Fiber Optic Multiphase Flow Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate measurement of multiphase flow conditions in oil and gas processing is challenging due to the complexity of phase fraction and flow rate detection, requiring reliable and sensitive sensors to optimize production.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing fibre optic sensors and probes that transmit and detect optical signals with different wavelengths, employing an array waveguide grating device for multiplexing, optical circulators for signal transmission, and an image processing system to generate accurate phase fraction and velocity data through optical reflection and absorption analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flowmeters with sensors and probes are used to measure multiphase flow, then phase fraction and flow rate information can be obtained, but measurement accuracy and reliability are insufficient under complex flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electrical sensors with optical sensors that use light transmission and reflection principles. The optical sensor system measures multiphase flow by detecting changes in light properties (transmittance, reflectance) as light interacts with different phases (gas, liquid, solid), providing more accurate and reliable measurements under complex flow conditions without mechanical contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (light wavelength, intensity, transmission, reflection) to detect and measure multiphase flow characteristics. By monitoring how light parameters change as they interact with different phases and flow conditions, the system achieves precise measurement of phase fraction and flow rate
2Measurement precision
If the number of sensors or probes is increased to detect more phase information, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional optical sensor that can simultaneously measure multiple parameters (phase fraction, flow rate, velocity, temperature) using a single integrated optical system. The optical sensor performs multiple measurement functions through different optical detection modes (transmission, reflection, scattering) rather than requiring separate sensors for each parameter
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical absorption and scattering properties of different phases to detect phase distribution. By analyzing how light intensity and spectral characteristics change as light passes through or reflects from multiphase flow, the system can distinguish between different phases (gas, liquid, solid) and their spatial distribution without requiring multiple physical sensors
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
The system provides reliable and accurate measurements of multiphase flow data, enhancing the detection of phase distribution and velocity, improving the management and optimization of oil and gas production by increasing the sensitivity and precision of phase fraction and flow rate information.
Implementation Method 1
The operation of the system will be based on optical reflection and absorption of the multiphase flow
Implementation Method 2
The signals will be absorbed, diffracted and/or reflected by different phases of the multiphase flow
Implementation Method 3
An optical multiplexing device, for example, an array waveguide grating (AWG) device is used to multiplex the light source so that the fibre optics carry and transmit different optical wavelengths to the multiphase flow
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system for measuring a multiphase flow. Fibre optic probes are arranged around a pipe (109) where a multiphase flow passes through for obtaining information about the flow. The data collected from the probes will be translated into useful information.