Aperture Antenna Flowmeter Window for Pressure Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiphase flowmeters face challenges in efficiently and economically measuring flow rates of multiphase fluids, particularly in hydrocarbon production, due to the complexity of determining flow rates of mixtures like oil, gas, and water, and the need for costly gamma-ray based systems that require radioactivity safety measures and bulky pressure retaining systems.
Innovation Solution
A multiphase flowmeter with an aperture antenna assembly that uses electromagnetic signals to measure fluid properties, featuring a pressure retaining member and a metal housing with slits to prevent fluid ingress without altering flow, allowing for efficient and economic operation without the need for gamma-ray sources or bulky bolt-flange assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gamma-ray based systems are used to measure multiphase fluid flow rates, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and safety requirements increase due to radioactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gamma-ray based measurement systems with electromagnetic signal-based measurement. The aperture antenna transmits and receives electromagnetic signals through the multiphase fluid to determine flow rates, eliminating the need for radioactive sources and associated safety infrastructure while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the radioactive source component from the measurement system. By using electromagnetic signals transmitted through the fluid rather than gamma rays, the system removes the hazardous element while preserving the core measurement function
2Reliability
If bulky pressure retaining systems are used to prevent fluid ingress, then pressure retention is achieved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bulky bolt-flange pressure retaining assembly and replaces it with a simplified aperture antenna design. The antenna structure itself, combined with the measurement window, provides sufficient pressure retention without requiring additional heavy-duty mechanical retention systems
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture antenna serves multiple functions: it acts as both the measurement device for electromagnetic signal transmission and reception, and simultaneously provides structural pressure retention. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate bulky pressure retaining components
3Reliability
If aperture antenna with pressure retaining member is used, then fluid ingress prevention is achieved, but electromagnetic signal transmission may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a measurement window with specific electromagnetic properties at the aperture antenna location. The pressure retaining member is designed with material and structural characteristics that allow electromagnetic signals to pass through while maintaining pressure containment, creating a localized solution that balances both requirements
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
The solution enables accurate measurement of fluid properties like water-liquid ratio and gas holdup without radioactivity risks, reduces costs by minimizing the size and complexity of the flowmeter, and allows for online continuous monitoring, improving flow assurance and reservoir characterization.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radiating element to transmit or receive an electromagnetic signal along at least one measurement plane orthogonal to a direction of flow of the fluid in the vessel
Implementation Method 2
a pressure retaining member to prevent the fluid from entering the aperture antenna assembly through a measurement window of the aperture antenna assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Multiphase flowmeter aperture antenna transmission and pressure retention are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes at least one radiating element to transmit or receive an electromagnetic signal along a measurement plane orthogonal to a direction of flow of the fluid in the vessel; a pressure retaining member to prevent fluid from entering the aperture antenna assembly through a measurement window of the aperture antenna assembly, at least a portion of the pressure retaining member to separate the radiating element and the fluid; and a metal housing with or without slits, the pressure retaining member to be at least partially within the metal housing, the radiating element to be coupled to the metal housing.