Multiphase Flowmeter Comparison in Complex Field

Well testing is one of the most vital data obtained, which provides numerous information that is related to the well's performance. It is also important to acquire an accurate rate test for reliable allocation and production planning. This paper's objective is to analyze and compare the accuracy of two different types of multiphase flowmeter (MPFM) against a conventional portable test separator. These two types of MPFMs are from two different vendors and each has its own mechanism. A portable testing campaign was initiated with the intention of comparing the MPFMs’ phase rates against those of the separator. The portable testing unit (PTU) was connected downstream to the MPFMs, which were visited pre-campaign by their respective vendors and the required calibration was conducted. A total of 41 wells from various reservoirs and production conditions was evaluated with multirate tests. Overall, the results showed a considerable difference between the phase rates of the traditional test separator and those of the MPFMs regardless of the type where both MPFMs did not meet the minimum requirement of having an acceptable error percentage and only nearly 50% of the tests were within an error range of 10%. One MPFM marginally outperformed the accuracy of the other one. Two problematic regions with high discrepancy between the two metering types were identified either under low-liquid rates or high gas-volume fraction (GVF). Some identified causes will be discussed, which can be of high use by operators who are willing to conduct such comparisons.