Multimode Coriolis Meter for Accurate Multiphase Flow Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Coriolis flow meters struggle with multiphase flows due to high damping and variable errors in mass flow and density measurements, requiring additional instrumentation like water cut meters for accurate readings.

Innovation Solution

A multimode Coriolis flow meter operates in multiple vibration modes simultaneously, using a three-driver design and Prism signal processing to maintain oscillation and correct errors with a machine learning-based correction model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional Coriolis flow meter operates in single vibration mode, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates for multiphase flows due to high damping and variable errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass flow and density measurement accuracyVSAvoidvibration mode configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the vibration analysis by separating multiple vibration modes (first vibration mode and second vibration mode) with different frequencies. Each mode is processed independently through dedicated signal paths and correction models, allowing the system to handle multiphase flow complexities that would overwhelm a single-mode system. This segmentation enables precise measurement by analyzing each mode's specific characteristics and applying mode-specific corrections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different vibration modes based on flow conditions. The controller selectively activates either the first vibration mode or the second vibration mode depending on the operating conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying multiphase flow regimes. This dynamic adaptability maintains measurement precision across different flow conditions without requiring all modes to operate simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If additional instrumentation like water cut meters is added, then measurement precision improves for multiphase flows, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiphase flow component measurement accuracyVSAvoidinstrumentation quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Coriolis flow meter is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it measures mass flow rate, density, and multiphase flow component distributions using its existing vibration modes. By utilizing both the first and second vibration modes with their respective correction models, the system eliminates the need for separate water cut meters or other specialized instrumentation. The same flow tube and sensor assembly serve all measurement purposes through multi-mode operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own vibration modes to correct measurement errors. The first and second vibration modes provide complementary information that enables the system to self-correct for multiphase flow effects. The correction models are derived from the system's own operational characteristics, allowing the meter to compensate for damping and measurement artifacts without requiring external correction instruments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If multiple vibration modes are operated simultaneously, then measurement precision for multiphase flows improves, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiphase flow measurement accuracyVSAvoiddrive system energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects which vibration mode to operate based on real-time flow conditions. Rather than maintaining both modes simultaneously, the controller activates only the first or second vibration mode depending on the specific multiphase flow regime detected. This dynamic selection optimizes energy consumption by using the minimum necessary excitation while maintaining measurement precision for the current operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system periodically switches between different vibration modes based on flow regime changes. This periodic reconfiguration allows the system to maintain measurement accuracy across varying conditions while minimizing continuous energy expenditure on maintaining multiple modes simultaneously. The switching occurs at optimal moments when flow characteristics change, reducing the total energy required compared to continuous multi-mode operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 individual multiphase flow components without additional instrumentation, correcting errors in real-time for improved measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

Coriolis flow meters measure mass flow rate and density of a fluid by means of the Coriolis effect. A drive system, typically consisting of a magnet and a coil, oscillates a flowtube at the natural frequency of a selected mode of mechanical vibration.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoriolis effect: Coriolis Force

Implementation Method 2

Two sensors register a voltage signal proportional to their relative displacement.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250369787A1Multimode multiphase coriolis meter
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO
  • US20250369787A1 patent drawing
  • US20250369787A1 patent drawing
  • US20250369787A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A multimode Coriolis flow meter, methods, and systems may include a vibratable conduit configured to channel a flow of a multiphase fluid, a plurality of drivers connected to the vibratable conduit configured to induce a plurality of vibration modes to the vibratable conduit, and a plurality of sensors connected to the vibratable conduit and configured to generate a plurality of sensor signals of the vibratable conduit in response to the plurality of vibration modes. The multimode Coriolis flow meter may further include a Coriolis transmitter.