Hydrocarbon Flow Rate Estimation via Data Reconciliation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating hydrocarbon flow rates in production installations are often inaccurate due to reliance on calibration parameters that can be incorrect, especially in flared gas or tax meters, leading to unreliable flow rate estimates.
Innovation Solution
A method involving data reconciliation and validation using multiple devices, including metric meters, to achieve substantial equality between flow rate estimates, minimizing differences and uncertainties, and iteratively refining the reconciliation process to provide a more accurate and reliable flow rate estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single flow meter is used to measure fluid flow rate, then the measurement process is simple, but the accuracy and reliability of the flow rate estimate deteriorates due to incorrect calibration parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow meters (at least two devices) to measure the same fluid flow rate. By merging the measurements from multiple independent devices, the system achieves higher accuracy and reliability while compensating for individual device calibration errors through data reconciliation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a data reconciliation process that uses feedback from multiple measurement sources. The system continuously compares measurements from different flow meters, identifies discrepancies, and adjusts the final flow rate estimate based on the consistency and reliability of each device, creating a self-correcting measurement system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple flow meters are used to improve flow rate estimation accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data reconciliation process as an intermediary between multiple flow meters and the final flow rate estimate. This mediator systematically processes the raw data from multiple devices, applies validation rules, and produces a single reconciled flow rate value, thereby managing the complexity of multiple measurement sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the measurement data by applying reconciliation algorithms that transform individual device readings into a unified, validated flow rate estimate. The process modifies parameters such as measurement uncertainty, confidence levels, and consistency metrics to resolve discrepancies between multiple devices.
3Measurement precision
If calibration parameters are adjusted to improve flow meter accuracy, then the measurement precision may improve, but the reliability deteriorates due to sensor drift and incorrect parameter assignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into multiple independent flow meters, each with its own calibration parameters and potential sources of error. By dividing the measurement task across separate devices rather than relying on a single calibrated system, the patent reduces the impact of calibration errors and sensor drift on overall measurement reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention proposes a method for producing hydrocarbons on a line of a hydrocarbon production facility comprising at least two devices each suitable for providing an estimate of the flow rate of a fluid in the line depending on respective data. The devices include at least one metric counter and the data respective to the provision of an estimate of the flow rate by the metric counter include a measurement made by at least one sensor of the metric counter on the fluid. The method comprises, during production, the determination (S10) of the data respective to the provision of an estimate of the flow rate by the devices, and a DVR procedure (S20) involving the determined data, the reconciliation being conditioned by an at least substantial equality between the estimates of the flow rate of the fluid. The method offers an improved solution for estimating the flow rate of a fluid in a line of a hydrocarbon production facility, during production.