhere to in accomplishing the
work.
4.2 Acronyms
MPFM Multi-Phase Flow Meter
6PJ Six Point Justification
SOW Scope of Work
SFC Short Form Contract
MFC Mid Form Contract
ISS Instrument Specification Sheet
NMR Non-Material Requirements
P&ID Piping & Instrument Diagram
RMP Reference Measurement Provider
RSA Responsible Standardization Agent
RVL Regulated Vendor List
SAEP Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure
SAMSS Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification
HAZOP Process Hazard and Operability
SAT Site Acceptance Test
IFU/UTSD/P&FDD Intelligent Field Unit/Upstream Technical Support
Division/ Production & Facilities Development
Department
5 Project Technical Development
5.1 Project Pre-requisites
IFU/UTSD/P&FDD to execute SAEP-146 to:

- Screen new MPFM technology, ensure technical readiness and identify area
of opportunity for field testing in alignment with Saudi Aramco needs
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- Check and verify new MPFM technology compliance with Saudi Aramco
standards
- Evaluate and validate metrological performance of MPFMs in a third party
live hydrocarbon flow loop that simulates Saudi Aramco field conditions
Only after this stage is executed and evaluated by IFU/UTSD/P&FDD as

technically acceptable, it is possible to consider a MPFM for field test
verification.
5.2 Project Justification
IFU/UTSD/P&FDD must validate that the intended MPFM field testing

condition is technically justifiable, it could be either to validate the real field
performances of the MPFM or to test the meter in flow conditions that could not
be tested in a live hydrocarbon flow loop facility as per SAEP-145 (e.g., H2S,
CO2, sand).
5.3 Project Scope
5.3.1 IFU/UTSD/P&FDD to develop the scope of work (SOW) for the MPFM
vendor and reference measurement provider.
5.3.2 Production Engineering to review the SOW and reflect additional

requirements as per their standard operating procedures, standard
equipment, material, and services requirements and particular field
conditions (e.g., if zero flaring is required, production engineering must
reflect compliance to this requirement in the SOW of the reference
measurement).
5.4 Well Selection and Test Program
5.4.1 Production Engineering to select well candidates to be tested and provide

production data to IFU/UTSD/P&FDD.
5.4.2 IFU/UTSD/P&FDD to ensure with the MPFM vendors that the well
candidates conditions are within the operating envelope of the selected
MPFM.
5.4.3 Production Engineering to develop testing program following their field

requirements and procedures according to each particular well / site
conditions.
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6 Roles and Responsibilities
6.1 MPFM Vendor
Multiphase Flow Meter technology provider obligations for the trial test, are as
follows:
6.1.1 A properly sized MPFM system to cover as many well candidates as

possible required for the trial test. The sized meter shall be concurred
by Saudi Aramco representative in written form prior to the shipment of
the meter and test commencement.
6.1.2 Adequate components of the MPFM system, including but not limited
to: hardware, software, PVT model, algorithms, instrumentation and
any other.
6.1.3 Portable and skidded Multiphase meter that shall meet or exceed a
working pressure rating of ANSI Class 600 and compliant to
34-SAMSS-001. The MPFM shall be available during the whole
duration of the trial test.
6.1.4 The metering unit shall be rated for withstanding corrosive services
(H2S and CO2) as per the lastest version of NACE MR0175 during the
test according to the matrix well candidates data.
6.1.5 All equipment required for MPFM setup and calibration as applicable
(i.e., densitometer, salinity meter, portable centrifuge, gas analyzer,
etc.).
6.1.6 All activities, equipment and certified personnel required for radiation
source transportation, handling, installation and surveys, including
radiation/ contamination monitor (if applicable).
6.1.7 Critical spare parts list before the commencement of the trial test.
6.1.8 All necessary spare parts required to have a continuous operation shall be
on location during the trial test period. Failure to maintain a reliable and
operational meter during the trial test will result in disqualification of the
corresponding trial test periods. Furthermore, the MPFM vendor shall be
penalized with the corresponding daily rate payments for the time that the
meter is not restored to full and reliable functionality.
6.1.9 Power and instrumentation cables to connect the meter and WORK
station to reference measurement provider power generator.
6.1.10 The reference measurement provider (RMP) shall provide 110/220 volt
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AC power. MPFM vendor shall provide any equipment required to

