Compact Steam Quality Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam quality measurement systems in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) face inaccuracies due to unpredictable two-phase flow regimes in steam-distributing networks, leading to ineffective corrective mechanical devices and inaccurate phase measurements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase steam quality and flow rate measurement system incorporating a steam quality sensor assembly with a conditioning orifice plate and phase mixing nozzle, which eliminates the need for upstream piping and flow straightening devices, allowing for compact, low-maintenance, and accurate determination of steam quality and flow rate through pressure and temperature sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow straighteners or internal pipe baffling are used to correct upstream flow conditions, then measurement accuracy may be improved, but device complexity and upstream piping requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for upstream flow straighteners and extensive piping by integrating flow conditioning directly into the measurement device. The orifice plate with multiple holes and nozzle assembly are incorporated into a compact unit that performs both flow conditioning and measurement functions, removing the need for separate flow straightening components and long upstream piping runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: flow conditioning (through the orifice plate with multiple holes), flow measurement (through the nozzle assembly), and phase mixing all occur within one compact unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate flow straighteners and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If corrective mechanical devices are used to address flow regime effects, then measurement accuracy may be improved, but reliability decreases due to unpredictable two-phase flow regimes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the flow conditioning section by using an orifice plate with multiple holes of specific sizes and arrangements. This parameter optimization allows the device to handle a wider range of flow regimes reliably. The multiple holes create multiple flow paths that stabilize the flow regime regardless of upstream conditions, making the measurements more reliable under unpredictable two-phase flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The orifice plate with multiple holes acts as an intermediary element that conditions the flow between the upstream steam source and the downstream measurement nozzle. This intermediary structure transforms unpredictable two-phase flow into a more stable, measurable flow regime, serving as a buffer that ensures reliable measurements regardless of upstream flow conditions.
3Device complexity
If upstream piping lengths are reduced to eliminate flow straighteners, then device complexity decreases, but measurement accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs flow conditioning preliminary action within the compact device itself rather than requiring long upstream piping. The orifice plate with multiple holes is positioned immediately at the inlet of the measurement section, pre-conditioning the flow before it enters the measurement nozzle. This preliminary action ensures accurate measurements are achieved with minimal upstream piping by incorporating the flow conditioning function directly into the measurement device.
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 accurate steam quality and flow rate measurements by creating a zero slip flow regime, minimizing pressure drop, and accounting for flow regimes, thereby enhancing the efficiency of steam delivery to oil wells.
Implementation Method 1
phase mixing nozzle section
Implementation Method 2
creating a zero slip flow regime
Implementation Method 3
pressure and temperature sensors
Implementation Method 4
pressure and temperature sensors
Implementation Method 5
conditioning orifice plate section
Data Source
AI summary
A compact, pressure conserving, steam quality and flow rate measurement system is described. Embodiments of the system can include a steam quality measuring device having a converging/diverging nozzle and a conditioning orifice plate. The steam quality measuring device can be adapted to measure flow conditions of a two-phase steam to determine steam quality. The converging/diverging nozzle can be implemented to reduce pressure loss and control flow rate. The conditioning orifice plate can be implemented to reduce flow conditioning pipe lengths and eliminate secondary flow conditioning elements. By placing the two flow elements in series, data from the flow elements can allow for a simultaneous solution of flow equations yielding a measurement for steam quality.