Coriolis Meter Multiphase Flow Correction via Sound Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coriolis flow meters face accuracy degradation when measuring mass flow and density of fluids with inhomogeneities and increased compressibility, such as multiphase flows, due to decoupling effects and gas void fractions, which current technologies fail to effectively quantify and correct for.
Innovation Solution
A method that employs the measurement of sound speed through the fluid, combined with vibrational characteristics at multiple frequencies, uses an optimization algorithm and empirical models to correct for fluid inhomogeneity and compressibility effects, enabling accurate mass flow and density measurement by adjusting parameters to minimize error functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Coriolis meter measures mass flow and density of homogeneous, incompressible fluids using vibrational characteristics, then measurement accuracy is high, but measurement accuracy degrades when measuring multiphase flows with inhomogeneities and increased compressibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures the speed of sound in the fluid, which is a physical parameter that changes with fluid composition and phase. By incorporating sound speed measurement into the Coriolis meter, the system can detect changes in fluid properties and compensate for multiphase flow conditions, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy across different fluid types including multiphase flows
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement (sound speed) that serves as a bridge between the vibrational characteristics of the flow tube and the actual fluid properties. The sound speed measurement acts as a mediator that provides information about fluid homogeneity and compressibility, allowing the system to correct measurements for multiphase conditions
2Device complexity
If a Coriolis meter operates at a single vibrational frequency, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to correct for compressibility and inhomogeneity effects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple vibrational frequencies dynamically to measure fluid properties. By vibrating the flow tube at different frequencies and measuring the corresponding sound speeds, the system can capture the dynamic response of multiphase flows and apply appropriate corrections, improving measurement precision without excessive complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic vibration at multiple frequencies to excite the flow tube and measure fluid properties. By applying periodic actions at different frequencies and analyzing the responses, the system can distinguish between different fluid phases and correct for their effects on measurement accuracy
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional Coriolis meters are calibrated on homogeneous, incompressible fluids, then calibration is simple, but the meters incorrectly interpret mass flow and density of process fluids with increased compressibility and inhomogeneity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback by continuously measuring sound speed and using this information to adjust and correct the mass flow and density measurements. The sound speed measurement provides feedback about fluid composition changes, allowing the system to dynamically compensate for deviations from calibration conditions and maintain accuracy for compressible and inhomogeneous fluids
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 improves the accuracy of Coriolis meters for both homogeneous and non-homogeneous flows, effectively characterizing multiphase flows and correcting for errors caused by compressibility and inhomogeneities, leading to precise mass flow and density measurements.
Implementation Method 1
A Coriolis flow meter measures a parameter of a fluid, including but not limited to parameters like the mass flow and/or density of a fluid through a conduit by measuring the influence that the process-fluid has on the vibrational characteristics of vibrating, fluid-conveying, flow tubes
Implementation Method 2
Sonar flow meters can measure the speed at which sound propagates through a fluid contained in a fluid-conveying conduit
Implementation Method 3
The mass flow rate is the mass of a fluid moving past a given point per unit time. Volumetric flow rate is the volume of fluid moving past a given point per unit time. Coriolis meters report volumetric flow by dividing the measured mass flow rate by the measured fluid density
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for determining parameters for, and application of, models that correct for the effects of fluid inhomogeneity and compressibility on the ability of Coriolis meters to accurately measure the mass flow and/or density of a process fluid on a continuous basis is disclosed. Example embodiments mitigate the effect of multiphase fluid conditions on a Coriolis meter.