Effects of gas leaks in oil flow on single-phase flowmeters

The effect of gas entrainment in oil on the performance of a range of single-phase flowmeters has been investigated experimentally using the National Standard Multiphase Flow facilities at NEL. The flowmeters tested were 4-inch and 2-inch positive displacement, venturi, helicoidal and flat-bladed turbine meters and 2-inch U-tube and 1.5-inch straight tube Coriolis meters. The flowmeters were tested in oil flow with gas fractions up to 15% by volume. The aim of the project was to quantify the effect of second-phase fluid components on the basic uncertainty of a range of single-phase flowmeters and, as a consequence, identify which generic types of single-phase flowmeter were most suitable in applications where such components may be present. These tests have provided evidence of the suitability of particular flowmeters for two-component flow applications. Comparisons have been made between generic type and size of flowmeter. At low gas fractions, the positive displacement and venturi flowmeters were more accurate than the other meters and estimated the total flowrate to within +/- 2%. Over 9% gas fraction, there was an improvement to the response from some of the flowmeters with increasing gas fractions. This was considered to be indicative of improved mixing in the flow. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.