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, requiring additional compositional definitions to determine individual phase rates, whereas the proposed solution utilizes a flow meter with an array of sensors and a processing unit to sense vortical structures and generate k-ω plots and shape factor parameters without such definitions.
Innovation Solution
The flow meter senses fluid flow using an array of sensors, producing signals indicative of vortical structures, and processes these signals to create k-ω plots and determine quality and shape factor parameters, indicating the presence or absence of a second fluid phase within the flow, based on signal processing without requiring compositional definitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art flow meters are used to measure multiphase fluid flows, then volumetric flow information can be obtained for single phase flows, but accurate volumetric flow information for individual phases within multiphase flows cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multiphase flow measurement problem by analyzing vortical structures and their convective characteristics separately for different phases. By using an array of sensors to detect and characterize vortices at different spatial and temporal frequencies, the system can distinguish between gas and liquid phase contributions to the overall flow, providing separate volumetric flow information for each phase without requiring compositional definitions.
2Measurement precision
If prior art flow meters use compositional definitions to determine phase ratios, then individual phase flow rates can be calculated, but additional information requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the flow meter to automatically characterize multiphase flows using only the vortical structure data collected by its sensor array. The system processes the spatial and temporal frequency characteristics of detected vortices to directly determine phase identification and volumetric flow rates without requiring external compositional definitions or additional input information about the fluid mixture composition.
3Ease of operation
If flow meters are designed for single phase measurement, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to multiphase flows is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a flow meter with an array of sensors and processing capability that can handle both single phase and multiphase flows with the same basic measurement approach. The system automatically adapts its analysis based on the flow conditions detected, using vortical structure characterization to provide accurate measurements regardless of whether the flow is single phase or multiphase, eliminating the need for different measurement systems.
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 the presence and ratio of gas and liquid phases within multiphase flows, providing volumetric flow information without additional compositional data, enhancing the capability of flow meters to handle complex fluid mixtures.
Implementation Method 1
produce signals indicative of the presence of vortical structures convecting with the fluid flow
Data Source
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-ω plot using the signals indicative of the presence of vortical structures convecting with the fluid flow, and determine a k-ω 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).