Ultrasonic Tomography Vortex Shedding Multiphase Flow Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for imaging three-phase multiphase flow in conduits, such as those in hydrocarbon production, are inadequate as they fail to provide a satisfactory picture of the cross-sectional composition of oil, water, and gas simultaneously due to differences in fluid properties, with existing techniques either being unsuitable for all three phases or providing incomplete data.
Innovation Solution
A system combining ultrasonic tomography and vortex shedding, featuring a bluff body and an orifice plate to generate a vortex street, and an array of ultrasonic transceivers to measure flow velocity and form tomographic images of multiphase flow, allowing for in-situ measurement of fluid properties and composition within conduits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional two-phase tomographic imaging methods are used, then imaging of two phases is achieved, but imaging of three phases simultaneously is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the three-phase flow measurement problem into separate measurement components: ultrasonic transceivers measure one phase component while gamma ray transceivers measure another phase component. This segmentation allows each measurement system to be optimized for its specific phase detection task, enabling comprehensive three-phase imaging that overcomes the limitation of traditional two-phase methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional measurement system where the flow meter simultaneously performs multiple measurement functions: ultrasonic transceivers detect liquid phase distribution, gamma ray transceivers detect gas phase distribution, and vortex shedding sensors measure overall flow velocity. This multi-functionality enables the system to image all three phases (oil, water, gas) simultaneously with accurate composition data
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic transceivers are used for tomographic imaging, then flow velocity measurement is improved, but gas presence interferes with the ultrasonic signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces gamma ray transceivers as an intermediary measurement system that is not affected by gas presence. While ultrasonic transceivers measure liquid phase velocity, gamma ray transceivers simultaneously measure gas phase distribution and contribute to overall flow characterization, allowing the system to compensate for gas interference in the ultrasonic measurements and maintain accurate flow velocity measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from purely ultrasonic-based velocity measurement to a combined approach where gamma ray attenuation measurements provide complementary information about gas content and distribution. This parameter change allows the system to distinguish between signal attenuation caused by gas and signal attenuation caused by liquid, thereby maintaining accurate flow velocity measurement even in gas-containing flows
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
Enables accurate measurement of multiphase flow velocity and composition, providing detailed tomographic images of oil, water, and gas fractions in conduits, improving the accuracy of multiphase metering without the need for calibration.
Implementation Method 1
a bluff body in the conduit forming a vortex street in the fluid in the conduit
Implementation Method 2
an orifice plate in the conduit amplifying the vortex street and lowering the frequency of the vortex street formed by the bluff body
Implementation Method 3
an array of a plurality of ultrasonic transceivers mounted about the periphery of the conduit transmitting and receiving energy for travel through the fluid in the conduit
Implementation Method 4
a sensor forming measures of the velocity of the fluid flow in the conduit downstream of the orifice plate
Data Source
AI summary
Ultrasound tomography arrays and vortex shedding devices are provided which measure average flow velocity through Doppler shift of the fluid as well as cross sectional multiphase fluid composition in pipe or tubing conduits. Multiple tomographic arrays in conjunction with correlation of sensed flow patterns in time provided determination of flow velocity as well as cross sectional multiphase fluid composition. The tomographic arrays may be arranged in a skewed or slanted plane to measure velocity fluctuations downstream of a vortex shedding device where the period and amplitude of the fluctuations is correlated with the mass flow of the fluid. Additionally, the tomographic arrays provide the relative composition of the multiphase fluid. The multiple arrays together with correlation to determine velocity fluctuations downstream of a vortex shedding device where the period and amplitude of the fluctuations is correlated with the mass flow of the fluid. Additionally the tomographic arrays output the relative composition of the multiphase fluid.