Tuning Fork Flow Meter for Multiphase Fluid Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow meters in well systems face challenges in accurately measuring the characteristics of multiphase fluids, particularly in determining fluid density, especially in turbulent and complex fluid flows, where existing methods may not provide reliable and stable measurements over time.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter system that includes a cylindrical tubing with a flow mixer to create turbulent fluid flow and a passive or active tuning fork positioned downstream, which vibrates based on fluid density, coupled with a controller to determine fluid characteristics, such as density, using the vibration frequency of the tuning fork.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a venturi meter coupled with a nuclear source and detector is used to measure fluid density, then density measurement capability is provided, but the device complexity increases and the system becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the density measurement function from the complex nuclear meter system and implements it using a simple tuning fork resonator that directly measures density through its natural frequency of vibration in the fluid, eliminating the need for nuclear sources and complex mathematical algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from complex nuclear interactions requiring multiple sensors and algorithms to the simple physical parameter of resonant frequency, which directly correlates with fluid density and can be measured with a single sensor
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and math algorithms are used to interpret complex fluid flows, then fluid characteristics can be determined, but the reliability of measurements deteriorates in turbulent and complex fluid flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mechanical vibration of a tuning fork resonator that naturally adapts to the surrounding fluid medium. The resonant frequency directly reflects the fluid's density and viscosity properties, providing reliable measurements in turbulent flows without requiring complex interpretation algorithms
3Measurement precision
If existing flow meter methods are used to measure multiphase fluid density, then some measurement capability is provided, but the stability of measurements deteriorates over time in complex fluid flows
Solution Approach 1:
The tuning fork resonator is self-regulating and automatically adapts to changing fluid conditions. Its natural resonant frequency continuously tracks the fluid's density and viscosity properties, providing inherently stable measurements over time without requiring external calibration or complex signal processing
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 solution provides accurate and stable measurements of multiphase fluid density and other characteristics, ensuring long-term operation and reliable data collection, even in complex fluid flows, by leveraging the vibration frequency of the tuning fork to calculate fluid properties.
Implementation Method 1
a tuning fork disposed in the cylindrical tubing separate from the flow mixer, the tuning fork configured to contact the turbulent fluid flow of the multiphase fluid and vibrate at a vibration frequency in response to contact with the turbulent fluid flow
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A flow meter (200) includes a cylindrical tubing (208) configured to be positioned in a wellbore, the cylindrical tubing including a flow mixer (210) configured to produce a turbulent fluid flow of a multiphase fluid in the wellbore. The flow meter includes a tuning fork (216) disposed in the cylindrical tubing separate from the flow mixer, the tuning fork configured to contact the turbulent fluid flow of the multiphase fluid and vibrate at a vibration frequency in response to contact with the turbulent fluid flow, and a controller (230) to determine a fluid density measurement of the multiphase fluid based at least in part on the vibration frequency of the tuning fork.