Wellbore Outflow Metering Using Coriolis Bypass and Density Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling technologies face challenges in accurately measuring volumetric flowrates from wellbores due to the limitations of current instrumentation, which are prone to false alarms, clogging, and require frequent maintenance, especially when dealing with drilling fluids and entrained particles.
Innovation Solution
A flowmeter apparatus utilizing a rotating wheel and densitometer system that measures mass flowrate and density, with a cleaning system and impact sensors to determine volumetric flowrate, capable of handling drilling fluids with minimal maintenance and providing reliable data by filtering out large particles and venting gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow paddle is used for direct flow measurement, then a gross indication of flowrate can be obtained, but the instrument is incapable of giving readings below a certain flowrate level and is prone to getting stuck due to particle accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical flow paddle system with a Coriolis flowmeter that uses vibrational mechanics to measure mass flowrate. The Coriolis flowmeter employs a vibrating tube where fluid flow induces Coriolis forces, allowing measurement without mechanical moving parts that can get stuck, thereby eliminating the reliability issues while maintaining measurement capability across all flowrate levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bypass line with a diverting valve as an intermediary system. This bypass allows a portion of the drilling fluid to be redirected through the Coriolis flowmeter for accurate measurement, while the main flow continues through the existing system. This intermediary approach enables precise measurement without disrupting the primary flow path and avoids particle accumulation issues in the measurement device.
2Measurement precision
If a vibrating-tube Coriolis flowmeter is used for direct flow measurement, then mass flowrate and density can be measured with high precision, but the instrument requires regular cleaning to remove cuttings and mud residuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a bypass line with a diverting valve as an intermediary to redirect only a portion of the flow through the Coriolis flowmeter. This reduces the amount of cuttings and particulates entering the sensitive measurement tube, thereby minimizing the frequency and complexity of cleaning operations while preserving the high measurement precision of the Coriolis effect-based sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by filtering the diverted flow before it enters the Coriolis flowmeter. A filter is installed in the bypass line to remove large cuttings and particulates from the sample stream, allowing the Coriolis flowmeter to operate with reduced contamination while still measuring the characteristics of the overall drilling fluid flow accurately.
3Measurement precision
If indirect measurement based on pit volume variation is used, then volumetric flowrate can be determined, but pit volume is influenced by other activities rendering interpretation complicated and prone to false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the indirect pit volume measurement system with a direct Coriolis flowmeter measurement system. This substitution eliminates the need to interpret pit volume variations and distinguish them from other rig activities. The Coriolis flowmeter provides direct, unambiguous mass flowrate measurements that are not confounded by mud pump rate changes, connections, or other operational variations, thereby simplifying the measurement system and eliminating false alarms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bypass line with a diverting valve as an intermediary that taps into the main flow line to direct a sample through the Coriolis flowmeter. This intermediary measurement path provides independent, direct flow measurement that is not influenced by the complexities of pit volume changes, allowing accurate volumetric flowrate determination through the relationship between mass flowrate and density measurements.
4Reliability
If standard instrumentation is used for mass balance analysis, then fluid gains or losses can be detected, but the instrumentation is far from ideal to perform detection with acceptable accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces standard instrumentation (flow paddles, pit volume gauges) with a Coriolis flowmeter that measures mass flowrate directly. This substitution provides superior measurement precision because the Coriolis effect directly quantifies mass flow without being influenced by fluid composition changes, temperature variations, or other factors that degrade standard instrument accuracy. The simultaneous density measurement capability further enhances the precision of volumetric flowrate calculations for mass balance analysis.
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
Provides accurate and reliable measurements of volumetric flowrate with reduced maintenance needs, enabling effective detection of fluid gains or losses during drilling operations, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The well-known principle of a vibrating-tube densitometer is that the natural resonance frequency of a tube changes when its mass varies. Thus, when a tube is filled with a substance of a certain density, the internal volume of the tube being known, it is possible to extract the additional mass that is contained in the tube by recording the change of the resonance frequency of the tube. If in addition, the tube has an entry bent in one direction and an exit bent in the opposite direction, the circulation of fluid inside the vibrating tube causes forces on each of those two bends because of the Coriolis effect. As these forces are in opposite directions, they generate a torque on the vibrating tube which has a phase shift between the two sides of the vibrating tube. This phase shift is directly related to the mass flowrate.
Implementation Method 2
The well-known principle of a vibrating-tube densitometer is that the natural resonance frequency of a tube changes when its mass varies. Thus, when a tube is filled with a substance of a certain density, the internal volume of the tube being known, it is possible to extract the additional mass that is contained in the tube by recording the change of the resonance frequency of the tube.
Implementation Method 3
The invention also includes one or more impact sensors, arranged to detect solid particle impacts on a wall structure of the mass flowmeter apparatus container. Based on the detected particle impacts, the number of solid particles in the flow and the mass of the solid particles and/or their distribution in the flow, per unit of time, are determined.
Data Source
AI summary
A flowmeter apparatus is for determining a volumetric flowrate for a well flow out from a wellbore, by means of a mass flowmeter, which is configured for receiving well flow and for measuring a mass flow rate of the well flow. At least one mass density measuring apparatus, is fluidly connected to the mass flowmeter upstream of a first inlet or downstream of a first outlet, or both. The mass flow rate of the well flow can be measured using a measuring wheel rotatably arranged below a funnel second section arranged to receive at least a portion of the well flow. A system for determining a volumetric flowrate for a well flow out from a wellbore includes the flowmeter apparatus arranged on a platform, rig, vessel, or other topside location, and connected between a riser and downstream processing equipment.