Multiphase Flow Meter Segmented Venturi Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiphase flow meters face challenges in accurately determining flow rates of multiphase fluids, especially when Venturi throat sizes exceed a certain diameter, leading to increased uncertainty in phase-fraction measurements due to transmission attenuation and high water fractions, which complicates the economic viability assessment of hydrocarbon reservoirs during well testing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multiphase flow meter with first and second flow paths, each with a Venturi section of less than approximately 88 mm diameter, equipped with measurement units like gamma-ray sources and detectors, allows for the determination of fluid characteristics without directly measuring the second flow path, reducing instrumentation costs and improving measurement accuracy by using a scaling factor to calculate total flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Venturi throat size is increased to handle higher flow rates, then the meter can measure larger flows, but measurement precision deteriorates due to increased transmission attenuation and phase-fraction measurement uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter is divided into multiple parallel flow paths (first flow path and second flow path), each with its own Venturi section. This segmentation allows the system to handle higher total flow rates while maintaining measurement precision in each individual path, as each path experiences reduced transmission attenuation compared to a single large-diameter path.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the diameter of a single Venturi section to handle higher flow rates, the invention adds another dimension by introducing multiple parallel flow paths. This allows the system to scale flow capacity without proportionally increasing the throat diameter that would cause transmission attenuation issues.
2Measurement precision
If measurement units are installed in both flow paths to directly measure all parameters, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a copy of the first flow path as the second flow path, with identical Venturi sections and measurement capabilities. However, instead of installing separate measurement units in both paths, the system uses the first flow path's measurements to infer the second flow path's characteristics through the scaling factor relationship, reducing instrumentation while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The second flow path serves itself indirectly through the first flow path's measurements. The system uses the known relationship between the two flow paths (via the scaling factor) to determine flow rate characteristics in the second path without requiring direct measurement instrumentation there, allowing the system to self-characterize both paths using minimal equipment.
3Device complexity
If a single large-diameter Venturi section is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to transmission attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The single large-diameter Venturi is segmented into multiple smaller-diameter Venturi sections arranged in parallel flow paths. Each smaller section maintains better transmission characteristics and measurement precision, while the combined capacity of all sections achieves the desired total flow measurement capability.
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 approach enables accurate and cost-effective determination of flow rates through both flow paths, reducing uncertainty and enhancing the efficiency of well testing operations by using differential pressure and phase fraction measurements, thus improving the assessment of hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Implementation Method 1
equipped with measurement units like gamma-ray sources and detectors
Implementation Method 2
using differential pressure and phase fraction measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Multiphase flow meters and related methods are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes an inlet manifold; an outlet manifold, first and second flow paths coupled between the inlet and outlet manifolds; and an analyzer to determine a flow rate of fluid flowing through the first and second flow paths based on a parameter of the fluid flowing through the first flow path.