Cost-Benefit Approach to Replacing Conventional Test Separators with Multiphase Flowmeters in Today's Well Performance Monitoring (PDF)

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2020 in the subject Energy Sciences, , language: English, abstract: In spite of advances in multiphase flowmeter technology since inception, test separators continue to hold relevance in well performance monitoring around the globe. This paper investigated the economic viability of replacing existing test separators with multiphase flowmeters in today's well performance monitoring using a cost-benefit approach for supporting management decision-making process. Data analysis using cost-benefit approach indicates that given the current procurement and installation cost for multiphase flowmeters, it is not economically viable to replace existing test separators with multiphase flowmeters on a per well basis. A sensitivity study showed companies may consider installing multiphase flowmeters on a per well basis for a facility with few producing wells but as more wells are drilled for expansion, multiphase flowmeter installation on per well basis loses its economic viability. The study supports leveraging synergies between multiphase flowmeter and multiport flow selector value technologies as a panacea for moving the needle on conventional test separator deployment.