Multi-Phase Fluid Flow Interpretation via Mutual Curve Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interpreting multi-phase fluid flow measurements in conduits, such as those found in oil/gas production, is challenging due to complex flow regimes and varying phase densities, which affects the accuracy of well performance diagnosis and monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The method involves obtaining holdup and velocity measurements using downhole tools and fitting curves with mutual shapes and independent gains and offsets to generate accurate fluid flow rates, incorporating Prandtl's law and averaging effects to refine velocity profiles and validate data within error thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used for multi-phase fluid flow, then the measurement process is simple, but the interpretation accuracy is poor due to complex flow regimes and varying phase densities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the interpretation problem by changing parameters from direct phase-by-phase analysis to a unified curve-fitting approach using holdup and velocity measurements. The method fits curves to the data with mutual shapes and independent gains/offsets, converting complex multi-phase interpretation into a mathematical transformation problem that resolves the contradiction between accuracy and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement interpretation methods with a mathematical modeling approach. By using curve-fitting algorithms and Prandtl's law to model velocity profiles, the system substitutes complex physical analysis with computational mathematics, achieving high interpretation accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity
2Measurement precision
If curve-fitting methods are applied to holdup and velocity measurements, then interpretation accuracy improves, but computational complexity and error threshold management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through iterative curve-fitting processes that continuously adjust parameters to minimize errors. The system uses feedback loops to refine holdup and velocity profiles against measured data, incorporating error thresholds that trigger re-adjustment when accuracy targets are not met, thereby managing computational complexity through structured iterative improvement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by focusing curve-fitting efforts on critical parameters (holdup and velocity profiles) rather than attempting to directly measure all phase properties. By obtaining partial measurements and deriving other parameters through mathematical relationships, the system achieves accurate fluid flow rate interpretation without the excessive complexity of direct multi-parameter measurement
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for interpreting multi-phase fluid flow in a conduit, such as a pipe in a wellbore. The method involves curve fitting holdup data sets and velocity data sets together wherein the second curve comprises a shape mutual to the first curve with an independent gain and an independent offset, and determining flow rates through the pipe.