Multiphase flow meter

Abstract

A system includes a conduit, a multiphase fluid, and a measurement unit. A multiphase fluid is disposed within the conduit. The measurement unit is connected to the conduit and includes a cylindrical structure, a first magnet, a second magnet, a first coil, and a second coil. The cylindrical structure is submerged in the multiphase fluid and has a first end and a second end. A first magnet is connected to a first end of the cylindrical structure and a second magnet is connected to a second end of the cylindrical structure. The first coil is wound on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe, and the position of the first coil corresponds to the position of the first magnet arranged in the hole. The second coil is wound on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe, and the position of the second coil corresponds to the position of the second magnet arranged in the hole.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Hydrocarbon transportation systems are used to transport fluids to various production and refining operations. Hydrocarbon transportation systems use conduits (e.g., pipelines) to transport fluids over long distances. In this specification, the term "fluid" is used to describe a substance that does not have a fixed shape and easily yields to external pressure. Therefore, the term "fluid" can refer to gas, liquid, or a combination of both. The fluid transported in the hydrocarbon transportation system can be crude oil, dry gas, wet gas, etc. Multiphase fluid is a term used to refer to a fluid that consists of more than one phase (i.e., consists of liquid and gas).

[0002] In multiphase fluid production, it is important to meter or measure the amount and flow of each fluid (gas or liquid) present in the hydrocarbon transportation system. Due to the inherent differences between liquid and gas in multiphase fluids, it is difficult to measure the ratio of these two fluids. Currently, there are some technologies in multiphase metering, such as using test separators, fluid sampling, tracer methods, etc. However, these technologies usually result in pressure loss or inaccuracy, so it is beneficial to develop multiphase fluid metering technology that is accurate and does not significantly interfere with the fluid or fluid pressure. Summary of the invention

[0003] This Summary is provided to introduce a series of concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description below. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] According to one or more embodiments, the present disclosure proposes a method and system for measuring the flow rate and volume fraction of a multiphase fluid. The system includes a pipeline, a multiphase fluid and a measuring unit. The pipeline has an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface. The inner circumferential surface defines a hole. The multiphase fluid is arranged in the hole of the pipeline. The measuring unit is connected to the pipeline and includes a cylindrical structure, a first magnet, a second magnet, a first coil and a second coil. The cylindrical structure is arranged in the hole of the pipeline, immersed in the multiphase fluid, and has a first end and a second end. The first end is opposite to the second end along an axis. The first magnet is connected to the first end of the cylindrical structure, and the second magnet is connected to the second end of the cylindrical structure. The first coil is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the pipeline, and its position corresponds to the position of the first magnet arranged in the hole. The second coil is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the pipeline, and its position corresponds to the position of the second magnet arranged in the hole.

[0005] The method includes installing a measurement unit on a pipeline transporting the multiphase fluid. The measurement unit includes: a cylindrical structure, the cylindrical structure is immersed in the multiphase fluid; a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet and the second magnet are connected to opposite ends of the cylindrical structure; and a first coil and a second coil, the first coil and the second coil are wound around the outer circumferential surface of the pipeline, and their positions correspond to the first magnet and the second magnet respectively. The method also includes: using the cylindrical structure and a computer processor to obtain a resonant frequency measurement value; using the first magnet, the second magnet, the first coil, the second coil and the computer processor to obtain a nuclear magnetic resonance measurement value; and using the resonant frequency measurement value, the nuclear magnetic resonance measurement value and the computer processor to measure the flow rate and volume fraction of the multiphase fluid.

[0006] Other aspects and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become apparent from the following description and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Specific embodiments of the disclosed technology will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For consistency, similar elements in the various drawings are represented by similar reference numerals. The sizes and relative positions of the elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes and angles of the various elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some of these elements may be arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve the readability of the drawings. In addition, the specific shapes of the drawn elements are not necessarily intended to convey any information about the actual shapes of these specific elements, but are only selected for easy identification in the drawings.

[0008] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Different cross sections of a multiphase flow meter are shown according to one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 2 A plurality of measurement units are shown installed on a pipeline according to one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 3 A flow chart is shown according to one or more embodiments.

