Multiphase Flow Computer Using Ultrasonic and Nuclear Instrumentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measurement technologies for multiphase fluids, such as those with gas and liquid entrainment, are limited in accuracy and reliability, particularly when phase changes occur, as they can only measure one phase at a time and fail to account for density changes, leading to incomplete and inaccurate volumetric and mass flow calculations.
Innovation Solution
A multiphase flow computer system utilizing a combination of ultrasonic and nuclear instrumentation, including Time of Flight and Doppler flow meters, along with densitometers, to continuously measure and calculate the proportion of each phase by cross-calibrating sonic velocity measurements across phase changes, enabling accurate measurement of both liquid and gas components in varying flow conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If TOF ultrasonic flow measurements are used to measure liquid flow, then accurate measurement is achieved under low gas entrainment, but measurement accuracy is lost when there are higher levels of gaseous or particle entrainment
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between TOF and Doppler measurement modes based on the detected gas entrainment level. When gas entrainment is low, TOF mode is used for high accuracy; when gas entrainment increases, the system transitions to Doppler mode which can handle higher gas levels, thus adapting to changing flow conditions while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from pure TOF (time of flight) to Doppler (frequency shift) based on the gas entrainment parameter. This parameter switching allows the system to maintain measurement accuracy across different gas entrainment conditions by selecting the appropriate measurement technique for each condition
2Adaptability or versatility
If Doppler technology is used to measure liquid flow with high gas entrainment, then measurement capability is maintained, but reliability decreases when entrainment drops significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the measurement mode based on real-time detection of gas entrainment levels. When gas entrainment is high, Doppler mode is activated; when gas entrainment drops below a threshold, the system switches to TOF mode, ensuring reliable measurements across all operating conditions by avoiding Doppler's weakness in low-entrainment scenarios
3Measurement precision
If separate intrusive flow measurements are used for each phase component, then independent volumetric flow measurement for each phase is achieved, but the flow rate is affected and pipeline access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes a single clamp-on device perform multiple measurement functions by switching between TOF and Doppler modes. This universal approach allows the same external device to measure both liquid-dominated flows (using TOF) and gas-entrained flows (using Doppler), eliminating the need for separate intrusive measurements for different phase conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical intrusive measurement system (requiring pipeline breaks and internal sensors) with a non-intrusive ultrasonic clamp-on system. This substitution uses acoustic waves transmitted through the pipe wall to measure flow without physical contact with the fluid, eliminating flow disturbance and pipeline access requirements while maintaining multi-phase measurement capability
4Reliability
If existing ultrasonic meter technology is used, then measurement is possible under specific phase conditions, but measurement through phase changes and wet gas flow is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its measurement approach by detecting phase conditions and switching between TOF and Doppler modes accordingly. During phase change transitions (e.g., liquid to gas, wet gas conditions), the system can cross-calibrate between modes or use the appropriate mode for each phase segment, enabling continuous measurement through phase changes that single-mode systems cannot handle
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process is segmented into different operational zones based on gas entrainment levels: TOF zone for low gas entrainment, transition zone for phase changes, and Doppler zone for high gas entrainment/wet gas. This segmentation allows each measurement mode to operate in its optimal range while the system as a whole covers the entire phase spectrum from pure liquid through wet gas to dry gas
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 continuous, accurate measurement of individual phase components in multiphase flows, even under conditions of high gas entrainment or solid particulates, by using intelligent logic to select the most accurate measurement technologies and compensating for density changes, thus providing reliable volumetric and mass flow data across the entire phase range from pure liquid to pure gas.
Implementation Method 1
Time Of Flight (TOF) ultrasonic flow measurements that send pulses, typically sent at an angle, from a first transducer through the pipe wall and then fluid flowing in a conduit and measure the time it takes for the sonic waves to reach another one of its transducers
Implementation Method 2
Doppler technology-based measuring devices are used instead
Implementation Method 3
a device configured to use the at least one velocity input and the calculated total volumetric flow to compute at least one measurement relating to at least one phase component of the flowing fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus (300) and method for providing measurements relating to different phase components of a flowing fluid. The apparatus includes a device (306) configured to obtain, in use, at least one input (302, 304) representing a velocity of flowing fluid produced by at least one measuring device (302, 304) non-intrusively/externally mounted on a conduit (100) containing the flowing fluid. The apparatus also includes a device (306) configured to use the at least one velocity input to calculate (308) a total volumetric flow of the flowing fluid, and a device (306) configured to use the velocity input and the calculated total volumetric flow to compute (310, 312) at least one measurement relating to at least one phase component of the flowing fluid.