Non-intrusive Ultrasonic Oil-Water Interface Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in accurately measuring the oil-water interface in separator vessels, particularly due to the close relative density of oil and water and the presence of emulsion layers, which can lead to unsuitable natural gas and oil production and environmental risks.
Innovation Solution
A non-intrusive ultrasonic system is employed, where multiple emitting and receiving transducers are placed on opposite external walls of the separator vessel. This system processes acoustic signals to generate profiles that detect phase changes and characteristics within the vessel, minimizing issues related to multiple reflections and temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If meters are installed inside the separator vessel, then measurement accuracy and response time are improved, but system complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ultrasonic waves as an intermediary to transmit measurement information through the vessel wall without direct contact with the fluid. The ultrasonic transducers mounted on the external wall send waves through the wall and fluid to detect the oil-water interface, eliminating the need for intrusive meters while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/intrusive measurement devices (meters, floats, pressure transducers) with a non-contact ultrasonic acoustic field system. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear, corrosion issues, and direct fluid contact problems while providing continuous measurement
2Device complexity
If non-intrusive ultrasonic measurement is used, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to multiple reflections and temperature sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement problem by using multiple ultrasonic transducers at different positions and orientations on the vessel wall. By distributing multiple measurement points and processing their combined signals, the system overcomes individual transducer limitations caused by reflections and temperature variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements signal processing that analyzes reflected ultrasonic waves to identify the oil-water interface position. The system uses feedback from the received signals to adjust and refine the measurement, distinguishing the interface reflection from other reflections off the vessel wall and fluid surfaces
3Ease of repair
If stand pipe meters are used outside the vessel, then maintenance ease is improved, but measurement accuracy and response time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel wall itself serves as the intermediary medium, allowing ultrasonic waves to pass through it to reach the fluid inside. This eliminates the need for stand pipes that extend into the vessel, providing both easy external access for maintenance and accurate internal measurement through the wall transmission
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
The system effectively monitors fluid phases in separator vessels, providing accurate measurements of the oil-water interface without the need for intrusive methods. It enhances operational control, reduces production risks, and prevents environmental accidents by offering robust and reliable data even under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A non-intrusive ultrasonic system is employed, where multiple emitting and receiving transducers are placed on opposite external walls of the separator vessel. This system processes acoustic signals to generate profiles that detect phase changes and characteristics within the vessel
Implementation Method 2
This system processes acoustic signals to generate profiles that detect phase changes and characteristics within the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring fluids in separator vessels is disclosed, comprising a processing unit (1) comprising a signal processor (5) and a display unit (6), and a plurality of pairs of ultrasonic transducers (2) in communication with the signal processor (5). Ultrasonic signals are generated for each pair of transducers, and only the highest intensity captured for each pair is considered. This avoids problems such as multiple reflections on the walls or temperature variations. A graphical representation using the considered signals is provided to aid in the visualization and interpretation of the results.Thus, an accurate representation of the fluid phases inside the separation vessel is obtained.