[0011] Figure 4 Example resonant frequency values ​​that may be obtained by applying an external excitation circuit to a cylindrical structure in accordance with one or more embodiments are shown.

[0012] Figure 5 A graph showing reconstructed T1 and T2 distributions showing volume fractions of oil, water, and gas present in a multiphase fluid according to one or more embodiments.

[0013] Fig. 6A Data distribution obtained from the five pairs of magnets and coils described above according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0014] Figure 6B The speed of each phase at different T1 values ​​according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0015] Figure 7 A computer system is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, many specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known features are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0017] Throughout the application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) may be used as adjectives for elements (i.e., any noun in the application). Unless explicitly disclosed, such as using the terms "before," "after," "single," and other such terms, the use of ordinal numbers does not imply or create any particular order of elements, nor does it limit any element to only a single element. Instead, the use of ordinal numbers is to distinguish between elements. As an example, a first element is different from a second element, and a first element may contain more than one element and be ranked after (or before) a second element in the ordering of elements.

[0018] Figure 1A and Figure 1B 1 shows different cross-sections of a multiphase flow meter (referred to herein as a measurement unit 100) according to one or more embodiments. Specifically, Figure 1A and Figure 1B A single measuring unit 100 is shown connected to a pipe 102, Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A A cross section along the first axis 104 .

[0019] The pipe 102 may be part of a pipeline that transports a multiphase fluid 106. According to one or more embodiments, the pipe 102 is made of a non-metallic material. The pipe 102 has an outer peripheral surface 108 and an inner peripheral surface 110. The inner peripheral surface 110 defines a hole 112. According to one or more embodiments, the multiphase fluid 106 is disposed within the hole 112 of the pipe 102. In other embodiments, the multiphase fluid 106 flows within the pipe 102.

[0020] The measuring unit 100 mainly consists of a cylindrical structure 114, a first magnet 116, a second magnet 118, a first coil 120 and a second coil 122. The cylindrical structure 114 is arranged in the bore 112 of the pipe 102 and immersed in the multiphase fluid 106. The cylindrical structure 114 is centered in the bore 112 by at least one support 124, which attaches the cylindrical structure 114 to the inner circumferential surface 110 of the pipe 102.

[0021] According to one or more embodiments, the support 124 is made of a dielectric material and is designed to allow the multiphase fluid 106 to flow through the support 124 and around the cylindrical structure 114 . Figure 1A Two supports 124 are shown connecting the cylindrical structure 114 to the inner circumferential surface 110 of the pipe 102. However, any number of supports 124 and any design of supports 124 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the cylindrical structure 114 contacts only the inner circumferential surface 110 using the supports 124.

[0022] The cylindrical structure 114 has a first end 126 and a second end 128. The first end 126 is opposite to the second end 128 along a second axis 130. The second axis 130 passes through the center of the cylindrical structure 114 and the pipe 102. The first axis 104 intersects the second axis 130. According to one or more embodiments, the cylindrical structure 114 is closed or substantially closed at the first end 126 and the second end 128. The cylindrical structure 114 can be hollow or filled with a dielectric material. The cylindrical structure 114 can act as a microwave cavity, allowing microwaves to bounce back and forth within the cylindrical structure 114. At the resonant frequency of the cylindrical structure 114, the microwaves are enhanced to form standing waves within the cylindrical structure 114.

[0023] In other embodiments, the length 132 of the cylindrical structure 114 is at least twice the diameter 134 of the cylindrical structure 114 to ensure that the resonant frequency is below the cutoff frequency of the pipe 102. Microwaves are induced in the cylindrical structure 114 by providing an external excitation circuit. According to one or more embodiments, the external excitation circuit for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensing is generated by the first magnet 116 and the second magnet 118.

