Total flow rates of multiphase / singlephase flow

Abstract

A method of summing multiphase / single-phase flow rates is provided that includes the steps of detecting that a liquid flow is being measured and switching the multiphase / single-phase flow summation from an estimated gas mass flow rate of a leading multiphase flow to an estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described below relate to the total flow rate, and more particularly, to the total flow rate of multiphase / single-phase flow.

Background Art

[0002] For example, vibration meters such as Coriolis mass flow meters, liquid density meters, gas density meters, liquid viscometers, gas / liquid specific gravity meters, gas / liquid relative density meters, and gas molecular weight meters are generally known and are used to measure fluid parameters. Generally, a vibration meter includes a sensor assembly and meter electronics. The sensor assembly is communicably coupled to the meter electronics and can provide a sensor signal to the meter electronics. The sensor assembly can include a conduit configured to vibrate in response to a driving force applied by an actuator that receives a driving signal from the meter electronics. The actuator is also referred to as a driver.

[0003] When a conduit is used within a sensor assembly, the conduit may be filled with a material having the property to be measured. The material within one or more conduits of the sensor assembly may be flowing or stationary. The sensor assembly can be used to measure one or more fluid parameters such as mass flow rate, density, or other properties of the material within the sensor assembly. More specifically, one or more transducers configured to convert a vibrational motion into a sensor signal may be attached to the conduit. These transducers are also referred to as pick-off sensors. The pick-off sensors are typically disposed at the inlet and outlet portions of one or more conduits.

[0004] As described above, the vibration meter may also be a Coriolis flow meter. A Coriolis flow meter is connected in series within a pipeline or other transport system and includes one or more conduits that carry a fluid, slurry, or other material within the system. Each conduit can be considered to have a set of natural vibration modes, including, for example, simple bending, torsion, radial, and coupling modes. In Coriolis flow measurement applications, as the material flows through the conduit, the conduit is excited in one or more vibration modes, and the movement of the conduit is measured at points spaced apart along the conduit. While flowing, the vibrating tube and the flowing mass are coupled to each other by the Coriolis force, creating a phase difference in the vibrations between the ends of the tube. The phase difference is directly proportional to the mass flow rate and can be measured as the phase difference between two sensor signals provided by a pick-off sensor.

[0005] For example, the mass flow rate of a material may be proportional to the phase difference or time delay between two sensor signals, where the time delay can be the phase difference divided by the frequency. Therefore, the mass flow rate can be determined, for example, by multiplying the time delay by a proportionality constant or calibration coefficient (sometimes called a flow rate calibration coefficient (FCF)). This FCF may reflect the material and mechanical properties of the flow tube. The FCF can be determined by a calibration process before installing the flow meter in a pipeline or other conduit. In this calibration process, the material is flowed through the conduit at a known flow rate, and the proportionality constant between the phase difference or time delay and the flow rate is calculated and recorded as the FCF.

[0006] The flow rate measured by a vibrometer may consist of both multiphase and single-phase portions. For example, the flow through a vibrometer may be entirely gaseous for a period, followed by a multiphase flow such as a mist. A liquid phase may also be present. Such flows are sometimes called multiphase / single-phase flows. These flows can occur, for example, in oil wells that produce gas or liquid. To sum such flows, it is necessary to accurately measure all three flow forms: gas, liquid, and multiphase. Therefore, it is necessary to sum the multiphase / single-phase flows. [Overview of the project]

[0007] A method for summing the flow rates of multiphase / single-phase flows is provided. According to one embodiment, the method includes the steps of detecting that a liquid flow is being measured, and switching the sum of the multiphase / single-phase flows from the estimated gas mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow.

[0008] A meter electronic device for summing the flow rates of multiphase / single-phase flows is provided. According to one embodiment, the meter electronic device comprises an interface configured to receive sensor signals from a sensor assembly configured to accommodate and measure multiphase / single-phase flows, and a processing system communicatively coupled to the interface. The processing system is configured to detect that a liquid flow is being measured and to switch the sum of the multiphase / single-phase flows from an estimated gas mass flow rate of a preceding multiphase flow to an estimated gas mass flow rate of a liquid flow.

[0009] [Pattern] According to one embodiment, a method for summing the flow rates of multiphase / single-phase flows includes the steps of detecting that a liquid flow is being measured and switching the sum of the multiphase / single-phase flows from the estimated gas mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow.

[0010] Preferably, the method further includes the steps of detecting that the preceding multiphase flow is being measured, and switching the sum of the multiphase / singlephase flows from the measured mass flow rate of the preceding gas flow to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow.

[0011] Preferably, the step of detecting that a preceding multiphase flow is being measured includes determining at least one of the following: the drive gain is greater than a multiphase threshold, and the density is greater than a gas density threshold.

[0012] Preferably, the estimated gas mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow includes the average of the measured mass flow rates of the preceding gas flow.

[0013] Preferably, the method further includes the steps of detecting that a subsequent multiphase flow is being measured, and switching the sum of the multiphase / singlephase flows from the estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the subsequent multiphase flow.

[0014] Preferably, the estimated gas mass flow rate of the subsequent multiphase flow includes the average of the measured mass flow rates of the preceding gas flow.

[0015] Preferably, the method further includes the steps of detecting that a subsequent gas flow is being measured, and switching the sum of the multiphase / singlephase flows from the estimated gas mass flow rate of the subsequent multiphase flow to the measured mass flow rate of the subsequent gas flow.

[0016] Preferably, the method further includes the steps of averaging the measured mass flow rate of the preceding gas flow and the measured mass flow rate of the following gas flow, and determining a gas delta value between the estimated mass flow rates of the preceding and following multiphase flows and the average of the measured mass flow rate of the preceding gas flow and the measured mass flow rate of the following gas flow.

[0017] Preferably, summing the multiphase / singlephase flows further includes accumulating gas delta values.

[0018] Preferably, the method further includes the step of determining the total gas mass from the total multiphase / singlephase flow by summing the gas mass flow values ​​between the total start time and the total end time.

[0019] Preferably, the method further includes the step of determining at least one of the total mass of pure liquids and the total mass of liquids.

[0020] Preferably, the step of determining the pure mass sum includes accumulating the measured mass flow rates of the multiphase / singlephase flow.

[0021] Preferably, the step of determining the total liquid mass includes subtracting the total gas mass from the total pure mass.

[0022] Preferably, the step of detecting that a liquid flow is being measured includes determining that the density is greater than a liquid density threshold.

[0023] According to one aspect, meter electronics for summing the flow rates of a multiphase / monophase flow includes an interface configured to receive sensor signals from a sensor assembly configured to contain and measure the multiphase / monophase flow, and a processing system communicatively coupled to the interface. The processing system is configured to detect that a liquid flow is being measured and to switch the sum of the multiphase / monophase flow from an estimated gas mass flow rate of a preceding multiphase flow to an estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow.

