Process Measurement & Control

CONVENTIONAL FIELD DESIGN

Gas And Liquid Transport

Production
Wells Separator

Test Separator

Central Storage
and Transfer
Gas And Liquid Transport
Central
Dehydration

Production
Wells Separator

Test Separator

AGAR Opportunity
Potential Growth Opportunity
 Pump & Trend Meter MULTIPHASE FIELD DESIGN
- Optimization Real Time Data Per Well
- Infrastructure Saving - Elimination of test
Wells
lines, Separation Centralization
Multiphase Meter
Multiphase Transport & Elimination of Field separation
Pump & Trend Meter & Multiphase
Allocation Metering - Economic Justification for marginal filed
development with commingle option
Wells

Multiphase Meter

Pump & Trend Meter Multiphase Transport

& Multiphase
Allocation Metering

Central Dehydration Central Storage

Wells Central Separation
and Transfer

Multiphase Meter

Multiphase Well Testing Services

Pump & Trend Meter

Wells
AGAR Opportunity
Multiphase Meter
Potential Growth Opportunity
MPFM Basic Calculation Logic

Measure Measure DP Measure DP Measure

Q(vol.) (mom1) (mom2) Watercut (c)

Calculate Calculate
Q(g), Q(l) Q(w), Q(o)

Display
Q(o), Q(g), Q(w)
 OFFSHORE
PORTABLE WELL TESTING
 AMDP-11/20 Agar Multiphase Meter
Conclusion
Use of Agar meter out-performed economics justification.
Quality data enables up to 135,000 m3/d LP gas reduction
(17% of single LP compressor capacity)
Quality data gives potential for 100m3/d oil production gain
(27% AMDP-11 oil rate increase)
The Agar MPFM show good repeatability between tests.
All the repeat test show good relations between the gas injection, wellhead
pressure ,gas out , and liquid flow rate.
Compare with the water cut sample show very good agreement. The
fluctuation in sample values track well with the MPFM readings.
All test was perform with wells that produce more then
99.5% GVF, water cut between 40% to 80%. Liquid flow
between 14 to 210 m3/d and gas flow between 14 to 40 sKm3/d.
GVF 99.9% - 99.5%.
 Tested MPFMs Limitations and Comments

MPFM LIMITATIONS COMMENTS

Measurements Accuracy are Affected by: Recommended for Wells:-

FRAMO - Fluid composition change - With stable fluid composition
(Nuclear DSGR with flow - Slugging flow - Non Slugging
conditioner) - High GVF> 60% - Low GVF < 60%

Measurement Accuracy are Affected by: Recommended for Wells:-

- Fluid composition change - Stable fluid composition
SCHLUMBERGER
- Slugging Flow - Non Slugging
(Nuclear DSGR)
- High GVF > 60%, High Salinity - Low GVF < 60%

Measurements Accuracy are Affected by: Not recommended

ROXAR / MFI - Fluid composition change Meter requires a reference
(Cross Correlation - Slugging flow testing tool for calibration to
Using Microwave) - High GVF >60%, High Salinity set it up.

AGAR
Measurement Accuracy are Affected by Recommended for:
Reliability of the PD Meter due to tear and All types of wells, all fluid
(Conventional – PD Meter with
wear. composition, all flow regimes
High Frequency Microwave)
and all operating conditions.

Osd ops pro manual- 4-sa/kpr

 Saudi Aramco - Journal of Technology - Spring 2000

Agar multiphase flow meter

The Agar 401 is a partial separation type metering system skid mounted with a 1.2 X 1.8 m (4 X 6
ft) footprint and design for rates up to 4.5 MB/D.
1) Fluid Flow Diverter®: Separates gas from the inflow and diverts it into a gas bypass loop
2) Vortex meter on gas leg;
3) Positive displacement meter to measure volumetric flow;
4) Momentum meter (multi port venture) to determine gas/ liquid fraction.
5) Microwave watercut monitor; and
6) Interface detector, to determine the continuity state of the liquid - water or oil continuous.

This meter was trial tested in 1998 at a gas oil

separation plant (GOSP) and the plant's test separator
was used as a reference measurement to evaluate
accuracy. The meter compared well with the test
separator. No significant problems or operational
failures occurred. Testing began in June 1999 on an
Agar MPFM designed for 15 MB/D liquids.
 AGAR Multiphase Technology
Performace
SPE 49161

Field Trial of a Multiphase Flow Meter

Peria G. Mohamed, SPE and Khaled H. Al Saif, SPE, Kuwait Oil Company

Excerpts
A Multiphase Flowmeter (MPFM) was installed in series with a conventional well testing
system (test separators and test tank) in an operating field in Kuwait.

A number of wells covering a wide range of Production rate (680 to 6130 bpd), Gas Oil
Ratio (207 to 889) and water cut (0-65%) were tested. The comparative results are
presented.

