Coriolis-based net oil computers gain acceptance at the wellhead

Full-range, water-cut capability and a nonintrusive nature enable the Coriolis-based net oil computer (NOC) to meter produced fluids directly from the wellhead. Several hundred NOCs are currently installed at individual wellheads on low-GOR wells. A majority of the wells have wellhead pressures greater than the bubble point pressure of the crude oil. Because no entrained gas is present in the liquid stream, a test separator is unnecessary. The paper describes system benefits, uses, the technology of Coriolis-based NOC, performance characteristics, gas effects, fluid densities, and wellhead application.