Multi-Phase Flow Measurement Device Using Annular Phase Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for measuring fluid flow properties in pipes, particularly multi-phase flows, face challenges of complexity and accuracy, with a need for a simple and robust device that can accurately measure salinity, water content, and liquid/gas ratios in fluid streams containing gas, condensate, and water.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising three pipe sections with a Venturi-effect creating an annular liquid phase, using near-field and full-volume field probes with different frequency ranges to measure fluid properties, combining low-frequency and high-frequency signals to calculate salinity, water content, and liquid phase thickness, with resonance enabling elements to capture frequency ranges and minimize perturbation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors (mass flow device, pressure transmitter, temperature transmitter, density sensor, electromagnetic sensor) are used to measure multi-phase flow properties, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single electromagnetic sensing system that can simultaneously measure water cut, salinity, and liquid/gas ratio by analyzing electromagnetic wave interactions with the multi-phase flow at different frequencies, eliminating the need for separate mass flow devices, pressure transmitters, temperature transmitters, and density sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic sensing system performs multiple measurement functions universally - it can measure water cut, salinity, liquid/gas ratio, and fluid properties simultaneously using the same probe structure and signal processing methodology, making the device versatile for comprehensive multi-phase flow characterization
2Device complexity
If a simple measurement system without multiple sensors is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses electromagnetic waves at different frequency parameters to extract multiple flow properties from a single sensing system - low frequencies penetrate deeper to measure bulk properties while high frequencies provide surface and interface information, enabling accurate measurement of water cut, salinity, and liquid/gas ratio without multiple physical sensors
3Measurement precision
If probes with different penetration depths are used to measure liquid phase layer, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic frequency selection where the electromagnetic probe can operate at different frequencies depending on the measurement requirements - lower frequencies for deeper penetration to measure bulk liquid properties and higher frequencies for surface liquid film measurement, providing adaptive measurement capability without requiring multiple fixed-depth probes
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 device provides accurate measurements of fluid properties, including salinity and water content, with a robust design that minimizes interference and erosion, capable of measuring up to 5.6% water volume fractions and 25.47% salinity, enhancing the precision and reliability of fluid flow analysis.
Implementation Method 1
WO 2007/129897 discloses a measuring device having a Venturi-induced annular flow for high-frequency multi-phase measurement
Implementation Method 2
The disclosed measuring device and method makes use of broadband RF signals to obtain properties of the multi-phase flow, such as the dielectric constant/permittivity
Implementation Method 3
the third pipe section comprises a resonance enabling element, such that said element and at least the second pipe section provides a resonator able to capture parts of the frequency range of the full volume field probe
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a device for measuring properties of a fluid flow in a pipe, comprising a first (1), second (2) and third pipe section (3), and where the first pipe section (1) comprises a fluid flow modifying feature arranged such that, during use, a liquid part of the fluid flow will form an annular layer (4) at an inner wall of the second pipe section (2), and the second pipe section (2) is arranged downstream of the first pipe section (1) and comprises at least one near field probe (5) having a first frequency range, and at least one full volume field probe (6) having a second frequency range, the upper limit of the first frequency range being lower than the lower limit of the second frequency range; the third pipe section (3) is arranged downstream of the second pipe section (2) and comprises a resonance enabling element (8), such that said element (8) and at least the second pipe section (2) provides a resonator able to capture parts of the frequency range of the full volume field probe (6).