Two-piece microwave coaxial sensor and placement in a vertical venturi

Abstract

This application relates to two-piece microwave coaxial sensors and placement in vertical venturi tubes, and in particular, electromagnetic probes for analyzing multiphase fluids in flow are described herein. The probes generally measure liquid properties in a multiphase fluid flowing in a conduit using a probe assembly that includes a first member having a probe portion and a connecting portion, the probe portion having a central bore with a conductor and a pressure resistant insulator surrounding the conductor, the conductor extending from an opening at a distal end of the probe portion into the connecting portion, the connecting portion having a connector coupled to a distal end of the connecting portion, the connecting portion having a sealing face with a groove extending around the probe portion; and a second member that, when assembled, is in direct contact with the first member at the distal end of the connecting portion to apply compression and hold the first member against a wall of the conduit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to multiphase fluid measurement devices, and more specifically to multiphase fluid electromagnetic microwave reflection sensors that can be used independently or in conjunction with multiphase flow meters at downhole, surface, or seabed locations. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, wells are drilled into underground rock to obtain fluids, such as hydrocarbons, stored in subsurface formations. These subsurface fluids can be produced from these wells using known techniques. Operators may want to know certain characteristics of the produced fluid to facilitate efficient and economical exploration and production. For example, an operator might want to know the flow rate of the produced fluid. These produced fluids are often multiphase fluids (e.g., fluids containing some combination of water, oil, and gas), making flow rate measurement more complex.

[0003] Various systems can be used to determine the flow rate of multiphase fluids. In some systems, the multiphase fluid is separated into its component phases, and then these phases are measured separately by determining the flow rate using a single-phase flow meter. Other systems include multiphase flow meters, which can be used to measure the flow rate of multiphase fluids without separation. These multiphase flow meters may be smaller and lighter than conventional separators equipped with single-phase flow meters, and in some cases, the ability to measure flow rate without separation may be desirable. Both conventional separator systems and multiphase flow meter systems can be used to determine certain other fluid properties of interest.

[0004] It is also desirable to determine the properties of the multiphase mixture, such as the presence, fraction, and salinity of water in the mixture, as well as the water-to-liquid ratio (WLR), because this provides information about the produced and / or injected water in the mixture, about the (submarine) flow assurance measures required to prevent hydrate formation and / or pipeline corrosion, and may affect other measurements of the multiphase mixture. Microwave sensors used for measuring multiphase fluids can be used in conjunction with multiphase flow meters to determine the salinity, water fraction, and water-to-liquid ratio (WLR or water content).

[0005] Electromagnetic (EM) methods, such as microwaves, have been suggested because they offer high measurement sensitivity to the presence of an aqueous phase in multiphase fluids (water has a much higher dielectric constant / conductivity than hydrocarbon gas phases). For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,831,470, assigned to Schlumberger, illustrates a microwave end-opening coaxial probe (EM sensor) with a pressure-integrity glass-to-metal seal at its fluid contact front end as a first pressure barrier (where glass is a good electrical insulator or a low-loss dielectric material). The probe's rear end can have an integrated N-type connector with a 50-ohm characteristic impedance. The front orifice of the measuring probe is mounted flush with the wall of the measuring tube section. Using a short microwave coaxial cable / adapter without the pressure barrier, the probe is connected via the N-type connector to microwave electronics housed in an explosion-proof enclosure. In the event of failure of the pressure barrier formed by the glass-to-metal seal of the probe, a bulky, and sometimes expensive, enclosure is required as a second pressure barrier to contain the process fluid.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 9,638,556 to Schlumberger (titled "Compact microwave water-conductivity probe with integral second pressure barrier") describes a method and apparatus for measuring fluid properties using an electromagnetic (EM) sensor. The electromagnetic sensor includes a coaxial probe body having a first integral pressure barrier and a second integral pressure barrier formed by a coaxial feedthrough connector. The first and second integral pressure barriers have desired characteristic impedances.

[0007] U.S. Patent 10,330,622 to Schlumberger (titled "Glass-sealed electrode") describes an electrode (coaxial probe) comprising a (central) conductor, an insulator (e.g., glass), and a metallic housing. The insulator is positioned at least partially around the conductor. The housing is positioned at least partially around the insulator. The upper surface of the insulator may be at least partially recessed, and the outer surface of the housing may have a groove formed therein, or both. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The embodiments described herein provide a probe assembly for measuring the liquid properties of a multiphase fluid flowing in a conduit. The probe assembly includes a first member having a probe portion and a connecting portion. The probe portion has a central aperture with a conductor and a pressure-resistant insulator surrounding the conductor. The conductor extends from an opening at a distal end of the probe portion into the connecting portion. The connecting portion has a connector coupled to the distal end of the connecting portion and has a sealing surface with a groove extending around the probe portion. A second member, upon assembly, directly contacts the first member at the distal end of the connecting portion to apply compression and hold the first member against the conduit wall.

[0009] Other embodiments provide an apparatus for analyzing flowing multiphase fluids, the apparatus including a conduit; and an end-opening microwave probe assembly in fluid communication with the conduit via the conduit wall, the conduit having a first coupling structure; the probe assembly including a first member having a probe portion and a connecting portion, the probe portion having a central hole, having a conductor and a pressure-resistant insulator surrounding the conductor, the connecting portion having a coaxial connector coupled to a distal end of the connecting portion and connected to the conductor, the connecting portion having a sealing surface having a groove extending around the probe portion, and a sealing member disposed in the groove, the probe portion extending through the first coupling structure and the sealing surface of the connecting portion to make sealing contact with the conduit wall; and a second member having a second coupling structure engaging with the first coupling structure.

