Flow Rate Totalizing Across Multiphase and Liquid Flow Regimes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibratory meters struggle to accurately totalize flow rates in multi-phase/single-phase flows, particularly in petroleum wells that produce gas or liquid, as they fail to distinguish between different flow regimes and correct for phase changes.
Innovation Solution
A method and meter electronics that detect liquid flow and switch from estimated gas mass flow rates to actual liquid flow rates by using thresholds for density and drive gain, adjusting flow rate calculations to account for phase changes, and cumulating accurate mass totals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a vibratory meter measures multi-phase/single-phase flow using a single measurement method, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the meter cannot accurately distinguish between different flow regimes (gas, liquid, multi-phase)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into distinct phases by detecting flow regime transitions. It divides the continuous flow measurement into separate measurement modes: gas flow measurement mode, liquid flow measurement mode, and multi-phase flow measurement mode. This segmentation allows the system to apply appropriate measurement methods for each flow regime, improving measurement precision without requiring a completely complex multi-method system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes (density and drive gain thresholds) to detect flow regime transitions. By monitoring changes in these physical parameters, the system automatically identifies when the flow regime changes and switches measurement methods accordingly. This approach enables accurate flow regime distinction using simple threshold comparisons rather than complex analysis.
2Ease of operation
If the meter continuously estimates gas mass flow rate in multi-phase flow, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates because liquid flow portions are incorrectly measured as gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring density and drive gain parameters to detect flow regime changes. This feedback mechanism triggers automatic switching between measurement modes, ensuring that the system responds to actual flow conditions. The feedback loop compares current parameters against stored thresholds to determine when to switch measurement methods, maintaining accuracy while keeping the operation simple and automatic.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is made dynamic by enabling automatic switching between different measurement methods based on real-time flow conditions. Rather than using a static single-method approach, the system adapts its measurement strategy dynamically in response to detected flow regime changes, optimizing measurement precision for each phase while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
3Measurement precision
If the meter switches measurement methods based on flow regime detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple measurement methods and switching logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the single vibratory meter to perform multiple measurement functions: gas flow measurement, liquid flow measurement, and multi-phase flow measurement. The same physical device adapts its measurement approach based on flow conditions, eliminating the need for separate specialized meters for each flow regime. This universal approach improves measurement precision across different flow types while avoiding the complexity of multiple dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting flow regime changes and switching measurement methods without external intervention. The meter monitors its own operating parameters (density and drive gain) and autonomously determines when to change measurement modes. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity and maintains measurement precision through automatic adaptation to changing flow conditions.
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
Accurately totalizes flow rates by distinguishing between gas, liquid, and multi-phase flows, improving measurement precision and reducing errors in multi-phase environments.
Implementation Method 1
there may be one or more transducers affixed to the conduit or conduits configured to convert vibratory motion into sensor signals
Implementation Method 2
During flow, the vibrating tube and the flowing mass couple together due to Coriolis forces, causing a phase difference in the vibration between the ends of the tube
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for totalizing a flow rate of a multi-phase/single-phase flow is provided. The method comprises detecting that a liquid flow is being measured and switching a totalizing of the multi-phase/single-phase flow from an estimated gas mass flow rate of a precedent multi-phase flow to an estimated gas mass flow rate of the liquid flow.