Multiphase Flow Probe With Transverse Infrared Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to accurately determine the proportion of water in multiphase flowable media, such as hydrocarbons and water, flowing from subsea wells, leading to uneconomical hydrocarbon production as water content increases, necessitating a reliable method to assess water cut and other parameters.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with probe bodies extending into the conduit, equipped with infrared radiation sources and detectors at multiple sensing locations, allows for the measurement of water and hydrocarbon parameters by emitting and detecting infrared radiation across specific wavelength bands, enabling precise determination of water cut and other parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to determine water proportion in multiphase flow, then the production process continues operating, but the measurement accuracy is insufficient leading to uneconomical hydrocarbon production
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into multiple sensing locations (first sensing location and second sensing location) positioned at different transverse positions within the conduit. Each sensing location independently measures parameters of the multiphase flow, allowing for more comprehensive and accurate determination of water proportion through comparison and integration of multiple measurement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a transverse dimension to the measurement approach by positioning sensing locations at different transverse positions across the conduit cross-section. This multi-dimensional measurement strategy captures spatial variations in phase distribution, significantly improving measurement accuracy compared to single-point measurements.
2Reliability
If a single sensing location is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement accuracy and reliability of water cut determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe body is segmented into multiple sensing locations, each equipped with independent infrared sources and detectors. This segmentation allows the system to capture spatial variations in phase distribution across the conduit, improving reliability through multiple measurement points while maintaining modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensing location is designed with universal functionality, containing both an infrared source and a detector that can measure multiple parameters (water cut, gas void fraction, liquid holdup). This multi-functional design at each sensing location reduces overall system complexity compared to having specialized sensors for each parameter at each location.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensing locations are positioned close together, then the spatial resolution is improved, but the transverse spacing required to capture phase distribution variations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensing location is designed to measure local phase distribution characteristics at its specific transverse position. The system captures spatial variations by comparing measurements from different locations, with each location providing localized quality data about the multiphase flow at its position.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the transverse dimension across the conduit cross-section to improve measurement precision. By positioning sensing locations at different transverse positions and comparing their measurements, the system captures phase distribution variations that cannot be detected by single-point measurements, effectively using spatial dimensionality to enhance measurement accuracy.
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 effectively measures water cut and other parameters in multiphase flowable media, providing accurate data for optimizing hydrocarbon production by accurately assessing water content and phase distribution within the flow.
Implementation Method 1
at least one source configured to emit infrared radiation into the multiphase flowable medium; and at least one photodetector configured to detect infrared radiation received from the at least one source via the multiphase flowable medium
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for determining one or more parameters of a multiphase flowable medium flowing in a flow direction through a conduit. The multiphase flowable medium comprises at least a water phase. The apparatus first comprises a probe body configured to extend from a wall of a conduit, such as a wellbore production tubing, into a multiphase flowable medium flowing therethrough. The probe body defines a plurality of sensing locations, each for a different portion of the multiphase flowable medium and spaced in a direction having at least a component transverse to the flow direction. Each sensing location is provided with at least one source configured to emit infrared radiation into the multiphase flowable medium, and at least one photodetector configured to detect infrared radiation received from the at least one source via the multiphase flowable medium.