Abstract: A method for controlling the flow of a multiphase fluid from a well extending into a subsurface formation, which well is provided at a downstream position with a valve having a variable aperture, which method comprises allowing the multiphase fluid to flow at a selected aperture of the valve; selecting a flow parameter of the multiphase fluid, which flow parameter is responsive to changes in a gas/liquid ratio of the multiphase fluid at an upstream position in the well, and a setpoint for the flow parameter; and monitoring the flow parameter; controlling the flow parameter towards its setpoint by manipulating the aperture of the valve; wherein the control time between detection of a deviation from the setpoint and the manipulation of the aperture is shorter than the time needed for the multiphase fluid to travel 25% of the distance between the upstream and downstream positions.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling the production of oil and gas in a well such that the well operates at the edge of gas coning. Thereto the flow rate and/or pressure of the produced well effluents are controlled by a dynamically controlled choke such that continously a limited amount of gas is entrained in the produced crude oil, whereas full gas coning and breakthrough of gas from the gas cap is prevented. The choke may be controlled by a control system which includes an algorithm that takes wellhead temperatures, pressures and choke position as measured variables and which maintains the average bulk velocity of the well effluents at a substantially constant and relatively high level. Optionally, the system also maintains an optimal gas-to-liquid ratio of the well effluents.

Abstract: A method, system, controller and computer program product, for controlling the flow of a multiphase fluid comprising gas and liquid in a conduit, which conduit is provided at a downstream side with a flow restriction and a valve having a variable aperture, which method comprises the steps of selecting a flow parameter of the multiphase fluid in the conduit as a function of a pressure difference over the flow restriction; selecting a setpoint for the flow parameter; allowing the multiphase fluid to flow at a selected setpoint of the aperture of the variable valve; determining the pressure difference over the flow restriction and determining an actual value of the flow parameter from the pressure difference, without using a measurement of another variable in order to determine an actual gas/liquid ratio pertaining to the pressure difference at the flow restriction; controlling the flow of the multiphase fluid by determining a deviation of the flow parameter from its setpoint, determining an updated setpoint

Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling the production of oil and gas in a well such that the well operates at the edge of gas coning. Thereto the flow rate and/or pressure of the produced well effluents are controlled by a dynamically controlled choke such that continously a limited amount of gas is entrained in the produced crude oil, whereas full gas coning and breakthrough of gas from the gas cap is prevented. The choke may be controlled by a control system which includes an algorithm that takes wellhead temperatures, pressures and choke position as measured variables and which maintains the average bulk velocity of the well effluents at a substantially constant and relatively high level. Optionally, the system also maintains an optimal gas-to-liquid ratio of the well effluents.