Swirling Flow Multiphase Density Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiphase flow meters, such as the Schlumberger Vx™ system, are expensive and not suitable for 'brown' field sites, and they pose health and safety risks due to the use of gamma-ray sources, while also facing challenges in accurately measuring flow rates in gas-liquid fluid mixtures due to frictional pressure losses.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that measure the density of a gas-liquid fluid mixture by inducing swirling flow through a conduit, using a Venturi and differential pressure meters to calculate flow rates without gamma-ray sources, thereby avoiding frictional pressure loss errors and being more cost-effective for use in low hydrocarbon producers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional multiphase flow meters (e.g., Vx system) are used to measure flow rates, then measurement capability is provided, but cost is high and health and safety risks arise due to gamma-ray sources
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the gamma-ray sources from the measurement system, replacing them with conventional pressure measurement technology. The core measurement function is retained through alternative means (pressure difference measurements across a Venturi), removing the harmful radioactive components while maintaining flow rate measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex gamma-ray measurement systems with simpler, more affordable conventional pressure measurement devices. This substitution uses readily available, cost-effective technology to achieve the same measurement objective without the high costs and safety concerns of radioactive sources
2Measurement precision
If conventional multiphase flow meters are used, then flow measurement is achieved, but device cost is high making them unsuitable for brown field sites
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes expensive specialized flow measurement equipment with inexpensive conventional pressure gauges and differential pressure meters. This approach uses off-the-shelf components that are far more cost-effective, enabling deployment in brown field sites where budget constraints prevent acquisition of expensive proprietary systems
3Ease of manufacture
If pressure difference measurement is used to determine density, then cost is reduced, but frictional pressure loss errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention places pressure measurement taps at specific locations where frictional losses are minimized or can be accurately accounted for. By positioning measurements in the Venturi throat region and using vertically-spaced taps, the system captures pressure differences that primarily reflect density effects rather than frictional losses, maintaining measurement accuracy while using simple pressure sensors
4Measurement precision
If gamma-ray sources are used to determine hold-up, then flow rate calculation is enabled, but health and safety issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes gamma-ray sources from the system and replaces the hold-up measurement function with pressure difference measurements. By measuring pressure at vertically-spaced positions and using the relationship between pressure difference, density, and hold-up, the system achieves the same informational output without any radioactive materials
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 approach allows for accurate determination of flow rates in gas-liquid fluid mixtures, is cost-effective, and safer by eliminating the need for gamma-ray sources, making it suitable for use in 'brown' field sites and improving process control by determining fractional hold-up.
Implementation Method 1
The constriction region provides a swirling flow which tends to separate the liquid from the gas in the mixture
Implementation Method 2
measuring a pressure difference between two vertically-spaced measurement positions in the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for measuring densities and flow rates of gas-liquid fluid mixtures. In the systems and methods, the fluid mixture is caused to exhibit swirling flow as it flows through a conduit that includes a constriction, a first pressure difference is measured between two vertically-spaced measurement positions in the conduit, a second pressure difference is measured between two horizontally-spaced measurement positions in the conduit, the first horizontally-spaced measurement position being at the constriction region and the second horizontally-spaced measurement position being upstream or downstream of the constriction region, and one or more of the pressure differences is used to determine a density or a flow rate of the gas-liquid fluid mixture.