The MPFM results are more accurate, more repeatable than those of conventional
system and allows faster well testing.
Conclusion
There was no need for any input by operator on fluid
properties such as density or salinity.
Summary of Agar Multi-Phase Technology
Performance
• NO Prior Knowledge of Fluid Properties & NO Required Input
…There was no need for any input by operator on fluid properties such as density or salinity.
(SPE49161)
• Changing Salinity
…it’s performance was not affected by changes in salinity or density. (Arco)
…The Agar meter performs well with respect to variations in fluid velocity, viscosity,
salinity, pH, and temperature. The meter proved appropriate for use in both stable and
unstable conditions. (BP - Alaska)
• Measurement Accuracies
• At High Gas-Void Fractions
…MPFM 400, for high gas void fractions is capable of measuring gas contents as high as
99.9% and is an extension of Agar MPFM 300 series (limited to a maximum of 97.5%
gas) to which has been added a flow diverter. (Maraven Report)
• Slugging Conditions
…The meter performance was not affected by the salinity of the water used in the
tests. No influence of flow pattern or slug frequency was noted. The change between oil and
water continuous phases did not influence the meter performance” (NEL Report)
• Operator Attention
• No Need for recalibration
... The microwave device went through all three phases of the test without needing re-
adjustment. (OGJ article)
Agar Multiphase
Case Studies &
Installation
Photos
The Use of a Multiphase Flow Meter to
Optimize Gas Lift Well Operations

By: Dr. Atef A/Allah A/Hady,

Production Division Manager,
Gulf of Suez Petroleum Co
GUPCO Installation
Well 1 shown above demonstrates a stable gas lift operation with production
rates and injected gas rates appearing stable over the period of the test.
Well 2 indicates a serious problem with the well operation. Notice the severe heading in liquid
production and gas injection. The conclusion was that the well either had a bad gas lift design, a
mechanical failure of the gas lift valves, or communication between the casing and tubing. This
problem is easily shown by the Agar MPFM real-time data. This would have been virtually
impossible to find using only a standard test report.
The indications were that there was a mechanical failure in the gas lift valve or poor spacing of the
valves, which prohibited us from working down-hole to the lowest possible injection point.
Additionally, upon checking the characteristics of the produced water confirmed that all water was
from the producing formation.
GUPCO October Field - Minimum Structure
Platform
MPFM replaces 2 phase well tester sized
for 12,500 BBL/D and 550,000 ACFD
(actual)
Agar 400 Series MPFM,
Kuwait Oil Company
Petronas Pulai-A
ADCO
 Tested MPFMs Limitations and Comments

MPFM LIMITATIONS COMMENTS

Measurements Accuracy are Affected by: Recommended for Wells:-

FRAMO - Fluid composition change - With stable fluid composition
(Nuclear DSGR with flow - Slugging flow - Non Slugging
conditioner) - High GVF> 60% - Low GVF < 60%

Measurement Accuracy are Affected by: Recommended for Wells:-

- Fluid composition change - Stable fluid composition
SCHLUMBERGER
- Slugging Flow - Non Slugging
(Nuclear DSGR)
- High GVF > 60%, High Salinity - Low GVF < 60%

Measurements Accuracy are Affected by: Not recommended

ROXAR / MFI - Fluid composition change Meter requires a reference
(Cross Correlation - Slugging flow testing tool for calibration to
Using Microwave) - High GVF >60%, High Salinity set it up.

AGAR
Measurement Accuracy are Affected by Recommended for:
Reliability of the PD Meter due to tear and All types of wells, all fluid
(Conventional – PD Meter with
wear. composition, all flow regimes
High Frequency Microwave)
and all operating conditions.

Osd ops pro manual- 4-sa/kpr

Portable Unit for K.O.C.
Connected to the Well Head
EXCERPTS FROM AGAR MPFM EVALUATION REPORT
by KUWAIT OIL COMPANY
(Testing Conducted November, 1996 to March, 1997)

. . . This approach extends the overall measurement range,

especially for high GOR wells and reduces the overall
costs since it eliminates the need for a larger unit.

. . . without the need for any input by the operator on fluid

properties such as density or salinity.

. . . the algebraic average error is 1.4%, since positive

deviations and negative deviations cancel each other to
provide low net error.

. . . AGAR MPFM was able to detect the leakages through

the test header due to passing of valves.

. . . The MPFM is very user friendly. Any Operator can be

trained in a matter of a few hours.
 EXCERPTS FROM AGAR MPFM EVALUATION REPORT
by KUWAIT OIL COMPANY
(Testing Conducted November, 1996 to March, 1997)

Recommendations:

It is recommended to procure the AGAR MPFM due to the following reasons:

1 It meets the guaranteed performance accuracy (see section V1(2)iv.c

for reasons or apparent deviations).

2 It provides more accurate and more consistent readings than KOC's

existing measurement system.

3. The results are obtainable on-line and the well tests can be completed in a short
time. Though one hour tests are possible, it is suggested that well tests
are done for 2 hours duration. Thus, in a day, 6 wells can be easily tested (if
flowline conditions permit).