[0010] Other embodiments provide a method for analyzing the liquid properties of a flowing multiphase fluid, the method comprising: disposing an end-opening microwave probe assembly in a port formed in a flow containment structure of a flow system carrying the flowing multiphase fluid; the port having a first coupling structure; the probe assembly including a first member having a probe portion and a connecting portion; the probe portion having a central aperture having a concentric conductor and a pressure-resistant insulator surrounding the concentric conductor; the connecting portion having a connector coupled to a distal end of the connecting portion and connected to the concentric conductor; the connecting portion having a sealing surface having a groove extending around the probe portion and a sealing member disposed in the groove; the sealing surface of the connecting portion sealingly contacting a wall of the flow containment structure; and a second member having a second coupling structure coupled to the first coupling structure to apply compression to the distal end of the connecting portion to seal the sealing surface against a wall of the flow containment structure; and providing energy to the concentric conductor by applying radio frequency energy to the connector. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements. However, it should be understood that the drawings merely illustrate various embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the various techniques described herein. The accompanying drawings illustrate and describe various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 A flow measurement device for analyzing the flow rate of multiphase fluids is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 This is an elevation view of the front end of an EM probe assembly according to one embodiment;

[0014] Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional view of the front element for an EM probe assembly according to another embodiment;

[0015] Figure 3B This is a cross-sectional view of the front element for an EM probe assembly according to another embodiment;

[0016] Figures 4A-4C These are perspective cross-sectional views of other different embodiments of the front element used in the EM probe assembly;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a probe assembly according to one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 6 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a probe assembly according to another embodiment;

[0019] Figure 7-9 These are perspective cross-sectional views of different embodiments of devices used for analyzing the flow of multiphase fluids;

[0020] Figure 10 It is a graphical depiction of a multiphase fluid flowing in a venturi tube measuring device, showing the liquid content at different locations within the multiphase fluid. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Numerous details are set forth in the following description to provide an understanding of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced without these details, and that many variations or modifications from the described embodiments are possible.

[0022] In the specification and appended claims: the terms “connecting,” “linking,” “being connected,” “connected with,” and “making connected” are used to mean “directly connected with” or “connected with” via one or more elements; the term “set” is used to mean “one element” or “more than one element.” Furthermore, the terms “linking,” “connecting,” “being linked,” “linked together,” and “connected with” are used to mean “directly linked together” or “linked together via one or more elements.” As used herein, the terms “upper” and “lower,” “upper part” and “lower part,” “upward” and “downward,” “upstream” and “downstream,” “above” and “below,” and other similar terms indicating the relative position above or below a given point or element are used in this specification to more clearly describe some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Electromagnetic sensors (e.g., microwave-terminated coaxial probes) used for detecting water properties in multiphase fluids can be used with multiphase flow meters to determine water conductivity or salinity, water fraction, and liquid-to-water ratio (WLR or water content). To improve the detectability of initial water appearance and changes in water conductivity (salinity) or hydrate inhibitor concentration in water, multiphase fluid experimental studies have found that electromagnetic microwave sensors or multiple sensors can be installed at the rich liquid location of a blind-tee inlet device. Blind-tee inlets are commonly used as mixing conduits for vertically mounted multiphase flow meters, such as those based on Venturi tube gauges and multi-energy gamma-ray measurement sections, impedance measurement sections, or microwave transmission resonant measurement sections.

[0024] In one embodiment, a two-piece microwave coaxial probe or electromagnetic sensor has a single short or long pressure barrier (insulator) embedded in a front element (first member) (probe body). The front element has an alloy (e.g., Inconel) body and a concentric conductor (e.g., made of hard alloy), bonded together by a single short or long glass or ceramic-metal seal (insulator). The microwave coaxial probe or electromagnetic sensor is designed to have a desired characteristic impedance (e.g., approximately 50 ohms). The front of the probe is flat or recessed, such as a glass-surface orifice, in direct contact with the process fluid and is mounted substantially flush with the inner wall of the flow-limiting structure in the liquid-rich region. Appropriately designed protruding features (wall members) may be incorporated near the front orifice for localized liquid enrichment. An off-the-shelf radio frequency (RF) coaxial connector is attached to and electrically connected to the concentric conductor of the probe and secured to the rear end (connection portion) of the front element by, for example, screws. The downstream component (secondary member) is designed to provide compression support to the upstream component in the case of a face seal (sealing surface), allowing the C-ring or O-ring (sealing member) on the upstream component to press against the outer wall of the pressure vessel / conduit body and seal against process flow pressure (e.g., 5000 psi). A rod / piston seal is another possibility for pressure-resistant sealing. The downstream component itself is secured to the pressure vessel / conduit body via, for example, a single (e.g., M33) thread or via a multi-bolt rear flange.

