Multiphase Fluid Sampling via Flow Mixer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sampling multiphase fluids in wellbores often fail to provide representative samples, especially in terms of water-to-liquid ratios, due to inadequate mixing and separation of phases, leading to inaccuracies in measurement and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with a flow mixer and sampling apparatus that separates and mixes oil and water phases in a multiphase fluid, allowing for efficient sampling of a mixed bulk liquid phase with a representative water-to-liquid ratio, using a venturi flow mixer and sampling line positioned downstream to capture a sample that reflects the pre-mixed phases without requiring isokinetic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phases are allowed to separate in the conduit, then sampling accuracy improves, but phase mixing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system divides the multiphase flow into separate phase zones using a separation section, allowing independent sampling of each phase. This segmentation enables accurate representation of each phase's properties while maintaining the ability to mix phases when needed for calibration or analysis purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
A mixing section acts as an intermediary between the separation section and sampling points, allowing controlled mixing of phases. This intermediary mechanism enables the system to transition between separated and mixed states, resolving the contradiction by providing both separation for accurate sampling and mixing for representative composition analysis.
2Measurement precision
If a flow mixer is added to mix phases, then representative sampling improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow mixer integrates multiple functions into a single component: it mixes phases to create representative samples, provides flow conditioning, and serves as a transition element between separation and sampling zones. This merging reduces the need for additional separate mixing devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving representative sampling.
3Measurement precision
If sampling is performed at line pressure and temperature, then sample representativeness improves, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts samples at line pressure and temperature through controlled sampling ports that maintain phase separation or controlled mixing. By taking out only the necessary sample volume through dedicated sampling lines rather than opening the main flow, the system preserves sample representativeness while containing the high-pressure, high-temperature fluid within controlled pathways, thereby managing safety risks.
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 representative sampling of multiphase fluids across a wide range of gas volume fractions, reducing errors and improving the reliability of water-to-liquid ratio measurements, while simplifying the sampling process and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the oil phase and water phase at least partially separating in the first conduit
Implementation Method 2
using a venturi flow mixer
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates evaluation of a fluid, such as a fluid produced from a well. The technique utilizes a modular and mobile system for testing flows of fluid which may comprise mixtures of constituents, and for sampling fluids thereof. The multiphase sampling method includes flowing a multiphase fluid comprising an oil phase and a water phase through a first conduit, the oil phase and water phase at least partially separating in the first conduit, mixing together the oil phase and water phase to form a mixed bulk liquid phase by flowing the multiphase fluid through a flow mixer toward a second conduit downstream the flow mixer, sampling a portion of the mixed bulk liquid phase at location at or within the second conduit, wherein the sampled portion of the mixed bulk liquid phase has a water-to-liquid ratio (WLR) representative of the pre-mixed oil phase and water phase.