Flush-Mounted Pressure Sensor Arrays for Multiphase Flow Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-phase flow meters (MPFMs) are costly and intrusive, making them unfeasible for widespread installation in oil and gas pipelines, necessitating the development of cheaper, non-intrusive systems to measure multi-phase fluid flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an array of flush-mounted pressure sensors in a pipeline to determine bulk flow velocity and mixture sound speed through time-of-flight analysis of flow eddies and sound waves, enabling the construction of a less expensive MPFM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional multi-phase flow meters are installed to measure flow rates accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement task by using multiple simple pressure sensors distributed along the pipeline to capture different aspects of flow (pressure fluctuations, sound waves) rather than using a single complex meter. Each sensor contributes partial information that, when combined, enables accurate multi-phase flow measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical multi-phase flow meters with an acoustic-based measurement system using pressure sensors. By substituting mechanical measurement mechanisms with acoustic wave detection and signal processing, the system achieves accurate measurements while avoiding the complexity and intrusiveness of mechanical meters.
2Measurement precision
If traditional multi-phase flow meters are installed to obtain accurate phase flow rates, then measurement capability is improved, but intrusiveness and installation complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses acoustic waves as intermediaries to indirectly measure multi-phase flow characteristics. Rather than directly measuring each phase, the pressure sensors detect sound waves and pressure fluctuations that carry information about flow composition and velocity, enabling non-intrusive measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical flow meters that physically interact with the flow are replaced with acoustic pressure sensors that measure flow characteristics through sound wave propagation. This substitution eliminates mechanical intrusiveness while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If flush-mounted pressure sensors are used to measure bulk velocity and sound speed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic signal processing techniques to compensate for static alignment imperfections. By analyzing the temporal and frequency characteristics of pressure signals and sound waves, the system can extract accurate flow velocity and sound speed measurements even with moderate variations in sensor alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement approach changes from relying on precise geometric alignment to relying on signal parameter analysis (frequency, phase, amplitude). By transforming the measurement basis from spatial precision to signal characteristic analysis, the system reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 measurement of multi-phase fluid flow rates, facilitating the construction of a cost-effective MPFM that can determine individual phase flow rates, enhancing reservoir monitoring and production optimization.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a plurality of pressure signals from a plurality of pressure sensors, where each pressure sensor in the plurality of pressure sensors includes a diaphragm for sensing pressure
Implementation Method 2
determining, using the plurality of pressure signals, a first time-of-flight of one or more flow eddies
Implementation Method 3
determining, using the plurality of pressure signals, a second time-of-flight of one or more sound waves
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a bulk velocity and a mixture speed of sound of a multi-phase fluid flowing in a pipe of a pipeline. The method includes the steps: obtaining a plurality of pressure signals from a plurality of pressure sensors, where each pressure sensor in the plurality of pressure sensors includes a diaphragm for sensing pressure, where the diaphragm of each pressure sensor is aligned with an inner wall of the pipe such that each pressure sensor is flush-mounted on the inner wall of the pipe; determining, using the plurality of pressure signals, a first time-of-flight of one or more flow eddies; determining, using the plurality of pressure signals, a second time-of-flight of one or more sound waves; determining, using the first time-of-flight, the bulk velocity of the multi-phase fluid; and determining, using the bulk velocity and the second time-of-flight, the mixture speed of sound of the multi-phase fluid.