The existent infrastructure at the SINTEF Multiphase flow laboratory has been an active and important player for the development of the Norwegian oil and gas industry. Research and development within the multiphase flow technology have enabled subsea solutions that allow the transport and processing of simultaneous oil, water and gas flow. However, as the oil and gas industry mature, new technical challenges arise and new regulations must be followed. The needs for reduction of the environmental impact of operations related to oil and gas together with the optimization of operations, improvement of productivity and the industry digital transformation, require more predictive models and new solutions for enhanced subsea solutions. Extended research on transport and processing of multiphase flows are critical to enable oil and gas production outside of today's limits and an active use of the infrastructure and competences at the SINTEF Multiphase flow laboratory are required for achieving this goal.
The technical capabilities of the Multiphase flow laboratory were upgraded through the 2014-2015 Infrastructure project 'National Research Infrastructure for Multiphase Flow '. In this project we applied for funding of extraordinary maintenance and equipment replacements to secure that the facilities are updated, operating and delivering high quality and relevant research within multiphase flows and flow assurance.
SINTEF possesses internationally unique laboratory facilities for multiphase flow research that have had huge benefits for the Norwegian oil industry and for the Norwegian industry cluster based on multiphase flow technology. Research and development within this area is still very active and theses facilities will be needed in the foreseeable future. The importance of the area is described in the OG21 report 'TTA4 - Future technologies for production, processing and transportation' where research projects to advance 'fundamental knowledge on multiphase pipeline flow and flow assurance' is the top item on the recommended priority list for government funding.
The capabilities of the facilities were significantly enhanced through the 2014-2015 Infrastructure project 'National Research Infrastructure for Multiphase Flow '. This application aims at securing that the facilities are updated, operating and delivering high quality research. Specifically, we apply for funding of extraordinary maintenance and equipment replacements. This activity addresses in particular the Infrastructure programmes objective to provide updated and relevant research facilities, and in addition secure access for external user, provide exiting recruitment opportunities and maintain a high degree of international cooperation.