Automated Multiphase Fluid Separation and Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for measuring the flow rates of crude oil and produced water in multiphase immiscible fluid mixtures from oil wells are inefficient, requiring manual sample collection, laboratory analysis, and data entry, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, limiting the ability to accurately calibrate multiphase flow meters and optimize oil field production.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple separation vessels and a water analysis unit with sensors and processors to concurrently separate and analyze aqueous liquid phases from multiphase fluids, allowing for real-time measurement and transmission of data to multiphase flow meters, reducing the need for manual sample handling and laboratory analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sample collection and laboratory analysis is used, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but time consumption and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (sample collection, transportation, laboratory analysis) with an automated in-line analysis system using sensors and processors that directly measure produced water properties at the well site, eliminating the time-consuming manual workflow while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated analysis system with sensors and processors that acts as a bridge between the produced water flow and the measurement system, enabling real-time analysis without manual intervention and reducing both time loss and labor costs
2Reliability
If manual data entry from laboratory analysis is performed, then calibration data can be obtained, but human error and data entry mistakes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data entry processes with automated electronic data capture and transmission systems that directly feed calibration data into the multiphase flow meter, eliminating human error and increasing both reliability and automation level simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors continuously monitor produced water properties and automatically adjust multiphase flow meter calibration in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that improves reliability through continuous verification and eliminates manual intervention errors
3Quantity of substance
If multiple wells are analyzed sequentially in a single laboratory, then comprehensive data can be collected, but analysis rate and productivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the analysis system into multiple independent sensor units and processing channels that can simultaneously analyze samples from multiple wells, transforming sequential analysis into parallel processing and dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining comprehensive data coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal automated analysis platform that can handle multiple well samples simultaneously through multi-channel sensors and processors, enabling the system to perform multiple analysis functions in parallel and significantly improving both productivity and data coverage
4Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory analysis methods are used, then detailed geophysical properties can be measured, but the process is prone to human error and requires significant labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual laboratory analysis operations with automated sensor-based measurement systems that directly measure geophysical properties in-line, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically simplifying operations and eliminating human error
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service automated system where sensors and processors autonomously perform measurements, data collection, and calibration without human intervention, maintaining high measurement precision while making the operation extremely simple and error-free
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
This approach enables near-instantaneous, real-time water sample measurements for each well, minimizing labor costs and error, and allows for accurate, continuous monitoring and optimization of oil field production by providing timely and precise data for calibrating and controlling multiphase flow meters.
Implementation Method 1
a first discrete sample of multiphase fluid has separated into liquid phases including a first aqueous liquid phase and a first nonpolar liquid phase
Implementation Method 2
separate and analyzing multiphase fluids... separating in multiple separation vessels, discrete samples of multiphase fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A first aqueous liquid phase sample is drawn from a first one of a plurality of separation vessels in response to determining that a first separation operation in the first separation vessel has completed. First aqueous liquid phase sample data is obtained by analyzing the first aqueous liquid phase sample with at least one sensor. A sample of a second aqueous liquid phase is drawn from a second one of the plurality of separation vessels in response to determining that a second separation operation in the second separation vessel has completed. Second aqueous liquid phase sample data is obtained by analyzing the second aqueous liquid phase sample with the at least one sensor. The second aqueous liquid phase sample data is transmitted to the external multiphase flow meter. The first separation operation in the first separation vessel and the second separation operation in the second separation vessel are concurrent.