Multiphase Flowmeter With Longitudinal Barrier And Pipe Constriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiphase flow measurement devices face challenges in accurately measuring flow rates of multiple fluids with different physical properties, such as oil, water, and gas, due to non-radial velocity components and uncertainty in velocity estimates caused by non-homogeneous mixtures, especially when these mixtures enter constrictions.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a longitudinal barrier dividing the pipe into separate chambers, equipped with pressure sensors and electrodes, where at least one inner electrode is connected to the barrier and an outer counter-electrode is embedded in the pipe wall, allowing for precise measurement of pressure differences and electrical properties, and a constriction in the pipe wall to minimize non-axial flow components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If electrodes are placed close together to make the sensor compact, then the device size is reduced, but sensitivity to non-radial velocity components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is divided into multiple independent electrode pairs arranged along the pipe axis. Each electrode pair measures velocity in its local region, and the individual measurements are combined to obtain the total flow rate. This segmentation allows compact electrode spacing while maintaining accuracy by localizing the measurement to small differential elements where non-radial components have minimal impact.
2Measurement precision
If a central body is introduced to create pressure differences for measurement, then mass flow rate measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and sensitivity to non-axial flow components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe wall itself is utilized as one of the electrodes, eliminating the need for a separate central body structure. The inner and outer pipe walls serve dual purposes: containing the flow and providing the electrode surfaces for capacitive measurements. This multi-functional use of existing structures reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If the pipe internal diameter is reduced at the measuring section to minimize non-axial flow components, then velocity measurement accuracy is improved, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of significantly reducing the pipe diameter, a mild constriction is introduced that is sufficient to suppress non-axial flow components but not excessive enough to cause significant pressure loss. The constriction degree is optimized to provide just enough flow straightening effect while minimizing energy dissipation, applying partial action rather than extreme modification.
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 configuration enhances the accuracy of velocity measurements, reduces uncertainty, and enables a more compact and sensitive multiphase flow meter that is less dependent on flow composition, providing sharper detection and improved characterization of individual phases.
Implementation Method 1
pressure sensors for measuring pressure differences at different locations with different cross-sections in the measuring device
Implementation Method 2
electrodes for measuring electrical properties of the multiphase flow
Implementation Method 3
there is a constriction in the inner pipe wall of the pipe at the location in which a measuring section is positioned
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A measuring device (100) and system for measuring physical properties of individual phases in a multiphase flow flowing through a pipe (110), wherein the measuring device (100) comprises a measuring section (120) with at least two separate and elongate chambers (130) that are formed by at least one longitudinal barrier (140), at least one of the chambers (130) comprising means for measuring the physical properties of the multiphase flow that flows through the chambers (130), and wherein the internal diameter of the pipe (110) is smaller at the location where the measuring section (120) is positioned, in that there is a constriction (220) in the inner pipe wall of the pipe (110).