DNV KEMA launches new multiphase flow laboratory in the Netherlands

Netherlands-based energy consulting and testing and certification company DNV KEMA has opened a new multiphase flow laboratory (MPFL) in Groningen, the Netherlands.

The new laboratory will enable equipment manufacturers and oil and gas companies to test, validate and calibrate multiphase technologies, such as separators and flow meters, which will allow measurement and trading of gas.

The new facility will help to increase the accuracy of future multiphase flow meters and the efficiency of multiphase separators.

The new MPFL will respond to the increase in global demand and supply of gas and is expected to reduce the economical and operational risks of oil and gas fields.

Technology development will play an important role in reducing costs in order to optimise the production of gas and oil fields in the upstream market.

The demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is growing for the generation of power and to fuel growing economies, which will allow for higher intercontinental gas trading and transmission volumes.

Small deviations of large measured volumes could cause financial risks, so consequently the accuracy of gas meters plays a critical role.

DNV KEMA MPFL manager, Ronald ten Cate, said many techniques exist to provide multiphase flow measurements, but the technology is still immature and equipment has to be developed further.

"Customer feedback told us this development was being held back by a lack of suitable facilities for testing new products," Cate added.

The company has upgraded the existing wet gas closed loop facility to a full multiphase flow test lab, which will recreate the kind of conditions equipment will face in the field.

It includes the complete range of multiphase fluid compositions at realistic temperatures, pressures and flow rates.

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Image: An overview of DNV KEMA’s new multiphase flow laboratory. Photo: Courtesy of DNV KEMA.