Is it possible to reduce the cost (and increase the accuracy) of multiphase flow meters?

In the present paper, the development of a low cost multiphase flow meter, designed for an oil field where it seemed advisable to avoid the use of radioactive sources, is illustrated. This meter combines the measurements of the pressure differential through a multiphase oritice and in a vertical tube. When required, the composition of the liquid- liquid mixture can be determined with a semi-continuous sampling method. Before installation, a set of tests, performed in a laboratory where it is possible to operate at actual field conditions, allowed the development of two semi-empirical equations that enable an accurate evaluation of the gas and liquid flow rates.