Multiphase Fluid Analysis Using Parallel and Perpendicular Acoustic Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensing and detection systems fail to accurately determine the vertical positions of fluid interfaces between adjacent phases in multiphase fluids flowing in horizontal wells, leading to inaccurate calculations of fluid holdups.
Innovation Solution
A fluid analysis system employing multiple sets of parallel and perpendicular acoustic probes, oriented to ensure accurate determination of fluid interface locations and acoustic wave speeds, allowing for precise characterization of fluid fractions within the multiphase fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensing and detection systems are used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of fluid interface locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic sensing system is segmented into multiple independent probe sets (parallel and perpendicular), each performing a specific measurement function. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through specialized sensors while managing complexity by dividing the overall sensing task into modular components that can be independently optimized and calibrated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from conventional single-dimension sensing to multi-dimensional acoustic measurement by implementing both parallel and perpendicular probe orientations. This dimensional expansion enables accurate three-dimensional localization of fluid interfaces and determination of acoustic wave speeds in multiple directions, significantly improving measurement precision beyond what conventional systems achieve.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sets of acoustic probes are used to ensure accurate fluid interface determination, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic probe system is designed with multi-functionality where the same probe structure serves multiple purposes: determining fluid interface locations, measuring acoustic wave speeds in different fluid phases, and characterizing fluid properties. This universality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate specialized sensors for each measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where acoustic wave speed measurements from parallel probes provide information that enhances the interpretation of perpendicular probe data for interface location determination. This feedback loop allows the system to achieve high fluid fraction determination accuracy by continuously refining measurements based on acoustic properties of different fluid phases.
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 determination of fluid fractions by ensuring that at least one set of probes is always located within each fluid and spans the fluid interface, overcoming the limitations of conventional systems and providing precise measurements of fluid holdups.
Implementation Method 1
Each set of parallel acoustic probes and each set of perpendicular acoustic probes includes a transmitter that transmits a sound wave and a corresponding receiver that receives the sound wave
Implementation Method 2
at least one set of the parallel acoustic probes is always located substantially entirely within each fluid of the multiphase fluid to determine an acoustic wave speed within each fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid analysis system for characterizing a multiphase fluid includes a first set of acoustic probes disposed at a first angular position about a central axis of the fluid analysis system and oriented to direct first sound waves along a first direction that is parallel to the central axis, a second set of acoustic probes disposed at a second angular position about the central axis that is opposite to the first angular position and oriented to direct second sound waves along the first direction, a third set of acoustic probes spanning the central axis and oriented to direct third sound waves along a second direction that is perpendicular to the central axis, and an analysis unit. The analysis unit is configured to determine a location of a fluid interface within the multiphase fluid based on first, second, and third parameters respectively associated with the first, second, and third sounds waves.