U.S. patent application number 15/438905 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-08 for revolving ultrasound field multiphase flowmeter.
The applicant listed for this patent is Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Edmond Richer. Invention is credited to Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Edmond Richer.
Application Number | 20170160117 15/438905 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57320603 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170160117 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hurmuzlu; Yildirim ; et
al. |
June 8, 2017 |
REVOLVING ULTRASOUND FIELD MULTIPHASE FLOWMETER
Abstract
The present invention includes a device and method for
determining the flow of one or more phases of a multiphase fluid
mixture comprising: a tube, a pipe, a main body or any combinations
thereof comprising an interior and an exterior, wherein the
interior receives a multiphase fluid mixture for the determination
of the fractions in the multiphase; a first ultrasound field
detector ring comprising: two or more pairs of transversal paired
dual frequency ultrasound transmitter/receivers are on the same
normal plane and are positioned in a transversal direction to a
flow of the multiphase fluid mixture on the exterior of the tube,
pipe, or main body, wherein the sampled volume covers a part of or
the whole cross-section of the flow volume; and a computer
connected to the ultrasound transmitter/receivers that determines
the one or more phases of a multiphase fluid mixture.
Inventors: |
Hurmuzlu; Yildirim;
(McKinney, TX) ; Richer; Edmond; (Richardson,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hurmuzlu; Yildirim
Richer; Edmond |
McKinney
Richardson |
TX
TX |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57320603 |
Appl. No.: |
15/438905 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14862753 |
Sep 23, 2015 |
9612145 |
|
|
15438905 |
|
|
|
|
62164940 |
May 21, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 29/036 20130101;
G01F 1/662 20130101; G01F 1/66 20130101; G01F 1/44 20130101; G01F
1/74 20130101; G01F 1/667 20130101; G01F 1/68 20130101; G01N
2291/02433 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01F 1/74 20060101
G01F001/74; G01F 1/66 20060101 G01F001/66; G01N 29/036 20060101
G01N029/036 |
Claims
1. A device for determining the flow of one or more phases of a
multiphase fluid mixture comprising: a tube, a pipe, a main body or
any combinations thereof comprising an interior and an exterior,
wherein the interior receives a multiphase fluid mixture for the
determination of the fractions in the multiphase; a first
ultrasound field detector ring comprising: two or more pairs of
transversal paired frequency ultrasound transmitter/receivers are
on the same plane and are positioned in a transversal direction to
a flow of the multiphase fluid mixture on the tube, pipe, or main
body, wherein the sampled volume covers a part of or the whole
cross-section of the flow volume; and a computer connected to the
ultrasound transmitter/receivers that determines the one or more
phases of a multiphase fluid mixture.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises at
least one of: one or more ultrasound field detector rings, each of
the one or more ultrasound field detectors positioned in a
transversal direction to a flow of the multiphase fluid mixture;
one or more ultrasound field detector rings adjacent to the first
ultrasound field detector ring are placed on one or more parallel
planes; or a pressure sensor to sense a fluid pressure of the
multiphase fluid mixture, a temperature sensor to sense a fluid
temperature of the multiphase fluid mixture, a flow meter for a
real-time determination of the multiphase fluid mixture, and a
computer to determine a gas fraction, a water fraction, and a
non-water fluid fraction of the multiphase fluid mixture, based on
the sensed fluid pressure, the sensed fluid temperature, and at
least one characteristic of the detected ultrasonic wave in the
multiphase fluid.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound
transmitter/receivers are in contact with the multiphase fluid.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound
transmitter/receivers are capable of at least one of: scanning at
the same time, scanning in series, scanning in parallel, scanning
in pulses, or scanning with one pair acting as a transmitter and
the second pair acting as a receiver.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein a Gas-Volumetric-Fraction (GVF)
is estimated using at least one of: a moving average of an
amplitude of all signal(s) received by the ultrasound
transmitter/receivers in a scan configuration after ultrasound
propagation through the multiphase fluid mixture; or a GVF is
estimated using at least one characteristic of one or more of a
signal(s) received for a scan configuration after propagation
through the mixture at the ultrasound transmitter/receivers.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound
transmitter/receivers are capable of detecting at least one of: one
or more ultrasonic flashes that are transient in time and have at
least one of a larger amplitude or a different frequency spectra
from that transmitted; one or more ultrasonic flashes that are
transient in time and have at least one or a larger amplitude or
different frequency spectra from that transmitted, wherein the
ultrasound flashes are calculated using a Fourier transform of the
signal (spectral analysis); one or more ultrasonic flashes, wherein
the detection threshold for flashes can be constant or can be a
function of the moving average of the gas-volumetric-fraction of