4 On-line monitoring of water-cut and gas will be helpful in better

management of high water-cut and high gas producing wells (i.e. due
to better understanding of the effect of choke size on water-cut and gas).
Anadarko’s Portable Well Testing in
Algeria
Portable Well Testing for Shell
Full Scale testing started on July 22, 1999
at the Shell Petroleum Development
Corporation (SPDC) Oroni Field in Nigeria
Test Report Conclusions
• Daily Reconciliation factors (total production versus sum of
individual wells) showed very good improvement with the MPFM
data
• Agar MPFM water cut measurements were accurate compared to
laboratory data (Dean and Stark method)
• Oil rate, Water cut, and Gas Oil Ratio measurements showed
good repeatability
• Wells with surging and slugging flow patterns can be identified

• The results show that the mobile Agar MPFM can be

used to calibrate test meter
Petrobras Venezuela
MEM Certification
TANK ACTUAL RESULTS WC Samples

Tank
MPFM Error #1 #2 #3 #4 MPFM WC Samples WC
Rate
Average Average
(bpd) % (bpd) Time Result Time Result Time Result Time Result

815.8 -0.03% -0.3 15:26 90.51% 15:32 86.17% 3:33 87.90% 4:05 85.80% 88.5% 87.6%

2739.9 -2.73% -74.9 11:38 83.30% 12:45 86% 13:32 84.80% 16:33 88.90% 87.1% 85.9%

2753.5 -3.16% -87.1 12:17 84.60% 13:33 85% 15:28 87.50% 16:22 84.60% 86.6% 85.3%
AGARCORP DE VENEZUELA C.A.
SERVICIOS DE PRUEBA DE POZOS
AGARCORP DE VENEZUELA C.A.
SERVICIOS DE PRUEBA DE POZOS
AGARCORP DE VENEZUELA C.A.
SERVICIOS DE PRUEBA DE POZOS
 Successful High Temp
MPFM Installation in Canada -
Temperatura - 450F
 HOT OFF THE PRESS –
SPE 89870, September 2004
37 MPFMs –
7 years experience in
Venezuelan Heavy Oil
BASIS FOR SELECTION OF
AGAR MPFM
Foto de Equipo en Petrozuata
 CONCLUSIONS –
MPFM – ENABLING
Technology
2-phase Vs 3-phase Well
Testing
 OW-200 Introduction
OW-200 is Independent of:

 fluid velocity
 salinity
 pH
 viscosity
 temperature
 density

We always talk in terms of % water not % oil.

 PRINCIPAL OF 0PERATION
The second generation AGAR (OW-200 series)
water-cut monitor is the only microwave water-
cut meter on the market able to measure
hydrocarbon/water mixtures over the full range
of 0-100% with an accuracy of +/-1% with
varying salinity conditions. The meter measures
any liquid-in-liquid concentration levels using a
patented microwave measurement technique
 Basic Operation
TX - RX in a pipe - Microwave Frequency
We want to measure the permittivity or
dielectric of the fluid or “epsilon”

Transmitter broadcasts -
Receiver captures the microwave
signal at transmission as acted on by the
fluid
PAMS - measures the effect of the fluid on the
broadcast signal by comparing the received signal
to the transmitted.
Sensor
OW sensor contains three microwave antennas: two receiving
antennas and one transmitting. They are placed inside of 2,3 or 4”
ID spool piece. Sensor contains also a High Frequency Interface
Detector (ID) and temperature sensor. ID allows to determine a
status of the oil/water mixture.

TS ID

2.45 GHz

To PAMS
To PAMS
RX Short TX RX Long
 Oil & Gas Journal
Oct. 2, 2000; Pages 97-100
“Test verifies water-cut meter accuracy in Steam-
flood”
ARCO COMPARATIVE TEST
“The microwave device went through all three phases of the test
without needing re-adjustment.
As previously noted both density and dielectric devices had to be
readjusted for changes in water and oil properties during the first and
second phase of the test. The adjustments were necessary; otherwise,
the device would not read the proper water cut. “
Observations
As noted in this field test, the capacitance probe does not track the water cut
in a water continuous stream.
The density and dielectric devices can track the water cut on-line, but any
change in fluid properties would require a field intervention to adjust these
devices. To conduct this field intervention, the operator must determine the
accurate fluid properties. The devices, otherwise, will not record the correct
water-cut measurement.
The microwave device tracked the water cut accurately without the need for
field intervention.
Watercut Meter - No effect by
Salinity
Tx Rx

Signal Transmission Signal Reception

Agar measures propagation time, T.
T is proportional to complex epsilon.

