Holographic Multiphase Flowmeter Ultrasonic Reflection Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic flow meters struggle to accurately measure the flow rate and component distribution of multiphase media, such as hydrocarbon products, under chaotic conditions where components are of indeterminate type, relative quantity, and distribution, especially in the oil and gas industry.
Innovation Solution
The Holographic Multiphase Flowmeter uses holography to reconstruct the type, size, and distribution of objects within a multiphase medium by analyzing ultrasonic energy reflections, employing a system of ultrasonic transducers and electronic devices to determine velocity and component identification, and displaying this information in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ultrasonic flow meters are used to measure multiphase media, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient under chaotic flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement task by using multiple ultrasonic transducers arranged in pairs around the pipe, with each transducer pair measuring specific flow parameters. The complex multiphase flow measurement is divided into multiple independent ultrasonic transmission paths, allowing accurate measurement under chaotic conditions while managing system complexity through modular transducer configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-point or single-path ultrasonic measurement to multi-dimensional measurement by arranging transducers in diametrically opposite pairs around the pipe circumference. This creates multiple measurement planes and paths (including direct transmission and reflected energy paths), enabling comprehensive characterization of multiphase flow in three-dimensional space, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive complexity increase
2Loss of information
If holographic reconstruction is used to determine object type, size and distribution, then the information completeness improves, but the data processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously acquiring ultrasonic reflection data from multiple transducer pairs and pre-processing this data to build a holographic representation of the multiphase medium. This preliminary holographic reconstruction is maintained in real-time, so when flow measurement is needed, the information is already prepared and organized, reducing the actual measurement and processing time while maintaining complete component distribution information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a holographic copy or virtual representation of the physical multiphase flow inside the pipe. This holographic model contains all information about object type, size, and distribution without requiring physical intervention or complex real-time calculation during measurement. The holographic copy serves as an information repository that can be queried rapidly, reducing processing time while preserving complete information
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 solution enables accurate measurement of flow rate and component distribution in multiphase media, enhancing flow velocity computation accuracy and providing real-time graphic representation of pipe contents, suitable for industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
an Ultrasonic Transducer (Transceiver) that injects a sonic beam normally through a pipe or container wall
Implementation Method 2
which will cause ultrasonic reflections from Objects in the beam path that differ in sonic impedance from the primary medium
Implementation Method 3
it is possible to determine the velocity of the medium by measuring the travel time taken for these same Objects to arrive at a known distance downstream
Data Source
AI summary
A Holographic Multiphase Flowmeter permits reconstructing the type, size and distribution of Objects within a Multiphase Medium by analysis of the ultrasonic energy reflected from these Objects. If this Multiphase Medium is flowing through a pipe into which a preferred mode of ultrasonic energy is injected at a Reference location, and the amplitude of reflections from the current multiphase Objects at that location and the time it took after the last transmission for that reflected signal amplitude to arrive at the Receive transducer are recorded, it is possible to determine the velocity of the medium by measuring the travel time taken for these same Objects to arrive at a known distance downstream by correlating the same type of reflection data at this second Correlation location. Analysis of this data permits displaying type and size of the Objects in a graphic image showing their distribution within the liquid in real time.