Platform based
Active Slug Control
Technology

Extend the life of oil wells whilst improving production

The problem with oil production

As an oil well ages, gases and fluids mix in the flow lines resulting in large pressure and production fluctuations, which can give rise to operational hazards and even damage.

Conventional slug mitigation measures involve slowing down oil extraction, and could reduce oil production up to 10%.

Severe multiphase slugging flow, in which pockets of liquid cause blockages due to lack of upstream pressure, is a problem especially related to mature oil field operations such as the North Sea.

Losses in production are currently £6bn each year worldwide!

Cranfield three-phase test rig

De Flow Ltd. has the solution

To counteract this problem, De Flow Ltd and our partners lead by Cranfield University have developed platform-based instrumentation coupled with novel algorithms and software to manage data with the goal of timely prediction and control of slugging flows on off-shore platforms with a minimum impact on normal oil production. No subsea instrumentation or subsea equipment is required for our slug control system.

The technology will increase oil production, and well life will also be extended.

The control system will be easy to install and economically competitive with revenue opportunities and benefits for the UK North Sea extraction industry and other such world-wide applications. Developed with international partners for offshore applications. Trials were initiated with our consortium partner Chevron for their Alba platform in the North Sea.

Download the Cranfield Slug Control Field Summary Report

Client feedback

They have provided us with a meter which we marinized for subsea application. The subsea version of the well monitor was tested underwater for ROV operation compatibility, and was tested metrologically at an independent flow loop.

We believe the well monitor can address some unique multiphase flow measurement applications where other meters cannot operate.

Letton Hall Group, Houston