change or regulate voltage or current.
6.1.11 Two hard copies and soft copies of meter calibration, commissioning,
operating and maintenance manuals should be provided to Saudi
Aramco trial test representative. This documentation will only be
acknowledged as delivered when Saudi Aramco trial test representative
signs off its validity in terms of content and format.
6.1.12 Technical Presentation on meter operating principles with illustrations

upon Saudi Aramco representative request.
6.1.13 Technical MPFM Sensitivity Study and updated international track

record to be provided before the commencement of the trial test.
This documentation will only be acknowledged as delivered when Saudi
Aramco trial test representative signs off its validity in terms of content
and format.
6.1.14 Computerized system for monitoring and recording the MPFM data
during calibration and well testing.
6.1.15 A local readout access to the MPFM vendor software during the whole
duration of the trial test.
6.1.16 Air conditioned data acquisition and working office cabin (with enough
electric cable to reach the power source) on site for the engineers.
This office should be equipped at least with UPS (uninterruptible power
supply), a working desk, 2 chairs, and refrigerator.
6.1.17 All applicable safety equipment, including but not limited to:
Portable Fire Extinguisher, SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus)
Pack, First Aid Kit, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
6.1.18 Inlet and outlets are to be located at an elevation just above ground
level.
6.1.19 Transportation for the meter skid during the trial test.
6.1.20 Test data should be reported into the Saudi Aramco Format which will
be supplied by Saudi Aramco representatives.
6.1.21 Permanent assistance with the representative (s) while the meter is
connected to the lines. A consultant engineer for the meter will be at
the site when the meter is being tested and only for the test duration.
6.1.22 Multiphase metering company should provide the necessary personnel
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to operate and maintain their equipment during the trial.
6.1.23 Equipment and personnel certifications should be provided prior to start

operations to the site foreman, including both pressure tests and H2S
and nuclear sources certification courses.
6.1.24 Vendor to provide operating training to Saudi Aramco representatives

when requested.
6.2 Reference Measurement Provider
During the field trial, Reference measurement provider (RMP) obligations are:
6.2.1 RMP shall conduct the well testing in accordance with Saudi Aramco
supplied program and as per the standard operating procedures.
6.2.2 RMP shall provide all equipment, instruments, tools, personnel,

transportation and equipment necessary or required for the performance
of the work. The surface equipment shall be designed and equipped to:
- Assure a high level of phase separation.
- Assure accurate measurement of individual phase flows.
- Provide a redundant measurement for individual flows.
- Provide for the safe disposal of produced water and hydrocarbons
without spill to the environment.
6.2.3 RMP shall install meters in test loop and divert well flow to the meters
by following the test program.
6.2.4 RMP shall provide Saudi Aramco with the test loop and detailed
drawings for the connection and flow diversion.
6.2.5 RMP shall ensure separator and well testing loop smooth operation
during entire trial test.
6.2.6 RMP shall ensure the trial test done as per the trial test procedure and
any deviation or shortcuts for any operational reason must be reported
ahead of time for Saudi Aramco representative acceptance.
6.2.7 RMP shall perform quality check for all testing data and ensure full
auditability by recording accurately all manual measurements and
detailed sequence of events.
6.2.8 RMP shall ensure data validity by checking them against the redundant
measurement any discrepancy shall be reported and investigated
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immediately.
6.2.9 RMP shall provide soft copy of test data files to Saudi Aramco at the
end of each rate test.
6.2.10 RMP shall provide testing reports that includes as a separate attachment
all relevant data including manually measured data (such as oil API
gravity, gas specific gravity if applicable, etc.) and Coriolis Mass
measurement data (mass flow rates and densities), separator pressure
and temperature, oil level, liquid level, date and time.
6.2.11 RMP shall submit a complete separator performance analysis report

