Non-Circular Flowmeter for Multi-Phase Measurement Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowmeters face challenges in accurately measuring flow in multi-phase applications, such as at wellheads where liquid crude oil, natural gas, water, and sand are present, leading to inaccurate valuations and poor reservoir management due to the inability to accurately measure flow content.
Innovation Solution
The flowmeter features a non-circular measurement section with ultrasonic transducers and a conditioning section with diametrically opposed longitudinal rib protrusions that reduce swirling flow, guide liquid components towards the sidewalls, and direct ballistic particles away from sensitive measurement devices, enhancing measurement accuracy and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a circular flow path is used, then the flowmeter structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but ultrasonic waves experience distortion and measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the flow path cross-section from circular to non-circular (specifically square or rectangular with rounded corners). This asymmetric shape eliminates wave distortion issues present in circular paths while maintaining manufacturability through standard machining processes. The non-circular geometry creates favorable acoustic paths for ultrasonic transducers, improving measurement precision without excessive manufacturing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If transducers are mounted in a circular flow path, then installation is simple, but chordal measurements cannot be properly facilitated and measurement accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The non-circular (square/rectangular) cross-section provides flat surfaces that facilitate proper mounting of ultrasonic transducers at chordal positions. This asymmetric geometry allows transducers to be mounted flush against flat surfaces, enabling accurate chordal measurements that cannot be achieved in circular paths where transducers would be mounted on curved surfaces.
3Productivity
If transducers are placed close together, then measurement section length is reduced, but wave distortion increases and measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the non-circular cross-section to optimize transducer placement geometry. By changing from a circular to a square/rectangular cross-section, transducers can be positioned on flat surfaces at optimal angles and distances, reducing the longitudinal separation needed while maintaining accurate measurement paths. This dimensional reconfiguration allows compact design without sacrificing precision.
4Device complexity
If no flow conditioning is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but swirling flow causes measurement errors and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flow conditioning elements (such as flow straighteners or conditioners) upstream of the measurement section to pre-condition the flow before it reaches the transducers. This preliminary action removes swirling and establishes a more uniform flow profile, ensuring reliable measurements without requiring complex real-time correction systems.
5Adaptability or versatility
If multi-phase flow is measured in conventional flowmeters, then all flow types can be handled, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inability to maintain phase separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific flow path regions with different characteristics. The non-circular cross-section and flow conditioning elements create zones that maintain phase separation (e.g., liquid along walls, gas in center), allowing transducers positioned in specific locations to measure specific phases or total flow with improved accuracy for multi-phase applications.
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 design improves measurement accuracy and durability by reducing wave distortion, facilitating chordal measurements, and maintaining phase separation in multi-phase flows, leading to more precise flow characterization and reduced risk of transducer damage.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer disposed in a measurement section of the flow path and configured to emit ultrasonic waves into a material flowing through the flow path
Implementation Method 2
The non-circular measurement section can reduce distortion of ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 3
The protrusions can reduce swirling flow
Data Source
AI summary
Flowmeters are disclosed herein that include one or more flow path features for improving the measurement accuracy or other aspects of the flowmeter. In some embodiments, the flowmeter includes a measurement section having a non-circular transverse cross-section in which one or more sensors for measuring flow are disposed. The non-circular measurement section can reduce distortion of ultrasonic waves, facilitate chordal measurements with flush-mounted transducers, and reduce the propagation distance between paired transducers. In some embodiments, the flowmeter includes a conditioning section with diametrically opposed longitudinal rib protrusions. The protrusions can reduce swirling flow, direct liquid components of a multi-phase flow towards the sidewalls of the flow path, and guide ballistic particles through the center of the flow path away from sensitive measurement devices.