Multiphase Flow Measurement Using Microwave and Radiation Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiphase flow meters face challenges in accurately measuring the flow of oil, water, and gas in hydrocarbon pipelines due to nonlinear responses and flow instabilities, such as slug, churn, and annular flow, especially when high gas cuts are present, and they often require high-activity radiation sources and complex configurations.
Innovation Solution
A system using a combination of microwave and radiation techniques, with a low-activity radiation source and microwave transmitter-receiver pairs aligned in the same cross-section as the radiation source-detector pair, measures the permittivity and conductivity of the multiphase mixture in a venturi to determine phase fractions and flow rates, while differential pressure sensors monitor changes in mixture density, allowing for robust and accurate measurements without separation of phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional separator-based measurement systems are used, then phase separation and component measurement can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires large infrastructure for separation and recombination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical separator-based measurement systems with electromagnetic field-based measurement techniques. Microwave transmitter-receiver pairs and radiation sources measure phase fractions and flow rates directly through the multiphase flow without mechanical separation, substituting mechanical infrastructure with electromagnetic measurement fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as intermediaries between the measurement system and the multiphase flow. Microwave signals and radiation pass through the multiphase mixture, interacting with the different phases (oil, water, gas) to provide measurement information without physically separating or disturbing the flow.
2Measurement precision
If high-activity radiation sources are used, then accurate density measurements can be obtained, but safety risks and regulatory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, high-activity radiation sources with low-activity sources that are safer and more regulatory-friendly. The low-activity sources provide sufficient measurement capability while eliminating the safety hazards and regulatory burdens associated with high-activity sources, effectively replacing a dangerous resource with a safe alternative.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activity parameter of the radiation source from high to low. By adjusting this fundamental parameter, the system maintains measurement functionality while dramatically reducing safety risks and regulatory complexity, allowing accurate density measurements without the harmful effects of high-activity sources.
3Measurement precision
If microwave and radiation measurements are taken in different locations, then each measurement can be optimized independently, but the system requires complex fluid mechanics models to interpret the data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the microwave transmitter-receiver pairs and radiation sources into the same cross-sectional plane of the pipeline. This spatial consolidation allows both measurement techniques to sample the multiphase flow simultaneously at the same location, eliminating the need for complex fluid mechanics models to reconcile data from different spatial locations.
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning both measurement systems in the same cross-sectional plane, the patent creates an equipotential measurement configuration where both microwave and radiation measurements reference the same spatial point. This eliminates the need for complex modeling to account for spatial variations and flow dynamics between different measurement locations.
4Measurement precision
If the pipeline diameter is large, then more accurate flow measurements can be obtained, but the venturi throat becomes too large to accommodate all measurement apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions all measurement apparatus (microwave transmitters, receivers, and radiation sources) in the same cross-sectional plane of the venturi throat. This two-dimensional arrangement allows multiple measurement systems to coexist in a compact footprint while still providing accurate measurements through the multiphase flow, effectively using spatial arrangement to solve the accommodation problem.
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 provides accurate and robust measurements of multiphase flow rates and phase fractions across various flow regimes, including high gas cuts, using low-activity radiation sources and reducing the need for complex fluid mechanics models, thus improving measurement accuracy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
measuring permittivity and/or conductivity of the multiphase mixture in the venturi
Implementation Method 2
measuring permittivity and conductivity of the multiphase mixture
Implementation Method 3
measuring an average density of the multiphase mixture passing through a perpendicular cross-section of the full-width pipeline or the throat section of the venturi
Implementation Method 4
differential pressure sensors monitor changes in mixture density
Implementation Method 5
a venturi through which the multiphase fluid may flow and be measured
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates in general to methods and systems for measuring multiphase flows in a pipeline using a combination of venturi, microwave and radiation techniques, where the pipeline is configured to transport hydrocarbons. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems in which low activity radiation sources may be used in combination with one or more microwave transmitter-receiver pairs and pressure differential sensors to measure the flow rates and fractions of phases in multiphase flows in a pipeline, such as may be encountered in producing hydrocarbon wells. Additionally, other embodiments of the present invention provide for the arrangement of one or more microwave transmitter-receiver pairs, one or more radiation source-detector pairs and/or one or more pressure sensor ports in the same cross-section of the throat of a venturi to measure multiphase flow in a hydrocarbon transporting pipeline.