the mixture and the total flow rate; or one or more ultrasonic
flashes, ultrasonic flashes can then be used to determine the
percentages of liquid phases in the mixture based on the arrival
time of the ultrasonic flashes.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound
transmitter/receivers are paired dual frequency (high and low) or
multi frequency ultrasound transmitters/receivers.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound
transmitter/receivers sample in the same direction and are
positioned at a known distance and are used to determine flow
velocity using signal cross-correlation.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is defined further as
comprising at least one of: a Venturi tube and the computer
calculates a total mass flow using the Venturi tube with real-time
correction for mixture density provided by the GVF and a water cut
measured by the meter; a positive displacement flowmeter and the
computer calculates a total mass flow using the positive
displacement flowmeter with real-time correction for mixture
density provided by the GVF and a water cut measured by the meter,
to measure the total mass flow.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the multiphase fluid mixture may
comprise a gas phase; two or more liquids, wherein at least one of
the liquid is a non-water liquid; or a gas and two liquids, wherein
at least one of the liquid is a non-water liquid.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the determination of the
fractions of the multiphase fluid mixture is based on a detection
of at least one characteristic of the detected ultrasonic wave in
the multiphase fluid mixture.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is capable of
measuring at least one of a high, medium, or a low gas volumetric
fraction (GVF) in the multiphase fluid mixture.
13. A method for determining the flow of one or more phases of a
multiphase fluid mixture comprising: positioning about a tube, a
pipe, a main body or any combinations thereof comprising an
interior and an exterior, a first ultrasound field detector ring
comprising: two or more pairs of transversal paired frequency
ultrasound transmitter/receivers that are on the same plane and are
positioned in a transversal direction to a flow of the multiphase
fluid mixture, wherein the sampled volume covers a part of or the
entire cross-section of the interior of the tube, pipe, main body
or any combinations thereof; wherein the transmitter/receivers are
connected to a computer connected to the ultrasound
transmitter/receivers; and calculating the one or more phases of a
multiphase fluid mixture by measuring the ultrasound signal.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the device further comprises
one or more ultrasound field detector rings, each of the one or
more ultrasound field detectors positioned in a transversal
direction to a flow of the multiphase fluid mixture.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the device further comprises at
least one of: one or more ultrasound field detector rings adjacent
to the first revolving ultrasound field detector ring are placed on
one or more parallel planes; or a pressure sensor to sense a fluid
pressure of the multiphase fluid mixture, a temperature sensor to
sense a fluid temperature of the multiphase fluid mixture, a flow
meter for a real-time determination of the multiphase fluid
mixture, and a computer to determine a gas fraction, a water
fraction, and a non-water fluid fraction of the multiphase fluid
mixture, based on the sensed fluid pressure, the sensed fluid
temperature, and at least one characteristic of the detected
ultrasonic wave in the multiphase fluid.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the ultrasound
transmitter/receivers are in contact with the multiphase fluid.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the ultrasound
transmitter/receivers are capable of at least one of: scanning at
the same time, scanning in series, scanning in parallel, scanning
in pulses, or scanning with one pair acting as a transmitter and
the second pair acting as a receiver.
18. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of
estimating a Gas-Volumetric-Fraction (GVF) using the moving average
of an amplitude of all signal(s) received by the ultrasound
transmitter/receivers in a scan configuration after ultrasound
propagation through the multiphase fluid mixture; or estimating a
GVF using at least one characteristic of one or more of a signal(s)
received for a scan configuration after propagation through the
mixture at the ultrasound transmitter/receivers.
19. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of
detecting at least one of: one or more ultrasonic flashes that are
transient in time and have at least one of a larger amplitude or
different frequency spectra from that transmitted; one or more
ultrasonic flashes that are transient in time and have at least one
of larger amplitude and different frequency spectra from that
transmitted, wherein the ultrasound flashes are calculated using a
Fourier transform of the signal (spectral analysis); one or more
ultrasonic flashes, wherein the detection threshold for flashes can
be constant or can be a function of the moving average of the
gas-volumetric-fraction of the mixture and the total flow rate; or
one or more ultrasonic flashes, ultrasonic flashes can then be used
to determine the percentages of the liquid phases in the mixture
based on the arrival time of the ultrasonic flashes.
20. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of pairing
dual frequency (high and low) ultrasound
transmitters/receivers.
21. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of
calculating total mass flow using a Venturi tube with real-time
correction for mixture density provided by the GVF and a water cut
measured by the meter; or calculating total mass flow using a
positive displacement flowmeter with real-time correction for
mixture density provided by the GVF and a water cut measured by the
meter.
22. The method of claim 13, wherein the multiphase fluid mixture
may comprise a gas phase; two or more liquids, wherein at least one
of the liquid is a non-water liquid; or a gas and two liquids,
wherein at least one of the liquid is a non-water liquid.
23. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of
determining the fractions of the multiphase fluid mixture is based
on a detection of at least one characteristic of the detected
ultrasonic wave in the multiphase fluid mixture.
24. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of
measuring a high medium or low gas volumetric fraction (GVF) in the
multiphase fluid mixture.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/862,753 filed on Sep. 23, 2015
entitled "Revolving Ultrasound Field Multiphase Flowmeter," which
is a non-provisional patent application of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 62/164,940 filed May 21, 2015, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates in general to the field of
flowmeters, and more particularly, to a revolving ultrasound field
multiphase flowmeter.
STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH
[0003] None.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background
is described in connection with ultrasound meters.
[0005] Multiphase meters have attracted the attention of the oil
production industry because of their accuracy and cost savings as
opposed to analyzing discrete samples of multiphase fluid to
determine fractions of oil, water, and gas. Development of accurate
and compact multiphase metering devices that can be installed at
well heads in remote onshore fields and unmanned offshore platforms
continues to be a technological challenge. Data acquired by such
devices may be used in reservoir management and production
allocation inasmuch as the particular volumetric fractions of oil,
water, and gas can be determined. Therefore this data is highly
valuable. However, conventional devices have had difficulty in
producing an accurate measurement of various properties of the
monitored multiphase while withstanding the harsh environments in
which such devices are typically installed.
[0006] Multiple array ultrasound devices that may acquire real-time
spatial data from volumetric specimens have been developed for
medical applications. Advanced data and signal processing systems
and display technologies have been developed for aerospace and the
defense industries. These technologies are unsuitable to quantify
phase fractions and flow rates of oil, gas, and water in a
multiphase flow stream in an oil pipeline. In particular, the field
conditions of the oil production environment are extremely harsh
because of high pressure and temperatures, and because of abrasive
particles such as sand. Furthermore, the presence of gas bubbles in
the flow streams as well as effects due to high temperature and
pressure in the pipeline require specialized models to obtain
accurate data collection and analysis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one embodiment, the present invention includes a device
for determining the flow of one or more phases of a multiphase
fluid mixture comprising: a tube, a pipe, a main body or any
combinations thereof comprising an interior and an exterior,
wherein the interior receives a multiphase fluid mixture for the
determination of the fractions in the multiphase; a first
ultrasound field detector ring comprising: two or more pairs of
transversal paired single or multiple frequency ultrasound
transmitter/receivers are on the same normal plane and are
positioned in a transversal direction to a flow of the multiphase
fluid mixture on the exterior of the tube, pipe, or main body,
wherein the sampled volume covers a part of or the whole
cross-section of the flow volume; and a computer connected to the
ultrasound transmitter/receivers that determines the one or more
phases of a multiphase fluid mixture. In one aspect, the device
further comprises one or more ultrasound field detector rings
adjacent to the first ultrasound field detector ring, each of the
one or more ultrasound field detectors positioned in a transversal
direction to a flow of the multiphase fluid mixture. In another
aspect, the device further comprises one or more ultrasound field
detector rings adjacent to the first ultrasound field detector ring
are placed on one or more parallel planes. In another aspect, the
device further comprises a pressure sensor to sense a fluid
pressure of the multiphase fluid mixture, a temperature sensor to
sense a fluid temperature of the multiphase fluid mixture, a total
mass flow meter for a real-time determination of the multiphase
fluid mixture, and a computer to determine a gas fraction, a water
fraction, and a non-water fluid fraction of the multiphase fluid
mixture, based on the sensed fluid pressure, the sensed fluid
temperature, and at least one characteristic of the detected
ultrasonic wave in the multiphase fluid. In another aspect, the
ultrasound transmitter/receivers are in contact with the multiphase
fluid. In another aspect, the ultrasound transmitter/receivers are
capable of at least one of: scanning at the same time, scanning in
series, scanning in parallel, scanning in pulses, or scanning with
one pair acting as a transmitter and the second pair acting as a
receiver.
