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A high-value programme of meter testing for a leading oil exploration and production company from the Middle East is underway at NEL shortly. The project highlights NEL’s growing profile in the region and the flexibility of its test facilities.
“When we were initially discussing the project with the client, they advised that they would require specific reference fluids to be used. We were happy to meet their needs,” says David Millington, who is leading the project. “We usually use magnesium sulphate salts, but we will be replacing them with sodium chloride salts for this project.”
“This is quite an unusual request,” David explains, adding that sodium chloride salts are not usually used because they can be corrosive. “In fact,” he says. “I think that the main reason the customer selected NEL was because we could offer the flexibility and technological capability to comply with this requirement.”
The project involves the testing of five meters in the multiphase test facility at NEL’s East Kilbride laboratory. Three of these units are water cut meters, the other two are multiphase meters. The tests, which are scheduled to last for between three and four weeks, will quantify the base-line performance of the meters to a high degree of accuracy. There is an extensive test matrix for this project and a wide range of test fluid salinities are being used.
“This is our first testing project for this client and we are now delighted to be on their approved suppliers list,” David says. “We hope to build on this relationship in the future and establish ourselves even more firmly in the Middle East market.”
“In recent years our presence and profile in the region has grown,” David adds. “It is a competitive market in which to operate, but we are well-known for our expertise in multiphase meter testing and research.”
