We are looking into installing a Coriolis Meter in the flowline to ensure an early kick detection.

We looked at different options with various vendors and there seem to be quite a few limitations with an open system (i.e. maximum flow rate, pressure rating of the piping).

 

We are now investigating a close system, borrowing part of it from the MPD setup.

 

It seems like the limitation in terms of flow rate are not a problem in this case, however there seems to be not much experience in big hole sections (we are considering 17" hole as the first section to be drilled with the riser installed). Cuttings could get stuck in the flowline to the Coriolis, although a debris catcher could be installed. Would it really be able to cope with the fast drilling of the 17" section and with the big amount of cuttings?

 

It would be great to have some feedback either from the use of the system, as well as which kind of technical challenges led to the decision to not install it.

 

Thanks.