Multiphase Flow Metering via Pressure Drop Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiphase metering systems require expensive and cumbersome test separators with high maintenance, and field personnel intervention, and existing methods for measuring multiphase flow are inaccurate and difficult to implement in subsea applications, especially in marginally economical hydrocarbon reservoirs where continuous automated monitoring is needed.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter design that measures pressure drops across and upstream of the meter, correlating changes in multiphase flow parameters to pulse output, using fluid mechanics principles and dimensional analysis to estimate liquid and gas parameters without the need for nuclear-based elements or multiple sensors, allowing for the measurement of single-phase and multiphase flows with improved accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional test separators are used for multiphase metering, then measurement capability is provided, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex test separators by using a simple flow meter combined with pressure drop measurements. The invention separates the measurement of flow parameters from the need for complex separation equipment, achieving multiphase flow characterization through straightforward pressure and pulse measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical test separators with a measurement system based on pressure drop correlations and pulse output analysis. Instead of using physical separation mechanisms, the invention uses fluid dynamics principles and dimensional analysis to characterize multiphase flow through pressure measurements and signal processing.
2Measurement precision
If conventional multiphase metering systems are deployed, then flow measurement is achieved, but maintenance requirements and personnel intervention increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated correlation algorithms that process pressure drop data and pulse output to automatically characterize multiphase flow. The system performs self-calibration and requires no manual intervention or maintenance of complex separators, enabling continuous automated monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach from physical separation to parameter-based characterization. By measuring pressure drops and analyzing pulse output changes, the system derives flow parameters through computational correlations, eliminating the need for maintenance of mechanical separation components.
3Quantity of substance
If three-phase separators are deployed for hydrocarbon recovery, then phase separation is achieved, but cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual representation of phase behavior through computational models that correlate pressure drop data with multiphase flow characteristics. Instead of physically separating phases, the system copies the essential flow behavior patterns into measurable parameters and pulse output correlations, enabling hydrocarbon recovery analysis without physical separation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the flow meter multi-functional by enabling it to characterize single-phase and multiphase flows simultaneously. The same device and measurement system can handle different flow regimes and phase compositions, providing universal applicability for hydrocarbon recovery from various reservoir conditions.
4Device complexity
If simple flow meters are used for multiphase flow, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through iterative correlation algorithms that use pressure drop measurements and pulse output signals to continuously refine multiphase flow characterization. The system processes feedback from repeated measurements to improve accuracy, compensating for the simplicity of the underlying flow meter through sophisticated data analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds measurement dimensions by incorporating pressure drop data and pulse output analysis alongside simple flow meter readings. This multi-dimensional approach enriches the measurement capability, allowing accurate multiphase flow characterization through combinations of pressure, pulse frequency, and flow rate data.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, reliable, and accurate method for measuring multiphase flow parameters, reducing the need for complex calibration and multiple sensors, and enabling continuous automated monitoring, suitable for subsea applications and energy conversion devices.
Implementation Method 1
measuring pressure drops across a flow meter, measuring pressure upstream of the flow meter
Implementation Method 2
using fluid mechanics principles and dimensional analysis to estimate liquid and gas parameters
Implementation Method 3
using fluid mechanics principles and dimensional analysis to estimate liquid and gas parameters
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a method for measuring parameters of a liquid, where the method includes measuring pressure drops across a flow meter, measuring pressure upstream of the flow meter, and identifying at least one liquid parameter based, at least in part, on a correlation of a change in a multiphase flow parameter to pulse output. In an additional embodiment, a measuring apparatus for measuring parameters of a liquid, where the measuring apparatus includes an electronic control operable to measure pressure drops across the measuring apparatus, measure pressure upstream of the measuring apparatus, and correlate a change in a multiphase parameter to measured pulse output of the measuring apparatus.