Multiphase Fluid Volume Measurement With Density-Positioned Bodies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Characterization of multiphase fluid flow in conduits is challenging due to complex flow characteristics, making accurate flow metering of multiphase fluid mixtures like crude oil, natural gas, and brine difficult, particularly in oil and gas operations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising two bodies with different densities, connected by a rotatable joint and electric contacts, measures the distance and orientation between them to determine the volume of phases in a multiphase fluid flowing in a pipe, using an odometer for distance measurement and a controller for data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flow metering methods are used for multiphase fluids, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient due to complex flow characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple functional components: a first body for positioning, a second body with rotatable joint for orientation detection, electric contacts for signal transmission, and a controller for data processing. Each segment performs a specific function, collectively achieving accurate multiphase fluid measurement while managing system complexity through modular design.
2Measurement precision
If the apparatus uses multiple electric contacts and rotatable joints to measure distance and orientation, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electric contacts serve as intermediaries between the mechanical components (rotatable joint, beam) and the controller. These contacts transmit positional and orientational information from the physical apparatus to the electronic processing system, enabling precise measurement while simplifying the interface between mechanical and electronic subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an electromechanical approach. Instead of using purely mechanical sensors or linkages to measure distance and orientation, the system uses electric contacts that make physical contact at specific positions, converting mechanical state into electrical signals for easier processing and more accurate measurement.
3Measurement precision
If the apparatus travels with the multiphase fluid through the pipe to measure holdup volume, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed as a multi-functional measurement system that can determine multiple parameters (distance, orientation, holdup volume, phase distribution) simultaneously while traveling with the fluid. This universal design consolidates multiple measurement functions into a single deployable unit, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
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 accurate real-time determination of holdup volume and flow regime of multiphase fluids, predicting pipe corrosion and phase levels across the pipe, enhancing measurement precision in multiphase fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
The first body has a first density that is less than an oil density of the oil phase, such that the first body floats on the oil phase
Implementation Method 2
The second body has a second density greater than the oil density and less than an aqueous density of the aqueous phase, such that the second body is disposed between the oil phase and the aqueous phase
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first body, a tubular, a first electric contact, a second body, a beam, a first plurality of electric contacts, and a controller. The first electric contact is disposed at an end of the tubular. The beam is coupled to the second body by a rotatable joint. The beam passes through the end of the tubular and is at least partially disposed within the tubular. The first plurality of electric contacts are disposed along the beam. Any one of the first plurality of electric contacts is in contact with the first electric contact at any given time. The controller is configured to identify which of the first plurality of electric contacts is in contact with the first electric contact and determine a distance between the first body and the second body.