Complex Epsilon =
Real Epsilon + Conductivity/(i*Omega*Constant)

Agar works at Omega which is about 25 times larger

than that of its competitors, therefor, the effect of salinity
difference is 25 times smaller.
 Wavelength in WOM at frequency 100MHz.
120

110
S=0%
100 S=2%
S=5%
90 S=10%
S=0.5%
80
S=1%
Wavelegth, cm

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105
WC,%
 Wavelength in WOM at frequency 2.45GHz
5.0

4.5 S=0%
S=0.5%
S=1%
4.0 S=2%
S=5%
3.5 S=10%
Wavelength,cm

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105
WC,%
FIELD INSTALLATION – Over 40 units
in High Temp. Application, Canada
OW 202
 A Test Separator,
somewhere in Canada…
MPFM Benefits Vs. 3 & 2 Phase
Separators

• Recent study by major oil companies showed:

- 60% of workovers gave 0% increase in
production!
- $10 - 15m/yr. wasted
- Worked over wrong well
- Bad well test data - biggest culprit
• Agar MPFM provides:
- Faster well testing
- More accurate data
- Well Optimization
Multi-Phase Flow Patterns and Regimes
Agar MPFM Design Approach
-No nuclear radioactive source
-Able to handle all flow regimes
-No knowledge of fluid properties
needed
-Unaffected by paraffin or asphaltine
deposition
-Both oil-continuous and water-
continuous
-True MPFM (not a sampling device)
-Self Verification
Shown here is the 300 series meter showing the positive displacement meter for total
volumetric, momentum for GVF and Water Cut meter for %water ...
Reference Testing
 Summary of Proven
Capability
-Over 10,000 data points collected by
several independent industry evaluations
-Self verification
-Demonstrated capability to accurately
measure data over all flow regimes, tested
throughout wide range of crude gravities,
gas ratios, and water cuts.
-No field calibration was ever needed
-The MPFM provides real time production
trending
Statistical Analysis of the
Tests
Fluid Average Average Percent
Reference Agar Error
Oil 16.5 GPM 16.21 GPM 1.3%

Water 17.42 GPM 18 GPM 3.3%

Liquid 33.94 GPM 34.72 GPM 2.3%

Gas 60.33 CFM 58.22 CFM 3.5%

Total 485 GPM 470 GPM 3.1%

 Traditional Thinking -
Multiphase Thinking
 May need to modify traditional thinking
 Measure volume of total flow including gas, oil
and water at ACTUAL conditions
 No separation of gas, oil and water phases
 No up front data input required on well production
characteristics
 No field calibration needed even if fluid
characteristics vary significantly
 Real time, online continuous data
 Volume Occupied By Gas
Total Oil Water GOR Gas GVF
flow
500 400 100 600 240 MCF/D 85%

(120F 250psi)
Rates For the Above Conditions
Production Multiphase Multiphase Multiphase
Rate Rate (720 psi) Rate (250psi) Rate (50psi)
500 BBL/D 1,490 BBL/D 3,350 BBL/D 14,750 BBL/D
 Typical Meter Size
and GVF Relationship
 MPFM 301 Capacities

25000
MPFM 301-20
GVF
20 %
10 % 30 %
40 %
20000 MPFM 301-30

50 %

MPFM 301-40
Liquid B FPD

15000

60 %

Well Data
10000
70 %

5000 80%

90%

0
0 20000 40000 60000 80000 100000 120000 140000
Gas ACFD
 401 MPFM Capacities

25000

GVF
401 20-20
50 %
60 % 70 %
80 %
20000
401 30-30

90 %
401 30-40
15000
Liquid BLPD

401 40-40

10000
95 %
401 40-60

5000

98 %

Gas ACFD
 MPFM 301 Capacities

25000
MPFM 301-20
GVF
20 %
10 % 30 %
40 %
20000 MPFM 301-30

50 %

MPFM 301-40

Liquid B FP D
15000

60 %

Well Data
10000
70 %

5000 80%

90%

0
0 20000 40000 60000 80000 100000 120000 140000
Gas ACFD

401 MPFM Capacities

25000

GVF
401 20-20
50 %
60 % 70 %
80 %
20000
401 30-30

90 %
401 30-40
Liquid BLPD

15000

401 40-40

10000
95 %
401 40-60

5000

98 %

Gas ACFD
 Agar MPFM 401 on an
Offshore Rig. Gupco, Egypt
RESULTS
 PORTABLE
WELL TESTING
Mobile Well Testing - Shell Oroni Field - Nigeria
Unit Acquired in June 1999
Portable Unit for K.O.C.
Connected to the Well Head
Anadarko’s Portable Well Testing in
Algeria
Well Testing at Ameriven
Portable Well Testing, Caltex
Indonesia
Production increases as the rate of diluent injection increases. At some point of diluent
injection, the production is at its maximum. Further addition of diluent reverses the effect and
production begins to decline. The Agar MPFM provides real time data which allows for
diluent optimization
 Appendix A
Customers Testimonials
Testimony # 2 - From Texaco's JIP report Executive Summary. Tests were conducted in November 1994 at the Humble multiphase
loop.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Agar APFM 301 multiphase flow meter is intended for metering oil, water, and gas multiphase flow
production streams with gas fractions from 0 to 97 % (at metering pressure and temperature conditions). A two inch MPFM-301
was tested at Texaco's Humble Flow Facility over a range of methane gas, crude oil, and water flow rates. The test conditions
included:

multiphase flow streams with meter inlet gas fractions from 2 to 93%
single phase flow streams,
inlet volumetric rates from 9 to 120gpm (309 - 4,114 BBL/D)
water cuts from 0 to 100 % and
three different inlet piping configurations to provide meter inlet test Streams short to long slug lengths

