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Case Studies
Described below are a number of case studies that illustrate unique calibrations, tests, and consulting projects.
Secondary Production Eductors
Testing was conducted to evaluate and characterize the performance of eductors used to enhance oil production. This particular eductor design operated with high pressure gas an energy source. Testing involved flowing 4000 psi compressed air at various mass flowrates to the eductor inlet and measuring the flow of liquid drawn into the eductor at various supply pressures. A second set of tests was conducted using two phase flow as the motive fluid. Efficiency and sizing design information of the eductors was determined from the test results.
Coal Bed Methane Measurement Pod
"Pod" is a term that refers to the use of multiple orifice meters flowing into a common discharge header. Line pressure for all of the orifice flow meters is measured at a common point on the discharge header therefore reducing instrumentation costs. This project initially involved testing of pod based flow measurement for a natural gas production company. The goal of the testing was to get Bureau of Land Management approval for pod based flow measurement. The Bureau of Land Management initially rejected the producers application which resulted in CEESI becoming a technical advisor to both parties. CEESI developed a technically acceptable solution based on sound measurement practices and supported by testing. The solution involved the development of a custom expansion factor as well as special tests to answer specific questions concerning the performance of the pod based system flowing a saturated gas stream. The proposed solution was ultimately accepted by both parties.
Two Phase Flow Testing
In 1999 CEESI began operation of the Wet Gas Test Facility (WGTF). In addition to this facility, CEESI has completed several other test programs involving mixed phases. Testing was performed for the Gas Research Institute to determine the effect of small amounts of oil on the accuracy of orifice flow measurement. Small amounts of liquid were introduced into the flow measurement system in a controlled manner by coating the internals of the orifice meter tubes and the orifice plate surfaces with oil. The orifice measurement errors were determined for various combinations of oil coated surfaces. Testing was conducted on a range of pipe sizes from 2" to 10". Test results showed that small amounts of liquid can cause under measurement of natural gas. Results of the testing program were of great interest to the natural gas industry because small amounts of liquid are often present in natural gas systems.
Oil Production Allocation Process
This project involved the analysis of an oil production allocation system. Several turbine meters were used to allocate production measured by a LACT unit and barge sales. The analysis considered the effect of oil viscosity, temperature, gravity, BS&W and shrinkage. The calibration history for each meter was reviewed and new calibration data were obtained over a viscosity range. Several different allocation scenarios were prepared based on the results of the analysis.
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