[0024] The first magnet 116 is connected to the first end 126 of the cylindrical structure 114. The second magnet 118 is connected to the second end 128 of the cylindrical structure 114. The first magnet 116 and the second magnet 118 are connected to the cylindrical structure 114 by any means known in the art (e.g., welding, adhesive, etc.). According to one or more embodiments, the shapes of the first magnet 116 and the second magnet 118 are such that they ensure a smooth transition of the fullbore volume of the multiphase fluid 106 to the reduced measurement volume caused by the cylindrical structure 114 and the support 124. As a result, the average velocity of the multiphase fluid 106 flow is increased, which is accompanied by an increase in turbulence and mixing of the multiphase fluid 106. This reduces the velocity differences between all phases of the multiphase fluid 106.

[0025] like Figure 1A As shown, the first coil 120 is wound around the outer circumferential surface 108 of the pipe 102. The first coil 120 is wound around a position corresponding to the position of the first magnet 116 disposed in the hole 112. The second coil 122 is wound around the outer circumferential surface 108 of the pipe 102. The second coil 122 is wound around a position corresponding to the position of the second magnet 118 disposed in the hole 112. According to one or more embodiments, the first coil 120 and the second coil 122 are radio frequency coils that are capable of generating a radio frequency magnetic field perpendicular to the magnetic field generated by the first magnet 116 and the second magnet 118.

[0026] In other embodiments, the sensor 136 (e.g., a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor) is located in the pipe 102 as part of the measurement unit 100. Specifically, the sensor 136 can be embedded in the flow of the multiphase fluid 106 and can be connected to the inner circumferential surface 110 of the pipe 102. In addition, the sensor 136 can extend from the inner circumferential surface 110 to the outer circumferential surface 108 for manual reading (using a meter or a digital screen) or wirelessly or wiredly connected to the computer processor 705, which can store, analyze and visualize the data obtained by the sensor 136.

[0027] The computer processor 705 may be as follows Figure 7 The computer processor 705 may also be connected to the first coil 120 and the second coil 122 by wireless or wired means to obtain resonant frequency measurements and NMR measurements generated using the cylindrical structure 114, the first magnet 116, the second magnet 118, the first coil 120, and the second coil 122.

[0028] Specifically, for NMR measurements, the measurement unit 100 provides the computer processor 705 with the NMR magnetization, T1 and T2 as a function of (at least) the different NMR sensors along the cylindrical body as a function of time. Within the measurement unit 100, these values ​​are generated and processed internally from the raw data acquired by the first coil 120 and the second coil 122 using two different pulse sequence techniques outlined below. For resonant frequency measurements, microwaves that generate the resonant frequency and quality factor are obtained from the measurement unit 100.

[0029] Figure 2 A plurality of measurement units 100 are shown installed on a pipeline 200 according to one or more embodiments. The pipeline 200 can be made of a plurality of pipes 102 connected together. The pipes 102 can be connected together to form the pipeline 200 using any method known in the art, such as threading the pipes 102 together using threaded ends. In other embodiments, the pipeline 200 can be made of a single pipe 102 having a plurality of measurement units 100. In addition, Figure 2 Four measurement units 100 are shown installed on the pipeline 200. However, any number of measurement units 100 may be installed on the pipeline 200 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] The pipe 102 and the measuring unit 100 may be connected with Figure 1A and Figure 1B The pipe 102 and the measurement unit 100 described in the embodiment of the present invention are similar or identical. For the purpose of readability, similar elements are not re-described, and their descriptions and functions are the same as described above. According to one or more embodiments, each measurement unit 100 can have its own temperature / pressure sensor 136, or there can be a single temperature / pressure sensor 136 for the entire pipeline 200 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 1 shows a flow chart according to one or more embodiments. The flow chart outlines a method for measuring the flow rate and volume fraction of a multiphase fluid 106 flowing through a pipe 102 using one or more measurement units 100. Figure 3 The various blocks in the embodiment are presented and described in sequence, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that some or all of these blocks may be executed in a different order, may be combined or omitted, and may be executed in parallel. In addition, these blocks may be executed actively or passively.

[0032] First, the measuring unit 100 is installed on the pipeline 102 transporting the multiphase fluid 106, wherein the measuring unit 100 has a cylindrical structure 114, a first magnet 116, a second magnet 118, a first coil 120, and a second coil 122 (S300). According to one or more embodiments, the cylindrical structure 114 is immersed in the multiphase fluid 106, the first magnet 116 and the second magnet 118 are connected to opposite ends of the cylindrical structure 114, and the first coil 120 and the second coil 122 are respectively wound around the outer circumferential surface 108 of the pipeline 102 at positions corresponding to the first magnet 116 and the second magnet 118.