[0024] Preferably, the processing system is further configured to detect that a preceding multiphase flow is being measured and to switch the sum of the multiphase / monophase flow from a measured mass flow rate of a preceding gas flow to an estimated gas mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow.

[0025] <L Preferably, the processing system configured to detect that a preceding multiphase flow is being measured includes the processing system configured to determine at least one of whether a drive gain is greater than a multiphase threshold and whether a density is greater than a gas density threshold.

[0026] Preferably, the estimated gas mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow includes an average of the measured mass flow rates of the preceding gas flow.

[0027] Preferably, the processing system is further configured to detect that a subsequent multiphase flow is being measured and to switch the sum of the multiphase / monophase flow from an estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow to an estimated gas mass flow rate of the subsequent multiphase flow.

[0028] Preferably, the estimated gas mass flow rate of the subsequent multiphase flow includes an average of the measured mass flow rates of the preceding gas flow.

[0029] Preferably, the processing system is further configured to detect that a subsequent gas flow is being measured and switch the total of the multiphase / single-phase flow from the estimated gas mass flow rate of the subsequent multiphase flow to the measured mass flow rate of the subsequent gas flow.

[0030] Preferably, the processing system is further configured to average the measured mass flow rate of the preceding gas flow and the measured mass flow rates of the preceding and subsequent gas flows and determine a gas delta value between the estimated mass flow rates of the preceding and subsequent multiphase flows and the average of the measured mass flow rate of the preceding gas flow and the measured mass flow rate of the subsequent gas flow.

[0031] Preferably, a processing system configured to sum the multiphase / single-phase flow includes a processing system configured to accumulate the gas delta value.

[0032] Preferably, the processing system is further configured to determine the total gas mass from the total of the multiphase / single-phase flow by summing the gas mass flow rate values between the total start time and the total end time.

[0033] Preferably, the processing system is further configured to determine at least one of a pure mass total and a liquid mass total.

[0034] Preferably, a processing system configured to determine the pure mass total is configured to accumulate the measured mass flow rate of the multiphase / single-phase flow.

[0035] Preferably, a processing system configured to determine the liquid mass total includes a processing system configured to subtract the total gas mass from the pure mass total.

[0036] Preferably, the processing system configured to detect that a liquid flow is being measured includes a processing system configured to determine that the density is greater than a liquid density threshold.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037] In all drawings, the same reference number represents the same element. Please understand that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a vibration meter 5 configured to sum the flow rates of multiphase / singlephase flows. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the vibration meter 5, including a block diagram of the meter electronic equipment 20 configured to sum the flow rates of multiphase / singlephase flows. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a meter electronic device 20 configured to sum multiphase / liquidphase flows. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows Graph 400, which displays various measured values ​​for multiphase / singlephase flow. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a method 500 for summing the flow rates of multiphase / singlephase flows. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Figures 1-5 and the following description illustrate specific examples to instruct those skilled in the art on how to construct and use the best mode of an embodiment for summing the flow rates of multiphase / single-phase flows. Some conventional embodiments have been simplified or omitted for the purpose of teaching the principles of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand variations from these embodiments that fall within the scope of this specification. Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations for summing the flow rates of multiphase / single-phase flows. As a result, the embodiments described below are not limited to the specific examples described below, but are limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0039] Figure 1 shows a vibrometer 5 configured to sum the flow rates of multiphase / singlephase flows. As shown in Figure 1, the vibrometer 5 comprises a sensor assembly 10 and meter electronics 20. The sensor assembly 10 responds to the mass flow rate and density of the process material. The meter electronics 20 is connected to the sensor assembly 10 via lead wires that transmit sensor signals 100. To understand this, the sensor signals 100 include RTD signals, drive signals, and left and right sensor signals. The meter electronics 20 can be configured to use the sensor signals 100 to calculate and provide density, mass flow rate, temperature information, etc., via port 26.

[0040] The sensor assembly 10 includes a pair of manifolds 150 and 150', flanges 103 and 103' with flange necks 110 and 110', a pair of conduits 130 and 130', a driver 180, a resistance temperature detector (RTD) 190, and a pair of pick-off sensors 170l and 170r. The conduits 130 and 130' have two inlet legs 131, 131' and outlet legs 134, 134', which converge toward each other at conduit mounting blocks 120 and 120'. The conduits 130 and 130' bend at two symmetrical positions along their lengths and are essentially parallel over their entire lengths. Brace bars 140 and 140' serve to define axes W and W' around which each conduit 130 and 130' oscillates. The inlet and outlet legs 131, 131' and 134, 134' of conduits 130, 130' are fixedly mounted to conduit mounting blocks 120 and 120', which are subsequently fixedly mounted to manifolds 150 and 150'. This provides a continuous, closed material path through the sensor assembly 10.

[0041] When flanges 103 and 103', having holes 102 and 102', are connected via an inlet end 104 and an outlet end 104' to a process line (not shown) carrying the process material to be measured, the material enters the inlet end 104 of the meter through an orifice 101 in flange 103 and is guided through a manifold 150 to a conduit mounting block 120 having a surface 121. Within manifold 150, the material is split and fed through conduits 130 and 130'. Exiting conduits 130 and 130', the process material is recombined into a single flow within block 120', having a surface 121' and a manifold 150', and then fed through flange 103', having hole 102', to the outlet end 104' connected to the process line (not shown).

[0042] Conduits 130 and 130' are selected to have substantially the same mass distribution, moment of inertia, and Young's modulus around the bending axes WW and W'-W', respectively, and are appropriately mounted on conduit mounting blocks 120 and 120'. These bending axes pass through brace bars 140 and 140'. Since the Young's modulus of the conduit changes with temperature, and this change affects the calculation of flow rate and density, an RTD 190 is attached to conduit 130' to continuously measure the temperature of conduit 130'. The temperature of conduit 130', and therefore the voltage appearing on the RTD 190 for a particular current passing through it, is determined by the temperature of the material passing through conduit 130'. The temperature-dependent voltage appearing on the RTD 190 is used in a well-known manner by the meter electronics 20 to compensate for the change in the elastic modulus of conduits 130 and 130' due to any change in conduit temperature. The RTD 190 is connected to the meter electronics 20 by leads 195.

[0043] Both conduits 130 and 130' are driven by a driver 180 in opposite directions around their respective bending axes W and W', and in what is called the first out-of-phase bending mode of the vibrometer. This driver 180 can comprise one of many well-known configurations, such as a magnet attached to conduit 130' and opposing coils attached to conduit 130 through which an alternating current passes to vibrate both conduits 130 and 130'. An appropriate drive signal 185 is applied to the driver 180 by the meter electronics 20 via leads.