[0025] Electromagnetic (EM) sensors can be used to determine the water-liquid ratio (WLR) and salinity of a multiphase fluid in an upstream oil and gas production conduit. The system is based on microwave reflectance measurement, where the EM sensor transmits a microwave signal (generated by appropriate electronic circuitry located away from the probe assembly) and detects the reflected microwave signal through the multiphase fluid (using the same circuitry). The EM sensor's sensing orifice, with a flat or recessed surface of an insulator (e.g., glass), is in direct contact with the high-pressure, high-temperature, and corrosive process flow. The front sensing orifice of the EM sensor is mounted substantially flush with the inner wall of the conduit section near a locally liquid-rich area for good WLR and brine salinity measurements. EM sensors used to perform microwave reflectance measurements can be based on end-opening coaxial probe designs with glass-metal or ceramic-metal high-pressure seals, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patents 9,638,556 and 10,330,622 granted to Schlumberger.

[0026] Figure 1A flow measurement device 100 for analyzing the flow rate of a multiphase fluid is shown. Several locations are shown where an EM sensor can be mounted at various points on one or more flow-limiting structures (e.g., conduits, blind pipes, or flanges) in the flow system to perform good WLR and brine salinity measurements of the flowing multiphase fluid. A first EM sensor 102 is shown mounted at a top blind flange 112 downstream of a vertically upward flowing Venturi tube 114 (which acts as both a flow meter and a good flow mixer); the well-mixed oil-water liquid is enriched at the top blind flange location through the blind flange 112 where the first EM sensor 102 is mounted. As the flow direction changes, the liquid tends to accumulate near the blind flange 112 to flow out through the outlet conduit 110. However, this location may not be ideal in cases where the vertical blind flange (and the EM sensor and its electronics housing) need to be removed to provide an inlet for a flow meter system (e.g., a Venturi tube and gamma ray based flow meter system). The second EM sensor 116 is shown mounted on the sidewall 118 downstream of the divergence portion 120 of the vertical venturi 114 (generally aligned with the bottom horizontal blind tee 108). A third EM sensor 122 can be mounted in the divergence portion 120, located at its tapered portion of the sidewall 118. Thus, one or more electromagnetic sensors can be mounted on the wall of the venturi assembly at its divergence portion. If the throat portion 126 of the venturi 114 is long enough to allow for the mounting of the EM sensor 124, a fourth EM sensor 124 can be mounted on the throat portion 126 of the venturi 114, near the divergence portion 120 where the flow / oil-water mixing ratio is highest. Computational fluid dynamics modeling and experiments show that thicker liquid walls can be found at the converging portions upstream of the inlet and throat sections of the Venturi tube apparatus, for example, at the Venturi inlet after the right-angle bend of the bottom blind 108 in the inlet line 104, generally aligned with the bottom blind 108, which can be a blind pipe or a flange. A fifth EM sensor 128 can be mounted on the sidewall 118 of the converging portion 106 of the Venturi tube 114, within its tapered section, and generally aligned with the blind 108. A sixth EM sensor 130 can be mounted at the Venturi inlet portion 132, upstream of the converging portion 106, and generally aligned with the blind 108. The sixth EM sensor 130, located at the Venturi inlet, will measure a thicker liquid layer than the liquid layer located at the Venturi converging portion 106, which is advantageous for the EM sensor to achieve good water salinity and WLR measurements over a wider range of gas volume fractions (GVF). The fifth EM sensor 128 and the sixth EM sensor 130 can be non-invasively installed at the converging and inlet portions of the venturi tube 114, allowing fluid to flow into the venturi tube 114 without any resulting differential pressure measurements being interfered with by the sensors.The fifth and sixth EM sensors 128 and 130 can be installed at the blind tube 108, allowing fluid to flow into the venturi tube 114, and any resulting differential pressure measurements will not be interfered with by the sensors. Depending on the needs of each process, any combination of one or more EM sensors 102, 116, 122, 124, 128, and 130 can be used.

[0027] Under high GVF (humidity) conditions, the EM sensor locations at the Venturi throat 126, the divergence portion 120, or downstream of the divergence portion 120 may have reduced liquid levels near the pipe wall, resulting in decreased ability to detect early water and brine salinity and accurately measure WLR. In some embodiments, a liquid enrichment device locally located at the front orifice of the EM sensor may be desirable. It should also be noted that in some cases, the EM sensor may be used with a vertical straight pipe section downstream of a horizontal blind pipe (without the Venturi device); the second to sixth EM sensor locations may have little difference in the amount of liquid near the wall. In this case, a liquid enrichment device locally located at the front orifice of the EM sensor may or may not be used.

[0028] The body of the probe can be made of an H2S-resistant alloy such as Inconel. The center conductor (coaxial or concentric conductor) can be made of Inconel or hard alloy (also H2S-resistant). The insulating material of the glass or ceramic seal (e.g., borosilicate glass, solar glass, alumina ceramic, etc.) can be appropriately selected to withstand the required process pressures and temperatures, resist various chemicals in the salt and produced fluid, and have a stable dielectric constant and low electrical loss. The inner diameter of the probe body and the outer diameter of the center conductor are appropriately sized, along with the sealing material (including the coaxial conductor-insulator insert in the probe body, for short glass-metal seals). Figure 3A Together with the dielectric constant of the probe body, concentric conductors, and insulator, a coaxial transmission line structure with the desired characteristic impedance (e.g., 50 ohms) is formed. The coefficients of thermal expansion of the probe body, concentric conductors, and insulator are appropriately selected to achieve an insulator-metal pressure seal.

[0029] Figure 2 This is an elevation view of a front element 200 according to one embodiment. The front element 200, made of Inconel, has a probe portion 202 and a connection portion 204 for connection to an RF source. An appropriately selected off-the-shelf RF connector 210, here a coaxial connector, can be attached to the connection portion 204.