[0033] A resonant frequency measurement is obtained using the cylindrical structure 114 and the computer processor 705 (S302). Specifically, an external excitation circuit, such as a first magnet 116 and a second magnet 118, is disposed around the cylindrical structure 114 to generate a magnetic field within the cylindrical structure 114. The cylindrical structure 114 acts as a microwave cavity, allowing microwaves generated by the external excitation circuit to bounce back and forth within the cylindrical structure 114. At the resonant frequency of the cylindrical structure 114, the microwaves are enhanced to form standing waves within the cylindrical structure 114.

[0034] In other embodiments, the length 132 of the cylindrical structure 114 is at least twice the diameter 134 of the cylindrical structure 114 to ensure that the resonant frequency is below the cutoff frequency of the pipe 102. The resonant frequency of the cylindrical structure 114 depends on the dielectric constant of the multiphase fluid 106 that fills the volume between the cylindrical structure 114 and the inner circumferential surface 110 of the pipe 102.

[0035] The relationship between the resonant frequency and the dielectric constant of the multiphase fluid 106 is given by the following equation (1), where f0 is the reference resonant frequency (i.e., the resonant frequency when only the atmosphere exists between the cylindrical structure 114 and the inner circumferential surface 110 of the pipe 102), f mix is the resonant frequency of the multiphase fluid 106, and ε m is the dielectric constant of the multiphase fluid 106 .

[0036]

[0037] The relationship between the dielectric constant of the multiphase fluid 106 and the volume fraction of the multiphase fluid 106 is defined by the following equation (2), where ε g is the dielectric constant of the gas, ε liq is the dielectric constant of the liquid, and α l is the volume fraction of the liquid portion of the multiphase fluid 106. In an oil production scenario, the dielectric constant of the liquid depends on the dielectric constant of the oil and water mixture.

[0038]

[0039] In view of the above, the computer processor 705 retrieves the resonant frequency value f0 of the multiphase fluid 106 generated by applying the external excitation circuit to the cylindrical structure 114. The computer processor 705 determines the dielectric constant ε of the multiphase fluid 106 using the above equation (1) and the known value f0. m Once the dielectric constant ε of the multiphase fluid 106 m The volume fraction α of the liquid portion of the multiphase fluid 106 is determined by the computer processor 705. l The above formula (2) and the known value ε can be used g and ε liq to be sure.

[0040] Figure 4 1 shows example resonant frequency values ​​that may be obtained by applying an external excitation circuit to the cylindrical structure 114 according to one or more embodiments. Figure 4 In the diagram, the resonant frequency values ​​are located along the x-axis and the magnitude of each resonant frequency value is shown on the y-axis. Figure 4 The resonant frequency value extracted for use in equation (1) will be the resonant frequency value with the highest amplitude.

[0041] NMR measurements are obtained (S304) using first magnet 116, second magnet 118, first coil 120, second coil 122 and computer processor 705. Flow and volume fraction of multiphase fluid 106 are measured using resonant frequency measurements, NMR measurements and computer processor 705 (S306).

[0042] According to one or more embodiments, the first coil 120 and the second coil 122 are radio frequency (RF) coils. The first magnet 116 and the second magnet 118 generate a fixed magnetic field B0. The first coil 120 and the second coil 122 generate a rapidly changing magnetic field B1. The B1 field rapidly changes the internal precession state of the hydrogen nuclei, which is sensitive to different types of mobile phases near the first coil 120 and the second coil 122.

[0043] The first coil 120 is used to detect a signal from the spin of the multiphase fluid 106 flowing inside the pipe 102. Specifically, the measurement unit 100 is connected to the computer processor 705. The computer processor 705 applies a first signal to the first coil 120 and reads a second signal excited in the second coil 122. For the first signal, the measurement unit 100 sets the amplitude, width and shape. A Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) pulse sequence can be applied to the first coil 120 and the second coil 122, and the longitudinal relaxation time (T1) or the transverse relaxation time (T2) in the free induction decay (FID) experiment can be measured.

