Waveguide Fluid Composition Measurement for High Water-Cut Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the composition of two- or three-phase fluids from oil or gas wells, particularly water-cut, face inaccuracies at higher water-cut values due to electromagnetic energy absorption in water and saline water, especially in water-continuous fluid flows.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using a waveguide member with a groove to guide electromagnetic fields through a fluid conduit, allowing for accurate measurement of electromagnetic loss to determine fluid composition, including water proportion, while withstanding high pressures and temperatures, and incorporating sensors for temperature and salinity to refine calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If resonant electromagnetic measurements are used to determine water-cut, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates at higher water-cut values (50%-100%) due to electromagnetic energy absorption in water and saline water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary waveguide structure that guides electromagnetic waves through the fluid stream. The waveguide acts as a mediator between the electromagnetic field and the fluid, allowing measurement without direct exposure of sensors to the harsh fluid environment while maintaining measurement capability across all water-cut ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or direct-contact measurement systems with an electromagnetic waveguide-based system. This substitution allows non-intrusive measurement of water-cut by detecting changes in electromagnetic wave propagation characteristics through the fluid.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed directly in the fluid flow path to measure composition, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device reliability deteriorates due to exposure to high pressure and temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into distinct functional zones: the waveguide portion exposed to the fluid flow path and the sensor portion protected from direct fluid exposure. This segmentation allows the sensing elements to remain in a protected environment while still measuring fluid composition through electromagnetic interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide serves as an intermediary structure that transmits electromagnetic waves through the fluid without requiring sensors to be directly exposed to the harsh fluid environment. This mediator protects the sensing system while enabling accurate composition measurement.
3Measurement precision
If a waveguide member is introduced to guide electromagnetic fields through the fluid, then measurement precision is improved across all water-cut values, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: guiding electromagnetic waves through the fluid, protecting sensors from harsh conditions, and enabling measurement across all water-cut ranges. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes waveguide parameters such as geometry, material properties, and electromagnetic characteristics to achieve effective measurement while minimizing structural complexity. By adjusting these parameters, the waveguide can be adapted to different measurement requirements without fundamentally changing the system architecture.
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 apparatus provides accurate water-cut measurements across a wide range of water-cut values and environmental conditions, enhancing the precision of fluid composition analysis in oil and gas well applications.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive waveguide member which is electrically insulated from, but electromagnetically coupled to, the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna for guiding an electromagnetic field from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna along a generally helical waveguide path defined by the waveguide member
Implementation Method 2
the guided electromagnetic field loses energy as it is guided along the waveguide path as a consequence of leakage of electromagnetic energy from the guided electromagnetic field through the opening and/or absorption of electromagnetic energy in the fluid in the fluid flow path
Implementation Method 3
a monopole transmitting antenna and a monopole receiving antenna... An input electrical signal is provided to the transmitting antenna and an output electrical signal measured at the receiving antenna
Implementation Method 4
an output electrical signal measured at the receiving antenna... An electromagnetic loss is determined from the input electrical signal and the output electrical signal
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(f)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
An apparatus (2) for measuring a composition of a fluid, comprises a fluid conduit (4) having a wall (6) which defines a fluid flow path (8), a transmitting antenna (10), a receiving antenna (12), and an electrically conductive waveguide member (20) comprising an groove (30) that defines a waveguide path (22) for guiding an electromagnetic field from the transmitting antenna (10) to the receiving antenna (12). The electrically conductive waveguide member (20) is separated from the fluid flow path (8) by an electrically insulating inner region (24) of the wall (6). The opening (32) of the groove (30) is disposed towards the fluid flow path (8) to permit a portion of the electromagnetic field to extend into the fluid flow path (8). The apparatus may be used for measuring a composition of a fluid, in particular for measuring the proportion of water in the liquid content of a two- or three-phase fluid produced from an oil or gas well.