Multiphase Mass Flow Metering Using Density and Volumetric Flow Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems in the oil and gas industry struggle to accurately determine the mass flow rate of multi-phase fluid streams without separating them into single phases, leading to high measurement uncertainty and significant losses, especially in deep subsea applications where capital costs are high and space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A system that calculates the mass flow rate by determining the average density and volumetric flow rate of the fluid stream using a density determination end with a weighing system and a volumetric flow rate determination end with displacer position sensors, allowing for continuous or intermittent measurements to be taken, and multiplying these values to obtain the mass flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate gas and liquid flow meters are used to determine mass flow rate of multi-phase fluid streams, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and capital costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines density measurement and volumetric flow rate measurement into a single integrated system. The density meter and flow meter are merged into one apparatus that measures both parameters simultaneously from the same multi-phase stream, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems and production separators.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated metering system performs multiple functions: it measures both density and volumetric flow rate of multi-phase fluid streams using a single system. The system can handle various fluid types (gas, liquid, multi-phase) and provides comprehensive flow characterization without requiring separate specialized meters for each phase.
2Device complexity
If conventional meters are used without phase separation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to high measurement uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical phase separation and multiple mechanical meters with an integrated system that uses density and volumetric flow rate measurements to calculate mass flow rate. This substitution of measurement approach maintains simplicity while achieving accurate multi-phase flow measurement without mechanical separation.
3Measurement precision
If offshore platforms are used to provide accurate measurement capability, then measurement precision is improved, but capital costs and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges density and volumetric flow rate measurement capabilities into a single compact system that can be installed in limited spaces such as subsea environments. This integration eliminates the need for large offshore platforms while maintaining measurement accuracy through coordinated measurement of density and flow rate parameters.
4Device complexity
If high uncertainty measurement systems are used to avoid capital costs, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates leading to significant losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the measured density and volumetric flow rate are used to calculate mass flow rate through a coordinated measurement approach. This feedback-based calculation method ensures accuracy by continuously using the measured values to determine the final mass flow rate, preventing the significant losses associated with high-uncertainty measurements.
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 accurate and efficient calculation of mass flow rates for single- or multi-phase fluid streams, reducing measurement uncertainty and capital costs, and eliminating the need for separate production platforms, while maintaining accuracy in deep subsea environments.
Implementation Method 1
The density determination end may have a plurality of pipe sections that are connected to each other, a weighing system, an inlet support, and an outlet support. By weighing one end of the density determination system on a scale... the density of the flowing stream may be determined.
Implementation Method 2
The piping in the volumetric flow rate determination end includes displacer position sensors and a displacer system that introduces a displacer (ball/sphere) into the flowing stream upstream of the first position sensor. By knowing the internal volume of this section and the time it takes the displacer to transit this section between the position sensors, the average flowing velocity of the multiphase stream can be calculated.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for calculating the mass flow rate of a fluid stream are presented. The system includes an inlet pipe that receives the fluid stream, a density determination end, a volumetric flow rate determination end, and an outlet pipe. The density determination end may have pipe sections that are connected to each other, a weighing system to determine the apparent mass of the fluid stream, and inlet and outlet supports. The volumetric flow rate determination end of the system may be a piping system, displacer, displacer position sensors and a piping support system designed to determine the average flowing velocity of the fluid stream. The resulting density and volumetric flow rate measurements are multiplied to determine the mass flow rate of the fluid stream. The system and method are applicable to both single- and multi-phase streams and can be used in onshore and offshore applications.