Flow Meter Vortical Structure Analysis for Multiphase Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meters are limited in providing accurate volumetric flow information for multiphase fluid flows, as they require additional compositional definitions to determine individual phase flow rates, whereas the proposed apparatus uses sensor signals and processing units to distinguish single phase from multiphase flows without such definitions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs an array of sensors to detect vortical structures in fluid flows, generating k-ω plots and shape factor parameters to determine gas-liquid ratios within the flow, using signal processing techniques like array processing and ultrasonic sensors to differentiate between single and multiphase flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art flow meters use compositional definition to determine gas-liquid ratio, then individual phase flow rates can be determined, but the device complexity and requirement for additional information increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the requirement for compositional definitions by using a different measurement approach. Instead of relying on pre-defined compositional data, the system uses sensor arrays and signal processing to directly measure phase distribution and flow characteristics, thereby determining individual phase flow rates without the complicating requirement for compositional input
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor arrays and signal processing algorithms as intermediaries between the multiphase flow and the measurement output. These intermediaries process the raw sensor data to extract phase-specific information, acting as a mediator that translates complex multiphase flow characteristics into usable flow rate measurements without requiring compositional definitions
2Ease of operation
If flow meters are designed for single phase flows, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to multiphase flows is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal measurement system that can handle both single-phase and multiphase flows using the same sensor array and processing methodology. The system automatically adapts to different flow types by analyzing the sensor signal characteristics, maintaining ease of operation while gaining versatility to measure various phase combinations without requiring different measurement approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic signal processing that adapts to the actual flow conditions in real-time. The processing algorithms dynamically adjust based on the detected flow characteristics, allowing the system to maintain simple operation for single-phase flows while automatically becoming capable of multiphase measurement when such conditions are detected, without pre-programming for specific scenarios
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 allows for the accurate determination of gas-liquid ratios and individual phase flow rates within multiphase flows without needing compositional definitions, enhancing the capability of flow meters to handle complex fluid mixtures.
Implementation Method 1
produce sensor signals indicative of the presence of vortical structures convecting with the fluid flow
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for sensing a fluid flow passing within a pipe, which fluid flow comprises at least a first fluid phase. The apparatus includes a flow meter having an array of sensors and at least one processing unit, which flow meter is adapted to sense the fluid flow passing within the pipe as it travels past the array of sensors and produce signals indicative of the presence of vortical structures convecting with the fluid flow. The at least one processing unit is adapted to: (a) produce a k-ϖ plot using the signals indicative of the presence of vortical structures convecting with the fluid flow, and determine a k-ϖ plot quality parameter that indicates the presence or absence of a second fluid phase within a fluid flow passing within a pipe; or (b) determine a shape factor parameter indicative of a presence or absence of a second fluid phase within a fluid flow passing within a pipe; or (c) both (a) and (b).