Bakken operator uses Vx Spectra™ surface multiphase flowmeter (MPFM) to measure unconventional well production, reducing CO₂ emissions up to 99.8% and reducing capex 50% compared with test separators.

An operator in the Bakken Shale previously used test separators to measure production of pads and individual wells. This involved installing large-footprint test separators on each well pad and sequentially testing each new well. While accurate, test separators require a large capex investment and intensive onsite maintenance of pipes, connections, valves, and manifolds.

To improve operational and environmental performance of well production metering, the operator partnered with SLB for a more cost-effective and sustainable alternative to conventional test separators.

The operator began a 3-month, four-well field trial of the Vx Spectra MPFM, which leverages advanced full-gamma spectroscopy to provide a continuous, dynamic view of each well’s behavior—at high frequency and in real time. The Vx Spectra MPFM measures each phase fraction independently regardless of flow regime and without the need for separation. This then simplifies the process even further, as gas is not required to be compressed or injected.

The MPFM supports an intelligent pad architecture. With just one flowmeter per four-well pad and a production manifold that enables commingling of production to a single flowline connected to the production facility’s inlet manifold, the MPFM reduced capex by 50%.

During the field trial, SLB tested each well an average of five times over the course of 3 to 9 consecutive days. Total liquid rates ranged from 1,000 to 1,800 bbl/d, water/liquid ratio on average +65%, GOR on average 600 ft³/bbl, and a gas volume fraction below 95%. Despite slightly different fluid properties between wells, the Vx Spectra MPFM delivered total system uncertainty within ±5% for both oil and gas for wells operating in the range of 100 psi and 170 degF at line conditions while virtually eliminating carbon emissions.

With the success of the field trial, the Bakken operator continues to use the Vx Spectra MPFM as an accurate, cost-effective, lower-carbon alternative to conventional test separator equipment for new wells.