Coriolis Flow Meter Wet Gas Measurement Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Coriolis flow meters face accuracy and operability issues when measuring wet gas flows due to high fluid inhomogeneity and compressibility, which are not effectively addressed by existing calibration methods designed for single-phase flows.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a Coriolis flow meter with a differential pressure (DP) flow meter and a processing unit that measures fluid density, gas wetness, and convective velocity to determine accurate mass flow rates of gas and liquid within the fluid flow, using equations of state and sensitivity constants to correct for over-reading caused by wetness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Coriolis flow meter calibration methods designed for single-phase flows are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained for homogeneous flows, but measurement precision deteriorates for wet gas flows due to high fluid inhomogeneity and compressibility
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent measurement components: a Coriolis flow meter for mass flow measurement, a differential pressure flow meter for velocity measurement, and a density meter for density measurement. Each component measures a specific parameter, and the results are combined through processing to determine accurate mass flow rates for wet gas flows, resolving the contradiction between maintaining single-phase calibration accuracy and adapting to multiphase conditions
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary processing system is introduced that receives measurements from multiple flow meters and uses equations of state to calculate corrected mass flow rates. This intermediary processing layer mediates between the raw measurements from different meters and the final accurate mass flow rate determination, enabling accurate wet gas measurement without requiring direct modification of the Coriolis meter itself
2Measurement precision
If existing Coriolis flow meter framework is used, then device complexity and footprint are maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to errors from decoupling and compressibility in multiphase flows
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flow measurement technologies are merged into a single integrated system where a Coriolis flow meter, differential pressure flow meter, and density meter are combined to measure wet gas flows. This merging approach allows the system to maintain the compact footprint of individual meters while achieving accurate multiphase measurement through combined data processing, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated flow measurement system is designed to handle both single-phase and multiphase flow conditions universally. By incorporating multiple measurement capabilities (mass flow, velocity, density) and using equations of state for corrections, the system provides accurate measurements across different flow regimes without requiring separate specialized devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity
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 solution significantly improves the accuracy of mass flow rate measurements for wet gas flows within the existing physical and electronic framework of Coriolis flow meters, reducing errors associated with multiphase flow conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Coriolis flow meters measure and interpret the effects that a fluid, conveyed within vibrating flow tubes, has on the vibrational characteristics of the fluid-conveying flow tubes to determine the mass flow and density of the conveyed fluid
Implementation Method 2
The DP flow meter is configured to produce a differential pressure value of the fluid flow passing through the one or more flow tubes
Implementation Method 3
determine a measure of gas wetness of the fluid flow using the measured density of the fluid flow, an expected gas density value based on a measured pressure value of the fluid flow and/or a measured temperature value of the fluid flow, and an equation of state model
Implementation Method 4
determine an over-reading of the differential pressure measurement due to wetness using the determined differential pressure measurement
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for measuring wet gas using a Coriolis flow meter is provided. An apparatus embodiment includes a Coriolis meter, a DP meter, and a processing unit. The processing unit is in communication with the Coriolis and DP meters, and a memory storing instructions. The executed instructions cause the processing unit to: a) measure a density of the fluid flow using the Coriolis meter; b) determine a measure of gas wetness of the fluid flow using the measured density, an expected gas density value, and an equation of state model; c) determine a differential pressure measurement across the Coriolis meter; d) determine an over-reading of the differential pressure measurement; e) determine a mass flow rate of gas using the determined over-reading; and f) determine a mass flow rate of liquid.