TUV SUD NEL, the flow measurement R&D specialist, has completed the base building that will house its £16-million advanced multiphase facility (AMF).
Construction began in September 2017 and the fit-out will now begin.
Once completed, the AMF’s test range capability (of operating pressures, temperatures, flowrates and metrology) will be beyond anything currently available in the world, the company said. Operating at pressures up to 150 bar, this will double current capabilities to replicate extreme production conditions.
The AMF will span 1,600 m2, and contain a £1.45 million, full production scale separator with an operating weight of 270 tonnes. The AMF will also be the only facility in the world to offer an integrated subsea choke, as well as be capable of testing the full range of flow meters, from two-inch to 12-inch.
Alongside providing opportunities for industry-led projects and training, the AMF will also support academic research. Creating at least 17 new jobs, the AMF will futureproof the delivery of innovative technical services to the oil and gas production market for the next 25 years, and position Scotland as a world leader in multiphase flow measurement.
Brian Austin, CEO TÜV SÜD UK, said: “This milestone in the build of our new AMF sees us one step closer to realising the creation of truly world-leading research facilities that will help the global oil & gas sector to meet future production optimisation challenges. Once complete, TUV SUD NEL will be operating the only facility in the world to offer the full range of flow rates and high pressure capabilities.”
Scottish Enterprise has supported the development of the AMF with £4.9 million of research and development funding. Alongside the grant from Scottish Enterprise, TUV SUD NEL’s parent company, TÜV SÜD AG, is investing £11.1 million which makes the project the largest capital investment to date in the company’s UK business.