[0044] Specifically, the first magnet 116 and the first coil 120 "encode" the flow of the multiphase fluid 106 using spin magnetization according to the FID or CPMG pulse sequence. The second magnet 118 and the second coil 122 detect the corresponding spin longitudinal relaxation of the multiphase fluid 106. Longitudinal relaxation is due to the energy exchange between the spin and the surrounding environment (spin-lattice relaxation). When the spin returns from a high energy state to a low energy state, the RF energy is released back to the surrounding lattice. The recovery of the longitudinal magnetization follows an exponential curve, characterized by the material time constant T1.

[0045] Transverse relaxation arises from spins getting out of phase. When spins move together, their magnetic fields interact (spin-spin interactions), slightly changing their precession rates. These interactions are temporary and random. Therefore, spin-spin relaxation leads to phase accumulation losses, which lead to transverse magnetization decay. Transverse magnetization decay is described by an exponential curve, which is characterized by a time constant T2.

[0046] By using NMRFID and CPMG pulse sequence technology, the T1 and T2 times can be detected. By plotting a 2D map of the reconstructed T1 and T2 distributions, the volume fraction between oil, water, and gas present in the multiphase fluid 106 can be determined. This process also relies on the calibrated average values ​​of oil, water, and gas in the T1-T2 2D map. Figure 5 FIG. 1 shows a graph of reconstructed T1 and T2 distributions showing the volume fractions of oil, water, and gas present in the multiphase fluid 106 according to one or more embodiments. Figure 5 In the figure, T2 values ​​are shown on the x-axis and T1 values ​​are shown on the y-axis.

[0047] Once the two volume fractions are determined, the remaining fraction can be calculated using the following equation (3), where α g is the volume fraction of the gas, α o is the volume fraction of oil, α w is the volume fraction of water. l is the sum of the volume fractions of oil and water.

[0048] 1=α g +α o +α w Formula (3)

[0049] To improve the quality of T1 and T2 measurements, more than two pairs of magnets and RF coils may be installed on the pipeline 102. According to one or more embodiments, five pairs of magnets and coils are installed on the pipeline (102): (first magnet 116, first coil 120), (second magnet 118, second coil 122), (third magnet (not shown), third coil 600), (fourth magnet (not shown), fourth coil 602) and (fifth magnet (not shown), fifth coil 604).

[0050] Fig. 6A 1 shows the data distribution obtained from the five pairs of magnets and coils described above according to one or more embodiments. Specifically, the time of fluid flow along the plurality of magnets (i.e., the first magnet 116 and the second magnet 118) is located along the x-axis, and the NMR magnetization value (as the ratio of the magnetization intensity M(t) varying with time to the initial magnetization intensity M(0)) is located along the y-axis. By measuring the magnetization intensity at different positions of the coils and magnets, as shown in FIG. Fig. 6A and 6B As shown, a computer processor 705 may be used to determine flow rates for each fluid phase. Figure 6B The speed of each phase at different T1 values ​​according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0051] Once the velocity and volume fraction are determined, the flow rate of each phase can be determined. In other embodiments, the flow rate, velocity, and volume fraction can be adjusted using temperature and / or pressure data obtained by the pressure and / or temperature sensor 136. In other embodiments, pressure and temperature measurements combined with a sample of the hydrocarbon composition can provide a correction for fluid density and viscosity and can be used to estimate the gas-oil ratio.

[0052] Figure 7 A computer system 702 is shown according to one or more embodiments. Specifically, Figure 7 A block diagram of a computer system 702 for providing computing functionality associated with algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and programs as described in the present disclosure is shown according to one embodiment. The computer 702 shown is intended to encompass any computing device, such as a server, desktop computer, laptop / notebook computer, wireless data port, smart phone, personal data assistant (PDA), tablet computing device, one or more processors within these devices, or any other suitable processing device, including physical or virtual instances (or both) of computing devices.