[0044] The meter electronics 20 receives the RTD temperature signal on lead wire 195 and the sensor signal 165, more specifically the left and right sensor signals 165l and 165r, which appear via the lead wire carrying the sensor signal 100. The meter electronics 20 generates a drive signal 185 that appears on the lead wire to the driver 180, causing the conduits 130 and 130' to vibrate. The meter electronics 20 processes the left and right sensor signals 165l and 165r and the RTD signal from lead wire 195 to calculate the mass flow rate and density of the material passing through the sensor assembly 10. This information, along with other information, is applied as a signal by the meter electronics 20 via port 26. A more detailed description of the meter electronics 20 is as follows:

[0045] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the vibration meter 5, including a block diagram of the meter electronics 20 configured to sum the flow rates of multiphase / singlephase flows. As shown in Figure 2, the meter electronics 20 is communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly 10. As previously mentioned with reference to Figure 2, the sensor assembly 10 includes left and right pick-off sensors 170l, 170r, a driver 180, and an RTD 190, which are communicatively coupled to the meter electronics 20 via a set of lead wires through a communication channel 112.

[0046] The meter electronics 20 supplies a drive signal 185 via lead wires that transmit the sensor signal 100. More specifically, the meter electronics 20 supplies the drive signal 185 to a driver 180 in the sensor assembly 10. Furthermore, a sensor signal 165, including a left sensor signal 165l and a right sensor signal 165r, is supplied by the sensor assembly 10. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the sensor signal 165 is supplied by left and right pick-off sensors 170l and 170r in the sensor assembly 10. As understood, each sensor signal 165 is supplied to the meter electronics 20 through a communication channel 112.

[0047] The meter electronic equipment 20 includes a processor 210 communicatively coupled to one or more signal processors 220 and one or more memories 230. The processor 210 is also communicatively coupled to a user interface 30. The processor 210 is communicatively coupled to the host via a communication port through port 26 and receives power via a power port 250. The processor 210 may be a microprocessor, but any suitable processor may be used. For example, the processor 210 may consist of subprocessors such as a multicore processor, a serial communication port, a peripheral interface (e.g., a serial peripheral interface), on-chip memory, and I / O ports. In these and other embodiments, the processor 210 is configured to perform processing on received and processed signals, such as digitized signals.

[0048] The processor 210 can receive digitized sensor signals from one or more signal processors 220. The processor 210 is also configured to provide information such as phase difference and fluid characteristics within the sensor assembly 10. The processor 210 can provide information to the host via a communication port. The processor 210 can also communicate with one or more memories 230 and be configured to receive and / or store information in one or more memories 230. For example, the processor 210 can receive calibration coefficients and / or sensor assembly zeros (e.g., phase difference in the case of zero flow) from one or more memories 230. Each of the calibration coefficients and / or sensor assembly zeros can be associated with the vibration meter 5 and / or sensor assembly 10, respectively. The processor 210 can use the calibration coefficients to process the digitized sensor signals received from one or more signal processors 220.

[0049] One or more signal processors 220 are shown to consist of an encoder / decoder (CODEC) 222 and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 226. One or more signal processors 220 can adjust analog signals, digitize the adjusted analog signals, and / or provide the digitized signals. The CODEC 222 is configured to receive sensor signals 165 from left and right pick-off sensors 170l, 170r. The CODEC 222 is also configured to provide drive signals 185 to the driver 180. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer signal processors may be used.

[0050] As shown in the figure, the sensor signal 165 is supplied to the CODEC 222 via the signal conditioner 240. The drive signal 185 is supplied to the driver 180 via the signal conditioner 240. Although the signal conditioner 240 is shown as a single block, it may consist of two or more signal conditioning components such as operational amplifiers, filters, e.g., a low-pass filter, a voltage-current amplifier. For example, the sensor signal 165 may be amplified by the first amplifier and the drive signal 185 may be amplified by the voltage-current amplifier. This amplification ensures that the magnitude of the sensor signal 165 is close to the full-scale range of the CODEC 222.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, one or more memories 230 consist of read-only memory (ROM) 232, random access memory (RAM) 234, and ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM®) 236. However, in alternative embodiments, one or more memories 230 may consist of more or fewer memories. In addition, or alternatively, one or more memories 230 may consist of different types of memory (e.g., volatile, non-volatile, etc.). For example, another type of non-volatile memory, such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), can be used instead of FRAM 236. One or more memories 230 may be storage devices configured to store process data such as drive signals or sensor signals, mass flow rate or density measurements.

[0052] Mass flow rate measurements can be generated according to the following formula.

number

number

[0053] The measurement time delay Δt includes an operationally derived (i.e., measured) time delay value, including the time delay present between pick-off sensor signals. For example, the time delay is due to the Coriolis effect related to the mass flow rate through the vibrometer 5. The measurement time delay Δt is a direct measurement of the mass flow rate of the fluid material as it flows through the vibrometer 5. The zero flow rate time delay Δt0 includes the time delay at zero flow rate. The zero flow rate delay Δt0 is a zero flow rate that can be determined at the time of shipment and programmed into the vibrometer 5. The zero flow rate time delay Δt0 is an example of a zero flow rate value. Other zero flow rate values, such as phase difference or time difference, determined under zero flow rate conditions may be used. The value of the zero flow rate delay Δt0 may not change even if the flow conditions change. The mass flow rate value of the material flowing through the vibrometer 5 is obtained by multiplying the difference between the measurement time delay Δt and the reference zero flow rate delay Δt0 by the flow rate calibration coefficient FCF. The flow rate calibration coefficient FCF is proportional to the physical stiffness of the vibrometer.

[0054] Regarding density, the resonant frequency at which each conduit 130, 130' can vibrate can be a function of the square root of the spring constant of conduit 130, 130', divided by the total mass of conduit 130, 130' containing the material. The total mass of conduit 130, 130' containing the material can be the mass of conduit 130, 130' plus the mass of the material inside conduit 130, 130'. The mass of the material inside conduit 130, 130' is directly proportional to the density of the material. Therefore, this density of the material may be proportional to the product of the spring constant of conduit 130, 130' multiplied by the square of the period during which conduit 130, 130' vibrates. Thus, by determining the period during which conduit 130, 130' vibrates and appropriately scaling the result, an accurate measurement of the density of the material contained in conduit 130, 130' can be obtained. The meter electronics 20 can determine the period or resonant frequency using the sensor signal 165 and / or the drive signal 185. The conduits 130, 130' can vibrate in multiple vibration modes. As will be described in more detail below, the meter electronics 20 can sum the flow rates of the multiphase / singlephase flows.