[0030] The connecting portion 204 of the front member 200 has a sealing surface 216 facing the probe portion 202 along the axial direction of the front member 200. The sealing surface 216 has a groove 218 (in Figure 2(Not visible in the image), the groove 218 extends around the proximal end 220 of the probe portion 202 to accommodate a sealing member (not shown) within the groove 218. The sealing surface 216 and the sealing member disposed therein are used to seal around a port into which the probe portion 202 extends to expose a probe (not shown) within the probe portion to flowing fluid.

[0031] Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional view of the front member 300 for an EM probe assembly according to another embodiment. The front member 300 is similar in many respects to... Figure 2 The front member 200. The front member 300 has a probe portion 202 and a connecting portion 204, which together define a probe housing 302. A connector 210 is attached to the probe housing 302 at a connecting surface 214. Here, a recess 316 formed in the connecting surface 214 accommodates the connector 210, but the connector 210 can also be attached to a flat (i.e., non-recessed) connecting surface 214, such as... Figure 2 As shown. Connector 210 (which may be a standard off-the-shelf RF connector) is fastened to connection portion 204, in this case using bolts or screws.

[0032] The probe housing 302 has an axial hole 308 that accommodates an insulating assembly 310 and a probe 312. The probe can be a center conductor or a concentric conductor and is made of a metal pin, for example, of a suitable material with a suitable outer diameter. The axial hole 308 is arranged to extend from a first end 314 of the probe housing 302 through the probe housing 302 to a second end 317 opposite to the first end. The axial hole 308 is formed through the probe housing 302 such that the central axis of the probe housing 302 coincides with the axis of the axial hole 308. In this case, the insulating assembly 310 has a first insulator 318 and a second insulator 320, both of which are disposed in the axial hole 308 surrounding the probe 312. Probe 312 is an electrical conductor disposed within insulating assembly 310, located in a channel formed by first and second insulators 318 and 320 passing through insulating assembly 310 along its axis, which substantially coincides with the axis of insulating assembly 310 and probe housing 302. The axis 310 extends from a first end 314 to a second end 317 of probe housing 302 and extends beyond into connector 210 to allow electrical power, such as RF power, to be connected to probe 312. At least one of the first insulator 318 and the second insulator 320 has an outer radius substantially the same as the inner radius of axial bore 308, such that insulating assembly 310 can seal axial bore 308 against process fluid, which probe 312 is exposed to when the front element 300 is installed in an operating facility, such as a conduit or flow structure. In this case, the first insulator 318 is a short glass-metal seal, and the second insulator 320 is a coaxial conductor-insulator. A ceramic-metal material can be used instead of glass-metal for the first insulator 318. The first insulator 318 is configured to contact the probe 312 and the inner wall of the axial bore 308 to seal the axial bore 308. As shown here, the second insulator 320 can be configured to have a small cylindrical gap around the probe 312 between the probe 312 and the second insulator 320 to maintain the characteristic impedance of the probe 312. The lengths of the first insulator 318 and the second insulator 320 can be selected according to appropriate design criteria. The probe housing 302 has a sealing surface 216 with a groove 218 for receiving a sealing member. Here, a device without such features is shown. Figure 4A The probe housing 302 has liquid-enhancing features, such as the wall member 402 shown. Liquid-enhancing features can be added to the probe housing 302 if desired.

[0033] Figure 3B This is a cross-sectional view of the front element 350 according to another embodiment. The front element 350 is similar in most respects to the front elements 300 and 200. The front element 350 has a single insulator 352, instead of... Figure 3AThe insulating component 310. The insulator 352 is a glass-metal (or ceramic-metal) insulator disposed in the axial hole 308. In this case, the insulator 352 extends from the first end 314 of the probe housing 302 to the second end 317 and contacts the connector 210. The insulator 352 has a concave surface 354 at the first end 314 of the probe housing 302 to minimize stress-induced cracking of the insulator 352. The concave surface 354 is recessed into the first end 314, and the probe 312 is open in this case at a slightly recessed position relative to the first end 314 of the probe housing 302 for handling fluid. The depth of the recess is typically 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

[0034] Figure 4A This is a perspective cross-sectional view of the front member 400 according to another embodiment. The front member 400 is in most respects similar to... Figure 3B Similar to the preceding member 350, and similar to preceding members 300 and 200. In this case, the preceding member 400 has a removable wall member 402. The wall member 402 provides liquid enhancement by generating a redirection of the flow of the multiphase fluid to induce condensation of the fluid according to the density difference. The preceding member 400 has a probe portion 404 with a first portion 406 and a second portion 408. The first portion 406 has a first outer radius, and the second portion 408 has a second outer radius greater than the first outer radius. The first portion 406 extends from a first end 412 of the probe portion 404 to the second portion 408 in the axial direction of the preceding member 400. The second portion 408 extends from a second end 414 of the probe portion 404 to the first portion 406 at a connecting portion 204. The first portion 406 and the second portion 408 meet at a wall 410 extending radially outward from the first portion 406 to the second portion 408. In this case, the wall 410 extends only in the radial direction. However, in some cases, wall 410 may also extend a certain distance in the axial direction to form a truncated conical wall.

