Multiphase Flow Measurement Insert for Stratified Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiphase flowmeters for oil, gas, and water in low-producing oil wells face challenges in accurately measuring flow rates while maintaining a wide measurement range and adhering to cost and pressure drop limits, especially in low-cost and nuclear-free solutions.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost multiphase flowmeter design featuring a straight pipe with end flanges and internal inserts that create a stratified flow channel, using sensors for phase velocity and holdup measurements, and electrical feed-throughs for data communication, allowing for accurate measurement of oil, gas, and water flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nuclear-based phase fraction measurements with Venturi based differential pressure measurement are used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces nuclear-based measurement systems with electromagnetic flow meters and differential pressure transducers. The electromagnetic flow meter uses electromagnetic fields to measure fluid flow without nuclear radiation, while differential pressure transducers provide cost-effective pressure measurement. This substitution maintains measurement capability while eliminating nuclear components and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using electrical parameters (electromagnetic field measurements) instead of nuclear parameters (radiation detection). The system measures flow rates through electromagnetic induction and pressure differentials, transforming the measurement approach from nuclear-based to electrical and mechanical parameter measurement, thereby reducing cost and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If nuclear-based phase fraction measurements with Venturi based differential pressure measurement are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex nuclear-based measurement systems with simpler electromagnetic and differential pressure measurement systems. The electromagnetic flow meter uses standard electrical components, and differential pressure transducers provide straightforward pressure measurement. This substitution simplifies the overall system by eliminating nuclear detection mechanisms and associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal measurement components that can measure multiple flow parameters. The electromagnetic flow meter measures flow rate, while differential pressure transducers measure pressure differentials across various points. These universal components can handle multiple measurement tasks, reducing the need for specialized nuclear-based equipment and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wide flow rate measurement range is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic measurement capabilities where the electromagnetic flow meter and differential pressure transducers can adapt to varying flow conditions. The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters and can handle a wide range of flow rates without requiring physical reconfiguration. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain accuracy across different flow rates while minimizing pressure drop through optimized sensor placement and measurement techniques.
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 solution enables accurate measurement of multiphase flow rates with a wide measurement range, low manufacturing costs, and compliance with operational safety requirements, suitable for low-producing oil wells with moderate liquid flow rates and high gas volume fractions.
Implementation Method 1
separate the phases, according to their densities, so that separate velocity and holdup measurements can be applied to each of the individual phases
Implementation Method 2
stratified three-phase gas/oil/water flows
Implementation Method 3
The holdups and velocities of the three separated phases flowing in the internal channel are measured by sensors based on various principles such as ultrasonic
Data Source
AI summary
A multiphase flow measurement insert for insertion within a pipe includes a first, upstream isolation disc sized and shaped so as to make a fluid tight seal with the interior surface of the pipe. A second, downstream isolation disc is also sized and shaped to make a fluid tight seal with the interior surface of the pipe. The first isolation disc includes a first orifice and the second isolation disc includes a second orifice. The lower edge of the first orifice is positioned vertically higher in the first isolation disc than the lower edge of the second orifice in the second isolation disc. A measurement vessel extends from the first orifice to the second orifice forming a flow channel that is downwardly sloping when the multiphase flow measurement insert is in its operational orientation.