Tomographic Multiphase Flow Meter with Swirl-Free Annular Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiphase flow meters fail to provide accurate measurements of oil, water, and gas flow rates in harsh industrial environments due to issues like annular gas concentration, flow regime dependency, and intrusive measurement methods, leading to significant measurement errors and operational challenges in the petroleum industry.
Innovation Solution
A method that conditions the multiphase flow to create a swirl-free symmetrical annular gas concentration flow regime, allowing for simplified tomographic measurements using a compact structure with non-intrusive sensors, which determine the density and dielectric constant distribution to calculate flow rates and fractions accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional intrusive measurement methods are used, then measurement accuracy may be improved, but the device complexity and reliability worsen due to sand damage and harsh environment exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces intrusive mechanical measurement devices with non-intrusive electromagnetic measurement methods. The system uses electromagnetic signals to measure multiphase flow characteristics without physical contact with the flowing mixture, eliminating mechanical wear from sand particles while maintaining measurement accuracy through dielectric constant and density measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to measure flow parameters. By using electromagnetic signals that pass through the pipe wall and interact with the multiphase mixture, the system obtains measurement data without direct mechanical contact, thereby protecting sensors from sand damage and harsh environmental conditions.
2Area of stationary object
If tomographic measurements are performed in annular gas concentration flow regimes, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision worsens due to flow regime dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by measuring both dielectric constant and density simultaneously, and by measuring at multiple frequencies. This multi-parameter approach allows the system to compensate for flow regime variations and annular gas concentration effects, maintaining measurement precision across different flow conditions while covering the entire pipe cross-section.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs measurements at multiple frequencies beyond the minimum single frequency requirement. By measuring dielectric constant and density at several frequencies, the system obtains excess measurement data that can be processed to eliminate flow regime dependency and improve precision in annular gas concentration conditions.
3Device complexity
If simplified tomographic measurements are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision worsens due to flow regime dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that simultaneously measures dielectric constant and density using the same sensor assembly. This multi-functional approach allows simplified device structure while maintaining measurement precision across all flow regimes, as the system adapts to different flow conditions through combined parameter measurement rather than requiring complex flow regime-specific configurations.
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 enables accurate measurement of flow rates and fractions over a wide range of flow regimes with minimal pressure drop and reduced measurement errors, facilitating continuous monitoring and optimization of oil and gas production.
Implementation Method 1
the density distribution and/or dielectric constant distribution in said symmetrical flow within a cross-section of the pipe is determined
Implementation Method 2
the density distribution and/or dielectric constant distribution in said symmetrical flow within a cross-section of the pipe is determined
Implementation Method 3
the multi-component mixture flow is conditioned to create a swirl free symmetrical annular gas concentration flow condition
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the flow rates of a fluid comprising a multi-component mixture of a gas and at least one liquid in a pipe, the method comprising the following steps: a) the multi-component mixture flow is conditioned to create a symmetrical annular gas concentration flow condition, b) the density distribution and/or dielectric constant distribution in said symmetrical flow within a cross-section of the pipe is determined, c) a function describing the radial distribution of density and/or radial distribution of dielectric constant is determined, d) the velocity of the multi-component mixture is determined, e) the temperature and pressure are obtained, and, f) based on the knowledge of densities and/or dielectric constants of the components of the fluid mixture, and the result from the above steps a-e, the volume and/or mass flow rates of the gas and liquid components of the fluid mixture are calculated. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.