Cloud-based virtual flow metering system powered by a hybrid physics-data approach for water production monitoring in an offshore gas field

Abstract

This work presents a cloud-based Virtual Flow Metering (VFM) system powered by a hybrid physics-data approach to estimate the water production per well in a gas field. This hybrid approach, which allows accurate calculations near real-time conditions, is based on the description of the flow through the wellbore using physics-based models pertaining to gas-liquid flows with high gas volume fraction. A data-driven approach is implemented to tune the flow model using well test data. This implementation accounts for changes in the well performance and increase in water production, resulting in a self-calibrating solution. This means that the model will remain accurate and relevant as production and well conditions change. Results from the VFM show good agreement with the well test data for steady-state conditions. The VFM calculations are performed remotely using a cloud-based DataOps platform where results are also stored. This allows continuous access to live sensor data to be used as input to other applications or visualized through a web interface. The VFM system uses a set of readily available sensors installed in the wells. Thus, it represents cost reduction in both capital and operating expenditures when compared to the installation of multiphase flow meters or separators.