(hard and soft copies) to Project team within twelve (12) hours of job
completion at each test site.
6.2.12 RMP shall review the final results with Saudi Aramco engineers if
required.
6.2.13 RMP shall present test results to Saudi Aramco project team at the end
of test campaign.
6.2.14 RMP engineers shall be qualified with Minimum Safety Training (first
aid, H2S, fire extinguisher).
6.2.15 RMP shall arrange relocations of reference measurement and meters

equipment to at least five test locations, including mobilization, rig up /
rig down of the equipment and operations.
6.2.16 RMP shall not be responsible for meters operations.
6.2.17 RMP shall maintain Saudi Aramco confidentiality and do not share
separator data with vendors or persons other than authorized Saudi
Aramco personnel by P&FDD/UTSD/IFU.
6.2.18 RMP shall arrange and supply:
6.2.18.1 Test loop and any required connections to accommodate the

meters under trial in the well test operations.
6.2.18.2 Suitable separator and sized to the test well conditions,

surge tanks, choke-manifolds, portable laboratory and all
required accessories (i.e., shrinkage tester, ESD system).
Two pressure gauge tanks or a double compartment tank for
recording liquids, obtaining meter calibration factor and
quantify water production. One pressurized gauge tank
should be fully dedicated to record and monitor the water
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production and the other tank will be dedicated to calibrate

the turbine flow meters.
6.2.18.3 Additional metering skids at the gas and liquid outlets for
auditability and redundancy purposes. The secondary
measurement shall be performed using a different
measurement principle where at least one Coriolis Mass
meter must be used at each leg (as primary or secondary),
e.g., if separator liquid leg uses a turbine/positive
displacement meter, the redundant measurement must be
done using Coriolis Mass measurement technology.
The raw data from this redundant. measurement will be
downloaded and given to Saudi Aramco representative as
requested.
6.2.18.4 In-line water cut measurement from a field proven

technology to provide continuous reading of water
production from each well.
6.2.18.5 The measurement of pressure upstream and downstream the

choke, which will also be used to perform gas rate
estimation using choke correlation, and therefore should be
reported accordingly.
6.2.18.6 Power generators to supply power to all test equipment

including work stations, test separator, pumps, meters, etc.
6.2.18.7 Transportation trucks to mobilize or de-mobilize the trial

testing equipment and personnel.
6.2.18.8 Data Acquisition system.
6.2.18.9 Two well test crew shifts to rig up, rig down trial test
equipment and run operations. Operations will continue
24 hours.
6.2.18.10 Monitoring and conducting trial test operations on location.
6.2.18.11 Well testing upstream equipment should meet or exceed a

working pressure rating of 5000 psi.
6.2.18.12 Two 10,000 psi choke manifolds should be available if

required.
6.2.18.13 The well testing equipment should be rated for corrosive

services (H2S and CO2).
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6.2.18.14 Supply power (110/220 volt AC) required to operate meters

and run work station (portable office) PC, lighting, AC, etc.
6.2.18.15 Air conditioned office on site for their crew - including a

working desk, 2 chairs, refrigerator, Portable Fire
Extinguisher, SCBA (breathing apparatus) Pack, First Aid
Kit, etc.
6.2.18.16 All necessary spare parts should be available on location.
6.2.18.17 All required chemicals and equipment (electrical centrifuge,

colorimetric gas detector,water salinity measurement,
demulsifiers, defoamers, etc.) to be available at site to do
the BSW and fluid proprieties analysis (API, density, gas
specific gravity, water salinity, PH, H2S, CO2, etc.).
6.2.18.18 Accommodation, food and local transportation to their own

crews during entire duration of the trial test.
6.3 Saudi Aramco Obligation
Saudi Aramco obligations include the following:
6.3.1 Well candidates selection.
6.3.2 The definition of the test plan.
6.3.3 Production and other PVT data required to properly size the trial test
equipment, calibrate and commission the MPFMs.
6.3.4 Data analysis for both Reference measurement and MPFM under test
leading to the conclusions of the trial test.
6.3.5 The MPFM flow measurement performance evaluation, results and