[0035] A removable, replaceable wall member 402 is arranged around the first portion 406 and has a wall portion 416 extending beyond the first end 412. The wall portion 416 extends from an annular portion 418 of the wall member 402. In this case, the wall portion 416 extends partially around the circumference of the annular portion 418 to form a cylindrical wall. When installed in, for example, Figure 1 In the flow system shown, the wall member 402 is typically oriented such that the flow path of the multiphase fluid flowing through the wall portion 416 is downstream of the probe portion 404. The wall portion 416 forces the flowing multiphase fluid to deflect, causing liquid to accumulate near the first end 412 of the probe portion 404. The enhanced presence of liquid at the first end enhances the detection and analysis of the liquid properties in the flowing multiphase fluid.

[0036] Here, for illustrative purposes, the inner radius of the wall portion 416 is smaller than the first outer radius of the first portion 406 of the probe portion 404, such that the wall portion 416 partially overlaps with the end surface 420 of the probe portion 404 in its peripheral region. The axial length of the annular portion 418 is substantially equal to the axial length of the first portion 406 of the probe portion 404, such that the annular portion 418 substantially covers the outer cylindrical surface of the first portion 406. The outer radius of the annular portion 418 is substantially the same as the outer radius of the wall portion 416, such that the outer surface of the annular portion 418 and the outer surface of the wall portion form a continuous outer surface. The outer surfaces of the wall portion 416 and the annular portion 418 in this case have radii substantially the same as the second outer radius of the second portion 408 of the probe portion 404. Therefore, in this case, the outer surface of the second portion 408, the outer surface of the annular portion 418, and the wall portion 416 form a surface with a substantially constant outer radius. Because the wall portion 416 overlaps with a portion of the end surface 420 of the probe portion 404, the inner radius of the annular portion 418 is larger than the inner radius of the wall portion 416.

[0037] The wall member 402 can be removed by sliding it away from the end of the first portion 406 of the probe portion 404. By making the wall member 402 removable and replaceable, other wall members with different configurations can be used for liquid enhancement to correspond to different desired process characteristics. Figure 4B This is a perspective cross-sectional view of the front member 430 according to another embodiment. According to another embodiment, the front member 430 has a removable wall member 432. The wall member 432 is similar to... Figure 4A The wall member 402. The preceding member 430 and the preceding member 400 have the same probe housing, illustrating how multiple removable, replaceable wall members can be used for fluid enhancement using a single probe housing. Wall member 432 has a wall portion 436, which has a... Figure 4A The wall portion 416 of the wall component 402 has a small angular range.

[0038] The wall portion 416 is shown herein as a cylindrical extension projecting outward from the first end 412 of the probe portion 404. Alternative constructions can be used to enhance the liquid. The wall portion 416 may be flat rather than curved, or may be curved in a non-cylindrical manner. The wall portion 416 may have a flat wall with end tabs extending from the wall at an angle, for example, at a right angle. The wall portion 416 is shown herein as extending directly outward from the first end 412 in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the preceding member 400. In other embodiments, the wall portion 416 may extend in a direction not parallel to the axial direction, but alternatively may be at an angle to the axial direction. For example, depending on the needs of a single process, the wall portion 416 may be angled toward or away from the probe 312. The wall portion 416 is shown herein as a continuous wall, but alternative constructions may use discontinuous walls. In some embodiments, gaps or holes may be provided at convenient locations in the wall portion 416, while other embodiments may use rod-like extensions parallel, perpendicular, or forming another angle with the axial direction of the front member 400 to form a partial or discontinuous wall. The wall portion 416 is also shown here as having a rectangular profile when viewed toward the wide side of the wall portion 416. Alternative constructions, when viewed from this direction, may use walls with curved profiles. Liquid enhancement may be achieved using any type of protrusion that provides local deflection or recirculation of fluid flow to facilitate liquid collection near the probe 312. The wall member 402 may be oriented such that the wall portion 416 is located upstream of the flow path of the multiphase fluid relative to the probe portion 404.

[0039] The orientation of the wall member 402 can be aided by an orientation feature (not shown) that may be provided in the annular portion 418 of the wall member 402, while a corresponding matching orientation feature (not shown) is provided in the outer wall of the first portion 406 of the probe portion 404 to engage with the orientation feature of the wall member 402. This orientation feature may be a matching bump, ridge, recess, groove, etc. Alternatively, the orientation of the wall member 402 can be ensured by using fasteners such as flathead screws (not shown).

[0040] Figure 4C This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a front member 460 according to another embodiment. The front member 460 has the same probe housing as the front members 430 and 400, wherein the probe portion 404 can receive a removable member. In this case, an annular member 462 is disposed around the first portion 406 of the probe portion 404. The annular member 462 is not a liquid-enhancing feature and has no wall portion protruding into the fluid flow. The annular member 462 can be used when liquid enhancement is not required to fill the gap between the first portion 406 of the probe portion 404 and the inner wall of the port into which the front member 460 is inserted. The annular member 462 prevents unwanted materials such as sand and other solids from accumulating in the gap by filling it.

