Multiphase Flow Meter Diagnostic and Virtual Flow Rate Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multiphase flow meters (MPFMs) from different vendors cannot be analyzed uniformly across an oil and gas field, and they often malfunction, leading to inaccurate or unavailable flow rate measurements, which hampers reservoir monitoring and production optimization.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive flow meter system that includes a multiphase flow meter (MPFM) diagnostic tool and a virtual flow meter (VFM) to detect malfunctions, estimate flow rates using field device data, and adjust field devices for optimal production, ensuring continuous accurate measurements and proactive maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple MPFMs from different vendors are deployed across an oil and gas field, then measurement coverage is improved, but data analysis uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data processing platform that can analyze MPFM data from multiple vendors using a single unified algorithm. The system processes diagnostic inputs, flow rate measurements, and temperature data from different MPFM models (e.g., CMP, HPM, SPM, XPM) through consistent analytical methods, enabling uniform analysis across the entire oil and gas field regardless of vendor differences.
2Reliability
If MPFMs are continuously monitored for malfunctions, then measurement reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors MPFM diagnostic inputs and compares them against expected operational parameters. When anomalies are detected (such as unusual temperature patterns or flow rate deviations), the system generates alerts and can automatically switch to alternative measurement methods or isolate the problematic sensor, maintaining reliability through real-time feedback without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The MPFM system performs self-diagnosis by analyzing its own diagnostic inputs and operational data. The unified processing algorithm automatically detects sensor malfunctions and can compensate for failures using data from other sensors or alternative calculation methods, reducing the need for external monitoring complexity while maintaining measurement reliability.
3Measurement precision
If MPFM data is processed using vendor-specific software, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but field-wide integration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data processing platform that can analyze MPFM data from multiple vendors using a single unified algorithm. The system processes diagnostic inputs, flow rate measurements, and temperature data from different MPFM models (e.g., CMP, HPM, SPM, XPM) through consistent analytical methods, enabling uniform analysis across the entire oil and gas field regardless of vendor differences.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining phase flow rates of a multiphase fluid flowing in a pipeline of a well. The method includes receiving multiphase flow meter (MPFM) diagnostic inputs and a first phase flow rates measurement from a MPFM disposed on the pipeline. The method further includes receiving virtual flow meter (VFM) inputs from a plurality of field devices disposed on the pipeline, and determining, with a first model, a state of the MPFM. The method further includes determining, with a second model, a second phase flow rates measurement. The method further includes setting a determined phase flow rates measurement to the first phase flow rates measurement if the state of the MPFM is determined not to be in fault, otherwise, setting the determined phase flow rates measurement to the second phase flow rates measurement. The method further includes adjusting one or more field devices in the plurality of field devices.