Acoustic Multiphase Flowmeter for Phase Fraction Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining individual phase fractions and flow rates in three-phase fluid mixtures in the petroleum industry are inefficient, often requiring additional equipment, manual sampling, and can cause pressure loss due to complex flowmetering devices.

Innovation Solution

A multiphase flowmeter system that includes a speed of sound meter and phase fraction meter, using acoustic sensing and phase fraction devices to determine the percentage of one phase, allowing calculation of the other phases and flow rates within the fluid mixture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separators are used to separate phases from the flow stream, then individual phase fractions can be determined, but additional equipment, time and costs are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual phase fraction determinationVSAvoidadditional equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical separation systems with acoustic measurement technology. By using sound velocity measurements and phase fraction meters, the system determines individual phase fractions non-invasively without requiring physical separators or manual sampling equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to measure phase fractions. Sound waves travel through the multiphase flow and their velocity characteristics provide information about the composition and distribution of different phases without direct contact or separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual sampling procedures are used to obtain phase fraction information, then individual volumetric fractions can be determined, but the process is costly and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual volumetric fractionsVSAvoidtime consuming procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual sampling procedures with continuous acoustic measurement systems. The phase fraction meter and speed of sound meter provide real-time, automated measurements of phase fractions without requiring manual intervention, sampling bottles, or laboratory analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous measurement of phase fractions as the multiphase flow passes through the measurement section. Unlike discrete manual sampling, the acoustic measurement system operates continuously, providing ongoing data about phase composition without interruption to the flow process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If complex flowmetering devices are used to measure flow rates, then flow measurement can be achieved, but flow restriction creates significant pressure loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate measurementVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical flowmetering devices (such as venturi meters, orifice plates, or flow nozzles) with acoustic measurement techniques. The speed of sound meter and phase fraction meter measure flow characteristics through non-intrusive acoustic sensing, eliminating the need for flow-restricting mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses acoustic waves as an intermediary to measure flow rates without creating physical obstructions. The acoustic signals pass through the fluid medium, allowing measurement of flow velocity and rate without the need for restrictive mechanical structures that would cause pressure drops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate and efficient measurement of individual phase fractions and flow rates without the need for additional equipment, reducing costs and pressure loss, while improving well production monitoring and performance assessment.

Implementation Method 1

speed of sound meter disposed along the conduit and configured to determine a speed of sound in the mixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpeed of sound: Speed of Sound

Implementation Method 2

acoustic sensing device configured to determine a speed of sound in the fluid mixture with sensors spatially distributed along the conduit to detect acoustic pressure variations traveling at the speed of sound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic sensing: Acoustics

Data Source

PatentUS7401530B2Sonar based multiphase flowmeter

Publication Date: 2008.07.22 WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Methods and apparatus determine individual phase fractions for three phases within a fluid mixture. Appropriate flow algorithms can utilize this phase fraction information with a sensed total combined flow rate of the mixture to find individual flow rates for the three phases, such as oil, water and gas. For some embodiments, a multiphase flowmeter includes an array of spatially distributed pressure sensors configured to determine a speed of sound in the mixture and any type of water cut meter, oil cut meter or gas cut meter.