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| NOTE 5: PRODUCTION WELL TESTING |
| 2-Phase Separator versus 3-Phase Separator |
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Determining the production rate from oil wells is simpler and less costly because of AGAR's advanced technologies. For many years complex 3-phase separators were the industry standard because measurement technologies required the separation of the hydrocarbon, water, and gas phases. AGAR's patented 0-100% microwave energy absorption technology for oil/water measurements has revolutionized well testing and optimization when well test separators are utilized.
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| Separator Size |
Small, short residence time |
Large, long residence time |
| Retention Time |
Only need to separate liquid from gas |
Large: must separate oil from water |
| Purging Time |
Short: small liquid volume |
Long: large liquid volume |
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| Purging |
Smaller liquid volumes reduce chances of error |
Fluid from previous well can greatly affect results if not completely purged. |
| Emulsions |
Measures 0 - 100% water in liquid leg |
Any oil discharged with water is not measured |
| Inversions |
Continues to measure properly with density inversions |
Any oil discharged with water is not measured |
| Instrumentation |
1 flow meter, 1 liquid draw-off valve, 1 Hi/Lo control |
2 flow meters, 2 draw-off valves, 2 Hi/Lo controls |
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| Number of instruments |
1 flow meter, 1 set of level controls, & 1 control valve |
Requires 2 flow meters, 2 sets of level controls, & 2 control valves |
| Vessel Size |
Smaller with legal capacity |
Large because of required retention time for oil/water separation |
| Piping |
Only 1 liquid leg |
Requires both water leg & oil leg |
| Maintenance |
Much simpler system |
More maintenance items |
| Well Tests per day |
More because of reduced purge times |
Fewer because of longer purge times |
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| 3-Phase Well Tester (Old Method) |
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| 2-Phase Well Tester (New, Simpler Agar Technology) |
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