Review of metering and gas measurements in high-volume shale gas wells

Abstract

Coriolis, turbine, V-cone, and orifice meters have been used in measurement of gas production in shale wells. Flange-tapped concentric orifice meters are commonly used in measurement of shale gas production volumes due to their low cost, accuracy, and ease of maintenance compared to other types of meters. However, shale gas wells are producing at high flow rates, high pressure, and possibly gas compositions change, which might affect volumetric measurement accuracy that was developed for conventional gas wells. Thus, it is critical to investigate the metering and measurements technologies that are being applied in shale gas wells to further understand and improve the accuracy of gas volumetric measurements. This paper provides a comprehensive review and analysis of background information, design, measurement, and uncertainties associated with Coriolis meters, turbine meters, V-cone meters, and orifice meters. We also discussed the lessons learned through our field experiences in computing gas volumes using SCADA information in shale gas and conventional gas production.