Multiphase Fluid Capillary Calibration for Accurate Phase Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiphase measurement systems face challenges in maintaining accurate measurements due to changes in temperature and chemical composition, leading to inaccuracies in determining volume and mass fractions of multiphase flows.
Innovation Solution
A multiphase measuring system with a fluidic arrangement that includes capillaries to separate phases and measure physical properties, allowing for real-time calibration adjustments based on capillary measurements, reducing reliance on external tanks or separators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration measurements are performed using external auxiliary containers or tanks, then calibration accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity and flow resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the calibration function directly into the main measurement pipeline by forming a calibration loop using existing pipeline sections and capillaries. This merging eliminates the need for separate auxiliary containers or tanks, thereby maintaining calibration accuracy while reducing system complexity and flow resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement pipeline serves dual purposes: it functions as both the main flow path for multiphase measurement and as a calibration loop for maintaining measurement accuracy. The same pipeline structure is used for both operational measurement and calibration activities, eliminating dedicated calibration equipment.
2Measurement precision
If external tanks or separators are used for calibration, then phase separation for calibration can be achieved, but flow resistance and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses narrow capillaries inserted into the pipeline to create localized separation zones for phase calibration. These capillaries segment the flow path temporarily for calibration purposes, enabling phase separation without requiring large external separators or tanks, thus minimizing flow resistance and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillaries act as intermediary structures that facilitate phase separation for calibration within the main pipeline. They serve as temporary mediation zones where phases can be separated and measured for calibration purposes, then returned to the main flow without requiring permanent external separation equipment.
3Measurement precision
If calibration values are not continuously tracked, then system operation is simpler, but measurement accuracy deteriorates under changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where calibration measurements are continuously performed using the calibration loop, and the obtained calibration values are used to update and adjust the measurement system's parameters in real-time. This continuous feedback ensures measurement accuracy is maintained under changing temperature and composition conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process operates continuously through the calibration loop integrated in the pipeline, rather than being performed periodically or offline. This continuous calibration action ensures that measurement accuracy is constantly maintained as operating conditions change, without interrupting the main measurement function.
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 rapid and accurate determination of phase fractions and flows by continuously tracking changing properties, minimizing flow resistance and maintaining measurement precision across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The capillaries are configured to separate phases of a multiphase flow
Implementation Method 2
measuring device (120) configured to measure at least one physical property of at least one of the phases flowing through the capillary or capillaries
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A multi-phase measurement system (100) for a multi-phase fluid (205) has a reference-value measurement assembly (160) and a multi-phase measurement device (130). The reference-value measurement assembly (160) has at least one capillary (110) and a capillary measurement device (120). The interior cross-sectional area and the length of the capillary (110) are dimensioned in such a way that phases of the multi-phase fluid (205) separate in the flow direction as these phases flow through the capillary (110). The capillary measurement device (120) is designed to determine at least one physical property of at least one of the phases flowing the through the capillary (110). The multi-phase measurement device (130) is designed to measure the volume fraction and/or the mass fraction of at least one phase of the multi-phase fluid and/or to measure the volumetric flow rate and/or the mass flow rate of at least one of the phases of the multi-phase fluid, taking into consideration the physical property (or physical properties) determined by the capillary measurement device (120).