Spectral Analysis with Spectrum Deconvolution for Multiphase Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring flow rates of multiphase fluids, such as those containing water, oil, and gas, are complex due to the need for separation or require bulky equipment, and there is a need for more efficient and economic solutions to determine fluid characteristics like phase fractions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that transmit electromagnetic radiation through the fluid, measure its energy spectrum, and use a physical model to infer incident count rates and calculate phase fractions by deconvolving the energy spectrum, allowing for accurate determination of fluid characteristics without separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional separator systems are used to determine flow rates of multiphase fluids, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical separator system with an electromagnetic radiation-based measurement system. Instead of physically separating phases to measure flow rates, the invention uses electromagnetic radiation transmission and energy spectrum analysis to directly determine phase fractions and flow rates, eliminating the need for complex mechanical separation equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention measures different parameters (energy spectrum characteristics of transmitted electromagnetic radiation) to determine phase fractions. By analyzing how different phases attenuate electromagnetic radiation at various energy levels, the system can calculate phase compositions without physical separation, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and device complexity
2Volume of moving object
If multiphase flow meters are used to measure flow rates without separation, then device size is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring a single parameter (total flow rate) to measuring multiple parameters simultaneously (energy spectrum at different levels, attenuation coefficients for different phases). This multi-dimensional measurement approach enables accurate phase fraction determination in a compact device, resolving the contradiction between size reduction and precision maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses electromagnetic radiation at multiple energy levels to create a multi-parameter measurement system. By analyzing attenuation characteristics across different energy spectra, the compact flow meter achieves precise phase fraction measurements without requiring physical separation, overcoming the precision limitation of single-parameter measurements
3Measurement precision
If energy spectrum deconvolution is performed to determine phase fractions, then measurement precision is improved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing attenuation coefficient matrices for different phases and energy levels. This pre-processing allows the actual phase fraction calculation to be performed through simpler matrix operations rather than complex iterative deconvolution, reducing real-time computational complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
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 measurement of fluid characteristics, including phase fractions, with improved efficiency and reduced equipment size, making it suitable for real-time monitoring in applications like oilfield operations.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting electromagnetic radiation through a fluid and receiving a portion of the electromagnetic radiation at a detector
Implementation Method 2
a scintillation crystal in response to receipt of the received electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
a photomultiplier tube to receive the light and convert the light into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for inferring incident count rates of electromagnetic energy at a detector is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes transmitting electromagnetic radiation through a fluid and receiving a portion of the electromagnetic radiation at a detector. The method also includes measuring the energy spectrum of the portion of the electromagnetic radiation received by the detector and using the measured energy spectrum and a physical model of detector response to electromagnetic radiation to infer incident count rates for discrete energy levels of the portion of the electromagnetic radiation received by the detector. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.