[0041] Wall members 402 and 432, as well as annular member 462, can be made of any readily available material. In some cases, low-cost, corrosion-resistant thermoplastics such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) may be used. Metals, corrosion-resistant ceramics, and composite materials may also be used. These members can be molded, cast, engraved, or 3D printed using suitable materials. Alignment features (not shown), such as grooves, ridges, bumps, notches, pins, flathead screws, or other suitable features, may be formed in or provided in any member 402, 432, and 462 as needed. It should be noted that even if annular member 462 does not have a liquid-enriching wall portion, annular members such as annular member 462 may have other functional features that benefit from orientation. It should also be noted that instead of using removable, replaceable wall members, the first portion of the front members 200, 300, 350, 400, 430, and / or 460 may have an integral wall portion extending along the axial direction of the front member away from its corresponding first end. In such an embodiment, the front element itself may have orientation features to help orient the wall portion according to the direction of fluid flow. Orientation features may be provided in the probe portion or the connecting portion of the front element.

[0042] It is also desirable to reduce the complexity and cost of EM coaxial probe sensors used for desired design pressures such as 5000 psi. This can be achieved by eliminating the integral coaxial feedthrough with a second glass-metal or ceramic-metal seal (as disclosed in U.S. Patent 9,638,556). For long, for example, glass-metal seal designs ( Figure 3B This may require polishing the concave front (glass) surface of the probe body (preform) to avoid the formation of stress-induced fine cracks in the glass (as disclosed in U.S. Patent 10,330,622). Reducing the amount of expensive (Inconel) alloy used for the probe body (preform) and avoiding circumferential grooves (as disclosed in U.S. Patent 10,330,622) is also desirable.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a probe assembly 500 according to one embodiment. The probe assembly 500 has a first member 502 having a probe portion 504 and a connecting portion 506, similar to the previous member described above. The probe portion 504 has a central hole 508 having a probe 510 (shown here as a concentric and / or coaxial conductor) and a withstand voltage insulator 512 surrounding the probe 510, similar to the previous member 350. Here, the withstand voltage insulator 512 has a bonding... Figure 3BThe description describes a length variation. Probe 510 extends from an opening 514 at the distal end 516 of probe portion 504 into connecting portion 506. Probe 510, which may be a coaxial conductor, is exposed at opening 514 to contact the process fluid for analysis. Connecting portion 506 has a connector 518 and a sealing surface 522, the connector 518 being connected to the distal end 520 of connecting portion 506, and the sealing surface 522 having a groove 524 extending around probe portion 504. Here, the sealing surface 522 is... Figure 2 The sealing surface 216 is the same, but can be configured in any convenient manner. Connector 518 is substantially the same as connector 210, but any convenient connector can be used here. Recess 524 accommodates a resilient sealing member, such as an O-ring or C-ring, into which it can be inserted. This sealing member seals the opening when pressed against the tube wall around the opening of probe portion 504. Here, the first member 502 does not have liquid-reinforcing features, such as a removable wall member 402.

[0044] The probe assembly 500 has a second member 530, shown, that engages with the first member 502. The second member 530 is a conduit member having an external thread 532 and an internal channel 534 extending from a first end 536 of the second member 530 to a second end 538 opposite to the first end 536. The internal channel 534 has a smooth wall 540 at the first end 536 and an internal thread 537 at the second end 538. The internal thread 537 can be used for coupling to a cable gland 550 for securing an RF cable 552. In this description, the second member 530 has a first portion 542 with a first outer radius containing the external thread 532; and a second portion 544 with a second outer radius smaller than the first outer radius. Here, the second part 544 is unthreaded along its outer wall, but any feature such as a hexagonal cross-section can be incorporated into the outer wall of the second part 544 as needed, for example, to facilitate applying torque to the second member 530 so that the thread 532 engages with the threaded port (not shown) to apply compression and hold the first member 502.

[0045] The second member 530 is shown engaging with the first member 502 in an operational configuration. During installation, the second member 530 directly contacts the first member 502, and the external thread 532 of the second member engages with a threaded hole. The sealing surface 522 of the first member 502 contacts a pipe wall, flange, or other flow-restricting structure, and the progressive engagement of the external thread 532 of the second member 530 presses the first member 502 against the flow-restricting structure to form a seal around the probe portion 504.

[0046] Such as combination Figure 2-4CThe first component 502 can be an antecedent, and the second component 530 can be a consequent. The second component 530 holds the first component 502 in place, while the probe portion 504 protrudes through an opening in a flow-restricting structure such as a pipe wall or flange. The engagement of the external thread 532 of the second component 530 provides a sealing force between the sealing surface 522 and the flow-restricting structure to press the sealing member (not shown) in the groove 524 against the flow-restricting structure, thereby providing compression support for the first component 502. An internal channel 534 provides a conduit for the RF cable 552 (here, a coaxial cable) for electrical connection to the connector 518. The probe 510 (here, the center conductor) extends through the first component 502 into the connector 518 to establish an RF connection.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a probe assembly 600 according to another embodiment. In this case, the probe assembly 600 uses a flange member 602 to attach to a flow confinement structure. The probe assembly 600 uses a similar... Figure 3B The first component 604 of the preceding member 350 has a conduit component 605 that serves as a retaining gland and conduit for connecting the RF cable 552 to the connector 518. Here, the flange component 602 is the second component, which applies compression to the first component 604 against the conduit wall to seal the port. The flange component 602 has an inner bore 606 formed therethrough in its axial direction to provide passage to the connector 518 for connecting the RF cable 552. The conduit component 605 has an external thread 608 that engages with the internal thread formed in the bore 606. The RF cable 552 can be directly engaged with the connector 518, or, as shown here, an adapter 554 can be used to connect the RF cable 552 to the connector 518. When installed, the flange component 602 directly contacts the first component 604 at the distal end 614 of the connection portion 204 and is bolted to the flow-restricting structure at the bolt hole 612 to provide a sealing force between the sealing surface 522 and the flow-restricting structure. Cable gland 550 can also be used here.

