CO2 Multiphase Flow Measurement Using Dielectric Permittivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the mass flow rate of CO2 rich streams, such as ultrasonic, turbine, and Coriolis meters, face challenges due to phase changes and impurities, leading to inaccuracies and high costs, especially in multi-phase conditions near the CO2 critical point, with errors exceeding 2.5%.
Innovation Solution
Measuring dielectric permittivity to determine density and viscosity of the CO2 rich stream, combined with pressure drop across a flow restriction, using microwave and capacitance sensors to calculate mass flow rate with an error less than 2.5%.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Coriolis flow meters are used for mass flow measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but device size and cost increase significantly for large pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Coriolis meter with a combination of electromagnetic sensors (dielectric permittivity sensors, microwave sensors) and pressure sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mechanical moving parts while achieving comparable or better measurement accuracy through non-contact or minimal-contact sensing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures dielectric permittivity as an intermediate parameter to derive density and viscosity, which are then used with pressure drop measurements to calculate mass flow rate. This parameter transformation approach allows accurate flow measurement without requiring direct mechanical interaction with the fluid, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
2Ease of operation
If ultrasonic meters and turbine meters are used with PVT models, then mass flow rate can be calculated, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to phase changes and impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical ultrasonic and turbine meters with electromagnetic sensing methods. The dielectric permittivity sensors and microwave sensors detect fluid properties without mechanical contact, eliminating errors associated with phase changes and impurities that affect mechanical sensors. This substitution maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures dielectric permittivity, which is less sensitive to phase changes and impurities compared to mechanical flow parameters. By deriving density and viscosity from dielectric permittivity measurements and combining them with pressure drop data, the system achieves accurate mass flow rate calculation that is robust against phase transitions and contamination.
3Measurement precision
If machine learning techniques are applied to Coriolis flow meters, then measurement accuracy improves to 1.5-2% error, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for machine learning algorithms by using fundamental physical relationships between dielectric permittivity, density, viscosity, and pressure drop. This physics-based approach achieves high accuracy without requiring complex data processing, pattern recognition, or computational models, thereby eliminating the need for bulky processing units and expensive computational resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the natural physical properties of the fluid (dielectric permittivity, pressure drop) to directly determine flow parameters through established physical laws. The system is self-sufficient and does not require external machine learning models or complex computational assistance, achieving accuracy through the inherent measurability of the physical parameters.
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
Accurately measures mass flow rate of CO2 rich streams with improved precision and reduced error, suitable for CCUS and CCS applications, using dielectric permittivity-based methods.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a dielectric permittivity of a CO2 rich stream; determining a density of the CO2 rich stream from the measured dielectric permittivity; determining a viscosity of the CO2 rich stream from the measured dielectric permittivity
Implementation Method 2
measuring a pressure drop of the CO2 rich stream flowing through a flow restriction; determining mass flow rate of the CO2 rich stream using the measured pressure drop
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for determining mass flow rate of a CO2 rich stream using dielectric permittivity are described. A method herein measures a dielectric permittivity of a CO2 rich stream; determines a density of the CO2 rich stream from the measured dielectric permittivity; determines a viscosity of the CO2 rich stream from the measured dielectric permittivity; measures a pressure drop of the CO2 rich stream flowing through a flow restriction; and determines mass flow rate of the CO2 rich stream using the measured pressure drop, the determined density, and the determined viscosity.