[0055] Figure 3 shows a meter electronic device 20 configured to sum multiphase / singlephase flows. As shown in Figure 3, the meter electronic device 20 includes an interface 301 and a processing system 302. The meter electronic device 20 receives vibration responses from a sensor assembly, such as the sensor assembly 10 described above. The meter electronic device 20 can process the vibration responses to obtain the flow characteristics of the fluid material flowing through the sensor assembly 10. The meter electronic device 20 can also perform check, verification, calibration routines, etc., to ensure accurate measurement of the flow characteristics of the fluid material. The interface 301 can also be configured to receive a drive signal 185 from a signal conditioner 240, for example.

[0056] Interface 301 can receive a sensor signal 165 from one of the pick-off sensors 170l, 170r shown in Figures 1 and 2. Although the drive signal 185 is shown as being supplied by the signal conditioner 240, vibrations of the conduit 130 within the sensor assembly 10 may provide a back electromotive force from the sensor assembly 10 to the meter electronics 20. Thus, interface 301 can be configured to receive a sensor signal 100 shown in Figure 2.

[0057] Interface 301 can perform any necessary or desired signal conditioning, such as formatting, amplification, and buffering of any form. Alternatively, some or all of the signal conditioning can be performed by the processing system 302. In addition, interface 301 enables communication between the meter electronics 20 and external devices. Interface 301 can be any method of communication, electronic, optical, or wireless. Interface 301 can provide information based on vibration response. Interface 301 can be coupled with a digitizer such as the CODEC222 shown in Figure 2, and the sensor signal includes an analog sensor signal. The digitizer samples and digitizes the analog sensor signal to produce a digitized sensor signal.

[0058] The processing system 302 performs the operation of the meter electronic equipment 20 and processes the flow rate measurements from the sensor assembly 10. The processing system 302 executes one or more processing routines, thereby processing the flow rate measurements and generating one or more flow characteristics. The processing system 302 is communicatively coupled to interface 301 and configured to receive information from interface 301.

[0059] The processing system 302 may comprise a general-purpose computer, a microprocessing system, logic circuits, or other general-purpose or customized processing devices. In addition, or alternatively, the processing system 302 may be distributed across multiple processing devices. The processing system 302 may also include any form of integrated or separate electronic storage medium, such as the storage system 304.

[0060] The memory system 304 can store vibration meter parameters and data, software routines, constant values, and variable values. In one embodiment, the memory system 304 includes routines executed by the processing system 302, such as the operation routine 310. The processing system 302 can be further configured to execute other routines, such as a zero calibration routine and a zero verification routine for the vibration meter 5. The memory system can also store statistical values ​​such as the mean, standard deviation, and confidence interval.

[0061] The operation routine 310 can determine the mass flow rate 312, density value 314, and drive gain 316 based on the sensor signals received by the interface 301. The mass flow rate 312 may include directly measured mass flow rate values, as described above. The mass flow rate 312 can be determined from sensor signals, such as the time delay between the left pick-off sensor signal and the right pick-off sensor signal. The density value 314 can also be determined from sensor signals, as described above, for example, by determining the frequency from one or both of the left and right pick-off sensor signals. The mass flow rate 312 and density value 314 may not include estimated values.

[0062] The term drive gain refers to a measure of the amount of power required to drive a conduit to a specific amplitude, although any appropriate definition may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the term drive gain may refer to a measured or derived drive current, pick-off voltage, or any signal that indicates the amount of power required to drive conduits 130, 130' at a specific amplitude. The drive gain can be used to detect multiphase flow by utilizing the characteristics of the drive gain, e.g., noise level, standard deviation of the signal, damping-related measurements, and any other means known in the art to detect mixed-phase flow. Multiphase flow can be detected by comparing these metrics between pick-off sensors 170l and 170r.

[0063] The memory system 304 is also shown to include thresholds 320. As shown in Figure 3, thresholds 320 include a multiphase threshold 322, a gas threshold 324, and a liquid threshold 326. By comparing the drive gain 316 with the multiphase threshold 322, a multiphase flow such as a mist flow can be detected. As will be described in more detail below, the density value 314 may be compared with the gas threshold 324 to detect a multiphase flow and / or a gas flow, and with the liquid threshold 326 to detect a liquid flow. The phase of a multiphase / single-phase flow can be detected using a combination of the density value 314 and the comparison between the drive gain 316 and thresholds 320. For example, a liquid flow can also be detected if the density value 314 is greater than the liquid threshold 326 and the drive gain 316 is less than the multiphase threshold 322. Similarly, a gas flow can be detected if the density value 314 is less than the gas threshold 324 and the drive gain 316 is less than the multiphase threshold 322. Therefore, the threshold 320 can be used to accurately sum the multiphase / liquid-phase flows.

[0064] The memory system 304 is also appropriately shown to include parameters related to error correction 330. More specifically, if the measured mass flow rate of the liquid flow is accumulated instead of the estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow, the sum to the total gas mass may contain errors. As understood, the estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow may be zero, but any appropriate value may be used, for example, the nominal estimate of the gas content of the liquid flow. However, the liquid flow may or may not be present in a multiphase / single-phase flow. Therefore, automatically detecting the liquid phase and switching the sum between the measured mass flow rate and / or various estimated mass flow rates by distinguishing between the gas flow and multiphase flow occurring before and after the liquid flow, as well as between the liquid flow and multiphase flow, may improve the accuracy of the total mass flow rate, as described below.

[0065] The gas flow that occurs before a multiphase flow is called the preceding gas flow. The gas flow that occurs after a multiphase flow is called the succeeding gas flow. As mentioned above, multiphase / single-phase flow may also include a liquid flow interposed between the two multiphase flows. Therefore, the multiphase flow that occurs before the liquid flow can be called the preceding multiphase flow, and the multiphase flow that occurs after the liquid flow can be called the succeeding multiphase flow.

[0066] As shown in Figure 3, the error correction-related parameters 330 include the average measured mass flow rate 332 of the preceding gas flow, the average measured mass flow rate 334 of the pooled gas flow, and the delta value 336. The average measured mass flow rate 332 of the preceding gas flow may be the average of the mass flow rate 312 measurements of the preceding gas flow, i.e., the gas flow that occurs before the multiphase flow of the multiphase / single-phase flow. The average measured mass flow rate 334 of the pooled gas flow may be the average of the mass flow rate 312 measurements of the preceding and succeeding gas flows.

