Vortex Fluid Sensing for Precise Density Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid flow control systems in production wells face challenges in accurately determining relative fluid concentrations, particularly in hydrocarbon and water mixtures, which affects flow control settings and configurations, as existing methods like viscosity measurements and electromagnetic radiation techniques have limitations in precision and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The system employs dynamic pressure detectors and vortex chambers with multiple pressure sensors to detect pressure gradients, normalizing fluid velocities and determining bulk fluid density, which is then used to calculate relative fluid concentrations, allowing for precise adjustment of flow control settings through a network of flow control assemblies and processing nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If viscosity measurements and vibration resonance techniques are used to determine fluid densities, then fluid component concentrations can be determined, but measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional viscosity measurements and vibration resonance techniques with a vortex flow-based mechanical system. By using a vortex chamber that generates rotational fluid flow and measuring the vortex characteristics (such as vortex frequency or pressure differential), the system directly determines fluid density with higher precision. This mechanical substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with indirect viscosity-based methods.
2Measurement precision
If electromagnetic radiation techniques are used to identify fluid component signatures, then fluid concentrations can be determined, but measurement precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic and hydraulic principles by using vortex flow dynamics in a fluid system to determine density. The vortex chamber creates rotational flow patterns where the vortex characteristics are directly related to fluid density. This approach uses fluid mechanics rather than complex electromagnetic radiation detection systems, achieving high measurement precision while significantly reducing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors are deployed in vortex chambers to detect pressure gradients, then bulk fluid density can be accurately determined, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vortex chamber into multiple measurement zones with pressure sensors positioned at different locations (e.g., inner and outer radial positions). Each sensor measures pressure gradients in its specific zone, and the combined data provides accurate bulk fluid density determination. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement accuracy while managing device complexity through modular sensor placement rather than requiring a single complex sensor.
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 determination of fluid component concentrations, allowing for real-time adjustments to flow control settings, improving the management of contaminants like water in production wells and enhancing the overall efficiency of fluid production by ensuring precise control of fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
a vortex chamber configured to rotationally direct fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
detect pressure gradients at the inputs, outputs, and within vortex flow devices
Data Source
AI summary
Components and systems are disclosed for determining fluid component concentrations. In some embodiments, a vortex chamber is configured to rotationally direct fluid flow. A first pressure sensor is disposed on an inner radial position within the vortex chamber. A second pressure sensor is disposed on an outer radial position within the vortex chamber. A fluid property detector is configured to determine a fluid property based, at least in part, on pressure values detected by the first and second pressure sensors.