Flowmeter Speed of Sound Adjustment for Multiphase Flow Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flowmeters face challenges in accurately measuring phase component fractions and flow rates in high-gas-volume-fraction multiphase flows, particularly in the petroleum industry, due to complex methodologies and limited accuracy of existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves receiving downhole and surface measurements to adjust the speed of sound of a phase until a target value is achieved, allowing for updated phase fraction and flow rate determinations, using a combination of pressure, temperature, and phase fraction data to optimize flowmeter parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex methodologies are used to measure phase components in high-GVF flows, then measurement capability is achieved, but implementation difficulty increases and accuracy remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being measured from direct phase component detection to speed of sound measurement. By measuring the speed of sound in the multiphase flow and using it to calculate phase fractions, the system achieves accurate measurements without complex methodologies. The speed of sound varies with phase composition, providing a direct link between measurement and phase fraction calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic flow measurement systems with an acoustic measurement system. Instead of using multiple sensors and complex signal processing for direct phase detection, the system uses sound wave propagation characteristics to infer phase fractions, simplifying the measurement apparatus while maintaining or improving accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If standard flowmeter parameters are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates in high-GVF flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where speed of sound measurements are continuously used to update and adjust flowmeter parameters. The measured speed of sound provides feedback about the current phase composition, which is then used to recalculate phase fractions and adjust measurement parameters accordingly, maintaining accuracy across varying flow conditions including high-GVF scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static flowmeter parameters to dynamic parameters that adapt to changing flow conditions. By continuously measuring speed of sound and updating phase fraction calculations in real-time, the system dynamically adjusts its measurement approach to maintain accuracy whether the flow is low-GVF or high-GVF, rather than being optimized for a single condition.
3Reliability
If frequent bottomhole sampling is performed to verify measurements, then measurement validation is improved, but operational time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the flowmeter to perform self-validation through continuous speed of sound measurements. Instead of requiring external sampling operations to verify measurements, the system uses its own acoustic measurements to continuously calculate and verify phase fractions, making the validation process inherent to the measurement operation rather than a separate time-consuming activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms discrete sampling operations into continuous measurement and validation. The speed of sound measurement provides ongoing verification of phase fraction calculations without interruption to production, eliminating the need to stop or reduce flow for sampling while maintaining continuous measurement reliability.
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 enhances the accuracy of phase fraction and flow rate measurements, reducing the need for frequent bottomhole samples and improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness by using well test results to update flowmeter parameters in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
determining a speed of sound of the flowing fluid based on the downhole measurements from the flowmeter
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for hydrocarbon monitoring are provided. A method that may be performed by a flowmeter or monitoring system includes receiving downhole measurements of a flowing fluid from a flowmeter; determining a standard phase fraction of the flowing fluid based on the downhole measurements from the flowmeter; receiving surface measurements of the flowing fluid; determining a surface phase fraction of the flowing fluid based on the surface measurements; comparing the standard phase fraction to the surface phase fraction; based on the comparison being greater than a predetermined threshold, using the surface measurements as a reference to adjust a speed of sound (SoS) of a first phase until a target value is achieved; and receiving additional downhole measurements of the flowing fluid from the flowmeter, wherein the flowmeter is operating using the adjusted SoS of the first phase.