A recent project undertaken for a leading Middle East oil exploration and production company has highlighted NEL’s international credibility as an independent test facility. The company asked NEL to do a series of blind comparison tests on water cut meters sourced from several different manufacturers.
“They came to us because we are not linked to any commercial body and have the credibility to carry out tests impartially,” says Phil Mark, NEL’s Group Manager for Testing Services.
The tests were done using a test matrix developed by the client to mimic the harsh conditions its equipment experiences in use. The manufacturers of the meters under test were in attendance to set-up their equipment and provide technical support. To ensure that the test results were impartial, manufacturers were not aware of the composition of the fluids flowing through the test rig and were not allowed to adjust their meters while the tests were being run.
As part of the project, NEL was visited by the client’s Head of Production Measurement. He was at NEL’s test facility in East Kilbride for a week and witnessed the whole test process.
“He was impressed by our capabilities to replicate extreme field conditions,” says Phil. “We also provided full flexibility in terms of the liquids used for the tests and were able to meet the client’s specific requirements for the water component of the test fluids.”
The client is now moving forward in partnership with NEL and is going to be trialing NEL’s MeterVue system. This allows clients to remotely view live video of calibrations and other projects.