Multiphase Flowmeter Homogenization and Nuclear-Free Density Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiphase flow measurement systems in oil-gas wells face challenges in accurately measuring oil, gas, and water flows due to non-homogeneous distributions and varying flow rates, often resulting in erroneous readings, especially in horizontal pipes where water settles, and they rely on nuclear-source fluid densitometers with limitations such as phase distribution dependency and health concerns.
Innovation Solution
The development of nuclear-source free multiphase flowmeters that include a mixer for homogenizing the fluid, differential pressure sensors, Doppler probes for velocity measurement, and a flowmeter manager to calculate velocity and density, along with inline coaxial sensors to determine permittivity and conductivity, enabling accurate measurement of gas, liquid, and water flow rates without nuclear sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mixer is added to homogenize the fluid, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flowmeter is divided into distinct functional sections: a mixing section with static mixers to homogenize the multiphase flow, and a measurement section with sensors to measure flow parameters. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally while keeping the overall design manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The static mixers are positioned upstream of the measurement section to pre-homogenize the fluid before measurement. This preliminary mixing action ensures that the flow is uniformly distributed when it reaches the sensors, improving measurement accuracy without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If nuclear-source fluid densitometers are used to measure density, then measurement capability is provided, but safety concerns and health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the nuclear source from the measurement system entirely. Instead of using radioactive isotopes, the system employs non-nuclear methods including differential pressure sensors and Doppler probes to measure fluid density and velocity, eliminating radiation hazards while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The nuclear-based measurement system is replaced with a mechanical and electromagnetic sensing system. Differential pressure sensors measure density through pressure differentials, and Doppler probes use electromagnetic waves to measure velocity, substituting the nuclear measurement mechanism with safer physical principles.
3Device complexity
If measurements are taken without adequate mixing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to non-homogeneous distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The static mixers are installed upstream of the measurement section to pre-homogenize the multiphase flow before it reaches the sensors. This preliminary mixing ensures uniform phase distribution and eliminates measurement errors caused by non-homogeneous flow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing section is specifically designed to create a homogeneous flow distribution across the pipe cross-section. The static mixers generate turbulence and promote phase mixing, ensuring that the fluid properties are uniformly distributed when measurement occurs, which is critical for accurate flow rate determination.
4Measurement precision
If Doppler probes and differential pressure sensors are used for velocity and density measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into dedicated sensors for different parameters: differential pressure sensors for density measurement and Doppler probes for velocity measurement. Each sensor type is optimized for its specific measurement function, improving overall accuracy while allowing independent selection and placement of sensors based on measurement needs.
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
These systems provide accurate and reliable measurements of multiphase flow rates by ensuring homogeneity and eliminating the need for nuclear sources, improving safety and reducing statistical uncertainty, while effectively determining phase fractions and velocities across a wide range of flow conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a mixer to homogenize a fluid received at an inlet of the flowmeter
Implementation Method 2
a differential pressure sensor to measure a differential pressure of the fluid across an inlet and an outlet of the mixer
Implementation Method 3
a Doppler probe to transmit a microwave or an ultrasonic wave into the fluid to generate Doppler frequency shift data
Implementation Method 4
a first microwave probe to transmit a first microwave into the fluid at a first axial position and receive a first reflected microwave, a second microwave probe to transmit a second microwave into the fluid at a second axial position and receive a second reflected microwave
Implementation Method 5
a pitot tube to measure a first pressure and a second pressure of the fluid, the first pressure different from the second pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are disclosed to measure a multiphase flow. An example system includes a flowmeter including a mixer to homogenize a fluid received at an inlet of the flowmeter, a differential pressure sensor to measure a differential pressure of the fluid across an inlet and an outlet of the mixer, a Doppler probe to transmit a microwave or an ultrasonic wave into the fluid to generate Doppler frequency shift data, and a flowmeter manager to calculate a velocity of the fluid based on the Doppler frequency shift data, and calculate a density of the fluid based on the differential pressure and the velocity.