Multiphase Fluid Characterization Tool for Real-Time Phase Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating and characterizing multiphase fluids with different densities in industrial processes, such as oil production, are inefficient and lack real-time monitoring, leading to suboptimal operation and increased costs due to reliance on offline sampling and analysis.
Innovation Solution
An installation comprising a main settling tank and a characterization tool that continuously diverts a fraction of the multiphase fluid for real-time analysis in an analysis settling tank, allowing for simultaneous operation with the main settling tank and providing insights into phase separation behavior without disrupting the main process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If offline sampling and analysis methods are used for characterizing multiphase fluids, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and real-time monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the multiphase fluid flow into two separate streams: a main flow that continues to the separator and a diverted sample flow that goes to the characterization tool. This segmentation allows independent analysis of the fluid properties without disrupting the main process flow, enabling real-time measurements while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A small fraction of the multiphase fluid is extracted from the main flow through a diversion line and directed to the characterization tool. This extracted sample undergoes separation in an analysis settling tank, allowing precise measurement of phase distribution, droplet size, and other properties without affecting the main fluid stream.
2Measurement precision
If a diversion line and analysis settling tank are added for real-time characterization, then measurement precision and process control improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The characterization tool uses a scaled-down analysis settling tank that replicates the separation principles of the main separator. This copy allows real-time measurement of separation efficiency, phase distribution, and fluid properties without requiring modifications to the main separator design, thus adding minimal complexity while providing comprehensive characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The characterization tool is designed to perform multiple measurement functions using a single integrated system. It can measure phase distribution, droplet size distribution, separation efficiency, and fluid properties simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If offline analysis methods are used, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity and response time for process optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The characterization tool provides continuous real-time monitoring of multiphase fluid properties throughout the separation process. This continuous data stream enables immediate detection of changes in phase distribution, droplet size, and separation efficiency, allowing for continuous process optimization without interrupting production flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where real-time characterization data is fed back to the control system, which automatically adjusts operating parameters such as flow rates, pressure, and chemical additive injection to optimize separation efficiency. This closed-loop control continuously improves productivity based on actual fluid conditions.
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 improved separation efficiency and production rates by providing real-time characterization of multiphase fluid behavior, allowing for immediate adjustments to flow rates and additive use, thus optimizing the operation of the separation installation.
Implementation Method 1
separate a fraction of said multiphase fluid to an analysis settling tank (6) so that said main settling tank (2) and said analysis settling tank (6) are supplied simultaneously with multiphase fluid
Implementation Method 2
said fraction being reintroduced into said circuit (4), upstream of the outlet (22) of the main settling tank (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a facility (1) for processing a multiphase fluid, including two phases, said facility (1) including a circuit (4) within which said fluid is to circulate and being characterized in that said facility includes a characterization tool (3) including at least: one analysis separator (6) suitable for separating said phases in order to obtain said separate phases; and a means (9) for combining said separate phases, said facility (1) being designed such that a fraction of the fluid circulating within said circuit (4) circulates within the tool (3) in order to flow through said analysis separator (6) such that said phases are separated and then discharged into said circuit (4), said combining means (9) being designed to combine said separate phases. The invention is used to characterize multiphase fluids.