Optimising oil and gas production with advanced scanning and tracer technology

In the high-stakes world of oil and gas production, every second counts. A minor disruption in operations can have a domino effect, leading to significant financial losses.

In this blog, we highlight the benefits of identifying and resolving production issues quickly and how advanced scanning technologies and tracer solutions play a pivotal role in optimising oil and gas efficiency.

How advanced scanning technologies improve oil and gas production efficiency

For over 65 years, Tracerco has been at the forefront of non-intrusive scanning technology and tracer solutions, helping engineers and operators gain valuable real-time insights into their processes. By using advanced scanning technologies such as Tru-Scan™ and PhaseFinder™, Tracerco provides real-time data on vessel performance data—all without the need for shutdowns.

Real-time insights with scanning technologies for oil and gas operations

When applied to separators and processing vessels, our advanced scanning technologies can reveal vital operational details, including:

• Liquid levels within the vessel to ensure optimal separation.
• Presence and height of foam, preventing inefficiencies. 
• Oil and water interface positions for improved monitoring.
• Emulsion band extent, helping refine chemical treatments.
• Sand deposit locations, reducing blockages and flow disruptions.
• Potential hardware malfunctions, such as damaged inlet devices

This ability to “see through” vessel walls allows engineers to make data-driven decisions about process improvements and chemical treatments without interrupting operations.

PhaseFinderTM measurement showing bulk liquid level, presence of foam, and an emulsion interface.

Using tracer technology to enhance separation efficiency and detect flow issues

Tracerco’s tracer technology enables precise measurements of flow characteristics, identifying common production challenges such as:

• Oil in water and water in oil contamination, which affects product quality.
• Gas undercutting, leading to inefficiencies in gas-liquid separation.
• Liquid carryover, which can cause operational issues.
• Blockages in perforated plates, reducing system effectiveness.
• Phase residence times, helping optimise separation efficiency.

The placement of tracer detectors at the inlet and outlets of a separator.

By combining scanning and tracer techniques, Tracerco provides a comprehensive analysis of the separation process. These scanning technologies help optimise chemical treatments, such as anti-foaming and demulsification, ensuring greater efficiency.

Through the deployment of phase-specific radiotracers, engineers can accurately track liquid and gas flow, troubleshoot inefficiencies, and improve oil and gas production rates.

A case study on demulsifier effectiveness

In a real-world application, an oil and gas operator used Tracerco’s scanning technology to evaluate two different demulsifier chemicals in a separator. Four scans were performed to compare effectiveness:

1. Baseline Scan: Recorded initial operating conditions.
2. Post-Demulsifier #1 Scan: A severe emulsion was observed, significantly reducing separation efficiency.
3. Second Baseline Scan: The separator returned to its initial state.
4. Post-Demulsifier #2 Scan: The emulsion was successfully removed, indicating superior performance of the second chemical.

Scanline position close to the water outlet.

The real-time data provided by Tracerco’s advanced scanning technology allowed the operator to make an informed decision on the most effective demulsifier, ultimately improving separation efficiency and reducing costs.

Comparison of the baseline and after demulsifier injection results.

Boosting production with non-intrusive scanning technology and tracer diagnostics

Tracerco’s scanning and tracer solutions provide a non-intrusive, real-time approach to diagnosing production issues, eliminating guesswork, and optimising operations. By leveraging these innovative technologies, oil and gas operators can enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and make data-driven decisions that maximise yield and profitability.

With decades of expertise in scanning technology, Tracerco continues to empower engineers with the insights they need to maintain seamless and efficient operations in the ever-evolving oil and gas industry.

Learn more: Download our Tracerco DiagnosticsTM Separator Study fact sheet and customer case study.

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