[0008] In another aspect, a Gas-Volumetric-Fraction (GVF) is
estimated using a moving average of an amplitude of all signal(s)
received by the ultrasound transmitter/receivers in a scan
configuration after ultrasound propagation through the multiphase
fluid mixture. In another aspect, a GVF is estimated using at least
one characteristic of one or more of a signal(s) received for a
scan configuration after propagation through the mixture at the
ultrasound transmitter/receivers. In another aspect, the ultrasound
transmitter/receivers are capable of detecting one or more
ultrasonic flashes that are transient in time and have at least one
of a larger amplitude or a different frequency spectra from that
transmitted. In another aspect, the ultrasound
transmitter/receivers are capable of detecting one or more
ultrasonic flashes that are transient in time and have at least one
of a larger amplitude or different frequency spectra from that
transmitted, wherein the ultrasound flashes are calculated using a
Fourier transform of the signal (spectral analysis). In another
aspect, the ultrasound transmitter/receivers are capable of
detecting one or more ultrasonic flashes, wherein the detection
threshold for flashes can be constant or can be a function of the
moving average of the gas-volumetric-fraction of the mixture and
the total flow rate. In another aspect, the ultrasound
transmitter/receivers are capable of detecting one or more
ultrasonic flashes, ultrasonic flashes can then be used to
determine the percentages of the two liquid phases in the mixture
based on the arrival time of the ultrasonic flashes. In another
aspect, the ultrasound transmitter/receivers are paired dual
frequency (high and low) ultrasound transmitters/receivers. In
another aspect, the ultrasound transmitter/receivers sample in the
same direction and are positioned at a known distance and are used
to determine flow velocity using signal cross-correlation. In
another aspect, the device is defined further as comprising a
Venturi tube and the computer calculates a total mass flow using
the Venturi tube with real-time correction for mixture density
provided by the GVF and a water cut measured by the meter. In
another aspect, the device is defined further as comprising a
positive displacement flowmeter and the computer calculates a total
mass flow using the positive displacement flowmeter with real-time
correction for mixture density provided by the GVF and a water cut
measured by the meter, to measure the total mass flow. In another
aspect, the multiphase fluid mixture may comprise a gas phase; two
or more liquids, wherein at least one of the liquid is a non-water
liquid; or a gas and two liquids, wherein at least one of the
liquid is a non-water liquid. In another aspect, the determination
of the fractions of the multiphase fluid mixture is based on a
detection of at least one characteristic of the detected ultrasonic
wave in the multiphase fluid mixture. In another aspect, the device
is capable of measuring at least one of a high, medium, or a low
gas volumetric fraction (GVF) in the multiphase fluid mixture.
[0009] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a
method for determining the flow of one or more phases of a
multiphase fluid mixture comprising: positioning about a tube, a
pipe, a main body or any combinations thereof comprising an
interior and an exterior, a first ultrasound field detector ring
comprising: two or more pairs of transversal paired dual frequency
ultrasound transmitter/receivers that are on the same normal plane
and are positioned in a transversal direction to a flow of the
multiphase fluid mixture, wherein the sampled volume covers a part
of or the entire cross-section of the interior of the tube, pipe,
main body or any combinations thereof; wherein the
transmitter/receivers are connected to a computer connected to the
ultrasound transmitter/receivers; and calculating the one or more
phases of a multiphase fluid mixture by measuring the ultrasound
signal. In one aspect, the device further comprises one or more
ultrasound field detector rings adjacent to the first ultrasound
field detector ring, each of the one or more ultrasound field
detectors positioned in a transversal direction to a flow of the
multiphase fluid mixture. In another aspect, the device further
comprises one or more ultrasound field detector rings adjacent to
the first revolving ultrasound field detector ring are placed on
one or more parallel planes. In another aspect, the device further
comprises one or all of a pressure sensor to sense a fluid pressure
of the multiphase fluid mixture, a temperature sensor to sense a
fluid temperature of the multiphase fluid mixture, a Venturi flow
meter for a real-time determination of the multiphase fluid
mixture, and a computer to determine a gas fraction, a water
fraction, and a non-water fluid fraction of the multiphase fluid
mixture, based on the sensed fluid pressure, the sensed fluid
temperature, and at least one characteristic of the detected
ultrasonic wave in the multiphase fluid. In another aspect, the
ultrasound transmitter/receivers are in contact with the multiphase
fluid. In another aspect, the ultrasound transmitter/receivers are
capable of at least one of: scanning at the same time, scanning in
series, scanning in parallel, scanning in pulses, or scanning with
one pair acting as a transmitter and the second pair acting as a
receiver.
