Multi-phase Coriolis Flowmeter Using Flow Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Coriolis-type mass flowmeters struggle to accurately determine the properties of multi-phase fluids, such as three-phase flows containing oil, water, and gas, as they typically require additional properties beyond bulk density and mass flow rate to calculate individual component flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A Coriolis flowmeter system that incorporates a pressure sensor and a mathematical model to determine the water-cut or gas void fraction using inlet and outlet pressures, along with temperature, allowing for the calculation of individual component flow rates within multi-phase fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional Coriolis-type mass flowmeters are used to measure multi-phase fluids, then bulk density and mass flow rate can be determined, but individual component flow rates cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
A flow model acts as an intermediary between the Coriolis flowmeter measurements and the determination of individual component flow rates. The flow model uses bulk density, mass flow rate, and pressure measurements as inputs to calculate water-cut or gas void fraction, which then enables calculation of individual component flow rates that would otherwise be inaccessible from direct measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for additional physical sensors or separation equipment with a mathematical flow model that processes existing measurements. Instead of using mechanical means to separate or directly measure individual components, the system uses computational modeling to derive component flow rates from bulk measurements and pressure data
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors or separation equipment are added to determine individual component flow rates, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow model serves multiple functions: it calculates water-cut or gas void fraction from pressure and bulk measurements, and subsequently enables determination of individual component flow rates. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement systems for different fluid properties, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
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 accurate determination of individual component flow rates in multi-phase fluids without the need for separation, improving measurement precision and reliability in applications like oil production facilities.
Implementation Method 1
Coriolis-type mass flowmeters are based on the Coriolis effect, in which material flowing through a conduit is affected by a Coriolis force and therefore experiences an acceleration. Many Coriolis-type mass flowmeters induce a Coriolis force by sinusoidally oscillating a conduit about a pivot axis orthogonal to the length of the conduit. In such mass flowmeters, the Coriolis reaction force experienced by the traveling fluid mass is transferred to the conduit itself and is manifested as a deflection or offset of the conduit in the direction of the Coriolis force vector in the plane of rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
A Coriolis flowmeter is configured to determine a first property of a multi-phase fluid. A flow model is configured to determine a second property of the multi-phase fluid. A determination system is configured to determine a third property of the multi-phase fluid based, at least in part, on the first property and the second property.