Arc-Shaped Pipe Centrifugal Phase Separation for Multiphase Flow Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiphase fluid flowrate measurement devices are cumbersome, require complex maintenance, and lack real-time precision, especially in challenging environments like oil fields, due to their reliance on gravity-dependent separation methods that are not effective for online measurement of gas, oil, and water phases.
Innovation Solution
A multiphase fluid flowrate metering device utilizing an arc-shaped pipe with a gamma-ray monitor to measure phase fractions and flowrates non-invasively, allowing for online measurement of gas, oil, and water phases through stratification induced by centrifugal force, which simplifies calculations and reduces apparatus complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gravity-dependent phase separation is used to measure gas and liquid flowrates, then the flowrates can be measured, but the device becomes cumbersome, requires complex maintenance, and occupies large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the phase separation function from the measurement system by using centrifugal force generated by arc-shaped pipe flow to separate phases, eliminating the need for complex gravity-dependent separators. The measurement is performed directly on the separated phases within the flow path itself, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The arc-shaped pipe structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates centrifugal force for phase separation, acts as the flow path for measurement, and provides the geometric configuration needed for differential pressure sensing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If gravity-dependent phase separation is used, then gas and liquid can be separated, but the system requires decadal tons of equipment and hundreds of square meters of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs arc-shaped (curved) pipe geometry to generate centrifugal force that separates phases. The curvature of the pipe creates the necessary centrifugal acceleration to separate gas and liquid phases along the arc, achieving effective phase separation within a compact curved path rather than requiring large linear separation spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow parameters by introducing centrifugal acceleration through the arc-shaped geometry. This parameter change (from gravity-only to centrifugal-dominated flow) enables effective phase separation in a much shorter distance and smaller space, reducing the equipment footprint from hundreds of square meters to a compact arc-shaped structure.
3Measurement precision
If gravity-dependent separation is used, then phases can be separated, but real-time online measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous phase separation and measurement by using the ongoing centrifugal force generated by flow through the arc-shaped pipe. The separation and measurement occur continuously as fluid passes through the device, enabling real-time online measurement rather than batch or offline analysis.
4Measurement precision
If conventional separation methods are used, then phases can be separated, but the system requires many controlling links and complex maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The arc-shaped pipe structure performs phase separation automatically using the kinetic energy and centrifugal force of the flowing fluid itself. The system is self-servicing in that the flow conditions naturally generate the separating force, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms, moving parts, or complex regulation systems that would require maintenance.
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 precise, real-time measurement of individual phase flowrates in a compact and robust system, reducing maintenance needs and improving measurement accuracy across various flow patterns without the need for complex sampling or phase separation.
Implementation Method 1
A multiphase fluid flowrate metering device utilizing an arc-shaped pipe with a gamma-ray monitor to measure phase fractions and flowrates non-invasively, allowing for online measurement of gas, oil, and water phases through stratification induced by centrifugal force
Implementation Method 2
A multiphase fluid flowrate metering device utilizing an arc-shaped pipe with a gamma-ray monitor to measure phase fractions and flowrates non-invasively
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multiphase fluid flowrate metering device, comprising the following components: a pipeline comprising at least one segment of arc shaped pipe, wherein at least the cross section of the arc shaped pipe being round, the plane where the arc shaped pipe is located being vertically oriented, and the arc shaped pipe having at least one vertically oriented cross section; a gamma-ray monitor comprising a gamma-ray emitter and a gamma-ray detector arranged respectively on the upper and lower sides of the vertically oriented cross section of the arc shaped pipe, wherein gamma rays emitted by the gamma-ray emitter penetrate vertically and radially along the vertically oriented cross section of the arc shaped pipe to reach the gamma-ray detector, and the gamma-ray monitor is a single-energy gamma-ray monitor or a dual-energy gamma-ray monitor; and a total volume flowrate metering device located upstream or downstream of the arc shaped pipe for calculating the total volume flowrate of the multiphase fluid. The present invention further relates to a method for measuring the volume flowrates of individual phases in a multiphase fluid by using the above multiphase fluid flowrate metering device.