Well Surveillance with a Permanent Downhole Multiphase Flowmeter

Abstract

Summary Flow rate and fluid type (phase) are two of the most fundamental parameters needed to characterize well performance. Traditional methods of estimating these parameters, particularly for real-time detection and diagnosis of production anomalies, have been limited by sampling frequency and data quality. This paper presents field-test results of a new type of downhole multiphase flowmeter, which confirm the value of permanent downhole metering. The meter contains only three sensors but is capable of direct multiphase-flow-rate and cut measurements without slip models, even in highly deviated, recirculating flow. The physics basis and flow-loop tests are discussed.