conclusions.
7 Field Test Execution
The detailed operational procedure for the well test is as follows:
7.1 Move and prepare to install the meter(s) on site.
7.2 Connect the meters in a parallel arrangement downstream of the RMP choke
manifold in case of trial test of multiple technologies.
7.3 Pressure test all lines and connections, including the test separator. The MPFM
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vendor support personnel should be on location during rig up/down and pressure
tests.
7.4 MPFM provider shall perform all required metering set up, calibration and
verification before commencing the trial for a maximum period of 3 hours.
If necessary, required samples will be provided.
7.5 MPFM vendor shall respect the rules laid out related to communication between
the trial test participants, reporting principles and interaction with the MPFM
during the test sequence. MPFM vendor is not allowed to request information,
provide information or to communicate in any matters related to the trial test
neither with the reference measurement providers nor with other MPFM
contractors in the trial test. Any communication required shall be done through
the Saudi Aramco trial test representative.
7.6 RMP shall not disclose any testing data, production data, analysis, results or any
information related to the trial test with any third party. All information and
data related to the trial test is strictly confidential and all parties shall abide to
this point at all times (before, during and after the trial test).
7.7 Flow the well through each of the tested meters until stabilization is reached and
maintained.
7.8 MPFM provider shall ensure best performance of the meter to provide
representative results during the trial period. Any unforeseen conditions that
may affect the quality of the results must be raised to the Saudi Aramco
representative immediately during the corresponding operation so that
appropriate actions may be taken. Any concerns raised after the corresponding
trial test point, will not be considered by Saudi Aramco representative.
7.9 MPFM provider will not be allowed to playback calculations or results leading
to show improved performance at any point of the trial test or after.
7.10 Each MPFM should be tested for at least 6 hours of a stable flow.
7.11 MPFM vendor shall ensure and confirm that the meter is inside its defined
operating envelope, and that the pressure drop across the meter is less than
15 psi.
7.12 MPFM Flow calibration or dynamic calibration shall not be allowed and neither
Saudi Aramco nor RMP shall provide any production data before, during or
after the trial test.
7.13 MPFM Vendor should leave the site once the meter is set up and can return to
the site when advised by Saudi Aramco representatives. (Trial test shall be
unmanned).
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7.14 RMP shall record on the computer the test separator data: Pressures, temperature,
gas rate in MMSCFD, condensate rate and water rate in STB every 15 minutes.
Record same information on every MPM computer system in a continuous basis.
Remember that the gas and condensate volumetric rates should be reported at
standard conditions.
7.15 RMP shall report this essential information into the standard well testing format.
The service company and the well testing representatives will provide the Saudi
Aramco Engineer with a detailed test report and the Saudi Aramco Standard
well testing format completely filled.
7.16 RMP shall ensure that the rate has been stable for all the test duration prior
adjusting to the next rate (test point) or to next MPFM vendor participating in
the test.
7.17 During the test point, no disturbance should be caused at the well head, TCA or
CCA valves, as they can affect the test result. If pressure bleeding is required,
RMP supervisor shall communicate to Saudi Aramco representative on-site.
7.18 RMP shall develop a thorough Quality control check list for well testing
operations. This check list needs to be submitted to Saudi Aramco representative
for acceptance and approval at least one month prior the start of the trial test.
7.19 RMP shall perform all quality checks as per the approved check list for all
testing data and ensure full auditability by recording accurately all manual
measurements and detailed sequence of events, all these documents has to be
submitted after each test and will only be acknowledged as delivered when
Saudi Aramco trial test team leader signs off its validity in terms of content and
format.
7.20 RMP shall perform all quality checks as per the approved check list for all
testing data and ensure full auditability by recording accurately all manual
measurements and detailed sequence of events, all these documents has to be
submitted after each test and will only be acknowledged as delivered when
Saudi Aramco trial test team leader signs off its validity in terms of content and
format.
7.21 RMP shall ensure data validity for each test point by checking them against the
redundant measurement; any discrepancy shall be reported and investigated
immediately.
7.22 Once the test point has been completed, a set of PVT samples have to be taken
and stored for further analysis.
7.23 RMP shall provide soft copy of test data files and filled up checklist (detailed in
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7.18) to Saudi Aramco at the end of each rate test. This documentation will only
be acknowledged as delivered when Saudi Aramco trial test representative signs
off its validity in terms of content and format. Failure to comply with this point
will be penalized by deducting the service payment for the corresponding day.
7.24 RMP shall provide testing reports as per Trial test template, including all
relevant time stamped data including manually measured data (such as oil API,
gas specific gravity, H2S, CO2 and manual BSW), and real-time data (such as
Coriolis Mass measurement data (mass flow rates, densities, drive gains), water
cut analyzer measurement, separator pressure and temperature, oil level, liquid
level and oil shrinkage measurements.
7.25 RMP shall submit a complete separator performance analysis report (hard and
soft copies) to Project team at the end of each rate test.
7.26 RMP shall review the final results with Saudi Aramco engineers when requested.
7.27 MPFM vendor shall provide soft copy of test data to Saudi Aramco immediately
at the end of each rate test (at actual and standard conditions) including raw data
(in ASCII file format -plain text- and original acquisition format) as per required
template. This documentation will only be acknowledged as delivered when
Saudi Aramco Trial test representative signs off its validity in terms of content
and format.
Note: Do not compare the multiphase meter and the test separator measurements for
fluid rates onsite. This is a BLIND test and Saudi Aramco representative will
compare data and make the detailed analysis for the meters at a later time.
7.28 MPFM vendor shall plot the test data against the Operating Envelop of the meter
right after providing the soft copy of test data to Saudi Aramco.
7.29 MPFM vendor shall submit trial test meter performance analysis and meter
reliability reports (hard and soft copies) to Project team within days after
completion of testing activities on every field in the trial test. Furthermore,
MPFM vendor shall submit a final complete trial test meter performance
analysis and meter reliability report (hard and soft copies) within 14 days after
completion of the whole trial test. This documentation will only be
acknowledged as delivered when Saudi Aramco trial test representative signs off
its validity in terms of content and format.
7.30 MPFM vendor shall present test results to Saudi Aramco project team at the end
of campaign when requested.
7.31 Repeat same steps for every well during each test point.
7.32 After completing the flow rate tests with all MPFM's, RMP shall proceed with:
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 Rig down test separator, testing lines and all MPFM with all connections.
 Re-install the PCV downstream spool, normalize the flow system, and move
full set of testing to the next location.
8 Performance Acceptance Criteria for Field Test
8.1 Saudi Aramco shall evaluate the overall unit performance and reliability.
Evaluation and trial success criteria shall be in accordance with 34-SAMSS-001.
8.2 Measurement ranges of the MPFM shall cover at least the following conditions:
Oil Oil Applications Wet Gas

