Multiphase Flow Metering System for Horizontal Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiphase flow meters for horizontal wells face challenges in accurately measuring individual phase flows due to fluid mixing, which leads to complications such as emulsions and additional pressure drops, and are not optimized for horizontal well environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that measures each phase separately at unmixed offtake points within the well bore using pressure sensors and level sensors, with adjustable valves to maintain phase separation, allowing for low Reynolds number laminar flow and calculation of flow rates based on pressure differentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional Venturi is used to measure mass flow, then flow measurement is achieved, but fluid mixing occurs causing emulsions and additional pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multiphase flow measurement into separate phase measurements by creating distinct measurement chambers for each phase. Oil and water flows are measured separately in their respective chambers, avoiding the mixing problem inherent in conventional Venturi meters while maintaining accurate flow measurement for each phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from a single mixed-flow Venturi and creates separate measurement paths for each phase. By taking out the measurement function and applying it separately to each phase in horizontal well compartments, the harmful mixing effects are eliminated while preserving measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If phase separation devices are used to measure individual phase flows, then phase fraction measurement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific measurement conditions in horizontal well compartments where phases naturally separate due to gravity and flow regime. Instead of using complex separation devices throughout the system, the measurement is performed locally in compartments where simple geometric features enable phase stratification, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from vertical to horizontal well compartment geometry, utilizing the horizontal dimension to achieve phase separation through flow regime control. This dimensional change allows phases to separate naturally in horizontal flow without requiring complex vertical separation devices, simplifying the overall system while maintaining measurement precision.
3Productivity
If conventional two-phase flow meters are used, then total flow measurement is achieved, but individual phase flow measurement remains inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total flow measurement into individual phase measurements by providing separate measurement chambers for oil and water phases. Each phase is measured independently in its own chamber, allowing accurate determination of individual phase flows while also providing the capability to calculate total flow by summing the individual phase measurements.
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 and efficient measurement of individual phase flows without mixing, reducing complexity and maintaining phase separation throughout the production period, thereby improving measurement accuracy and reducing operational challenges.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the pressure of the two or more phases at the respective offtake points
Implementation Method 2
Each of the two or more phases can flow at a rate to achieve low Reynolds numbers in a laminar flow regime
Data Source
AI summary
A method of measuring two or more fluid phases of in a downhole well bore that comprises measuring a flow of each of the two or more phases at respective offtake points at which the two or more phases are unmixed within the well bore. In certain implementations, the well bore is inclined at 20 degrees or less to a horizontal axis. Each of the two or more phases can flow at a rate to achieve low Reynolds numbers in a laminar flow regime.