Artificial Lift Optimization with Clamp-On Multiphase Flowmeter

Abstract This paper examines how clamp-on multiphase flowmeters can be used to optimize the performance of oilfield assets, such as artificial lift systems on unconventional wells. A clamp-on Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) multiphase metering system has been developed that can be rapidly installed on all, or some of the production flow lines of new wells or retrofitted to existing wells with zero intervention. The EMAT measurement approach is clamp-on and non-radioactive. Examples of EMAT real time field measurements shall be presented and how the resulting data can be used to improve asset performance/integrity. The workflow used to configure the meter prior to installation to the line shall be described. This includes empirical and physics-based flow analysis of reported well conditions based on pipe geometry, production data and PVT information plus in this case analysis of the dynamics of artificial lift systems for given wells. EMAT flowmeters were brought to multiple well sites and installed on producing flowlines downstream of the well heads where measurements were taken, and the configuration of the artificial lift system was noted. Results obtained were analyzed to assess the performance of the artificial lift systems. The EMAT flowmeter was installed on several wells with an installation time less than one hour and with zero intervention. In preparation for each well, simulations were performed using the Taitel and Dukler model [1,2] to predict the flow regime. Traditionally such simulations use average flow values as measured by the test separator, but in this case the real time, multiphase dynamics of the artificial lift system as measured by the EMAT meter can be taken into consideration, because in many cases the flow is fluctuating around this average value. EMAT real-time high frequency multiphase flow measurements were used to provide a more realistic simulation capability which cannot be delivered by conventional test separators. The EMAT flowmeter embellished simulations were used to deliver improved data for each well, thus providing a detailed understanding of the flow regime within the flow line. These data were then used to better understand the dynamics, flow regime and performance of the artificial lift system e.g. rapid identification of damaging conditions that can reduce the productivity and lifetime of downhole pumps. The EMAT measurement technique is a novel approach for multiphase clamp-on well monitoring. Using multiphase flow data, including high frequency measurement and assessment of flow regimes within the pipe, to assess artificial lift performance is unique and qualitatively different to typical applications such as well testing. Improving the performance of artificial lift can lead to larger scale objectives such as optimization across the reservoir.