As multiphase flow meters become an increasingly critical part of operator’s measurement instrumentation approach and asset optimization processes, assurances and confidence that multiphase flow meters are performing optimally also become more important. Verifying measurement performance becomes a key task and can demand some expertise to perform well. It is in this area that the Roxar 2600 Multiphase Flow Meter (MPFM), the multiphase flow meter from Emerson, stands out from the crowd.

The Roxar 2600 MPFM includes a number of different measurement techniques which provides a unique advantage with regards to self-diagnostic capabilities, over technologies reliant on a single measurement technique. Each raw data measurement has varied sensitivity to different aspects of the flow profile. That gives us the opportunity to compare and contrast, identifying what is happening within the flow and in turn when the meter is performing well and when some action should be taken to ensure optimum performance is maintained.

Combining the 10Hz measurement resolution provided by the embedded software, Roxar Rapid Adaptive Measurement and the processing power provided by the electronics hardware, Roxar 5726 Multiphase Transmitter, an opportunity arose for Emerson to take a significant step forward with both self-diagnostic capabilities and with trending of historic data. With Emerson’s focus on innovation and meeting market needs, we, of course, dove straight in. The result is extra reassurance and empowering insights. If you are an operator looking for a little more from your multiphase flow meter, this is for you. The areas Emerson has advanced relate to in-situ verification, data historian capabilities and visualization graphics.

Utilizing No Flow Periods for Self-Diagnostic Checks

One of the new features available is no flow event self-health-checks. The Roxar 2600 MPFM will identify automatically when there is a no-flow period, which could be due to a bypass or shut-in, for example. The meter will then perform automatic calibration checks and gather some key data parameters. A log showing the data from recorded no-flow periods is available. Should the meter identify an updated calibration requirement, an alarm will notify the operator of this. In fact, we go one step further and provide the ability to auto-calibrate a couple of key parameters, should the operator wish to do so. In this case, the calibrations will automatically be performed, details of the change and update will be logged, and the operator will be notified. Full tracking is always in place.

Data Driven Actions Enabled by Powerful Alarms

The alarms and diagnostic capabilities have been expanded significantly, with many valuable alarms included. These covers areas such as:

• Outside operating range
• Hardware failures
• Set-up and calibrations
• Layers / cleaning
• Blockages / cleaning
• Meter inputs
• Calibrations required
• Recommended features / changes
• Information on meter or flow

Each alarm provides multiple pieces of information, with an alarm description, insight into how the raw data measurements and meter outputs are impacted, and what the recommended action is. The recommended action is of key importance as it supports the operators’ ability to take the alarm insights and quickly turn this into data driven actions, without having to invest in and build up in-house expertise. There is a searchable alarm log, to make it easy to view how frequently an individual alarm is being triggered. The ability to view and search alarm history is very beneficial in avoiding alarm fatigue, and ensuring the alarms are as practical and useful as possible. In this way, the alarms available can truly guide the next steps.

Enhance Flow Insights and Understanding with Trending Capabilities

Moving onto the data historian and visualization aspects, a number of new visuals are provided, which allows operators to easily and effectively view trends from historical data.  The graphics show 100 data points and the resolution of the data points is operator configurable. What this means is that data can be viewed for immediate history, such as looking at 100 data points covering just a few minutes, to long term historical data, showing between 7 and 8 years-worth of data. The result is that operators have powerful trending capabilities for their data over a considerable time period and can view this at whatever resolution makes sense for them.

So what can operators trend? There is a graphic that allows operators to trend their flow conditions and view where these fall within the operating envelope of the multiphase flow meter.  There is another graphic showing the minimum, maximum and average measurements of some key meter sensors. Finally, there is a powerful raw data plot, where operators can plot two data parameters from a selection of over 30 options, to view trending. The parameters available go from flow rates, temperature and pressure measurements to very detailed measurement insights relating to specific raw data measurements taken.

Emerson is confident of the value provided by the insights available. By building intelligence and automation into the embedded software capabilities, operators can be assured of achieving high-quality performance on a continuous basis. That said, for those operators who want to understand how their measurement instrument works and take a deeper dive into the data and perform their own analysis, Emerson serves this need as well, with the trending graphics and data insights available. The Roxar 2600 Multiphase Flow Meter really does provide the best of both worlds.

For many operators, their needs will be met by the features and capabilities described, however Emerson offers a service that takes things one step further. Should an operator wish, Performance Monitoring services are available, providing access to Emerson expertise on an ongoing basis.

From the automation and self-diagnostic capabilities built into the meter software, to easy access to detailed data and trending capabilities, to Performance Monitoring, the power is in the hands of the operator to choose the level of insight and expertise they need.