Sloped Electrode Tomography for Mixed-Phase Flow Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow monitoring systems for mixed-phase samples, particularly two and three-phase flows, face challenges in accuracy and resolution due to electrode surface buildup, which degrades performance, especially in oil-water flows where oil droplets accumulate, increasing impedance and reducing measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A flow monitoring system utilizing dual-plane Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) and Electromagnetic Flow Meter (EMF) with innovative electrode designs that slope inwardly to prevent deposit accumulation, combined with conductivity and density measurements, to calculate phase fractions and flow rates accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flat electrode surfaces are used in tomography apparatus, then manufacturing is simple, but material buildup on electrode surfaces degrades measurement accuracy and resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode contact surfaces are designed with curved or domed profiles instead of flat surfaces. This curvature prevents material buildup by allowing flow to pass over the surface, reducing stagnation zones where deposits form. The curved geometry maintains electrical contact while enabling self-cleaning action from the flowing sample, thereby preserving measurement accuracy without requiring complex active cleaning mechanisms.
2Reliability
If electrode surfaces are made sloped or curved to prevent buildup, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but electrode manufacturing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode geometry is modified by changing the surface profile parameter from flat to curved/sloped. This parameter change creates a self-cleaning effect where the flow dynamics naturally prevent material accumulation. The design leverages the existing flow field to achieve cleaning action, avoiding the need for additional active components such as heating elements, vibrators, or mechanical scrapers, thus maintaining reliability while limiting complexity increase.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are performed with different electrode pairs, then tomogram resolution is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs multiple measurements using different electrode pairs in a periodic or sequential manner. By cycling through different electrode combinations, the system builds up sufficient data to reconstruct high-resolution tomograms. The periodic measurement approach allows for comprehensive data collection while managing the time required, as measurements are taken in sequences rather than simultaneously, balancing resolution requirements with measurement speed.
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 system provides more accurate and reliable measurements of phase flow rates and distributions in mixed-phase flows by preventing electrode buildup and using multi-modal data fusion for improved data processing, enhancing the resolution and frequency of tomogram generation.
Implementation Method 1
employing arrays of electrodes distributed around the conduit in a wall... using one pair of electrodes to drive a current through the flowing sample, and another pair of electrodes to measure a resultant voltage developed
Implementation Method 2
the flow meter is an electromagnetic flow meter
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A flow monitoring system is described for monitoring flow of a mixed-phase sample comprising at least a first phase and a second phase having different electrical conductivities, the second phase being a liquid or a gas and substantially electrically non- conductive and the first phase being a liquid and having a conductivity higher than the second phase. The system comprises: a conduit through which the mixed-phase sample can be arranged to flow; tomography apparatus arranged to generate tomography data indicative of at least a first conductivity profile of at least a portion of a first cross section of the mixed phase sample when flowing through the conduit; a flow meter arranged to detect flow of the first phase though the conduit and provide a flow signal indicative of a flow velocity of the first phase; and processing means adapted to calculate, from said data, a fraction of said first cross section occupied by the first phase, and calculate, from said fraction and said flow signal, a volumetric flow rate of the first phase through the conduit.