The MPFM 301 determines the oil, water, and gas rates via three stacked components: an oval gear meter, dual Venturi run, and
a microwave-based water fraction monitor. The ovalgear meter on the tested two-inch meter limited the total inlet volumetric rate
to 4526 bbl/d. The flow rate turndown for the MPFM-301 is over 20to1 at gas fractions between 30 and 40 %; the turndown
decreases outside of this gas fraction range e.g., to 3.3 to1 at a gas fraction of 95% and to 1to1 at a gas fraction of 97%.
Relatively speaking, the MPFM 301 has very small error specification for a multiphase flow meter. For the oil rate and for
the water rate error specifications are the larger of 10 % of value and 2 % of full scale. For the gas rate the error specification is
the larger of 10 % of value and 5 % of full scale.

Pressure fluctuations and possible inventory changes are presumed to be the cause of the differences between the MPFM-301
and loop measurements for the well configuration tests. Limited analysis indicates that inventory changes were probably not a
significant cause. Pressure fluctuations may degrade the results in several ways One improvement intended for applications with
pressure fluctuations, especially at relatively low pressures, is to have the gas rate reported at standard conditions rather than at
actual conditions. This reporting change should be implemented in field production applications as well as in laboratory testing.

The MPFM-301 data showed no apparent correlation between gas fraction and accuracy of gas, oil, and water rates.
Typically, the MPFM-301 oil rate errors were as large at very low oil rates as at higher oil rates - presumably this is due
to the difficulties of determining oil fraction accurately with a multiphase measurement and a less then perfect gas
fraction measurement.

The MPFM-301 did not show any signs of being fooled by the multiphase stream and consequently always reported
reasonable oil, water, or gas flow rates.
 Testimony #5 - From SPE paper 36594, "Field tests of a high gas volume fraction multiphase
meter" B. Tuss, SPE, Conoco, Inc.; D. Perry, Conoco, Inc.; G. Shoup, SPE, Amoco
Corporation. October 1996.

"Tests were conducted during November, 1995 by Agar Corporation, Conoco, Inc.,
and Amoco Corporation at the Conoco Multiphase Test Facility near Lafayette,
Louisiana, to demonstrate the performance of a novel high gas volume faction
multiphase meter. This paper describes how the meter works, summarizes the
results of these field tests and discusses the application of the flow meter."

"As noted by the plots in Figure 7 through 10, the meter can measure oil, water,
gas and liquid rates of a multiphase stream within the accuracy specification
stated in Table 1 under the very wide variety of flow conditions represented by the
text matrix. Figure 11 shows the total (oil+water+gas) flow rates as determined by
the meter to have an accuracy of about 2% of reading when compared with a
reference test loop..."
 Testimony #6 - From the Caltex (Indonesia) Newsletter, March 1997.

Every oil well must have historical data, like its capacity in producing oil along with gas and produced water. From
these data, CPI can then discover accurately the characteristics of the oil well, including its oil type and its reserve.
To get data of the oil well performances, CPI is using an instrument called Micro ‑motion. Using this instrument, well
testing is carried out through two or three ‑phase separation processes. The two ‑phase separation is the separation of
production fluids into gas and liquid, whereas the three ‑phase is the separation of production fluids into the elements
of oil, water, and gas.
The well testing finishes as the three fluid elements ‑ oil, water, and gas ‑ are measured according to their currents
and flows. From these measurements, people can calculate the capacity of the oil well in producing crude. If water is
produced more than the usual, it means that the well has a problem.
"Being equipped with such data, Well Services team can immediately go to the fields and fix the problem so that oil
well production can be reoptimized," said Ary Yunianto, Design & Construction Engineer from Bekasap SBU.
Considering the importance of testing device, CPI feels it necessary to get the latest device of the more sophisticated
technology to replace the Micro‑motion instrument. The new device is called multi ‑phase flow meter (MPFM),
which, since March 1996, has undergone its trial use in the Bekasap oil field.
"The result is quite satisfactory. Beside its magnificent speed, the new instrument can give CPI the performance data
of an oil well more accurately. In its operation, MPFM measures the current and flow of oil, water, and gas without
separation processes," expressed Dhani Satria Dharma, Design and Construction Engineer from Bekasap SBU.
CPI has currently installed four MPFM facilities, three units at the Bekasap gathering station and one at Aman oil
field test station. It is planned that due to their satisfactory results, CPI will use the new devices in the Bekasap oil
field area, where production is presently optimized by means of water injection technology.
To make these devices effective, Design & Construction ‑ Bekasap AMT has trained its field operators so that they
have basic knowledge on how to operate and maintain these well testing facilities.
"After attending the training, the operators are expected to be able to operate MPFM units appropriately
and in case of any disorder, they can manage the problem in the earliest possible way," revealed Dhani."
Testimony #7 - An article from Maraven's (currently, PDVSA) newsletter, August 1997.

