Nuclear Flowmeter for Multiphase Oil Well Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow measurement technologies are inaccurate for multiphase flows, particularly in oil production, as they fail to precisely quantify the volumetric fractions of gas, water, and oil due to relative speeds and compressibility issues, leading to inefficiencies in well management and resource extraction.
Innovation Solution
A nuclear flowmeter using a portable Am-Be neutron source and detectors to measure neutron moderation, combined with pressure drop measurements in a Venturi tube, allowing for precise calculation of total and partial volumetric flows in multiphase systems by analyzing the interaction of neutrons with the fluid phases, particularly sensitive to hydrogen and carbon content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow measurement technologies are used for multiphase flows, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is poor due to inability to accurately quantify volumetric fractions of gas, water, and oil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement technologies into a single integrated system: neutron radiation sources for phase identification, detectors for neutron interaction measurement, pressure transducers for differential pressure measurement, and a control unit for data processing. This merging of previously separate measurement methods enables accurate multiphase flow measurement while managing system complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to handle multiple phases (gas, water, oil) simultaneously using the same neutron-based detection mechanism. The neutron source and detector combination can identify and quantify different phases based on their neutron interaction characteristics, providing universal measurement capability across varying flow compositions without requiring phase-specific measurement devices.
2Measurement precision
If correction tables are used for two-phase flow measurements, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to high dependence on table conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures neutron interactions and differential pressure, then processes this data through the control unit to calculate actual phase fractions in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing flow conditions dynamically, eliminating dependence on pre-established correction tables while maintaining measurement accuracy across varying operational parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement approach transitions from using fixed correction tables to dynamically determining phase fractions based on measured neutron interaction parameters and pressure differential. The system calculates volumetric fractions by analyzing changes in neutron attenuation and scattering characteristics, allowing adaptation to different flow conditions without requiring condition-specific calibration tables.
3Measurement precision
If Gamma radiation sources are used for three-phase flow measurement, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity and safety requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the radiation type from Gamma to neutron radiation, which interacts differently with the phases present in the flow. Neutrons provide superior phase discrimination capability through their unique interaction mechanisms (scattering, absorption, moderation) that differ between gas, water, and oil phases, enabling accurate three-phase measurement while using a radiation source with different safety characteristics and detection requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces Gamma radiation detection mechanisms with neutron-based detection. This substitution leverages the distinct neutron interaction properties of different phases (hydrogen content in water and oil versus gas) to achieve phase identification and quantification, providing measurement capability comparable to or superior to Gamma methods while utilizing a different physical principle that may offer safety or operational advantages in specific 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
Enables accurate and efficient measurement of total mass and volumetric flow rates of multiphase fluids, improving the management of oil wells by providing precise data on gas, water, and oil fractions, extending the useful life of wells and optimizing production.
Implementation Method 1
quantify the volumetric fraction of each one according to the moderation of neutrons generated in a portable and sealed source
Implementation Method 2
measurements of pressure drop in a section of the 'Venturi' tube
Data Source
AI summary
A nuclear flowmeter for measurements in multiphase flows consisting of up to three main phases that is connected in series in the output flow in a production line of an oil well, that includes a “U” shaped arrangement formed by an input branch and an output branch placed at both sides of the “U” shaped arrangement, where the input branch is connected to the production line of the oil well through an input pipe section (1) and the output branch is connected to the line of production of the oil well through an output pipe section (21) placed respectively at both ends of the “U” shaped arrangement; the input branch includes a pipe section with section reduction that forms a Venturi (3) while in the output branch includes a pipe section with possible section reduction (5) where the nuclear measurements are made, is provided.