Applications (High GVF) Applications
Gas Void Fraction 0-90% 90-98% 90-99.9%
Liquid Volume Fraction 10-100% 2-10% 0.1-10%
Water Liquid ratio 0-100% 0-100% 0-100%
8.3 MPFM accuracy against the reference measurement shall be evaluated at line
conditions and standard conditions. MPFM repeatability and reproducibility
shall be evaluated at line conditions. The performance shall be within the
following limits: (With 90% confidence interval).
Accuracy:
Oil Oil Applications Wet Gas
Applications (High GVF) Applications
Liquid Flow Rate** ± 5% ± 10% ± 15%
Gas Flow Rate** ± 10% ± 10% ± 5%
Water Liquid ratio ± 5% absolute ± 5% absolute ± 10% absolute
Total Mass rate ± 5% (relative) ± 10% (relative) ± 5% (relative)
* Uncertainty to Saudi Aramco selected reliable and fully auditable reference measurements
that have higher accuracy than the tested MPFM.
** Volumetric rates lower than 10 m3/h the required uncertainty should be within ± 1.5 m3/h
(absolute).
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Repeatability and Reproducibility:
All Applications
Liquid Flow Rate ± 2% (relative)
Gas Flow Rate ± 2% (relative)
Water-cut ± 2% absolute
Total Mass rate ± 1% (relative)
8.4 A MPFM whose accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility performance is