A multi-phase flow meter -New technology for well testing

In order to optimize its production operations, Maraven, through its Production Technology Department, with Intevep's
support, started a multi-phase flow meter for high gas void fractions (GVF) and high gas/oil ratios (GOR) in Barua V
Flow Station, located in DOP's Barua-Motatan field, as an alternative to traditional well testing system.
Emilio Guevara, Production Technology Fluid Management Superintendent, stated that the flow meter, Agar
MPFM-400, for high gas void fractions is capable of measuring gas contents as high as 99.9% and is an extension
of Agar MPFM-300 series (limited to a maximum of 97.5% gas) to which has been added a flow diverter. This
diverter, using the difference in momentum between phases, diverts most of the free gas in the multi-phase stream (oil-
water-gas) towards a bypass, whilst the remaining portion continues through the multi-phase flow meter. The gas is
measured in the bypass line before it is combined again to the mainstream at the MPFM-300 outlet where total gas, oil
and water are computed.
Both gas portions are added and the result is a meter capable of measuring gas-dominant flow streams with an accuracy
of +/-10% of relative error and whose results appear in the screen as shown in the figure. This approach extends the
measuring range, especially for the GOR, and reduces costs eliminating the need of a bigger unit. The meter is currently
under evaluation in Barua V flow station and is connected in series with the test separator. Results to date are
satisfactory, demonstrating once more, the equipment versatility as a substitute to well testing separator. Unlike it, the
MPFM measures simultaneously and in real time, each phase flow (oil, water and gas). In the table shown, an example of
performed measurements is presented.
The use of this technology in future developments is important since it reduces space and costs (inversion/operation),
improves well test (more representative data and shorter test times/costs), which is important for Reservoir, Production
and Operations Departments. Real time data allows a more efficient and continuous remote supervision, thus reducing
deferred production due to failures. It is important to emphasize also that, for performing a particular well test, this
meter does not require fluid characterization (API gravity, gas or crude oil composition, viscosity, water cut,
salinity).
Economic feasibility studies, based upon conventional systems (test separator and heater) have demonstrated it is
possible to save up to 35%, depending on application and field conditions.
 Testimony #8 - From SPE paper 38784, "Performance Test of a High Gas Volume Fraction Multiphase
Meter in a producing Field", Charles C. Ngai, SPE, Michael D. Brown, Pan Canadian Petroleum Ltd..,
Parviz Medizadeh, SPE, Consultant. September 1997.

"A high gas volume fraction multiphase flow meter was installed and tested in PanCanadian
Petroleum Ltd.. Rockford Battery. The performance testing was conducted from June 1996 to
September 1996. This paper describes the the multiphase meter, the battery well test facility and test
results of a high gas volume fraction multiphase meter in a producing field...Over 50 well tests from
7 producing wells were measured with a water oil ratio (WOR) range from 0-96.2% and a gas oil
ratio (GOR) range from 41 to 284 m3/m3. Maximum average gas volume fraction encountered in
these tests was 96.6%.
Test results showed excellent agreement between the multiphase meter and the well test facility. The
MPFM-401-20-20 met all its manufacturer's specified accuracies. The meter also showed its real
time diagnostic capability for producing wells. It demonstrated the flow characteristics of a
horizontal well at different draw downs. The real time data collected was analyzed and used to
optimize the well and troubleshoot the artificial lift equipment.

As illustrated in the plots, the measurement of oil, water and gas by the test meter were
well within the specifications...For water cut, the accuracy was well within 5%..."
Testimony #9 - From an acceptance test report written by Wayne Lake, an Amoco
instrumentation specialist, January 1998 .

"Test Overview. The subject meter was tested/witnessed on 10/3/97 at EnFab’s facility in Houston,
Texas. EnFab does not have a multiphase calibration loop so Agar purchased/rented and installed
compressors, coolers, pumps and meters for a variable rate, air/water multiphase flow test facility to
cover the specified range of the meter and reportedly GUPCO’s gas lift applications. The test grid
roughly covered 0-120 psi, 500-3500 BPD of water and 100-600 MACFD of air. The reference
meters consisted of a bank of four vortex shedding devices for air and a Brooks Oval gear meter for
water. The estimated uncertainty of the reference meters is approximately < +/- 1 % for water and <
+/- 2 % for air.