[0053] In addition, computer 702 may include a computer that includes: an input device, such as a keypad, a keyboard, a touch screen, or other device that can accept user information; and an output device that transmits information associated with the operation of computer 702, which includes digital data, visual or audio information (or a combination of information); or a GUI.

[0054] The computer 702 may act as a client, a network component, a server, a database or other persistent storage, or any other component (or combination of multiple roles) in a computer system for performing the subject matter described in the present disclosure. The computer 702 is shown to be communicatively connected to a network 730. In some embodiments, one or more components of the computer 702 may be configured to operate within an environment including a cloud-based environment, a local environment, a global environment, or other environment (or a combination of environments).

[0055] At a high level, the computer 702 is an electronic computing device that can operate to receive, transmit, process, store or manage data and information associated with the described subject matter. According to some embodiments, the computer 702 may also include an application server, an email server, a web server, a cache server, a streaming data server, a business intelligence (BI) server or other server (or a combination of servers), or be communicatively connected to the above-mentioned various servers.

[0056] Computer 702 may receive requests from client applications (e.g., executing on another computer 702) via network 730 and respond to the requests by processing the received requests in a suitable software application. In addition, requests may also be sent to computer 702 from internal users (e.g., from a command console or through other suitable access methods), external or third parties, other automated applications, and any other suitable entity, individual, system, or computer.

[0057] Each component of the computer 702 can communicate using the system bus 703. In some embodiments, any or all components (hardware or software (or a combination of hardware and software)) of the computer 702 can interact with each other or with the interface 704 (or a combination of both) on the system bus 703 using an application programming interface (API) 712 or a service layer 713 (or a combination of the API 712 and the service layer 713). The API 712 may include descriptions of routines, data structures, and object classes. The API 712 may be independent of or dependent on the computer language and refers to a complete interface, a single function, or even a set of APIs. The service layer 713 provides software services to the computer 702 or other components (whether or not shown) that are communicatively connected to the computer 702.

[0058] The functions of computer 702 are accessible to all service consumers using the service layer. Software services (such as those provided by service layer 713) provide reusable, defined business functions through defined interfaces. For example, the interface can be software written in JAVA, C++, or other suitable languages ​​that provide data in extensible markup language (XML) format or other suitable formats. Although shown as an integrated component of computer 702, alternative embodiments can show API 712 or service layer 713 as separate components relative to other components of computer 702 or other components that are communicatively connected to computer 702 (whether shown or not). In addition, any or all parts of API 712 or service layer 713 can be implemented as submodules or submodules of another software module, enterprise applications, or hardware modules without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] Computer 702 includes interface 704. Although Figure 7 704, but two or more interfaces 704 may be used depending on the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 702. The interface 704 is used by the computer 702 to communicate with other systems in a distributed environment connected to a network 730. In general, the interface 704 includes logic that is encoded in software or hardware (or a combination of software and hardware) and is operable to communicate with the network 730. More specifically, the interface 704 may include software that supports one or more communication protocols associated with the communication so that the network 730 or the hardware of the interface is operable to transmit physical signals within and outside the computer 702.

[0060] Computer 702 includes at least one computer processor 705. Although Figure 7 A single computer processor 705 is shown in the figure, but two or more processors may be used depending on the particular need, desire, or particular implementation of the computer 702. In general, the computer processor 705 executes instructions and manipulates data to perform the operations of the computer 702 and any algorithms, methods, functions, procedures, processes, and programs described in this disclosure.

[0061] The computer 702 also includes a non-transitory computer 702 readable medium or memory 706 that stores data for the computer 702 or other components that may be connected to the network 730 (or a combination of both). For example, the memory 706 may be a database that stores data consistent with the present disclosure. Figure 7702, two or more memories may be used depending on the particular needs, desires, or specific implementation of the computer 702 and the functionality being described. Although the memory 706 is shown as an integral component of the computer 702, in alternative implementations, the memory 706 may be external to the computer 702.

[0062] The application 707 is an algorithmic software engine that provides functionality, particularly with respect to the functionality described in the present disclosure, as specifically needed, desired, or in accordance with a particular implementation of the computer 702. For example, the application 707 may be implemented as one or more components, modules, applications, etc. Furthermore, although illustrated as a single application 707, the application 707 may be implemented as multiple applications 707 on the computer 702. Additionally, although illustrated as being integral to the computer 702, in alternative implementations, the application 707 may be external to the computer 702.

