Electromagnetic Sensor WLR Determination in Wet Gas Flows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the water-to-liquid ratio (WLR) in multiphase flows, particularly in high flow-rate and high gas-volume-fraction wet-gas or multiphase flows, face challenges in accurately measuring and correcting for gas entrainment, leading to inaccuracies in liquid fraction and WLR determination.
Innovation Solution
The use of electromagnetic sensors, such as RF or microwave sensors, to rapidly measure permittivity and conductivity at specific locations within or downstream of mixing devices, allowing for the calculation of liquid fraction and WLR by obtaining averages, maximums, and minimums of these measurements, and applying corrections for gas entrainment, especially in water-continuous flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used to determine liquid fraction and WLR, then the measurement process is simpler, but the accuracy deteriorates due to gas entrainment effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary correction factor (gas entrainment correction) that mediates between the electromagnetic sensor measurements and the final WLR calculation. This correction factor accounts for the presence of gas bubbles in the liquid phase, allowing accurate WLR determination even when gas is entrained in the continuous liquid phase. The intermediary correction enables traditional electromagnetic sensors to achieve high accuracy without requiring complex alternative measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by measuring not only the bulk electromagnetic properties but also specific indicators of gas entrainment (such as dielectric constant variations, conductivity fluctuations, or impedance changes). By monitoring these parameter changes that indicate gas presence, the system can correct the WLR calculation to account for gas entrainment effects, thereby maintaining high measurement accuracy in challenging flow conditions.
2Productivity
If rapid electromagnetic measurements are taken at high sampling rates, then the measurement speed and responsiveness improve, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively processing only the most relevant features from the high-rate electromagnetic measurement data. Instead of analyzing every data point, the system identifies and processes key indicators such as average dielectric constant, conductivity trends, or specific frequency components that indicate gas entrainment. This selective processing maintains high measurement responsiveness while reducing computational complexity to manageable levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for WLR and liquid fraction determination from the high-rate electromagnetic measurements. By separating the critical parameters (dielectric constant, conductivity, impedance) from the raw measurement data and focusing processing only on these extracted features, the system achieves rapid responsiveness without being overwhelmed by the full complexity of continuous high-speed data streams.
3Reliability
If electromagnetic sensors are placed at or downstream of mixing devices to capture well-mixed flow, then the representativeness of measurements improves, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electromagnetic sensor system universal by designing it to function effectively at multiple locations in the flow system. The sensor can be installed upstream of mixing devices, at mixing devices, or downstream, and will provide reliable measurements regardless of location. This multi-functionality is achieved through the gas entrainment correction algorithm that compensates for different flow conditions and mixing states, allowing a single sensor design to serve multiple installation scenarios without requiring location-specific customization.
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 provides accurate and reliable determination of WLR and liquid fraction, even in high flow-rate and high gas-volume-fraction conditions, reducing the need for manual sampling and improving the accuracy of multiphase flow measurements, while also enabling salinity determination and water presence detection.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a plurality of permittivity and conductivity measurements from a flowing multiphase fluid mixture at an electromagnetic sensor location
Implementation Method 2
obtaining a plurality of permittivity and conductivity measurements from a flowing multiphase fluid mixture
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus to determine water-to-liquid ratio and water volume fraction for high gas-volume-fraction wet-gas flows or multiphase flows.