within the specifications in 8.3 will be evaluated as: successfully tested.
8.5 A MPFM whose accuracy performs within specifications in 8.3 only for certain
regions of WLR and GVF combinations will be conditionally accepted for
MPFM applications that fall under that region. (i.e., a meter that performs
within specifications in oil continuous mode but fails in the transition band to
water continuous mode or fails in water continuous mode, will only be
conditionally accepted for MPFM applications were the well lifecycle will have
a W.C. range within the oil continuous mode).
8.6 In the event a discrepancy is encountered which cannot be resolved during the
time allowed for resolution, Saudi Aramco declares the MPFM performance test
as not successful, Saudi Aramco reserves the right to decide whether or not to
request the MPFM further trial tests. If Saudi Aramco decides not to proceed
with the MPFM for any additional tests, MPFM vendor shall reclaim the
equipment with no obligation on Saudi Aramco.
Revision Summary
15 September 2016 New Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure that defines the minimum mandatory
requirements for verifying the performance of Multi-Phase Flow Meters (MPFM) in Saudi
Aramco fields. The main objective is to evaluate the flow measurement performance of a
Multi-Phase Flow Meter (MPFM) against a reliable and fully auditable reference
measurement and determine the MPFM adequacy for deployment in Saudi Aramco oil fields
under a comprehensive range of flow conditions.
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Appendix 1 - MPFM Trial Test Check List Example for RMP
Reviewed by: Name: Signature:
Certification
Instrument calibration and certification package valid and held on well
site.
Test separator vessel name plates/size/instrumentation checked for last
documented major survey.
Test separator vessel relief valve certification valid and held on site.
All equipment and instrumentation manuals held on site.

SWT equipment electrically inspected and in conformance with Saudi
Aramco requirements including grounding
Surface Test Equipment Installation
Has well test installation been checked against approved P&ID and
Layout
Are muster point, access and escape routes clearly identified and known
by all personnel on-site
Have personnel been briefed on the communication protocol during the
trial test?
Has surface test equipment been pressure tested as per program:
• Pressure test against all valves conducted and well documented with
pressure recorder device to ensure no loss or gain of flow stream can
happen during the comparison.
• Pressure test against separator bypass valves conducted and well
documented with pressure recorder device.
• Pressure test against meters bypass valves conducted and well
documented with pressure recorder device.
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Have separator meter checks been performed over full range of

expected liquid and gas flowrates (mention test fluid used):
1. Oil Flow rate meter (meter factor chart).
2. Water Flow rate meter (meter factor chart).
3. Gas Flow meter (select the correct orifice plate, ensure no liquid in the
Daniel lower chamber, Visual inspection of the orifice plate seal for
damages: Leakage of the orifice plate seal causes the gas stream to
partially bypass the orifice resulting in an error of gas-flow-rate.)
4. Gas Flow rate recorder (Calibration DP chart, Calibration P chart,
Do block/bypass valves on the Barton manifold hold pressure has to
be thoroughly checked).
5. Check All Temperature sensors (Oil line & Gas line) vs. Alcohol
Thermometer.
Has data acquisition system including all sensors been calibrated
(CHECK CALIBRATION CHART Vs. Serial Numbers)
Have flow safety valves (check valves) been function tested
RMP aware and following strictly Saudi Aramco procedures for well testing
Data Quality Assurance
Water Cut Analysis:
1) Take Water cut upstream choke
2) Take Water cut downstream choke
3) Using of demulsifier, heating and electrical centrifuge to ensure
separation
4) Repeat and report water cut analysis every 30 min to verify stability
5) WaterCut measuring device properly calibrated and pre-tested?
6) WaterCut measured values from online measurement match with
manual sampling water cut?
Liquid Rate Calculation:
1) Liquid rate measurement method well documented
2) Separator Liquid Meter reading available from two different sources?
3) Tank Calculation (the tank factor crosschecked)
4) Liquid meter reading is stable (No gas flowing carry under) for both
techniques
5) Report liquid density drive gain from Coriolis meter reading every
30 min at least
6) Perform and report at least two combined meter factor/shrinkage
measurement at each choke size (test point)
7) Perform and report STO density reading every hour.
8) Report both volumetric and Mass rate.
Page 18 of 19
Gas Rate Calculation:

1) Details and report GOR2 (Rs) calculation method at each choke
2) Separator Pressure stable?
3) Separator differential pressure around the orifice plate stable
4) Report orifice plate size used and verify that it is within the
appropriate operating range compared to line size
5) Perform and report gas properties measurements (gas SG, H2S
and CO2 content) every hour
6) Report both volumetric and mass rate
General Check
Proper review of possible liquid presence in the separator gas scrubber
or liquid carry over.
Proper reporting of orifice plate size and shown to Saudi Aramco I-Field
Engineer.
Attach picture of orifice plate used.
Separator setting pressure should not change between test and chart to
be provided and signed on site by Saudi Aramco representative.
(The flowing conditions has to be inside the separator-operating
envelope has to be documented).
Daniel chamber free of liquid.
Before the start of the test period and after the well has stabilized, verify
gas measurement by swapping orifice plate with another size within the
acceptable diameter range for cross-validation.
Report should include flow-rate calculation methods and equations
(including intermediate parameters) for oil, water, and gas rates.
Page 19 of 19

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Engineering Procedure

SAEP-146 15 September 2016

Appendix 1 - MPFM Trial Test

Previous Issue: New Next Planned Update: 15 September 2019

©Saudi Aramco 2016. All rights reserved.

Compliance to this SAEP is required only when:

2 Conflicts and Deviations

3.1 Saudi Aramco Documents

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

National Association of Corrosion Engineers

4 Definitions and Acronyms

Bid Package: The package of documentation supplied to a bidder to quote the

Bid Slate: A list of qualified contractors or vendors to bid on the project.

Non-Material Requirements (NMR): The complete set of documentation

Reference Measurement Provider (RMP): The party that provides all

Scope of Work: Document that describes or refers to the applicable drawings,

5 Project Technical Development

5.1 Project Pre-requisites

IFU/UTSD/P&FDD to execute SAEP-146 to:

Only after this stage is executed and evaluated by IFU/UTSD/P&FDD as

5.2 Project Justification

IFU/UTSD/P&FDD must validate that the intended MPFM field testing

5.3 Project Scope

5.3.2 Production Engineering to review the SOW and reflect additional

5.4 Well Selection and Test Program

5.4.1 Production Engineering to select well candidates to be tested and provide

5.4.3 Production Engineering to develop testing program following their field

6 Roles and Responsibilities

6.1 MPFM Vendor

6.1.1 A properly sized MPFM system to cover as many well candidates as

AC power. MPFM vendor shall provide any equipment required to

6.1.12 Technical Presentation on meter operating principles with illustrations

6.1.13 Technical MPFM Sensitivity Study and updated international track

6.1.22 Multiphase metering company should provide the necessary personnel

to operate and maintain their equipment during the trial.

6.1.23 Equipment and personnel certifications should be provided prior to start

6.1.24 Vendor to provide operating training to Saudi Aramco representatives

6.2 Reference Measurement Provider

6.2.2 RMP shall provide all equipment, instruments, tools, personnel,

6.2.11 RMP shall submit a complete separator performance analysis report

6.2.15 RMP shall arrange relocations of reference measurement and meters

6.2.16 RMP shall not be responsible for meters operations.

6.2.18 RMP shall arrange and supply:

6.2.18.1 Test loop and any required connections to accommodate the

6.2.18.2 Suitable separator and sized to the test well conditions,

production and the other tank will be dedicated to calibrate

6.2.18.4 In-line water cut measurement from a field proven

6.2.18.5 The measurement of pressure upstream and downstream the

6.2.18.6 Power generators to supply power to all test equipment

6.2.18.7 Transportation trucks to mobilize or de-mobilize the trial

6.2.18.8 Data Acquisition system.

6.2.18.10 Monitoring and conducting trial test operations on location.

6.2.18.11 Well testing upstream equipment should meet or exceed a

6.2.18.12 Two 10,000 psi choke manifolds should be available if

6.2.18.13 The well testing equipment should be rated for corrosive

6.2.18.14 Supply power (110/220 volt AC) required to operate meters

6.2.18.15 Air conditioned office on site for their crew - including a

6.2.18.16 All necessary spare parts should be available on location.

6.2.18.17 All required chemicals and equipment (electrical centrifuge,

6.2.18.18 Accommodation, food and local transportation to their own