[0067] The delta value 336 can be used to correct or adjust the cumulative estimated gas mass flow rate and estimated liquid mass flow rate of a multiphase flow. The difference between the average measured mass flow rate 332 of the preceding gas flow and the average measured mass flow rate 334 of the pooled gas flow may be the gas delta value of delta value 336. The gas delta value can be used to adjust or correct the estimated gas mass flow rate of a multiphase flow, as described below with reference to Figure 4. The estimated liquid flow rate of a multiphase flow can be defined as the difference between the average of the measured mass flow rate 312 of the multiphase flow and the estimated gas mass flow rate of the multiphase flow. The liquid delta value of delta value 336 can be defined as the additive inverse of the gas delta value for the same multiphase flow. The liquid delta value can be used to adjust or correct the estimated liquid flow rate of a multiphase flow.

[0068] Referring to Figure 3, the memory system 304 also includes a total 340, which can consist of the mass sums of various flows in the multiphase / single-phase flow. The total 340 can be the sum of estimated mass flow values, such as measured mass flow values ​​312, corrected mass flow values, and / or estimated gas mass flow values. For example, the average measured mass flow value 332 of the preceding gas flow can be used as an estimate of the gas mass flow of the multiphase flow. The processing system 302 can also accumulate estimated gas mass flow values ​​of the liquid flow, which may include accumulating zero values, nominal values, actual estimates, and / or stopping the accumulation of any value while a liquid phase is detected and / or until a non-liquid phase is detected. Consequently, the processing system 302 can determine the gas mass sum by accumulating the measured gas mass flow values ​​of the gas flow and the estimated gas mass flow values ​​of the multiphase and liquid flows. As shown in Figure 3, the memory system 304 includes a pure mass sum 342, a liquid mass sum 344, and a gas mass sum 346.

[0069] With respect to the delta value 336 associated with multiphase flow, as explained above, the estimated gas mass flow rate value of the multiphase flow can later be corrected with the gas delta value of delta value 336. For example, the estimated gas mass flow rate of the multiphase flow can be the average measured mass flow rate 332 of the preceding gas flow, which may be, for example, five sample widths. Summarizing the mass flow rates of the multiphase flow may involve summing the average measured mass flow rate 332 of the preceding gas flow five times. If the gas delta value of delta value 336 is also used, the summarization of the multiphase flow may further involve summing the gas delta value of delta value 336 five times. The summarization of gas delta values ​​can be performed at any point after the average measured mass flow rate 334 of the pooled gas flow has been determined.

[0070] The pure mass total 342 may include the final accumulation or sum of all mass flow rate 312 measurements in a multiphase / single-phase flow. For example, the pure mass total 342 may include the sum of mass flow rate 312 values ​​for gas, multiphase, and liquid flows. As is to be understood, the pure mass total 342 is phase-indistinguishable and does not include any estimated, corrected, or adjusted mass flow rate values. However, the accumulated mass flow rate 312 values ​​and / or the values ​​of the pure mass total 342 can be used to determine accurate estimated gas and / or liquid mass flow rates for multiphase flows.

[0071] The total liquid mass 344 may include the cumulative values ​​of the estimated liquid mass flow rate for the multiphase flow and the mass flow rate 312 for the liquid flow. However, the total liquid mass 344 may not include the measured mass flow rate 312 for the gas flow or the estimated gas mass flow rate for the multiphase flow. Similarly, the total gas mass 346 may include the mass flow rate 312 value for the gas flow as well as the cumulative values ​​of the estimated gas mass flow rates for the multiphase and liquid flows. As is understood, the estimated gas mass flow rate for the liquid flow can be zero in many situations.

[0072] The total liquid mass 344 can be determined by any suitable means. For example, the total liquid mass 344 can be determined by accumulating the estimated liquid flow rate of the multiphase flow with the measured and / or estimated liquid mass flow rate value of the liquid flow. For example, when a liquid flow is detected and the estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow is zero, the total liquid mass 344 may include the accumulation of the measured mass flow rate 312 value of the liquid flow and the accumulation of the estimated liquid flow rate of the multiphase flow. The liquid delta value can be used to further adjust or correct the estimated liquid flow rate of the multiphase flow. In addition, or alternatively, the total liquid mass 344 can be determined by subtracting the total gas mass 346 from the total pure mass 342. That is, as can be understood, since both multiphase and liquid phases are detected, when summing the mass values, the desired accurate mass flow rate value can be accumulated. As a result, the desired accurate total mass can be achieved, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0073] Figure 4 shows graph 400, which displays various measurements of multiphase / single-phase flow. As shown in Figure 4, graph 400 includes multiple sample index y-coordinates 410 and multiple parameter value y-coordinates 420. The multiple sample index y-coordinates 410 include the drive gain sample axis 410a, the density sample axis 410b, the mass flow measurement sample axis 410c, and the cumulative mass flow total sample axis 410d. As shown in Figure 4, the multiple sample index y-coordinates 410 are sample generation-based and therefore unitless. The multiple parameter value y-coordinates 420 include the drive gain axis 420a, the density axis 420b, the mass flow axis 420c, and the cumulative mass flow total axis 420d. The drive gain axis 420a is in units of percentages, ranging from 0 to 100 percent. The density axis 420b is kg / m 3 It is a unit of measurement, ranging from 0 to 1000 kg / m³. 3 The range is as follows: The mass flow rate axis 420c is in units of kg / s and ranges from 0 to 1000 kg / s. The cumulative mass flow rate total axis 420d is in units of kg. However, any appropriate units and scales can be used.

[0074] Graph 400 also includes a drive gain plot 430, a density plot 440, a mass flow rate plot 450, and multiple cumulative mass flow rate plots 460. Figure 4 also shows the thresholds for the drive gain plot 430 and the density plot 440. More specifically, the drive gain plot 430 is associated with a multiphase threshold 430t, and the density plot 440 is associated with a gas threshold 440tg and a liquid threshold 440tl. If the drive gain plot 430 is greater than the multiphase threshold 430t, a multiphase flow is detected. Regarding the density plot 440, if the density plot 440 is greater than the gas threshold 440tg, a non-gas flow can be detected, and if the density plot 440 is less than the gas threshold 440tg, a gas flow can be detected. Similarly, if the density plot 440 is less than the liquid threshold 440tl, a non-liquid flow can be detected, and if the density plot 440 is greater than the liquid threshold 440tl, a liquid flow can be detected.

[0075] That is, the drive gain plot 430, density plot 440, and mass flow rate plot 450 also include measurements for single-phase and multi-phase flow, respectively. That is, the drive gain plot 430, density plot 440, and mass flow rate plot 450 may represent the values ​​of the drive gain 316, density value 314, and mass flow rate 312 described above with reference to Figure 3. Referring again to Figure 4, the single-phase flow consists of a gas flow and a liquid flow. The gas flow is indicated by reference symbols where the fourth reference letter is "a", "e", and "g". The liquid flow is indicated by reference symbols where the fourth reference letter is "c". The multi-phase flow is indicated by reference symbols where the fourth reference letter is "b", "d", and "f".

