Production Testing & MPFM Performance Improvement

Improve confidence in production rates from existing MPFM infrastructure

ScanWell helps operators improve multiphase flow measurement performance by combining online compositional measurements, tracer dilution flow-rate verification, and advanced PVT/EOS-based workflows.

The result is a practical production testing service that supports MPFM tuning, gas lift optimization, allocation confidence, and better well-by-well production understanding — without changing installed MPFM hardware.

The challenge

MPFMs often perform well within their validated operating envelope, but accuracy can be challenged when field conditions change. Mature fields, high GVF, gas lift, changing water cut, phase slip, slugging, and evolving production chemistry can all reduce confidence in phase-split oil, water, and gas rates.

Independent work reviewed by ScanWell shows that under gas lift conditions, MPFMs may still provide useful total mass flow information, while individual oil, water, and gas phase rates become more uncertain due to high GVF, slip, and transient flow regimes.

ScanWell’s workflow

ScanWell has developed a dedicated workflow to improve MPFM interpretation by using independent online measurements and thermodynamic reconstruction.

The workflow combines:

• Tracer dilution measurement for independent gas and/or water flow-rate verification
• Online compositional analysis of produced gas and process fluids
• MPFM total mass flow, pressure, and temperature data
• PVT/EOS modelling and dynamic fluid characterization
• Mass balance and thermodynamic consistency checks

Instead of relying only on MPFM internal phase-splitting, the method uses the MPFM as part of a broader measurement system. The independent tracer-based gas measurement constrains the multiphase problem, while EOS/PVT reconstruction is used to calculate fluid properties and improve oil, water, and gas rate interpretation.

Dynamic PVT characterization

The workflow reconstructs reservoir fluid composition and associated PVT properties from routinely available field data: tracer dilution test results, online MPFM readings, and laboratory analyses of dead oil and free gas samples. This reduces dependence on repeated downhole sampling or meter reconfiguration when fluid composition changes.

Key outputs can include:

• Updated reservoir fluid composition
• Free gas, solution gas, and total GOR
• Oil, water, and gas volumetric rates at standard conditions
• Line-condition phase densities
• Mixture density including brine
• Oil shrinkage / formation volume factor

Why it matters

Improved MPFM tuning supports:

• Better production allocation
• More reliable gas lift optimization
• Reduced uncertainty in oil, water, and gas rates
• Improved understanding of changing production chemistry
• Better use of existing MPFM infrastructure
• Reduced need for intrusive testing or repeated hardware modifications

ScanWell’s approach is especially relevant for gas-lifted wells, mature assets, subsea tie-backs, commingled production, and facilities where fluid composition changes over time.

Proven measurement foundation

ScanWell’s tracer dilution technology measures in-situ phase flow rates by injecting a phase-dependent tracer into the flowline and using measured downstream tracer concentration to calculate flow rate. The method relies on controlled tracer injection, accurate concentration measurement, background composition monitoring, and proper mixing/partitioning control.

Operational delivery

ScanWell brings together:

• Proprietary online rate measurement methods
• Production chemistry surveillance
• Field-proven tracer dilution systems
• MPFM and PVT consultancy
• Expertise from world-leading multiphase specialists
• Offshore execution, data interpretation, and reporting