Adjustable Venturi Throat for Accurate Multiphase Flow Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiphase flow meters (MPFMs) in the oil and gas industry face inaccurate measurements when operating outside their designed flow rate range, leading to decreased differential pressure and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A removable adjustment device with movable fins and a fin controller is installed in the throat of the MPFM to adjust the venturi diameter, allowing for precise control of differential pressure within the operational range without altering flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the MPFM operates outside the designed flow rate range, then the flow rate capability is improved, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to decreased differential pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the venturi throat diameter adjustable through movable fins. The fins can be positioned at different angles to dynamically change the throat opening size, allowing the MPFM to adapt to different flow rate ranges while maintaining optimal differential pressure for accurate measurements across varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameter of the venturi throat diameter. By changing the throat diameter parameter through fin adjustment, the device can accommodate different flow rates while maintaining the differential pressure within the operational range, thus preserving measurement accuracy across diverse flow conditions
2Measurement precision
If the venturi throat diameter is reduced to increase differential pressure, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the flow rate capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable fins enable dynamic adjustment of the throat diameter, allowing operators to optimize the balance between differential pressure and flow rate capability based on real-time operating requirements. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by providing flexibility to adjust parameters according to specific measurement needs
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the throat diameter parameter, the system can optimize differential pressure for accurate measurement when needed, or increase flow rate capability by opening the fins wider. This parameter adjustment mechanism allows the system to adapt between the two conflicting requirements
3Device complexity
If a fixed venturi design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different flow rates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relatively simple dynamic element (movable fins with actuator) to a traditionally static venturi design. This adds minimal complexity while significantly improving adaptability, as the fins can be adjusted to different positions to accommodate various flow rates without requiring multiple different venturi devices
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
The solution enhances measurement accuracy and operational efficiency by adjusting differential pressure, extending the life of MPFMs and reducing the need for costly replacements.
Implementation Method 1
the differential pressure across the MPFM may decrease
Implementation Method 2
a venturi having a throughbore with a first diameter, and a throat having a second diameter at a center of the venturi
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a multiphase flow meter and a removable adjustment device. The multiphase flow meter includes a venturi having a throughbore with a first diameter, and a throat having a second diameter at a center of the venturi. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The removable adjustment device is installed in the throat. The removable adjustment device includes a plurality of fins; a fin controller configured to actuate the plurality of fins between an open position and a closed position; and a cover surrounding the plurality of fins.