Flowline Sample Chamber with Guided Wave Radar Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sampling methods from flowlines, such as those in wellbore operations, often require transporting samples to separate locations for processing, which is undesirable, especially at remote sites like offshore oil rigs, due to the lack of immediate information on fluid contents and the need for storage during transport.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a guided wave radar device and pressure control system that allows on-site determination of fluid properties, including interface levels and permittivity, enabling quick decision-making on sample processing or transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If samples are transported to separate locations for processing, then processing can be performed with specialized equipment, but time is lost during transport and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sampling function with the analysis function into a single integrated device. The sample chamber is equipped with a guided wave radar device that can determine fluid properties (such as water cut) directly within the sampling apparatus, eliminating the need to transport samples to separate laboratories and reducing analysis time from days to seconds.
2Loss of information
If samples are taken at remote locations, then immediate fluid information can be obtained, but storage and transport resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling apparatus performs self-analysis through the integrated guided wave radar device that automatically determines fluid properties in the sample chamber. This self-service capability provides immediate fluid information at the remote location without requiring external laboratories, eliminating the energy consumption associated with transporting samples to distant facilities.
3Productivity
If on-site fluid property determination is implemented, then transport and storage needs are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical separation and analysis systems with a guided wave radar device that uses electromagnetic waves to determine fluid properties. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromagnetic sensing technology achieves on-site analysis capability while keeping the device relatively simple and maintenance-free.
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
Enables accurate, on-site determination of fluid properties, reducing the need for transport and storage by allowing immediate disposal or further analysis of samples, and providing precise data for operational decisions.
Implementation Method 1
a guided wave radar device for determining a property of the fluid sample within the sample chamber
Implementation Method 2
the guided wave radar device may be used to determine an interface level between two or more media of the fluid sample
Implementation Method 3
pressure applied within the pressure control chamber controls pressure of the fluid sample within the sample chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for sampling a fluid from a flowline comprises a housing and a pressure control barrier moveably mounted in the housing. The apparatus comprises a sample chamber within the housing on a first side of the pressure control barrier and being fluidly connectable to the flowline for receiving a fluid sample from the flowline, and a pressure control chamber within the housing on an opposite second side of the pressure control barrier, wherein pressure applied within the pressure control chamber controls pressure of the fluid sample within the sample chamber. The apparatus comprises a guided wave radar device for determining a property of the fluid sample within the sample chamber.