[0048] It should be noted that in some embodiments, flange member 602 and conduit member 605 may be a second member, i.e., an integral object. In this case, the second member will have a flange portion and a conduit portion extending axially from the center of the flange portion. Typically, the probe assembly described herein has a first member having a probe portion disposed through an opening in a conduit (or flange or blind tube) for exposure to flowing fluid. The conduit has a first coupling structure such that a second member of the probe assembly can be coupled to the first coupling structure to apply pressure to the first member of the probe assembly. The second member typically includes a flange. Alternatively or additionally, the second member may include a conduit. The second member may be a conduit member, a flange member, a combination of a conduit member and a flange member, or an integral object having a flange portion and a conduit portion. The second member typically has a second coupling structure for coupling to the first coupling structure to enable compression of the first member. The engagement of the coupling structure is shown below.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of an apparatus 700 for analyzing the flow of multiphase fluids. The apparatus 700 has a probe assembly 702, a first member 604, and a second member 530 mounted in a flange 704, which serves as a flow-limiting structure. The probe assembly 702 is here eccentrically mounted in the flange 704 to demonstrate the flexibility of positioning the probe assembly 702 at any convenient rich-liquid location within the flow-limiting structure. The apparatus 700 can be mounted as... Figure 1 The first EM sensor 102.

[0050] Here, the first connection structure is a threaded port 706 through which the probe portion of the first member 604 is disposed. The second member 530, here a conduit member, has a second connection structure, which is an external thread for engaging with the first connection structure to apply compression to the first member 604 against the wall of the conduit, in this case it is a shelf for the hole into which the probe portion extends.

[0051] Figure 8This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a device 800 for analyzing flowing multiphase fluids. In this case, the probe assembly 702 is mounted on the side of a tubular flow-restricting structure 802, which can be a flange or a pipe wall. A first member 502 is disposed in a port 804, which is formed in the flow-restricting structure 802 having three parts. The first part 805 allows the probe part 504 to contact the flowing multiphase fluid. The second part 806 accommodates the connecting part 204 of the second member 530 and the first part 542. The second part 806 has an internal thread as a first connecting structure to engage with the external thread 532 of the first part 542 as a second connecting structure. The second part 806 meets the first part 805 on a frame 808 that contacts the sealing surface 216 of the connecting part 204. As described above, the second member 530 presses the sealing surface 216 of the first member 502 onto the frame 808. The inner radius of the second part 806 may be larger than the inner radius of the first part 805. The inner radius of the third portion 810 of port 804 may be greater than the inner radius of the second portion 806, thereby forming an annular gap 812 between the third portion 810 of port 804 and the second portion 544 of the second member 530 to provide a passage for installing and removing the second member 530.

[0052] Figure 9This is a perspective view of an apparatus 900 for analyzing the flow of a multiphase fluid according to another embodiment. Here, a probe assembly 600 is mounted in the pipe wall upstream of a converging portion 904, which serves as a flow-limiting structure, at the inlet portion 910 of a venturi assembly 902. The probe assembly 600 is non-invasively installed into the fluid flow. The probe assembly 600 is substantially azimuthally aligned with a horizontal blind tee 909 leading to the inlet pipe 104 of the venturi assembly 902. At the inlet portion 910, on one side of the blind tee 909, the liquid layer of the multiphase fluid is thicker than the layer along the wall opposite the probe assembly 600. As the fluid flows from the inlet 104 into the vertical flow pipe 914, the change in flow direction causes fluids of different densities to separate within the interior 916 of the pipe 914, such that the higher-density liquid tends to collect along the wall of the conduit 914 closest to the blind tee 909. The port 906 formed in the flow-restricting structure has a fastening portion 908 that accommodates a flange member 602, which serves as a rear flange, for direct bolting to the pipe wall. In this case, the first connection structure consists of a plurality of drill holes 918 formed in the wall of the inlet portion 910, and the second connection structure consists of a plurality of holes 920 in the flange member 602, and a plurality of fasteners 922, in this case bolts, which pass through the holes 920 and are disposed in the drill holes 918. Here, the probe assembly 600 is also shown without localized fluid enhancement to minimize flow interruption at the inlet of the venturi assembly 902. In this embodiment, the horizontal end blind tee 909 and the vertical DC pipe 914 extend from the blind tee 909 and the inlet pipe 104 to the Venturi tube device 902 as a liquid (or liquid fraction) enhancement structure, because the liquid layer accumulates along one side of the vertical pipe 914, wherein the probe assembly 600 is mounted with a wall thickness opposite to that along the opposite side of the probe assembly 600, and this contrast in liquid enrichment continues at least into the inlet portion of the Venturi tube device 902.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a graphical depiction 1000 of a multiphase fluid 1002 flowing in a measuring device or Venturi assembly 1014, which is connected to a blind tee section 1010 with a blind flange 1008. The graphical depiction shows the liquid content 1000 of the multiphase fluid at different locations along the vertical Venturi tube 1014. This graphical depiction is in color to allow viewing of different liquid contents. The liquid flow is in the direction of arrow 1006. Here, as shown in the gas fraction diagram, a thicker liquid layer forms along the side 1011 of the vertical Venturi tube 1014, which is aligned with the blind flange 1008 of the blind tee 1010 installed upstream of the inlet of the Venturi tube assembly 1014. A thinner liquid layer appears along the opposite side 1012 of the Venturi tube assembly 1014. The model that caused the graphical depiction 1000 indicates that, Figure 1Installing EM probes at positions 128 and 130 of the fifth and sixth EM probes allows for successful engagement with liquid-rich layers, enabling reliable analysis of multiphase fluids.

