Flowline Sampling Chamber With Guided Wave Radar Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sampling systems in flowlines, such as those used in wellbore operations, often fail to provide real-time information on fluid content, necessitating transport to separate locations for processing, which is undesirable, especially in remote settings like offshore oil rigs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a housing, pressure control barrier, sample chamber, and guided wave radar device for determining fluid properties, allowing on-site analysis of fluid samples, including interface levels and permittivity, using electromagnetic signals to measure dielectric constants and calculate shrinkage factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If samples are transported to a separate location for processing or testing, then processing and testing can be performed with specialized equipment, but transportation time and cost increase significantly, especially in remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sampling function and the analysis function into a single integrated apparatus. The sample chamber is housed within the same device that contains the guided wave radar device, eliminating the need to transport samples to separate processing locations. This merging of functions directly resolves the contradiction by enabling precise fluid analysis at the sampling site without transportation delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The guided wave radar device acts as an intermediary that enables remote analysis capabilities within the sampling apparatus itself. By using electromagnetic waves to detect fluid properties through the chamber wall, the system provides laboratory-quality analysis capability at the field location, eliminating the need for physical sample transport while maintaining measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If samples are stored for significant time before transport in remote locations, then transportation logistics can be managed, but sample degradation and analysis delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs self-analysis by incorporating the guided wave radar device within the sampling unit. The device automatically detects and analyzes fluid properties immediately upon sampling, eliminating the need for external transport and storage. This self-service capability maintains sample integrity while simplifying the overall operation to a single integrated action.
3Loss of information
If on-site analysis equipment is added to the sampling apparatus, then real-time fluid information becomes available, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sample transport and analysis systems with a non-contact electromagnetic measurement system. The guided wave radar device uses electromagnetic waves to detect fluid properties through the chamber wall without physical contact, eliminating the need for complex sample handling mechanisms, transfer pumps, or connected analysis equipment. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while providing comprehensive real-time fluid information.
4Measurement precision
If guided wave radar device is used to determine fluid properties, then on-site analysis accuracy improves, but device manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guided wave radar device provides multiple measurement capabilities (fluid identification, water cut measurement, shrinkage factor determination) through a single instrument. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate sensors or analysis devices, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the advanced measurement capabilities. The single device performs what would otherwise require multiple specialized instruments.
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 quick decision-making on fluid processing, reduces transportation costs and time by providing accurate, on-site analysis of fluid samples, including determining interface levels and permittivity, independent of media characteristics like temperature and viscosity.
Implementation Method 1
a guided wave radar device for determining a property of the fluid sample within the sample chamber
Implementation Method 2
using electromagnetic signals to measure dielectric constants
Implementation Method 3
determine a permittivity of the fluid sample... using electromagnetic signals to measure dielectric constants
Data Source
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.