Test Results. The one minute averages from the Agar MPFM tracked the reference meters well
within the specifications after a system stabilization period for gas fractions up to 99.6 %. The
maximum pressure drop observed was 5-6 psi."
 Testimony #10 - From "The use of a multiphase Flow Meter to optimize
Gas Lift Well Operations" by Dr. Atef A/Allah A/Hady, Production
Division Manager, Gulf of Suez Petroleum Co. Presented at the
"Multiphase Metering for Offshore Production", IBC Conference, held in
Houston, Texas, March 1998.
"This paper will discuss the use of a multiphase flow meter to optimize gas lift field operations. In particular, it will compare
analysis methods for individual well’s performance using an Agar Multiphase Flow Meter versus standard nodal analysis. It
will cover Gupco’s field experience with the Agar MPFM-401.

For many years the industry standard for gas lift well optimization was based on nodal analysis using field-proven
flowing pressure correlation for vertical and horizontal flow. In almost all cases, it has been impossible to accurately
make the predicated model results match the reported well test data, or obtain a material balance for the field. This
has occurred chiefly because of the inability to obtain accurate and repeatable well test results using standard testing
methods. The time required to test and analyze an individual well was restricted, since the test separator is normally
in use and dedicated to standard field operations. By using a multiphase flow meter, Gupco’s engineers were able to
obtain accurate real time data of well production and review the effects of changing the operating parameters of an
individual well. By using the data acquired, not only were the operators able to achieve better results in individual
well performance, but they were also able to approach a material balance for field production. The use of a
multiphase flow meter allowed Gupco to overcome the problems outlined above.

To use a multiphase flow meter for optimization, Gupco first had to consider the required operating
characteristics of such a meter. Gupco needed a meter that would be accurate and easily transported between
individual wells. The meter was also not to be affected by changes in fluid properties such as density or salinity.
It was imperative to choose a meter that was capable of handling high gas volume fractions, as large as
99%, since gas lift wells fall under this category. The meter was also to accurately measure in all flow
regimens. This is due to the fact that gas lift wells generally present the entire spectrum of flow regimes in pipes.
Gupco had several choices of commercially available multiphase flow meters, yet our choice was the Agar
MPFM-401, as it was the only meter that could match our desired operating guidelines."
Testimony #11 - From SPE paper # 49161 "Field Trial of a Multiphase Flowmeter", Peria
G. Mohamed, SPE; Kaled H. Al Saif, SPE, Kuwait Oil Company, September 1998, and
from the field test final report.

A Multiphase Flowmeter (MPFM) was installed in series with a conventional well testing system (test separators and test tank)
in an operating field in Kuwait. The MPFM employs a positive displacement meter, a venturimeter and a microwave meter to
measure the flow of total fluid, gas and water respectively. A bypass loop with a vortex shedding flowmeter enables measurement of a
large range of gas flow rate. A number of wells covering a wide range of Production rate (680 to 6130 bpd), Gas Oil Ratio (207 to
889) and water cut (0-65%) were tested. The comparative results are presented. The MPFM results are more accurate, more
repeatable than those of conventional system and allows faster well testing. An insight into the behavior of MPFM at
varying field conditions and useful information on issues related to range and accuracy are presented. Useful hints to those companies
interested in testing/procuring Multiphase Flowmeters are also presented.
Conclusions:
The MPFM was field tested over wide range of Production rate (680 to 6130 bpd), Gas Oil Ratio (207 to 889) and water cut (0-
65%). The average errors in liquid production rate and gas rate for 32 tests are 5.84% and 7.5% respectively. It provides more
accurate and more consistent results than conventional measurement (reference)."
Recommendations:
It is recommended to procure the AGAR MPFM due to the following reasons:
1. It meets the guaranteed performance accuracy (see section V1(2)iv.c for reasons or apparent deviations).
2. It provides more accurate and more consistent readings than KOC's existing measurement system.
3. The results are obtainable on-line and the well tests can be completed in a short time. Though one hour tests are possible, it is
suggested that well tests are done for 2 hours duration. Thus, in a day, 6 wells can be easily tested (if flowline conditions permit).
4. On-line monitoring of water-cut and gas will be helpful in better management of high water-cut and high gas producing
wells (i.e. due to better understanding of the effect of choke size on water-cut and gas).

. . . This approach extends the overall measurement range, especially for high GOR wells and reduces the overall costs since it
eliminates the need for a larger unit.
. . . without the need for any input by the operator on fluid properties such as density or salinity.
. . . the algebraic average error is 1.4%, since positive deviations and negative deviations cancel each other to provide low net error.
… The AGAR MPFM was able to detect the leakages through the test header due to bypassing of valves. . .
…The MPFM is very user friendly. Any Operator can be trained in a matter of a few hours
Testimony #12 - From "Multiphase Flow Metering Experience in the Venezuelan Oil industry" by Aaron Padron and
Emilio Guevara. Presented at the 7th Unitar International Conference on Heavy crude and Tar Sands. February
1999

"FLUID PROPERTIES AND TEST CONDITIONS

° FLUID PROPERTIES
CRUDE OIL °API Gravity 9.3 to 15.8 °C - Viscosity 20 Pa.s to 38 °C -1 to 5 % Water cut
PRODUCED WATER NaCl content range of 5000 to 9000 ppm
GAS Specific Gravity 0.623 - 93% methane 6% CO2