[0076] In particular, the drive gain plot 430 includes a first gas flow drive gain plot 430a, a first multiphase flow drive gain plot 430b, a liquid flow drive gain plot 430c, a second multiphase flow drive gain plot 430d, a second gas flow drive gain plot 430e, a third multiphase flow drive gain plot 430f, and a third gas flow drive gain plot 430g. Furthermore, the density plot 440 includes a first gas flow density plot 440a, a first multiphase flow density plot 440b, a liquid flow density plot 440c, a second multiphase flow density plot 440d, a second gas flow density plot 440e, a third multiphase flow density plot 440f, and a third gas flow density plot 440g. In addition, the mass flow plot 450 includes a first gas flow mass flow plot 450a, a first multiphase flow mass flow plot 450b, a liquid flow mass flow plot 450c, a second multiphase flow mass flow plot 450d, a second gas flow mass flow plot 450e, a third multiphase flow mass flow plot 450f, and a third gas flow mass flow plot 450g.

[0077] As can be seen in Figure 4, the mass flow rate plot 450 is drawn with square indicators. Some of the square indicators are filled in black, and some are open in white. The filled square indicators represent the measured mass flow rate values. The open square indicators represent the estimated mass flow rate values. For example, an open indicator may be the average of two values ​​represented by the filled square indicators. For example, the first multiphase flow mass flow rate plot 450b is an estimate of multiple gas mass flow rates determined by averaging one or more measured mass flow rates from the first gas flow mass flow rate plot 450a. Other methods can also be employed to obtain estimates of the gas mass flow rate of a multiphase flow.

[0078] As can be seen from the figure, the value of the first multiphase flow mass flow rate plot 450b is constant. That is, as shown in Figure 4, it is assumed that the gas mass flow rate is constant throughout the multiphase flow portion of the multiphase / single-phase flow. Alternatively, estimates may be adopted, which are a series of straight or curved slope values ​​with endpoint or boundary condition values ​​that correspond to or are scaled to the last value of the first gas flow mass flow rate plot 450a and the first value of the liquid flow mass flow rate plot 450c. In addition, or alternatively, the estimate of the gas mass flow rate of the multiphase flow portion may be determined by using something other than a simple average of one or more values. For example, a weighted average can be used, with the weights correlated to the proximity of the measured mass flow rates of the gas and / or liquid flow portions immediately before or after the multiphase flow. As can be seen from the above explanation, although the gas mass flow rate of the multiphase flow can be estimated, it may still be desirable to sum the measured mass flow rates of specific portions of the multiphase / single-phase flow.

[0079] Accordingly, the cumulative mass flow plot 460 similarly includes single-phase and multi-phase flow portions in different types of cumulative mass flow plots. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the cumulative mass flow plot 460 includes a pure cumulative mass flow plot 460a, a gas cumulative mass flow plot 460b, and a liquid cumulative mass flow plot 460c. The pure cumulative mass flow plot 460a includes the pure mass flow portion 460ac of the liquid flow, which shows the accumulation of the mass flow plot 450c of the liquid flow. Similarly, the liquid cumulative mass flow plot 460c includes the liquid cumulative mass flow portion 460cc of the liquid flow, which also shows the accumulation of the mass flow plot 450c of the liquid flow. However, the gas cumulative mass flow plot 460b includes a non-cumulative portion 460bc that does not accumulate the mass flow values ​​of the flow plot 450c of the liquid flow.

[0080] Each of the cumulative mass flow rate plots 460 ends with a total mass value. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the pure cumulative mass flow rate plot 460a ends with a pure total mass of 460at, the gas cumulative mass flow rate plot 460b ends with a non-liquid total mass of 460bt, and the liquid cumulative mass flow rate plot 460c ends with a liquid total mass of 460ct. The pure total mass of 460at can be the total mass of the gas flow, multiphase flow, and liquid flow in a multiphase / single-phase flow. The non-liquid total mass of 460bt can be the total mass of the gas flow and multiphase flow in a multiphase / single-phase flow. The liquid total mass of 460ct can be the total mass of the liquid flow in a multiphase / single-phase flow.

[0081] A multiphase / single-phase flow includes periods of single-phase flow only and periods of multiphase flow only. A single-phase flow period may include periods of substantially gas flow only and periods of substantially liquid flow only. Therefore, gas flow refers to a portion of a multiphase / single-phase flow consisting only of gas, liquid flow refers to a portion of a multiphase / single-phase flow consisting only of liquid, and multiphase flow refers to a portion of a multiphase / single-phase flow consisting only of multiphase flow. Multiphase flow is also called mixed-phase flow. In some applications, multiphase flow may consist of mist. For example, a multiphase flow may consist of mist-like liquid or liquid droplets suspended in a gas. Therefore, the liquid-to-gas mass ratio may be relatively low. In addition, or alternatively, periods of multiphase flow may be significantly shorter in duration and volume than periods of gas flow.

[0082] Therefore, the total mass of a multiphase / single-phase flow can be reasonably accurate (e.g., within an error tolerance) if the total mass of the multiphase flow is based on an estimated mass flow rate, such as an estimated gas mass flow rate. For example, the gas mass flow rate of a multiphase flow can be estimated from one or more gas flow portions of the multiphase / single-phase flow. As an example, the gas mass flow rate of a multiphase flow portion of a multiphase / single-phase flow can be estimated from one or more measured mass flow rates of gas flow portions immediately before and / or immediately after the multiphase flow. That is, the estimated gas mass flow rate of a multiphase flow portion can be an estimated gas mass flow rate of the gas flow in the multiphase flow, excluding the estimated mass flow rate of mist or droplets in the multiphase flow. The estimated gas mass flow rate of a multiphase flow can be the average of at least one measured mass flow rate value of the gas flow preceding and / or following the multiphase flow of the multiphase / single-phase flow. The average of a single mass flow rate measurement may also be the mass flow rate measurement.

[0083] As can be understood, the sum of a multiphase / single-phase flow can be based on the estimated gas mass flow rates of the multiphase and liquid flows, and the measured mass flow rate of the gas flow. Therefore, when a multiphase / single-phase flow transitions, for example, from a gas flow to a multiphase flow, this sum can correspondingly be switched from the measured mass flow rate of the gas flow to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the multiphase flow. The transition of a multiphase / single-phase flow from a gas flow to a multiphase flow can be detected, for example, by a drive gain, as mentioned above. Also, as mentioned above, a multiphase / single-phase flow may include a liquid flow.

