Thermal Wave Flow Rate Measurement in Downhole Fluid Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for determining fluid flow rates in downhole applications are inaccurate due to difficulties in measuring the actual operating speed of fluid circulation pumps and the impact of fluid viscosity, which can vary from intended operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves measuring heat propagation characteristics of the fluid both when it is stationary and when it is circulating, using a heat wave generator and sensor to determine the flow rate based on the frequency adjustments necessary to maintain a consistent wavelength between the generator and sensor locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pump speed measurement methods are used to determine fluid flow rates, then the measurement process is simple, but the accuracy of flow rate determination deteriorates due to difficulties in measuring actual operating speed and fluid viscosity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pump speed measurement methods with a thermal wave-based measurement system. Heat waves are generated in the fluid and their propagation characteristics are measured to determine flow rate, eliminating the need for direct mechanical speed sensing and compensating for viscosity variations through thermal properties measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures changes in thermal parameters (heat wave propagation speed, frequency, and wavelength) of the fluid to determine flow rate. By monitoring how thermal properties change with fluid motion, the system achieves accurate flow measurement that accounts for viscosity variations without relying on pump speed alone
2Reliability
If fluid viscosity variations are not accounted for, then the measurement process remains simple, but the reliability of flow rate determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thermal wave propagation measurements to indirectly account for viscosity effects. Instead of directly measuring viscosity and incorporating it into calculations, the system measures heat wave characteristics that naturally reflect the combined effects of fluid motion and viscosity, providing more reliable flow rate determination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heat waves as an intermediary medium to probe fluid properties. The heat waves interact with the flowing fluid, and their modified propagation characteristics serve as a mediator that carries information about both flow velocity and viscosity, allowing the system to account for viscosity variations without direct viscosity measurement
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 a more accurate determination of fluid flow rates by accounting for changes in heat wave propagation with fluid circulation, providing real-time data on flow rates and properties like bubble point pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a generator controllable to form a heat wave in the fluid, wherein the generator is thermally coupled to the flowline at a first location
Implementation Method 2
a sensor to measure a first value representative of the heat wave, wherein the sensor is thermally coupled to the flowline at a second location
Implementation Method 3
a phase detector to determine a second value representative of a wavelength of the heat wave at the second location based on the first value
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and apparatus to measure fluid flow rates are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a circulator to selectively circulate a fluid in a flowline, a generator thermally coupled to the flowline at a first location and controllable to form a heat wave in the fluid, a sensor thermally coupled to the flowline at a second location to measure a first value representative of the heat wave, a phase detector to determine a second value representative of a wavelength of the heat wave based on the first value, a frequency adjuster to control the generator to form the heat wave in the fluid at a first frequency, the first frequency selected so that the second value is substantially equal to a distance between the first and second locations, and a flow rate determiner to determine a flow rate of the fluid based on the first frequency.