° TEST CONDITIONS
TEMPERATURE 60 to 84 ° C
OIL VISCOSITY 0.2 to 20 Pas
GOR 5.5 to 44.5 m3/m3
WATER CUT 0 to 100%
SALINITY 100 to 20000 ppm

CONCLUSIONS:
THE 301 MULTIPHASE METER PERFORMANCE DURING THE TEST PROGRAM CONDUCTED WITH EXTRA HEAVY
OIL, SHOWED THAT IT IS A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE FOR CRUDE OIL WITH SO LOW API GRAVITY IT HAS BEEN
ABLE TO MEASURE THE INDIVIDUAL OIL, WATER AND GAS FLOW RATE WITHIN THE ACCURACY OF 10%
(RELATIVE ERROR)

GOOD PERFORMANCE WAS SHOWED WHEN HEAVY OIL IS COMING FROM STEAM INJECTION PROCESS

MULTIPHASE METERING FOR HIGH GAS VOLUME FRACTION COULD BE OBTAINED, BY PARCIAL SEPARATION
AND MEASUREMENT OF THE GAS.

MULTIPHASE METERING FOR HEAVY AND EXTRAHEAVY CRUDE OIL IS COMMERCIALY AVAILABLE
Testimony #13 - A letter by Petrozuata's Lead Project Engineer, December, 1999

Petrozuata C.A.Av.. Intercomunal Adrés Bello

Jess D. McConnell Sector Las Garzas, Centro Comercial MT, Piso 2.
Puerto La Cruz, Estado Anzoátequi, Venezuela
Leader - Project Engineering Telf.: +(58) 081.80.7001
Production Technical Services Fax: +(58) 081.80.7010
Jess.McConnell@Petrozuata.com

Agar Corporation
Attention: Jo Agar (joagar@attglobel.net)
Subject: Agar MPFM 300 Performance
Jo,
Per our conversation, I would like to make the following comments regarding the Agar MPFM 300 meters that are in
service within our Zuata field near San Diego de Cabrutica, Venezuela:
We are currently using the Agar MPFM 300 meter for well performance and production allocation measurements.
We received our first meter in February 1998. At this writing, have over a year of operating history with the
MPFM 300 meters in a variety of well conditions.
The measured fluid is an extra-heavy crude (8-9 API) and diluent (currently a 30 API crude) blended
to 16 API. Gas varies from 100 to over 200 GOR.

23 meters have been placed in service to date. A total of 33 meters have been purchased. Meter
accuracy is consistent with the manufacturer’s specifications and Petrozuata design expectations.
Meter performance has been independently verified in both controlled and field operating
conditions. Agar has actively supported testing and meter optimization for our service.

Petrozuata currently maintains a good working relationship with Agar Corporation and appreciates the time and
effort that has been involved in advancing this project. Please let me know if I can be of any additional service.
Sincerely,
 Appendix - B

Spe Paper 36593

Excerpts from SPE 36593 Multiphase
Flow Measurement Using Multiple Energy
Gamma Ray Absorption (MEGRA)
Composition Measurement

Annual SPE, October 1996, Denver, Colorado

A.M. Scheers and W.F.J. Slijkerman,
Shell International Exploration and Production B.V. - Research and Technical Services, The Netherlands

...Accuracy considerations. The uncertainty in the phase fraction calculation is due to the statistical
behavior of the radioactive decay. It can be demonstrated that the absolute uncertainty in the oil fraction,
compared to those of water and gas fractions, is always largest (Ref. 11).
It is also obvious that the maximum absolute uncertainty in oil fraction occurs with the lowest count rate, e.g.
with 100% of saline water. Influence of Fluid Properties. The 100% water reference count rates for the
lower energies, as required in the DEGRA calibration, are strongly dependent on the salinity of the
production water. This is because salt has a higher absorption coefficient compared to water. Systematic
errors in the measured water, oil and gas fractions will occur if the salinity of the production water
changes and the 100% water reference count rate is not corrected. In many potential multiphase metering
applications, the salinity of the production water will indeed vary in time and it might also be different
for each well drilled in the same reservoir. In water-injection reservoirs, for example, the salinity will
change from formation water salinity to injection-water salinity.
It should be noted that the problem of salinity changes is not unique to the gamma ray absorption
technique.
Also conductivity measurement techniques, often used in situations of water external emulsions, are
influenced by salinity changes. (Ref. 13).
Fig, 7 the production water salinity for the wells of a North the Sea reservoir are shown as measured in January
and June 1993. It not only shows that salinity is different for each well in the same reservoir, but also that in a
6 months period the concentration varied. Salinity for some wells has changed by more than 10 kg/m 3.
Also horizontal and/or vertical gradients in formation water be salinity across the reservoir may occur. Ref. 12
presents an example where such gradients can lead to salinity variations much larger than 10 kg/rn 3
THANK YOU!

QUESTIONS?