Multi-Phase Flow Measurement Using Optical Fiber Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring multi-phase flow in pipes are inadequate, particularly in harsh environments, as they are either bulky, offline, or provide limited information, and radiation-based approaches suffer from resolution issues and are unsuitable for large pipes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using active and passive optical fiber sensors with a heating element to measure temperature profiles along a pipe, correlating these profiles to determine flow velocity and phase distribution of media, enabling real-time detection of multi-phase flow conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional separator techniques are used to measure multi-phase flow, then phase separation and measurement can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and measurement must be accomplished offline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the bulk separator by using optical fiber sensors that can detect phase composition directly in the flowing medium without requiring physical separation. The sensing cables with heating elements and optical detectors enable inline measurement of phase fractions, eliminating the need for bulky separator tanks while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fiber sensors as an intermediary between the multi-phase flow and the measurement system. These sensors use light propagation and thermal interaction to detect phase composition and flow characteristics directly in the pipeline, serving as a mediator that enables measurement without physical separation of phases.
2Loss of information
If conventional acoustic systems are used to measure average phase composition, then phase information can be obtained, but only limited information about multi-phase flow is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement capability by using multiple optical fiber sensors positioned at different locations and orientations within the pipeline. This segmentation enables detection of local phase distribution, flow velocity, and composition at multiple points simultaneously, providing comprehensive flow information rather than a single average value.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimension to the measurement by distributing sensors throughout the pipeline cross-section and along the flow direction. This multi-dimensional sensor arrangement captures phase distribution patterns, flow regime characteristics, and local velocity profiles, transforming limited average measurements into comprehensive flow field characterization.
3Measurement precision
If radiation-based approaches such as X-ray or gamma-ray imaging are used, then flow imaging can be achieved, but resolution is limited and they cannot be used for large pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radiation-based imaging systems with a thermal-optical sensing system. Instead of using X-ray or gamma-ray penetration through the pipe wall, the system uses optical fiber sensors with heating elements that interact thermally with the flowing medium. This substitution eliminates resolution limitations and pipe size constraints while providing direct contact measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from radiation attenuation to thermal interaction. By measuring temperature distribution and heat transfer characteristics of the flowing medium against the heating element, the system achieves high-resolution phase detection that is independent of pipe diameter, enabling application to both small and large pipes.
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 provides accurate, real-time measurement of flow velocity and phase distribution, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by offering improved resolution and applicability to larger pipes and harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
propagating at least one heat pulse through the heating element along at least a portion of the first sensing cable to affect an exchange of thermal energy between the heating element and at least one medium exposed to the sensing cable
Implementation Method 2
measuring, over time, a first temperature profile of the first sensing cable at the first sensing location corresponding to the heat pulse
Implementation Method 3
determining a flow velocity of the one or more media flowing through the component by correlating the first temperature profile with the second temperature profile
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting a condition of multi-phase flow through a component with a first sensing cable having a first sensor location and aligned with a heating element and a second sensing cable having a second sensing location a predetermined distance from the first sensing location. A heat pulse is propagated through the heating element. A first temperature profile at the first sensing location and a second temperature profile at the second sensing location, each corresponding to the heat pulse, are measured over time. A flow velocity is determined by correlating the first temperature profile with the second temperature profile. A condition of flow of the media is detected by determining a phase of at least one medium exposed to the sensing cable at the first sensing location based on the first temperature profile and the determined flow velocity.