Flow Computer Uncertainty Calculation for Custody Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow measurement systems in the oil and gas industry face inaccuracies in fluid property measurements, leading to uncertainties in custody transfer, with static error calculations being based on worst-case scenarios and delayed, which reduces their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a device in fluid communication with a conduit to collect parametric data and a flow computer that generates both a flow value and an uncertainty value based on the collected data and its accuracy, using real-time parametric data and accuracy values to calculate the flow value and uncertainty value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If static error calculations are performed to quantify measurement uncertainty, then measurement accuracy is improved, but calculation delay increases and usefulness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static error calculations performed periodically to dynamic real-time uncertainty calculations that continuously update as new measurement data becomes available. The system calculates uncertainty values dynamically using real-time parametric data from flow meters and transmitters, eliminating calculation delays and ensuring uncertainty quantification remains current and useful for immediate decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of uncertainty components for each parametric measurement (flow rate, temperature, pressure) as data is collected, rather than waiting for complete datasets. This allows incremental building of the total uncertainty value, providing timely uncertainty quantification without requiring all measurements to be finalized first.
2Speed
If real-time uncertainty calculation is implemented, then timeliness of measurement data is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the total uncertainty calculation into separate component calculations for each parametric measurement (flow meter uncertainty, temperature transmitter uncertainty, pressure transmitter uncertainty). Each component is calculated independently using its own accuracy value and sensitivity coefficient, then combined to produce the total uncertainty. This segmentation simplifies the implementation of real-time calculations by breaking down a complex overall calculation into manageable individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where uncertainty values are continuously calculated and fed back to update the overall measurement assessment. The flow computer receives real-time accuracy values from measurement devices, calculates uncertainty components, and uses these to determine total uncertainty, which then feeds back into quality control decisions and system monitoring, creating a closed-loop real-time uncertainty management system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for generating an uncertainty value. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a device in fluid communication with a conduit, and a flow computer electrically coupled to the device. The flow computer is configured to generate a flow value based on parametric data, and the flow computer is configured to generate an uncertainty value of the flow value based on the parametric data and on an accuracy value received from the device.