Multiphase Flowmeter With Adjustable Sampling Chamber for Variable Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measurement devices struggle with accurately measuring multiphase fluids composed of oil, gas, and water due to varying well potentials and reservoir characteristics, leading to suboptimal performance and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A multiphase flowmeter (MPFM) with a fluid collection chamber, adjustable sampling chamber, and control module that includes sensors and processors to continuously measure and analyze fluid parameters, adjust to varying conditions, and auto-calibrate for accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow measurement device is sized for certain ranges of well potentials and effluent properties, then it can provide accurate measurements within those ranges, but it cannot adapt to variable conditions outside those ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adjustable sampling chamber with variable volume capacity that can be dynamically modified based on well characteristics. The chamber includes movable walls that can be positioned at different locations to change the internal volume, allowing the device to adapt to different flow conditions while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of the sampling chamber volume to match different operating conditions. By adjusting the chamber volume based on well potential and effluent properties, the device maintains optimal measurement performance across variable conditions without requiring multiple fixed-size devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-size sampling chambers are provided to handle different well potentials, then the device can handle various flow rates, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple fixed-size chambers, the patent uses a single sampling chamber with movable walls that can be dynamically adjusted. This dynamic adjustment mechanism replaces the need for multiple static chambers, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the capability to handle different well potentials
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable sampling chamber serves multiple functions that would otherwise require separate fixed-size chambers. By making the chamber volume variable, a single component performs the work of multiple components, simplifying the device structure while preserving adaptability
3Measurement precision
If manual intervention is used for flow measurement device configuration and calibration, then the device can be adjusted to specific conditions, but operational costs and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes a control module that automatically determines well characteristics from input data and autonomously adjusts the sampling chamber configuration. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual field interventions for calibration and configuration, reducing both operational costs and downtime while maintaining measurement precision
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
The MPFM provides continuous, accurate measurement of multiphase fluid flow, reducing operational costs and downtime, improving equipment utilization, and adhering to safety standards by minimizing human intervention and ensuring regular sampling and calibration.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable sampling chamber that receives fluid samples from the fluid collection chamber through multiple openings
Implementation Method 2
Example fluid processing devices include pressure, differential pressure, and temperature sensors and transmitters
Implementation Method 3
Example fluid processing devices include pressure, differential pressure, and temperature sensors and transmitters
Implementation Method 4
a radioactive measurement system
Implementation Method 5
capacitance and inductance sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
A flowmeter includes a fluid collection chamber for receiving a fluid flow, an adjustable collection tube configured to receive a portion of the fluid flow to generate one or more first measured parameters of multiple measured parameters of the fluid flow, a sampling chamber configured to measure samples of the fluid flow to generate one or more second measured parameters of the multiple measured parameters of the fluid flow, and a control module in signal communication with the adjustable collection tube and the sampling chamber and including one or more processors by which the control module automatically performs certain operations. Such operations include determining multiple output parameters of the fluid flow based on the multiple measured parameters and multiple input parameters. Such operations further include controlling a size of the adjustable collection tube based on a property of the fluid flow.