DNV GL
PRESS RELEASE
3rd June 2015
DNV GL JIP INVESTIGATES ACCURACY OF FLOW
METER TECHNOLOGY FOR PHASE CONTAMINATED
OIL FLOWS
World Gas Conference, Paris: Accurate allocation measurement results are a key
financial and commercial driver for E&P companies. Yet despite limited evidence of
the performance of Coriolis and ultrasonic flow meter technology, they are being
increasingly deployed for single phase oil flows contaminated with water or
natural gas. DNV GL has initiated a Joint Industry Project (JIP), now open for
industry partners, E&P companies and manufacturers to join, to assess the
capability and feasibility of the meters.
Coriolis and ultrasonic flow meters are widely accepted for application in single phase oil
flows by the oil industry. However, there is little validation nor independent test results to
support the claim that they produce accurate allocation measurement results. Inaccurate
results related to the oil flow can present both operational and financial risks by negatively
influence decision making and understanding of operational efficiency. The JIP will therefore
provide testing guidelines, a performance assessment and correction algorithms as a
foundation for using Coriolis and ultrasonic flow meters for phase contaminated oil flows.
“Accurate measurement of the production of oil fields is an important means of reducing the
financial risks that Exploration & Production (E&P) companies face in allocation processes.
Yet more and more we see the application of these meters in phase contaminated oil flows,
despite limited evidence of their performance,” said Dennis van Putten, Expert Multiphase
Flow Metering, DNV GL - Oil & Gas. “There is still a lack of common understanding of the
multiphase phenomena within the industry and no systematic approach to the use of these
technologies in such conditions. Biases will occur in phase contaminated flows and an
accepted correction algorithm is required as an important step towards qualifying Coriolis
meters and ultrasonic flow meters in these situations.”
To achieve this correction algorithm, a test programme will be performed under conditions
close to real field situations (oil /water/ natural gas mixtures). These conditions can be
created in DNV GL’s Multiphase Flow Facility in Groningen, The Netherlands. “We have more
than 30 years gas flow measurement experience and we designed and constructed this new
facility for these types of tests in 2013. Its value has already been recognised by the
industry,” van Putten explained.
“We have already seen a great deal of interest in this project from the industry. The value
for E&P companies in joining this JIP is in finding solutions which can mitigate the large
financial risks present in production allocation systems,” said Bert Tinge, Senior Business
Development Manager, DNV GL - Oil & Gas.
Coriolis and ultrasonic flow meter manufacturers are participating in the JIP. “By being part
of the project, the manufacturers will gain valuable insight into the performance of their
own technology under single phase conditions contaminated with small fractions of water
and gas. The JIP will provide them with a route to broad industrial acceptance and
corresponding access to the market,” Tinge continues.
Industry partners, E&P companies and manufacturers interested in taking part in the JIP are
welcome to join the launch meeting on 24th June, 2015 at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in
The Netherlands.
Industrial parties interested in further information about the JIP should contact:
René Bahlmann
Project Manager
DNV GL Oil & Gas
Groningen, The Netherlands
Tel: +31507009703
E-mail: Rene.Bahlmann@dnvgl.com
Images of the spokespeople and DNV GL’s Multiphase Flow Facility in Groningen are
available to download here
http://production.presstogo.com/mars/public_sharing.lb?p_colshar_id=12231&p_hash=8D9
7. Images should be credited to DNV GL.
Ends
Photo Caption: Located at Groningen in the Netherlands, DNV GL’s Multiphase Flow Laboratory (MPFL)
allows equipment manufacturers and oil and gas companies to test, validate and calibrate multiphase
technologies, such as separators and flow meters for oil and gas production, and flow meters for gas
measurement and trading.
For media enquiries or images, please contact:
Elinor Turander
Head of Media Relations
DNV GL - Oil & Gas
Tel: +953 35 795
E-mail: Elinor.turander@dnvgl.com
Cathrine Torp
VP Communications director
DNV GL Oil & Gas
Tel: +47 415 60 264
E-mail: Cathrine.torp@dnvgl.com
About DNV GL
As of 12 September 2013, DNV and GL have merged to form DNV GL. Driven by our
purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organizations
to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. We provide classification and
technical assurance along with software and independent expert advisory services to the
maritime, oil & gas and energy industries. We also provide certification services to
customers across a wide range of industries. With our origins stretching back to 1864, our
reach today is global. Operating in more than 100 countries, our 16,000 professionals are
dedicated to helping our customers make the world safer, smarter and greener.
About DNV GL - Oil & Gas
In the oil and gas industry, GL Noble Denton and DNV’s Oil & Gas business have joined
forces to enable safe, reliable and enhanced performance in projects and operations. We
provide a broad range of services, such as technical assurance; marine assurance and
advisory; risk management advisory and offshore classification. Our 4 000 employees
combine industry expertise, multidisciplinary skills and innovation to solve complex
challenges for our customers. Together with our partners, we drive the industry forward by
developing best practices and standards across the asset lifecycle.