Flow Measurement in Exploitation Areas: Water and Steam Injection Processes

    In the vast expanse of oil and gas extraction, flow measurement stands as a vigilant sentinel, quietly safeguarding every detail of water and steam injection processes. These techniques are the lifeblood of oilfield development, delicately adjusting to infuse new vitality into the reservoir and extend the youth of the oil field. This article will take you behind the scenes of this process to explore the mysteries of flow measurement

    Water injection is one of the most significant methods in oilfield development. It involves the use of dedicated injection wells to pump water into the reservoir, thereby maintaining or restoring the pressure within the oil layer. This process provides a strong driving force to increase the extraction rate and recovery factor of the reservoir.

    For water injection, high-pressure electromagnetic flow meters are typically employed. These meters can handle pressures up to 25 MPa and come in various sizes to meet the needs of different oil fields.

    Electromagnetic flow meters are the unsung heroes of water injection processes, providing a non-invasive method to measure the flow of conductive fluids. They operate on Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, generating a magnetic field perpendicular to the flow direction, which induces a voltage proportional to the flow velocity. These meters are prized for their wide range, high accuracy, and lack of obstruction to the flow stream.

    Steam injection, particularly in heavy oil development and during the mid-to-late stages of oilfield development, is a widely used method to facilitate oil extraction. Techniques such as Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) and steam drive are examples of steam-assisted extraction methods.

    When it comes to measuring saturated wet steam, several methods are employed, including:

• Steam-Water Separation Method

• Dual Differential Pressure Method

• Single Orifice Plate Noise Method

• Dual Vortex Sensor Measurement

• Single Vortex Method

• Vortex + V-Cone Flow Metering Method

    Among these, the vortex flow meter stands out as one of the most commonly used flow meters for measuring saturated steam due to its low pressure loss and wide range of measurement.

    Vortex flow meters stand out for their ability to generate swirling vortices in the fluid flow, which can be correlated to the flow rate. They are particularly adept at handling measurements of saturated steam, offering a combination of accuracy and resilience in the face of varying process conditions.

    Besides, there are some other flow meter can be used in exploitation areas:

    1. Gas Turbine Flow Meter: This meter operates on the principle of measuring the rotational speed of turbine rotors, which is proportional to the flow rate of the fluid. It is ideal for high-volume flow measurement with minimal obstruction and is applicable in the initial stages of oil extraction.

    2. Gas Roots Flow Meter: Known for its high accuracy and repeatability, this positive displacement flow meter uses rotating lobes to trap and move a specific volume of fluid. It is suitable for applications requiring precise flow measurement, such as in refineries.

    3. Ultrasonic Flow Meter: This non-invasive meter measures the flow rate by transmitting ultrasonic waves through the fluid and timing their passage between two points. It is particularly useful for applications with high accuracy requirements and where the fluid may be corrosive or contain particles.

    4. Coriolis Mass Flow Meter: This advanced meter measures the mass flow rate of a fluid by detecting vibrations caused by the fluid's motion through a curved flow tube. It is highly accurate and capable of measuring a wide range of fluids, including those with high viscosity or suspended solids.

    The application of flow meters in water and steam injection processes is a testament to the technological advancements that drive the oil and gas industry forward. As these methods continue to evolve, so too will the precision and reliability of the flow measurement solutions that support them.