Multiphase Fluid Metering via Flow Passage Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the flowing properties of multiphase fluids face challenges such as phase separation, inertia, interfacial friction, and non-equilibrium gas exsolution, leading to unreliable and non-real-time measurements, particularly in pipe transportation of multiphase fluids in industries like oil and gas.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that compares initial signals with local reference signals and sensor maps to adjust the flow passage area, allowing for real-time, continuous monitoring of multiphase fluid properties like transport velocity and gas void fraction without the need for phase separation, using a movable flow diverter and monitoring devices to maintain suitable metering conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional single-phase fluid measurement apparatus and techniques are used for multiphase fluids, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurements become unreliable and inconsistent due to phase separation, inertia, interfacial friction, and non-equilibrium gas exsolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using differential pressure measurements across a flow restrictor in combination with temperature and pressure sensors to calculate multiphase flow properties. This allows reliable measurement of gas and liquid flow rates by monitoring changes in pressure, temperature, and differential pressure as the multiphase fluid passes through the measurement device, resolving the unreliability issue without requiring complex phase separation equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical phase separation systems with a computational approach that uses sensor data (differential pressure, temperature, pressure) and mathematical models to determine phase flow rates. This substitution of mechanical separation with computational analysis achieves reliable measurements while reducing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If separator tanks are used to separate phases before metering, then phase measurement is possible, but real-time continuous information on flowrates and phase ratios is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time measurement by having the multiphase fluid pass through a flow restrictor and measurement chamber where sensors continuously monitor differential pressure, temperature, and pressure. This continuous monitoring allows real-time calculation of gas and liquid flow rates without interruption or phase separation, eliminating the time loss associated with batch separation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flow restrictor and measurement chamber as intermediary elements that create measurable pressure and temperature changes in the multiphase fluid flow. These intermediaries enable the conversion of physical flow properties into sensor-readable signals (differential pressure, temperature) that can be continuously processed to determine phase flow rates in real-time
3Measurement precision
If a single well is metered at a time through a separator tank, then accurate phase measurement is achieved, but productivity for metering multiple wells simultaneously is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement device that can handle multiphase flows from multiple wells simultaneously. The flow combining manifold allows fluids from multiple wells to be combined and measured through a single device, and the measurement system universally applies to different well configurations and production rates, enabling high productivity without sacrificing measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method for use in determining at least one property of a flowing multiphase fluid involves comparing an initial signal and a pair of local reference signals with a set of flow characteristics extracted from reference sensor feature maps wherein the signals are related to the flow of the multiphase fluid as it passes through a flow passage which is continuously monitored, adjusted, and calibrated. Based upon the comparison, a decision is made to either resume monitoring of the flowing multiphase fluid by using a pair of local reference signals which are closely positioned and defined, or to adjust the flow passage area significantly in order to improve metering flow conditions. The invention is best suited for determining transport flow velocity and gas void fraction or relative proportions of the gas phase and the liquid phase within the multiphase fluid which subsequently can be used to quantify gas and liquid flowrates.