Stratified Two-Phase Flow Measurement Using Multi-Sector Velocity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to accurately and non-invasively measure the flow rates of liquid and gas components in stratified fluid flows within horizontally extending pipes, which is crucial for industrial processes like oil and gas processing.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using a combination of top and bottom flow meters and a density meter to determine fluid velocity and density values, respectively, with a processor calculating the flow rates of liquid and gas components, allowing for non-invasive measurement without disrupting the pipe flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If non-invasive measurement methods are used to measure flow rates in stratified flows, then process downtime is avoided and existing pipes can be used, but accurate determination of component flow rates becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent measurement locations around the pipe circumference (at least three locations spaced 120 degrees apart). Each location provides velocity data for its specific sector, and these segmented measurements are combined through computational processing to derive accurate component flow rates for the entire stratified flow, resolving the contradiction between non-invasive measurement and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point velocity measurement to multi-dimensional velocity field measurement by placing sensors at multiple circumferential locations around the pipe. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture the spatial variation of velocity across different pipe sectors, enabling accurate determination of component flow rates in stratified conditions while maintaining non-invasive measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If invasive measurement methods are used to obtain accurate flow rate data, then measurement precision improves, but process disruption and pipe alteration are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces invasive mechanical measurement systems (requiring pipe cutting and internal sensor installation) with non-invasive external sensors mounted on the pipe outer surface. These external sensors detect velocity through the pipe wall without mechanical contact with the flow, eliminating installation complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy through advanced signal processing and multi-location measurement techniques.
3Device complexity
If single-point velocity measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but accurate component flow rate determination in stratified flow becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent measurement locations around the pipe circumference (at least three locations spaced 120 degrees apart). Each location provides velocity data for its specific sector, and these segmented measurements are combined through computational processing to derive accurate component flow rates for the entire stratified flow, resolving the contradiction between non-invasive measurement and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-location sensor array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures velocity at each location for local flow characterization, provides spatial distribution data for stratification detection, and enables calculation of component flow rates through computational integration. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by delivering comprehensive flow measurement capabilities that single-point systems cannot achieve.
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
This method enables accurate determination of component flow rates in stratified fluid flows, applicable to both new and existing piping systems, providing valuable data for process management without requiring pipe alterations or downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The top and bottom flow meters are each operable to measure a velocity of the fluid flow local to the respective meter and produce a fluid velocity value
Implementation Method 2
The density meter is operable to measure a density of the fluid flow within the pipe section and create a measured fluid density value
Implementation Method 3
The processor is operable to determine a flow rate value for at least one of a liquid component of the fluid flow and a gas component of the fluid flow within the pipe section using the fluid velocity values and measured fluid density value
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for measuring a flow rate of a component of a stratified two-phase fluid flow within a substantially horizontally extending pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) determining a first fluid velocity value and a second fluid velocity value within the pipe section; b) determining a density of the fluid flow within the pipe section, and creating a measured fluid density value; c) determining a degree of fluid phase stratification of the fluid flow using at least one of the top and bottom fluid flow velocity values, and the measured fluid density value; and d) determining a flow rate value for at least one of a liquid component of the fluid flow and a gas component of the fluid flow within the pipe section.