Multiphase Flow Meter With Microwave Resonators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiphase flow meters face challenges in accurately measuring gas flow rates and fluid fractions, especially at high void fractions (90-95%) due to complex interactions between gas and liquid, leading to measurement errors and inefficiencies in extended throat venturi configurations.
Innovation Solution
The system employs permittivity-based water fraction measurement and mass flow measurement using microwave resonators configured around an extended throat venturi, with a computer system for data processing and analysis to provide accurate water cut measurements across a full range (0-100%) and flow rate information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extended throat venturi configuration is used to measure multiphase flow, then mass flow and fluid fraction can be measured, but measurement precision deteriorates when void fraction increases to 90-95% due to complex gas-liquid interactions and additional pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement technologies (permittivity sensors, microwave resonators, and pressure differential sensors) into a single integrated flow meter system. This merging of sensors allows the system to measure both mass flow and fluid fraction simultaneously, providing comprehensive measurement capability that resolves the limitation of single-sensor systems at high void fractions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microwave resonators as intermediary sensors that measure fluid fraction based on electromagnetic wave propagation characteristics. These resonators act as mediators between the complex multiphase flow and the measurement system, providing accurate fluid fraction data even at high void fractions where traditional pressure differential methods fail.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and measurement technologies are configured to estimate fluid fractions, then measurement capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the flow meter system where the extended throat venturi structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the flow measurement element and the mounting structure for multiple sensors (permittivity sensors, microwave resonators, and pressure differential sensors). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement components and simplifies the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple sensor types into a unified measurement system with a single data processing unit that analyzes signals from all sensors simultaneously. This merging approach allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through complementary data from multiple sources while avoiding the complexity of separate measurement systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If permittivity sensors and microwave resonators are used for water fraction measurement, then measurement range expands to 0-100%, but manufacturing and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into modular components: the extended throat venturi structure, separate permittivity sensors, microwave resonators, and pressure differential sensors. Each component can be manufactured and tested independently before assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process while enabling the full 0-100% water cut measurement range through the coordinated operation of these modular segments.
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
This configuration enables accurate water cut measurements and flow rate determination across a wide range, improving measurement precision and reducing errors associated with high void fractions, while being orientation-insensitive and capable of capturing dynamic fluid flow changes.
Implementation Method 1
The resonators are installed in the throat of a venturi tube
Implementation Method 2
permittivity-based water fraction measurement
Implementation Method 3
sensors can be combined and configured in conjunction with a venturi flow passage to enable the measurement measure mass flow
Implementation Method 4
pressure differential sensors to measure the flow rates
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure aim to provide advanced multiphase flow meters utilizing advanced sensor configurations and data analysis. In an embodiment, a system is provided and configured with permittivity sensors configured around the throat section of an extended throat venturi enclosure. In a particular embodiment, the permittivity sensors in the described system are configured with a computer system or a micro-computer system, that can be configured with a computer circuit board comprising a processor, memory, networking capability, and software.