Dielectric Multiphase Flow Meter for Oil Gas Water Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial processes face challenges in accurately measuring the flow rate and component ratios of mixed media, such as crude oil, gas, and water, due to their non-descript nature, which complicates determination at wellheads and requires costly multi-technology solutions.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric multiphase flowmeter using capacitive transducers with ground-shielded metal electrodes to enhance resolution, measuring electrical impedance and phase signatures of Oil, Gas, and Water, and calculating flow rate by correlating data from transducers spaced a known distance apart, while minimizing phase mixing and integrating time durations of each phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measuring techniques are used to determine flow rate and component ratios, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric flow meter uses a single measuring technique (dielectric constant measurement) that serves multiple functions: identifying different phases (oil, gas, water), determining their relative amounts, and calculating flow rate. This universal approach replaces multiple specialized measuring techniques while maintaining measurement accuracy across all parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention measures the dielectric constant, an electrical parameter, which varies significantly between different phases (oil, gas, water). By utilizing this parameter change, the system can differentiate phases and determine their proportions using a single electrical measurement technique rather than multiple physical measurement methods.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measuring techniques are used to determine flow rate and component ratios, then measurement accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single dielectric-based device performs multiple measurement functions (phase identification, composition analysis, flow rate measurement) that would traditionally require multiple separate instruments. This consolidation reduces the overall system cost while maintaining the measurement accuracy needed for industrial applications.
3Measurement precision
If transducer field region is reduced to enhance resolution, then phase detection accuracy is improved, but flow rate measurement capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow conditioner as an intermediary device that prepares the flow pattern before it reaches the transducers. This flow conditioner creates a controlled, uniform flow pattern that ensures representative sampling across the pipe cross-section, allowing small transducer field regions to accurately reflect overall flow composition and rate without requiring large sensing volumes.
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
Provides accurate and cost-effective measurement of relative component amounts and flow rates in mixed media, enhancing accuracy and reducing operational costs by using a single technology that differentiates between Oil, Gas, and Water based on their distinct dielectric constants.
Implementation Method 1
enhance its resolution for determining the dielectric constant and electrical impedance of liquids or gases
Implementation Method 2
measuring the differing electrical impedance of these Phases as they pass through the sensitive field region
Implementation Method 3
an oscillator configured to apply a voltage to the first conductive rod; an amplifier configured receive a voltage from the second conductive rod
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor is provided for detecting relative amounts of components within a mixture. The sensor includes a dielectric transducer comprising a first conductive rod and a second conductive rod; an oscillator configured to apply a voltage to the first conductive rod; an amplifier configured receive a voltage from the second conductive rod as input; and a controller configured to periodically sample an output voltage of the amplifier to generate a plurality of sample voltages, compare the sample voltages against distinct voltage values for identifying each of the components to determine the relative amounts of the components.