Recirculating Flow Loop for Oil Water Measurement Homogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving high flow velocities and fluid homogeneity in highly viscous oil/water mixtures flowing through pipelines is difficult, which complicates accurate water-to-oil ratio measurements in oil production.
Innovation Solution
A recirculating flow loop is introduced, which withdraws fluid from a pipeline, accelerates it with a pump, and reinjects it through turbulence-inducing outlets upstream, enhancing mixing and homogeneity, thereby improving the accuracy of oil/water measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high flow velocity is achieved to improve fluid homogeneity, then measurement accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement function and flow conditioning function into a single integrated recirculation loop system. The pump, mixer, and measurement device work together as a unified system that conditions fluid and performs measurement simultaneously, improving homogeneity and measurement accuracy while managing energy consumption through coordinated operation of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses variable speed pumping and adjustable recirculation rates to dynamically optimize fluid velocity and homogeneity. The pump speed can be adjusted to achieve the minimum velocity required for homogeneity (typically 0.5-2 m/s) without excessive energy consumption, and the recirculation rate can be modified based on fluid viscosity and measurement requirements.
2Measurement precision
If recirculation flow loop is added to enhance mixing and homogeneity, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation loop system performs multiple functions: it conditions the fluid for measurement, enables sampling, maintains flow velocity, and allows repeated measurements. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating several operational requirements into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation loop acts as an intermediary system between the production pipeline and the measurement device. It conditions the fluid to the required state for accurate measurement and provides a controlled environment for sampling and analysis, isolating the measurement device from the variability of the main pipeline flow.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fluid velocity is increased to maintain homogeneity, then fluid mixing improves, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement process from the main pipeline flow by using a recirculation loop that withdraws a portion of the fluid, conditions it separately, and returns it. This allows high-velocity mixing and homogenization to occur in the recirculation line rather than in the main pipeline, minimizing the pressure drop impact on the overall system while still achieving the required fluid homogeneity for 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
The solution ensures consistent fluid velocity and homogeneity, leading to more accurate oil/water ratio measurements by increasing turbulence and mixing within the pipeline, reducing the effects of varying droplet sizes and water slugs, and maintaining a clean sensor surface.
Implementation Method 1
accelerates that flow with a pump
Implementation Method 2
reinjects the outflow from the pump through turbulence inducing outlets
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for generating an ongoing consistent velocity within a pipeline flow in order to achieve fluid homogeneity prior to oil water measurement. A recirculation flow loop withdraws flow from a first point in a pipeline, accelerates that flow with a pump, and reinjects the outflow from the pump through turbulence inducing outlets at a second point in the pipeline upstream of the first flow withdrawal point. The increased turbulence and mixing of the fluid flowing in the pipeline enhances the homogeneity of the oil/water suspension. The more homogeneous fluid recirculating in the flow loop passes through a measurement probe of an oil/water detector, thus increasing the accuracy of the oil/water measurement of the fluid.