Polyphase Flow Meter Calibration Under Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calibrating polyphase flow meters in hydrocarbon production are disruptive to production, imprecise, and unable to accurately measure gaseous phases due to reliance on monophase samples at atmospheric pressure, which are not representative of the fluid in the pipe.
Innovation Solution
A method involving continuous circulation of polyphase fluid through a flow channel with a second sensor to collect information from pressurized samples of both gaseous and liquid phases, allowing for the computation of calibration coefficients representative of the fluid's properties under actual conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If monophase samples at atmospheric pressure are used for calibration, then the calibration process is simple to perform, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the samples are not representative of the actual polyphase fluid in the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from atmospheric to in-situ operating pressure, allowing calibration samples to represent actual polyphase fluid conditions. This enables accurate calibration of both liquid and gaseous phases while maintaining operational relevance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a replica measurement system (second sensor in measuring channel) that copies the functionality of the first sensor, allowing calibration to be performed on sampled fluid while the main measurement continues on the polyphase fluid in the pipe.
2Measurement precision
If the fluid circulation is interrupted for calibration, then the calibration can be performed on sampled fluid, but the productivity deteriorates due to production disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into two independent channels: a flow channel for continuous polyphase fluid measurement and a measuring channel for calibration. This segmentation allows calibration to proceed independently without interrupting production flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary sampling of the polyphase fluid and transfers it to the measuring channel for calibration before the main measurement occurs. This preliminary preparation enables calibration to be completed in advance without affecting ongoing production.
3Ease of operation
If the channel is open at atmospheric pressure during measurement, then the measurement setup is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates because gaseous phase properties cannot be accurately measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the channel at in-situ operating pressure rather than atmospheric pressure, enabling accurate measurement of gaseous phase properties. The pressurized environment preserves the physical state and characteristics of the gas, allowing for precise calibration and measurement.
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 precise and continuous calibration of polyphase fluid measurement properties without disrupting production, providing accurate representation of the fluid's phases and properties, including gaseous phases, under pressurized conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor for example comprises a receiver for receiving gamma photons passing through the polyphase fluid, said photons being emitted by a source placed opposite the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
This method comprises taking a first pressurized gaseous phase sample in a flow channel and transferring the first sample in the measuring channel. It comprises activating a second sensor to collect a first piece of information representative of the first pressurized sample. The method comprising taking a second pressurized liquid phase sample, transferring the second sample in the measuring channel and activating the second sensor a second piece of information representative of the second pressurized sample. The method comprises the computation of at least one calibration coefficient connecting the property to the or each piece of information received from the sensor, based on the first piece of information and the second piece of information.