A New Flowmeter for Production Logging and Well Testing

Abstract

ABSTRACT There are two primary reasons to utilize a flowmeter. One reason is to measure total flow rate at different depths in a well. Total flow is then used for a single phase flow profile or used in conjunction with other sensors to produce a multiphase flow profile. Measurement of transient rate in conjunction with pressure transient testing is another use of the flowmeter. The analysis of these transients then yields reservoir parameters such as permeability, skin, and reservoir pressure. In either case, flow rates must be accurately measured or gross errors in the final interpretation will result. Multiphase flow, especially in deviated wells, often results in an unpredictable flowmeter response. Most wells are multiphase downhole with a high percent of water present even though little or no water is being produced at the surface. This downhole condition makes it difficult to derive an accurate flow rate from a measured spinner speed. Petal basket flowmeters attempt to force fluids into a flow regime that can be measured but fail because all of the flow is not diverted through the metering section. A new flowmeter is described that has a linear, predictable response in single and multiphase flow and results in a much better measurement of downhole flow rates. Flow loop data are presented, comparisons are made of the new flowmeter response with other flowmeter responses and the results of field tests are discussed.