Non-contact fluid flow measurement via surface feature image analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring flow rates of fluids in downhole environments are costly, bulky, and prone to erosion due to the use of expensive equipment, especially when dealing with viscous and opaque drilling fluids, which complicates the measurement process.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact flow rate measurement system utilizing comparative image analysis of common surface features, comprising a conduit with an illumination device and image capture device, where the processor determines flow rate by analyzing the displacement of surface features between images, allowing for accurate measurement of both opaque and non-opaque fluids without the risk of erosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional contact-based measurement equipment is used, then measurement capability is achieved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based flow measurement devices with an optical system consisting of an image capture device and illumination device. The system captures images of fluid surface features and calculates flow rate through image processing and displacement analysis, eliminating the need for physical sensors in direct contact with the fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies (images) of the fluid surface features at different time points. By analyzing the displacement of these visual copies between sequential images, the system determines flow velocity and calculates flow rate without physical contact, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If conventional equipment is used in viscous drilling fluid, then flow rate measurement is achieved, but erosion of measurement device occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical contact between measurement devices and the viscous drilling fluid by using optical imaging. The image capture device and illumination device observe fluid surface features from a distance, preventing erosion caused by direct contact with abrasive drilling fluids containing solid particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces light as an intermediary medium to transfer information about fluid flow without physical contact. Light reflects off fluid surface features and carries displacement information to the image capture device, serving as a non-contact mediator that avoids erosion issues.
3Measurement precision
If conventional techniques are used for opaque fluids, then flow rate determination is attempted, but measurement complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes illumination that interacts with the fluid surface to create visible contrast features. By capturing images under controlled illumination conditions, the system detects surface features and their displacement even in opaque fluids, avoiding the need for complex internal sensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex internal detection mechanisms with external optical imaging. By observing surface feature displacement from outside the fluid stream, the system determines flow rate of opaque fluids without requiring sophisticated in-situ sensors or complex computing equipment.
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 cost-effective and accurate measurement of fluid flow rates in downhole environments, avoiding the limitations of traditional methods by providing non-contact, erosion-free measurements for both opaque and non-opaque fluids, including those with high viscosity.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid flows through the conduit whereby the surface of the fluid is illuminated by the illumination device
Implementation Method 2
the image capture device captures at least two images of a common surface feature of the fluid as the fluid continues to flow past the image capture device
Data Source
AI summary
Comparative image analysis is utilized to determine the flow rate of fluids, such as, for example, drilling fluid, completion fluid or hydrocarbons. As fluid flows through a conduit or open trough, a flow rate measurement device illuminates the surface of the fluid. Images of common surface features are then acquired at some time interval. Thereafter, the displacement of the common surface features in the images is analyzed to determine the flow rate of the fluid. Thus, non-contact flow rate measurements of opaque and non-opaque fluids are obtained.