Multiphase Thermal Flowmeter for Stratified Wellbore Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowmeters for measuring fluid production in wellbores require periodic analysis and can introduce inaccuracies or halt production, as they often rely on sampling upstream and struggle to accurately estimate fluid phase and flow velocity in multiphase flows.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that introduces thermal energy into the fluid flow using thermal source modules and monitors downstream temperature profiles with thermal sensor modules to estimate fluid phase and flow velocity, allowing for continuous monitoring without interrupting production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If periodic fluid sampling is performed upstream of the flowmeter, then fluid phase information can be obtained, but production is interrupted and measurement accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sampling systems with a thermal energy-based measurement system. Instead of physically extracting fluid samples upstream, the invention introduces thermal energy into the flowing fluid and monitors the downstream temperature response to determine fluid phase and flow velocity, eliminating production interruption while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thermal energy as an intermediary substance to probe the fluid flow. By introducing thermal energy and monitoring its downstream effect on temperature, the system indirectly measures fluid phase and velocity without direct mechanical sampling, thus avoiding production interruption and improving measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If traditional flowmeters are used to monitor multiphase flow, then total flow can be measured, but fluid phase differentiation and flow velocity estimation are inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from mechanical flow detection to thermal response detection. By monitoring temperature changes downstream after thermal energy introduction, the system can differentiate fluid phases (gas, liquid, vapor) and estimate flow velocity based on thermal diffusion characteristics, achieving higher measurement precision with a relatively simple thermal-based device
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 and continuous evaluation of stratified fluid flow in wellbores by distinguishing between different fluid phases and measuring flow velocity, improving the accuracy of production monitoring and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
introduces thermal energy into the flow and monitors downstream heating of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
monitors downstream heating of the fluid to estimate both fluid phase and flow velocity
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for evaluating fluid type and fluid flow downhole by applying thermal energy in the fluid flow, and monitoring downstream temperature over time to generate a temperature profile. The fluid type can be determined by comparing the measured temperature profile to profiles of known fluids because these profiles depend upon these fluids' thermal diffusivities and flow rates. Further, stratified flow in a deviated wellbore can be analyzed by conducting the fluid evaluation at different radial locations in the flow stream, so water, liquid hydrocarbons, and gas can be identified. The system can include a pivoting arm spanning the wellbore diameter, and which includes multiple thermal sources, each with corresponding thermal sensor, that are spaced along the arm. A frame can be provided for each of the sources and sensors, which is automatically self-oriented along the direction of fluid flow like a weather vane.