Circumferential Transducer Array for Multiphase Fluid Characterization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing multiphase fluid flow in pipes are limited by the small percentage of the cross-sectional volume interrogated, leading to inaccurate results and inefficiencies in oil, gas, and water separation, which is economically and energetically detrimental.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple pairs of transducers positioned circumferentially around the pipe to transmit and receive acoustic signals sequentially, covering a larger cross-sectional area and allowing for more complete interrogation of the fluid, enabling accurate determination of water, sand, oil, and gas percentages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single pair of transducers is used to interrogate the pipe, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is limited because only about 20% of the cross-sectional volume is interrogated
Solution Approach 1:
The single interrogation path is segmented into multiple paths by distributing transducers circumferentially around the pipe. Each transducer pair interrogates a different sector of the pipe cross-section, collectively covering 100% of the fluid volume. This segmentation transforms one limited measurement into multiple complementary measurements that together provide complete characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point measurement (one transducer pair) to a distributed spatial measurement network. By adding the circumferential dimension and using multiple angular positions around the pipe, the system captures fluid properties across the entire cross-sectional area, converting a one-dimensional measurement into a two-dimensional spatial characterization.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pairs of transducers are positioned circumferentially around the pipe, then the measurement precision improves by interrogating larger volume, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transducer pairs are merged into a single integrated measurement system that functions as one cohesive unit. The system combines signals from all transducer pairs through a unified signal processing architecture, allowing the collective data to be analyzed together for comprehensive fluid characterization, rather than treating each transducer pair as a separate independent system.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer array is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: each transducer can both transmit and receive acoustic signals, the system can interrogate different fluid phases (oil, water, gas), and it can determine multiple parameters (composition, flow rate, velocity). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated transducers for each measurement objective.
3Device complexity
If acoustic signals are transmitted sequentially through the pipe, then the device complexity is reduced compared to simultaneous transmission, but the productivity is limited by the sequential nature of measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic cyclic transmission of acoustic signals through different transducer pairs. Each transducer pair transmits and receives signals in repeated cycles, allowing the system to gather data from all sectors systematically. This periodic action provides regular measurement updates while maintaining manageable signal routing complexity through predictable timing patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequential measurement process is designed to be continuous, with each transducer pair immediately following the previous one without idle gaps. The system maintains an unbroken sequence of acoustic interrogations around the pipe, ensuring that fluid characterization is ongoing and up-to-date. This continuous action maximizes productivity within the constraints of sequential operation.
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
This approach provides a more accurate characterization of multiphase fluid flow by interrogating a larger volume of the pipe, improving the precision of oil, gas, and water composition analysis, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitting transducer of each pair of transducers is oriented to transmit a respective acoustic signal toward the receiving transducer of the pair of transducers
Implementation Method 2
sound speed and sound attenuation are related to the composition of the fluid. An 'effective' speed of sound may be measured by an acoustic transmission or pulse echo process in a fluid mixture
Implementation Method 3
The sound may be sent through the fluids in the pipe, and detected on the opposite side of the pipe by a receiving transducer
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining characteristics of a multiphase fluid includes pipe and multiple pairs of transducers positioned circumferentially around the pipe. Each pair of transducers includes a transmitting transducer and a receiving transducer. The transmitting transducer of each pair of transducers is oriented to transmit a respective acoustic signal toward the receiving transducer of the pair of transducers. The transmitting transducer of each pair of transducers is operable to transmit the respective acoustic signal sequentially with respect to other transmitting transducers of the multiple pairs of transducers. A reception of a first acoustic signal transmitted by a transmitting transducer of a first pair transducers of the multiple pairs of transducers is completed by a receiving transducer of the first pair transducers before a transmitting transducer of another pair of transducers of the multiple pairs of transducers transmits a second acoustic signal.