Inverse Venturi Meter Insert for Low Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inverse venturi meters become inaccurate or non-functional at lower flow rates, requiring costly and time-consuming replacement with standard venturi meters, disrupting production and increasing risks in subterranean and subsea applications.
Innovation Solution
An insert meter, preferably a standard venturi, is rapidly deployed and secured within the inverse venturi meter using existing pressure taps to measure reduced flow rates, allowing for accurate data collection and signal transmission without the need for complete meter replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an inverse venturi meter is used to measure high flows, then high flow measurement capability is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates at lower flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow measurement system is segmented into two functional components: the inverse venturi meter for high flow measurement and a standard venturi insert for low flow measurement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific flow range, with the insert being deployed when production trails off to maintain measurement accuracy at lower flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its measurement capability by allowing replacement of the inverse venturi meter with a standard venturi insert when flow rates decrease. This dynamic configuration change enables the system to maintain optimal measurement accuracy across varying production conditions, transitioning from high-flow to low-flow measurement mode as needed.
2Measurement precision
If the inverse venturi meter is replaced with a standard venturi meter to measure lower flows, then measurement accuracy for low flows is improved, but production downtime and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standard venturi insert is designed to be nested within the existing inverse venturi meter housing or production string. This nesting approach allows the insert to be deployed internally without requiring complete removal of the production string, significantly reducing downtime compared to traditional replacement methods while maintaining the ability to measure low flow rates accurately.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the meter is pulled out and replaced to handle lower flow rates, then adaptability to varying flow conditions is improved, but operational complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into a permanent inverse venturi meter component and a removable standard venturi insert. This segmentation allows for simple deployment and retrieval of the insert using wireline or other conventional tools, reducing the complexity of adapting to varying flow conditions compared to traditional complete meter replacement procedures.
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 continuous and accurate measurement of lower flow rates by utilizing existing pressure taps, reducing downtime and costs associated with replacing equipment, and maintaining production integrity across varying flow conditions.
Implementation Method 1
with associated pressure taps as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,915,707 FIG. 6... one of the pressure taps is located while the other pressure tap is at an end of the venturi in the larger dimension
Data Source
AI summary
An insert meter can be run into an inverse venturi on wireline and make use of the existing pressure taps to allow accurate measurement of reduced flow rates that could not be accurately measured with the inverse venturi meter. The insert meter has seals and can lock into position with peripheral sealing to direct the new and lower flow rate into the throat of the insert meter that is preferably a standard venturi. The venturi devices can be in meter or eductor service and located downhole, subsea or on the surface.