[0054] The EM probes, probe assemblies, and flow systems described herein typically use methods for analyzing multiphase fluid flows to determine water properties, such as electrical conductivity or salinity, and WLR. This method involves placing an end-opening microwave probe assembly of the type described herein, which may be threaded, within a flow-limiting structure carrying the multiphase fluid flow, and powering the probe assembly using radio frequency (RF) energy. The probe assembly is typically located at or near a liquid-rich region of the flow-limiting structure. Liquid fraction enhancement structures can be used; these are structures in the flow system that facilitate liquid collection near the wall regions of the flow-limiting structure. As mentioned above, increasing the amount or fraction of liquid in the flow can improve liquid analysis. Liquid fraction enhancement structures (e.g., transitions from a horizontal end-blind tee to a vertical pipe) typically alter the flow direction of the multiphase fluid, allowing the density difference between the liquid and gas phases to at least partially aggregate the liquid and gas. In some cases, localized liquid enhancement structures can be provided as part of the probe assembly to enhance liquid collection at the open end of the probe assembly. A single probe assembly can be installed in the flow system, or multiple probe assemblies can be used to compare results. Comparison results help improve the quality and repeatability of data from probes, and different probe assemblies can be used to focus on different aspects of multiphase fluid flow.

[0055] The EM probe shown here is often azimuthally aligned with the blind portion of a blind tee to capture fluid fraction enhancement due to the change in fluid flow direction. It should be noted that the azimuth alignment does not need to be absolute. Alignment can be substantial, allowing for some angular misalignment. Fluid fraction enhancement is typically found along the inner wall of the conduit side closest to the blind portion, because that side of the conduit has the outer radius of the bend in the fluid flow path. The EM probe can be mounted with absolute misalignment from the blind portion, and fluid enhancement can be found along the inner wall of the conduit on the "blind side."

[0056] Although the foregoing description has been described herein with reference to specific apparatuses, materials and embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the details disclosed herein; rather, it extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as those described in the appended application.

Claims

1. A probe assembly for measuring the liquid properties of a multiphase fluid flowing in a conduit, the probe assembly comprising: A first component has a probe portion and a connecting portion. The probe portion has a central hole with a conductor and a voltage-resistant insulator surrounding the conductor. The conductor extends from an opening at the distal end of the probe portion into the connecting portion. The connecting portion has a connector coupled to the distal end of the connecting portion. The connecting portion has a sealing surface with a groove extending around the probe portion. The second component, which comes into direct contact with the first component at the distal end of the connection portion during assembly, applies compression and holds the first component against the wall of the conduit. and A removable wall member surrounds the distal end of the probe portion and has a wall extending from a portion of the wall member.

2. The probe assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The second component has a threaded wall.

3. The probe assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The second component is selected from flange components, conduit components, combinations of flange components and conduit components, or integral components having flange portions and conduit portions.

4. An apparatus for analyzing flowing multiphase fluids, the apparatus comprising: catheter; and An end-opening microwave probe assembly, configured to be in fluid communication with a conduit via the wall of the conduit, the conduit having a first connection structure, the probe assembly comprising: A first component has a probe portion and a connecting portion. The probe portion has a central hole with a conductor and a voltage-resistant insulator surrounding the conductor. The connecting portion has a coaxial connector coupled to the distal end of the connecting portion and connected to the conductor. The connecting portion has a sealing surface with a groove extending around the probe portion and a sealing member disposed in the groove. The probe portion extends through a first connecting structure and the sealing surface of the connecting portion makes sealing contact with the wall of the conduit. A second component, the second component having a second connection structure for engaging with the first connection structure; and A removable wall member surrounds the distal end of the probe portion and has a wall extending from a portion of the wall member.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein, The first connection structure is a threaded port, the second component is a conduit component, and the second connection structure is an external thread on the outer wall of the second component.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein, The first connection structure is a plurality of drill holes formed in the conduit wall, the second component includes a rear flange, and the second connection structure is a plurality of holes in the rear flange and a plurality of fasteners configured to pass through the holes and enter the drill holes.

7. The device according to claim 4, wherein, The catheter includes a blind tee, and the probe assembly is disposed at a position on the catheter that is azimuthally aligned with the blind portion of the blind tee.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein, The conduit includes a liquid fraction enhancement structure, and the probe is disposed at the liquid fraction enhancement structure, wherein the liquid fraction enhancement structure is one of a pipe end cap, a blind flange, or a horizontal blind tee connected to a vertical pipe section.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein, The probe assembly is located in the wall of the inlet or converging section of the vertical venturi tube device.

10. The device according to claim 8, wherein, The probe assembly is located in the wall of the venturi device on its throat or diverging portion, and the probe portion has a wall member surrounding the distal end of the probe portion and having a wall extending from a portion of the wall member.

11. The device according to claim 8, wherein, The catheter includes a multiphase flow meter based on microwave transmission resonance measurement, electrical impedance measurement, X-ray or gamma-ray measurement, or a combination thereof.

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