[0084] For example, some multiphase / single-phase flows may include a liquid flow portion between two multiphase flow portions. That is, a multiphase / single-phase flow may transition from a preceding (first) gas flow to a preceding (first) multiphase flow, from a preceding multiphase flow to a liquid flow, from a liquid flow to a second (second) multiphase flow, and from a second (second) multiphase flow to a second (second) gas flow. As can be seen from Figure 4, the mass flow rate measurement of the liquid flow cannot be used to sum the gas mass. Therefore, the sum of the multiphase / single-phase flow may be switched from the estimated gas mass flow rate of the multiphase flow to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow when a liquid flow is detected. As can be seen, the gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow is considered to be zero, but any appropriate estimated gas mass flow rate value of the liquid flow may be used, such as a nominal value that takes into account the contaminating gases in the liquid flow.

[0085] For example, referring to Figure 4, the transition from multiphase to liquid phase in a multiphase / single-phase flow can be detected when the density plot 440 exceeds the liquid threshold 440tl, and in some examples, when the drive gain plot 430 is less than the multiphase threshold 430tl. Therefore, summing the mass flow rates of the multiphase / single-phase flow can be switched from the estimated gas mass flow rate of the multiphase flow to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow, e.g., zero. For example, when summing the gas flow, the measured average mass flow rate value 332 of the preceding gas flow mentioned above is the estimated gas mass flow rate accumulated during the multiphase flow prior to the liquid flow, and when a liquid flow is detected, zero values ​​can be accumulated while the liquid flow is detected. The transition from liquid flow to multiphase flow can be detected when the density plot 440 falls below the liquid threshold 440tl and the drive gain plot 430 increases above the multiphase threshold 430tl. Therefore, the sum of the multiphase / single-phase gas flows can be switched from the cumulative estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow, which may be zero, to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the multiphase flow, and then to the measured mass flow rate of the gas flow.

[0086] Referring to Figure 4, the gas flow that yields the measurement result indicated by the fourth reference letter "a" is sometimes referred to as the first or preceding gas flow. That is, the preceding gas flow occurs before the liquid flow that yields the measurement indicated by the fourth reference letter "c". Similarly, the multiphase flow that yields the measurement indicated by the fourth reference letter "b" is sometimes referred to as the first or preceding multiphase flow. The multiphase flow that occurs after the liquid flow indicated by the fourth reference letter "c" and yields the measurement result indicated by the fourth reference letter "d" is sometimes referred to as the second or succeeding multiphase flow. The gas flow that occurs after the liquid flow indicated by reference letter "c" and yields the measurement indicated by the fourth reference letter "e" is sometimes referred to as the second or succeeding gas flow.

[0087] The estimated gas mass flow rates of the preceding and succeeding multiphase flows can be the average of the measured mass flow rates of the preceding gas flow. Furthermore, the average of the preceding and succeeding gas flows can be used to determine the gas delta value, such as the gas delta value 336 mentioned above. The gas delta value can be, for example, the difference between the estimated gas mass flow rates of the preceding and succeeding multiphase flows and the average of the measured mass flow rates of the preceding and succeeding gas flows.

[0088] The gas delta values ​​can be accumulated in the mass sum to provide corrected estimated mass flow rates for the preceding and succeeding multiphase flows shown in Figure 4. For example, the preceding multiphase flow provides six estimated mass flow rate samples, and the succeeding multiphase flow provides five estimated mass flow rate samples, each having a sample value equal to the average measured mass flow rate of the preceding gas flow. Thus, the gas delta values ​​are added 11 times to correct the difference between the estimated gas mass flow rate of the multiphase flow and the average measured mass flow rates of the preceding and succeeding gas flows. These and other accumulations can be performed as described in more detail below.

[0089] Figure 5 shows a method 500 for summing the flow rates of multiphase / single-phase flows. As shown in Figure 5, method 500 can detect the liquid flow in the multiphase / single-phase flow in step 510. In step 520, method 500 can switch the summing of the multiphase / single-phase flows from the estimated mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow. As described above, the estimated gas mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow can be determined based on the measured mass flow rate of the gas flow, and the estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow may be any appropriate value, for example, zero. Method 500 can be performed with any appropriate electronic equipment, such as the meter electronic equipment 20 described above. Method 500 may include additional steps and / or substeps, as shown in the following description.

[0090] Method 500 may further include a preceding step of detecting that a preceding multiphase flow is being measured, and a preceding step of switching the sum of the multiphase / singlephase flows from the measured mass flow rate of the preceding gas flow to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow. The step of detecting that a preceding multiphase flow is being measured may include, for example, determining whether the drive gain is greater than a multiphase threshold, but any suitable means can be used. In addition, or alternatively, a preceding multiphase flow may be detected when its density is greater than a gas density threshold. The estimated gas mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow may include the average of the measured mass flow rates of the preceding gas flow, but any suitable value may be adopted.

[0091] Method 500 may further include, for example, the steps of detecting that a subsequent multiphase flow is being measured, and switching the total multiphase / single-phase flow from the estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the subsequent multiphase flow. Method 500 may further include the subsequent steps of detecting that a subsequent gas flow is being measured, and switching the total multiphase / single-phase flow from the estimated gas mass flow rate of the subsequent multiphase flow to the measured mass flow rate of the subsequent gas flow.

[0092] In addition, Method 500 can average the measured mass flow rates of the preceding and succeeding gas flows to determine a gas delta value between the estimated gas mass flow rates of the preceding and succeeding multiphase flows and the average of the measured mass flow rates of the preceding and succeeding gas flows. The sum of the multiphase / single-phase flows may further include accumulating multiple gas delta values. The number of accumulated gas delta values ​​may be the same as the number of samples of the preceding and succeeding multiphase flows.

[0093] Method 500 can also determine the total gas mass from the sum of the multiphase / single-phase flows. For example, determining the total gas mass from the sum of the multiphase / single-phase flows may include summing the gas mass flow rate values ​​between the sum start time and the sum end time. Method 500 may further include a step of determining at least one of the total pure mass and the total liquid mass. The step of determining the total pure mass may include accumulating the measured mass flow rates of the multiphase / single-phase flows, and the step of determining the total liquid mass may include subtracting the total gas mass from the total pure mass. As described above, the difference between the total liquid mass and the total pure mass can be corrected or adjusted by using a liquid delta value that represents the additive inverse of the gas delta value used to correct the total gas mass. Detecting that a liquid flow is being measured may include determining that the density is greater than a liquid density threshold. In addition, or alternatively, Method 500 can detect the phase of a multiphase / single-phase fluid by comparing the measured values ​​with one or more thresholds, in or without combination.