[0063] There may be any number of computers 702 associated with or external to the computer system containing computer 702, with each computer 702 communicating via network 730. Furthermore, the terms "client," "user," and other suitable terminology may be used interchangeably where appropriate without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present disclosure contemplates that many users may use one computer 702, or that one user may use multiple computers 702.

[0064] Although only a few exemplary embodiments are described in detail above, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made in the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, a means-plus-function clause is intended to cover structures described in the present disclosure as performing the enumerated functions, which not only cover structural equivalents, but also cover equivalent structures. Therefore, although nails and screws may not be structural equivalents because nails use cylindrical surfaces to fasten wooden parts together, while screws use helical surfaces, nails and screws may be equivalent structures in the context of fastening wooden parts. It is the applicant's express intention not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112 (f) to impose any limitations on any claim in this specification, except for those where the claims expressly use the wording "device for..." together with associated functions.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a conduit having an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface, wherein the inner peripheral surface defines a bore; a multiphase fluid disposed within the bore of the conduit; as well as A measuring unit connected to the pipeline, the measuring unit comprising: a cylindrical structure disposed within the bore of the conduit, immersed in the multiphase fluid, and having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is opposite the second end along an axis; a first magnet connected to the first end of the cylindrical structure; a second magnet connected to the second end of the cylindrical structure; a first coil wound around the outer peripheral surface of the pipe at a position corresponding to a position of the first magnet disposed in the hole; and A second coil is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the pipe at a position corresponding to a position of the second magnet arranged in the hole.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The measuring unit further comprises at least one support connecting the cylindrical structure to the inner circumferential surface of the pipe.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The cylindrical structure contacts only the inner peripheral surface using the at least one support member.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one support is made of a dielectric material.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The cylindrical structure is either hollow or filled with a dielectric material.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor coupled to the inner peripheral surface of the pipe.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The sensors further include one or more sensors selected from the list consisting of pressure sensors and temperature sensors.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The measuring unit comprises a plurality of measuring units, each of which is installed at a different position along the pipeline.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first coil and the second coil further include radio frequency coils.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The cylindrical structure comprises a length and a diameter, and the length is at least twice the diameter.

11. A method for measuring the flow rate and volume fraction of a multiphase fluid, the method comprising: A measuring unit is installed on a pipeline for transporting the multiphase fluid, wherein the measuring unit comprises: a cylindrical structure immersed in the multiphase fluid; a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet and the second magnet being connected to opposite ends of the cylindrical structure; a first coil and a second coil, wherein the first coil and the second coil are wound around the outer circumferential surface of the pipe and their positions correspond to the first magnet and the second magnet respectively; obtaining a resonant frequency measurement using the cylindrical structure and a computer processor; obtaining a nuclear magnetic resonance measurement using the first magnet, the second magnet, the first coil, the second coil, and the computer processor; and The flow rate and the volume fraction of the multiphase fluid are measured using the resonant frequency measurement, the nuclear magnetic resonance measurement, and the computer processor.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising using data obtained from a sensor to adjust the flow rate and the volume fraction.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The sensors further include one or more sensors selected from the list consisting of pressure sensors and temperature sensors.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein: Obtaining the resonant frequency measurement also includes providing an external excitation circuit to generate a magnetic field within the cylindrical structure.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The resonant frequency measurement depends on the dielectric constant of the multiphase fluid between the cylindrical structure and the conduit.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The first coil and the second coil each further include a radio frequency coil.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The radio frequency coil, which is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the pipe in the vicinity of the magnet, forms a rapidly changing magnetic field.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: Obtaining the nuclear magnetic resonance measurements further includes encoding flow of the multiphase fluid using spin magnetization induced by the first magnet and the first coil.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: Obtaining the nuclear magnetic resonance measurements further includes detecting corresponding spin relaxation processes using the second magnet and the second coil.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising inducing mixing of the multiphase fluid by a reduction in cross-section of the conduit caused by the first and second magnets.

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