Testing Requirements

Operators test wells to measure productivity, optimize artificial lift, allocate production among lease partners, and track reservoir performance. Test separator isolates single well from group production allowing accurate measurement of all three phases under controlled conditions.

Vessel Design

Horizontal three-phase separator with extended retention time for clean separation. Gas exits through meter to flare or sales. Oil flows through positive displacement meter. Water measures separately before disposal. Vessel sizing provides adequate residence ensuring measurement accuracy.

Metering Systems

Gas meters use orifice or turbine technology with pressure-temperature compensation. Oil meters typically positive displacement type for accuracy across varying rates. Water cut analyzers determine ratios. Flow computers calculate standard volumes and generate test reports.

Pressure Control

Separator pressure affects liquid recovery and gas measurement. Higher pressure keeps more components liquid. Lower pressure maximizes gas production. Adjustable pressure control optimizes test conditions matching reservoir and completion characteristics.

Material Selection

Carbon steel for sweet production. NACE materials for H₂S service. Portable units built rugged for field moves between locations. Permanent installations use standard separator construction. Meters and instruments rated for production fluid properties.

Applications

Well testing during drilling, production optimization in mature fields, artificial lift evaluation, production allocation, and reservoir management. Portable units move between wells. Fixed installations test high-value wells continuously.

Test Duration

Short tests run 4-24 hours establishing basic rates. Extended tests over days or weeks track decline curves and pressure buildup. Separator capacity matches expected production with margin for surges or slugging.

Data Collection

Flow computers log rates, pressures, temperatures creating production profiles. Sampling systems capture fluid samples for lab analysis. Data supports reservoir modeling, completion design, and field development planning.

Portable Configurations

Skid-mounted units with lifting points move by crane. Trailer-mounted separators include wheels for highway transport. Self-contained packages integrate separator, meters, tanks, and power generation for remote testing.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII for pressure service. Metering follows API MPMS standards where custody transfer quality needed. Materials suit production fluids. Complete documentation with meter calibrations and capacity calculations.

ERGIL three-phase test separators provide accurate well production measurement supporting reservoir management and field optimization in oil and gas operations.