[0094] The vibration meter 5, the meter electronic equipment 20, and the method 500 described above sum the multiphase / single-phase flows. In particular, the vibration meter 5, the meter electronic equipment 20, and the method 500 can detect when a liquid flow is being measured and switch the sum of the multiphase / single-phase flows from the estimated mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow. As a result, for example, there is no error due to the occurrence of abnormal liquid flow in the expected multiphase flow. As can be understood, since a liquid flow is detected and the sum is automatically switched when such a liquid flow is detected, the mass sums of multiphase / single-phase flows, such as the gas mass sum, may be more accurate than when a liquid flow is not detected and the sum is not switched. Similarly, the liquid mass sum may be more accurate since it is determined from the difference between the pure mass sum and the gas mass sum.

[0095] The detailed description of the embodiments described above is not an exhaustive description of all embodiments intended by the inventors to be within the scope of this specification. Indeed, those skilled in the art will understand that further embodiments can be created by combining or omitting certain elements of the embodiments described above, and that such further embodiments fall within the scope of this description and teachings. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that further embodiments can be created within the scope of this specification and teachings by combining the embodiments in whole or in part.

[0096] Accordingly, while certain embodiments are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of this description, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. The teachings provided herein can be applied not only to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, but also to other embodiments for summing multiphase / singlephase flows. Accordingly, the scope of the embodiments described above should be determined from the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for summing the flow rates of multiphase / singlephase flows, A step of detecting that liquid flow is being measured, The steps include switching the total of the multiphase / single-phase flow from the estimated gas mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow, Methods that include...

2. The steps include detecting that the preceding multiphase flow is being measured, The step of switching the sum of the multiphase / single-phase flows from the measured mass flow rate of the preceding gas flow to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of detecting that the preceding multiphase flow is being measured includes determining at least one of the following: that the drive gain is greater than a multiphase threshold and that the density is greater than a gas density threshold.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the estimated gas mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow includes the average of the measured mass flow rates of the preceding gas flow.

5. A step to detect that a subsequent multiphase flow is being measured, The step of switching the sum of the multiphase / singlephase flows from the estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the subsequent multiphase flow. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the estimated gas mass flow rate of the subsequent multiphase flow includes the average of the measured mass flow rates of the preceding gas flow.

7. A step to detect that the subsequent gas flow is being measured, The steps include switching the sum of the multiphase / singlephase flows from the estimated gas mass flow rate of the subsequent multiphase flow to the measured mass flow rate of the subsequent gas flow, and The method according to claim 5, further comprising:

8. A step of averaging the measured mass flow rate of the preceding gas flow and the measured mass flow rate of the following gas flow, The steps include determining a gas delta value between the estimated gas mass flow rate of the preceding and succeeding multiphase flows and the average of the measured mass flow rate of the preceding gas flow and the measured mass flow rate of the succeeding gas flow. The method according to claim 7, further comprising:

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising summing the multiphase / singlephase flows to accumulate the gas delta values.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of determining the total gas mass from the total multiphase / singlephase flow by summing the gas mass flow values ​​between the total start time and the total end time.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of determining at least one of the total mass of pure liquids and the total mass of liquids.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of determining the total pure mass includes accumulating the measured mass flow rates of the multiphase / singlephase flow.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of determining the total mass of the liquids includes subtracting the total mass of the gases from the total mass of the pure liquids.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of detecting that the liquid flow is being measured includes determining that the density is greater than a liquid density threshold.

15. A meter electronic device (20) for summing the flow rates of multiphase / singlephase flows, An interface (301) configured to receive a sensor signal from a sensor assembly (10) configured to accommodate and measure multiphase / singlephase flow, The system comprises a processing system (302) which is communicatively coupled to the interface (301), The processing system (302) is configured to detect that a liquid flow is being measured and to switch the sum of the multiphase / single-phase flows from the estimated gas mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow, and the meter electronic equipment (20) is configured to do so.

16. The meter electronic device (20) according to claim 15, wherein the processing system (302) is further configured to detect that the preceding multiphase flow is being measured and to switch the sum of the multiphase / single-phase flows from the measured mass flow rate of the preceding gas flow to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow.

17. The meter electronic device (20) according to claim 16, wherein the processing system (302) configured to detect that the preceding multiphase flow is being measured is configured to determine at least one of the following: that the drive gain is greater than a multiphase threshold and that the density is greater than a gas density threshold.

18. The meter electronic device (20) according to claim 16, wherein the estimated gas mass flow rate of the preceding multiphase flow includes the average of the measured mass flow rates of the preceding gas flow.

19. The meter electronic device (20) according to claim 15, wherein the processing system (302) is further configured to detect that a subsequent multiphase flow is being measured and to switch the sum of the multiphase / single-phase flows from the estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow to the estimated gas mass flow rate of the subsequent multiphase flow.

20. The meter electronic device (20) according to claim 19, wherein the estimated gas mass flow rate of the subsequent multiphase flow includes the average of the measured mass flow rates of the preceding gas flow.

21. The processing system (302) It detects that a subsequent gas flow is being measured, The meter electronic device (20) according to claim 19, further configured to switch the sum of the multiphase / singlephase flows from the estimated gas mass flow rate of the subsequent multiphase flow to the measured mass flow rate of the subsequent gas flow.

22. The processing system (302) The measured mass flow rate of the preceding gas flow and the measured mass flow rate of the following gas flow are averaged. The gas delta value is determined between the estimated gas mass flow rates of the preceding and succeeding multiphase flows and the average of the measured mass flow rates of the preceding gas flow and the measured mass flow rates of the succeeding gas flow. The meter electronic device (20) according to claim 21, further configured as follows.

23. The meter electronic device (20) according to claim 22, wherein the processing system (302) configured to sum the multiphase / singlephase flows includes a processing system (302) configured to accumulate the gas delta values.

24. The meter electronic device (20) according to claim 15, wherein the processing system (302) is further configured to determine the total gas mass from the total multiphase / singlephase flow by summing the gas mass flow rate values ​​between the total start time and the total end time.

25. The meter electronic device (20) according to claim 24, wherein the processing system (302) is further configured to determine at least one of the total mass of pure material and the total mass of liquid material.

26. The meter electronic device (20) according to claim 25, wherein the processing system (302) configured to determine the pure mass sum includes a processing system (302) configured to accumulate the measured mass flow rate of the multiphase / singlephase flow.

27. The meter electronic device (20) according to claim 25, wherein the processing system (302) configured to determine the total mass of the liquid is configured to subtract the total mass of the gas from the total mass of the pure liquid.

28. The meter electronic device (20) according to claim 15, wherein the processing system (302) configured to detect that the liquid flow is being measured is configured to determine that the density is greater than a liquid density threshold.

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