The recent North Sea Flow Measurement Workshop provided an effective opportunity for attendees to network and learn about current challenges facing the oil and gas sector.
The 2017 event, which was organized by Tekna and took place in October in Tønsberg, Norway, attracted nearly 200 delegates from around the world with its focus on the practical application of flow measurement technology.
“This globally important event always provides an important platform for researchers and industry to get together, and this year was no exception,” says Dr Emmelyn Graham, who was one of a team from NEL which gave presentations at the Workshop. “What was particularly striking was the impression that operators are working together more than they have in the past to share their experiences. This collaboration will hopefully drive better metering performance for the industry.”
Emmelyn, who presented on the installation effects on Venturi tubes in wet-gas flow conditions, noted other indications of increased industry collaboration, especially in multiphase meter development, where users and manufacturers are now working more closely together than ever in an effort to enhance performance.
“It was also very interesting to get the operator experience of virtual metering,” adds Emmelyn. “It was good to get their perspective on this fast-growing technology and to hear directly from them about the challenges that must be addressed.
Other NEL participants included Bruno Pinguet, who presented on the use of multiphase flow meters and Asaad Kenbar, who presented a paper on behalf of Craig Marshall about research on a differential pressure meter for low Reynolds number applications.
The 2017 event included presentations and discussions on the latest metering technology. Around 30 exhibitors showcased their newest technology. The workshop’s programme addressed key issues and drivers, such as the new economic realities that industry is facing, the challenge of reducing cost, uncertainty and environmental pressures.
Next year’s North Sea Flow Measurement Workshop will be held in Aberdeen for the first time. As always when the workshop takes place in the UK, it will be organised by NEL.