Electromagnetic Multiphase Flowmeter for Non-Intrusive Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiphase flowmeters in the oil and gas industry are expensive, unreliable, and unable to provide accurate, real-time measurements of multiphase flows due to the use of nuclear sources and Venturi elements, leading to significant errors and the need for intrusive flow modifications.
Innovation Solution
A non-intrusive, completely electromagnetic multiphase flowmeter using a combination of Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT), Imaging Electrical Flowmeter (IEF), and Magnetic Induction Tomography (MIT) to measure the velocity, concentration, and distribution of gas, oil, water, and solids in real-time, without the need for nuclear sources or Venturi elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nuclear sources and Venturi elements are used in multiphase flowmeters, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes nuclear sources and Venturi elements from the flowmeter system, extracting only the essential measurement function. The electromagnetic measurement system achieves multiphase flow measurement without these complex and costly components, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical Venturi flow restriction system with an electromagnetic measurement system. Instead of using physical flow modification through Venturi elements, the system uses electromagnetic fields to measure flow characteristics, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If nuclear sources are used in multiphase flowmeters, then measurement function is provided, but reliability decreases due to safety and operational concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes nuclear sources from the measurement system entirely. The electromagnetic measurement system provides the necessary measurement function without relying on radioactive materials, thereby eliminating safety concerns and improving system reliability for continuous operation.
3Measurement precision
If Venturi elements are used to restrict flow, then measurement is enabled, but the flow path is intrusively modified causing additional problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes Venturi elements from the system, extracting only the measurement capability without the flow restriction component. This allows measurement of the actual flow conditions without artificial modification, eliminating harmful effects on the natural flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical flow restriction method with an electromagnetic measurement approach that does not physically interfere with the flow. The measurement is achieved through field interactions rather than mechanical obstruction, preventing flow path modification and associated harmful effects.
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 precise, real-time measurements of multiphase flows, enabling optimized production strategies and reducing the need for costly and unreliable nuclear-based devices, while offering detailed flow structure imaging and improved production optimization.
Implementation Method 1
A non-intrusive, completely electromagnetic multiphase flowmeter using a combination of Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT), Imaging Electrical Flowmeter (IEF), and Magnetic Induction Tomography (MIT)
Implementation Method 2
A non-intrusive, completely electromagnetic multiphase flowmeter using a combination of Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT), Imaging Electrical Flowmeter (IEF), and Magnetic Induction Tomography (MIT)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A monitoring apparatus for monitoring a multiphase flow in a pipe, the apparatus comprising: a first monitoring module coupled to the pipe and adapted to provide first output data representing a respective concentration of one phase of a plurality of phases, or a mixture of at least two of the phases, in the multiphase flow by processing at least one first variable representing electrical permittivity of one phase or a mixture of at least two of the phases of the multiphase flow; a second monitoring module coupled to the pipe and adapted to provide second output data representing a respective concentration of one phase, or a mixture of at least two of the phases, of the plurality of phases in the multiphase flow by processing at least one second variable representing electrical conductivity of one phase or a mixture of at least two of the phases of the multiphase flow; and a third monitoring module coupled to the pipe and adapted to provide third output data representing a respective velocity of at least one phase of the plurality of phases in the multiphase flow by processing at least one third variable representing velocity of at least one of the phases. There is a further provided a monitoring method for monitoring a multiphase flow in a pipe. There is a further provided an oil well system including a plurality of oil wells, and one or more monitoring apparatus for monitoring a multiphase flow in a pipe. There is a further provided a method of operating an oil well system using a multiphase fluid flow model which is calibrated or modified based on measured parameters of the multiphase flow.