Multiphase Flowmeter Accuracy Validation for Low-Emission Well Fluids
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining fluid properties from wellbores involve atmospheric emissions, necessitating a need for improved systems and methods with reduced emissions and enhanced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a surface, multi-phase flowmeter to measure fluid properties directly from wellbores without separation or flaring, comparing data with separator tank measurements to identify differences and generate graphical reports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separator tank is used to separate gas from hydrocarbon fluid and measure properties from emissions, then fluid properties can be determined, but atmospheric emissions are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the separator tank emissions system and relocates it to an inline flowmeter positioned directly in the wellbore flow path. This allows fluid property measurements to be obtained directly from the flowing hydrocarbon fluid without requiring gas separation and emission processes, thereby eliminating harmful atmospheric emissions while preserving measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The inline flowmeter acts as an intermediary device that directly interfaces with the flowing hydrocarbon fluid to obtain measurements. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for the separator tank and emission processes as intermediate steps, providing a direct measurement path that avoids generating harmful emissions while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If an inline multi-phase flowmeter is used to measure fluid properties directly, then atmospheric emissions are reduced, but measurement accuracy needs to be validated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by comparing measurements from the inline flowmeter with historical or reference measurements from separator tank systems. This feedback loop validates the accuracy of the new measurement method and ensures that the emission-reducing technology maintains or improves measurement precision, building confidence in the alternative approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple flowmeters positioned at different locations within the wellbore flow path to obtain redundant measurements of fluid properties. This excessive measurement approach provides multiple data points that can be averaged or compared to enhance measurement accuracy and reliability, compensating for any single measurement's potential inaccuracies.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring properties of a fluid produced from a wellbore includes receiving first data from a separator tank. The method also includes receiving second data from a flowmeter. The method also includes comparing the first data and the second data to produce compared data. The method also includes determining differences between the first data and the second data based upon the compared data.