Compact Multiphase Flow Meter with Sheltered Zone
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meters, such as dual venturi meters, face challenges in determining multiple characteristics of multiphase flows within subsea Christmas trees due to erosion from particles and excessive length, making it difficult to accommodate both gas and liquid fraction measurements and liquid composition analysis within the limited space.
Innovation Solution
A compact flow meter design featuring first and second constrictions with a sheltered zone, equipped with sensing and sheltered devices, such as pressure sensors and electrical impedance spectroscopy electrodes, to measure differential pressures and impedance, allowing for the determination of gas fraction, liquid fraction, and liquid composition without particle impingement and reduced length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual venturi flow meter is used to determine gas fraction and liquid fraction, then measurement capability is improved, but the length of the flow meter becomes excessive (10-15 times the pipe diameter)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the sensing device and sheltered device within a sheltered zone that is nested between the first and second constrictions of the venturi flow meter. This nesting arrangement allows multiple measurement functions to be integrated within a compact structure, eliminating the need for separate external measurement devices and thereby reducing the overall length of the flow meter while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are mounted with protruding faces to measure differential pressure, then measurement accuracy is improved, but susceptibility to erosion from particles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a sheltered zone between the first and second constrictions where particles are diverted away from the sensing device and sheltered device through the venturi effect. This preliminary protective arrangement prevents particle impingement before it can cause erosion, allowing the pressure sensors to maintain accurate measurements without suffering from erosion damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheltered zone acts as an intermediary protective region that mediates between the high-velocity particle-laden flow and the sensitive measurement devices. By positioning the sensing devices within this sheltered zone, the patent uses the flow dynamics created by the venturi constrictions to indirectly protect the devices while still allowing them to accurately measure the differential pressure.
3Measurement precision
If the expanding conical sections are designed at five degrees to minimize turbulence, then flow measurement accuracy is improved, but the length of the flow meter increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the venturi flow meter by optimizing the angles of the conical sections. By carefully selecting specific angle values for the constricting and expanding sections, the patent achieves a balance between minimizing turbulence (which improves measurement accuracy) and controlling the overall length of the device to make it suitable for installation within subsea christmas trees.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a water cut flow meter is added to determine liquid composition, then measurement versatility is improved, but the aggregate length becomes prohibitive for subsea christmas tree installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (gas fraction, liquid fraction, and liquid composition measurement) into a single integrated flow meter apparatus. By merging these functions that would traditionally require separate devices into one compact unit with multiple sensing and sheltered devices, the patent achieves the versatility needed for comprehensive multiphase flow characterization while keeping the overall length suitable for subsea christmas tree installation.
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 the determination of multiple multiphase flow characteristics in a single, space-efficient apparatus, protecting devices from erosion and facilitating installation within subsea Christmas trees by utilizing the Venturi effect to minimize particle impact and reduce overall length.
Implementation Method 1
Differences in pressure of the multiphase flow across the constrictions bear an empirical relationship to the gas fraction and the liquid fraction
Implementation Method 2
utilizing the Venturi effect to minimize particle impact and reduce overall length
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in determining a plurality of characteristics of a multiphase flow within a pipe is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises first and second constrictions, a sheltered zone between the first and second constrictions, a sensing device coupled to an interior wall of the pipe, and a sheltered device coupled to the interior wall of the pipe and located within the sheltered zone. A first characteristic of the plurality of characteristics is determinable from data generated by the sensing device. A second characteristic of the plurality of characteristics is determinable from data generated by the sheltered device. In one exemplary embodiment, the first characteristic is a gas fraction, and the sensing device is a plurality of pressure sensors. In another exemplary embodiment, the second characteristic is a phase fraction, and the sheltered device is a plurality of electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) electrodes.