Standard for Multiphase Flow Meters Critical to Speed Adoption in the Oilfield

ARC, a strong and long-standing proponent of standards in general, has been covering the market for multiphase flow metering solutions for several years now.  Our research indicates that testing and validating these solutions remains the most critical factor in driving greater adoption among owner-operators, independent E&P players, and related stakeholders. ARC was encouraged to learn that flow measurement services provider, NEL, will be leading the development of a new multiphase flow measurement standard for the oil and gas industry.

According to NEL, demand continues to grow for multiphase meters to cope with complex fluid mixtures from ageing fields with depleting reserves, but there is no internationally accepted standard for the testing these devices.  The new standard should provide operators and regulatory authorities with more confidence in testing procedures and results, ensuring measurement accuracy and reducing financial risks.

Dr. Michael Reader-Harris, principal consultant at NEL, is expected to lead the program to develop a new technical report in collaboration with other multiphase specialists in other parts of the world.  “Multiphase flow meters were developed in the early 1990s to address the need for the economical development of marginal, deeper, and more complex fields,” he said. “While industry recognizes the vital role these meters will play in the shift to subsea production, the international standards required to ensure flow measurement accuracy have not materialized.  This burgeoning meter market needs international guidelines, and our project will ensure consistency and reduce risk.”

At ARC’s 21^st Industry Forum next week in Orlando, one of the sessions “Leveraging Smart Field Systems to Create Value in Process Industries” will address the topic of multiphase flow metering and the importance of standards and testing/validation.  We hope to see you in Orlando next week.  However, if you are unable to attend, please feel free to drop me a line at tshea@arcweb.com if you are interested in participating in our upcoming Multiphase Flow Metering Solutions market analysis report update. We welcome feedback from one and all.