[0010] In another aspect, the method further comprises the step of
estimating a Gas-Volumetric-Fraction (GVF) using the moving average
of an amplitude of all signal(s) received by the ultrasound
transmitter/receivers in a scan configuration after ultrasound
propagation through the multiphase fluid mixture. In another
aspect, the method further comprises the step of estimating a GVF
using at least one characteristic of one or more of a signal(s)
received for a scan configuration after propagation through the
mixture at the ultrasound transmitter/receivers. In another aspect,
the method further comprises the step of detecting one or more
ultrasonic flashes that are transient in time and have at least one
of a larger amplitude or different frequency spectra from that
transmitted. In another aspect, the method further comprises the
step of detecting one or more ultrasonic flashes that are transient
in time and have at least one of larger amplitude and different
frequency spectra from that transmitted, wherein the ultrasound
flashes are calculated using a Fourier transform of the signal
(spectral analysis). In another aspect, the method further
comprises the step of detecting one or more ultrasonic flashes,
wherein the detection threshold for flashes can be constant or can
be a function of the moving average of the gas-volumetric-fraction
of the mixture and the total flow rate. In another aspect, the
method further comprises the step of detecting one or more
ultrasonic flashes, ultrasonic flashes can then be used to
determine the percentages of the two liquid phases in the mixture
based on the arrival time of the ultrasonic flashes. In another
aspect, the method further comprises the step of pairing dual
frequency (high and low) ultrasound transmitters/receivers. In
another aspect, the method further comprises the step of
calculating total mass flow using a Venturi tube with real-time
correction for mixture density provided by the GVF and a water cut
measured by the meter. In another aspect, the method further
comprises the step of calculating total mass flow using a positive
displacement flowmeter with real-time correction for mixture
density provided by the GVF and a water cut measured by the meter.
In another aspect, the method further comprises the multiphase
fluid mixture may comprise a gas phase; two or more liquids,
wherein at least one of the liquid is a non-water liquid; or a gas
and two liquids, wherein at least one of the liquid is a non-water
liquid. In another aspect, the method further comprises the step of
determining the fractions of the multiphase fluid mixture is based
on a detection of at least one characteristic of the detected
ultrasonic wave in the multiphase fluid mixture.
[0011] In another aspect, the method further comprises the step of
measuring a high medium or low gas volumetric fraction (GVF) in the
multiphase fluid mixture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a more complete understanding of the features and
advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the
detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying
figures and in which:
[0013] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show three configurations of a
multiphase fluid measuring device in which the total sampled volume
for several transducer.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a configuration in which rings of ultrasound
transducers are placed along the longitudinal direction of the
flowmeter.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows one example of a scan configuration with one
transducer acting as emitter, and the others acting as receivers.
The emitter itself switches in receiving mode after the initial
ultrasound pulse.
[0016] FIGS. 4A to 4D show two typical signal paths through
multiphase mixture (FIG. 4A) and received signal at the transducer
(FIG. 4C), "Flash" signal path (FIG. 4B), and corresponding
received signal at the transducer (FIG. 4D).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] While the making and using of various embodiments of the
present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be
appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable
inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of
specific contexts.
[0018] The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely
illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do
not delimit the scope of the invention.
[0019] To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number
of terms are defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as
commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas
relevant to the present invention. Terms such as "a", "an" and
"the" are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but
include the general class of which a specific example may be used
for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe
specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not
delimit the invention, except as outlined in the claims.
[0020] Revolving US Field Multiphase Flowmeter.
[0021] Method. The present invention provides a novel method to
measure more accurately the liquid fractions in a three phase
mixture in the presence of higher gas fractions than traditional
ultrasound based multiphase flowmeters, by maximizing the sampled
volume placing a number of transducers around the flow volume.
FIGS. 1A to 1C show a comparison of the sampled volume for several
transducer configurations.
[0022] Briefly, a multiphase flowmeter 10 is depicted with the
transducers 12. The transducers 12 can also be described as an
ultrasound transmitter-received pair or transversal paired dual
frequency ultrasound transmitter/receivers; however, the skilled
artisan will recognize that which of the halves of the
transmitter-received pair can be a transmitter or receiver, i.e., a
transceiver or transducer. The transducers 12 are positioned in a
plane normal to the flow direction such that the sampled volume 14
covers a part of or the whole cross-section 16 of the flow volume,
which are shown in contact with the sampled volume 14 traversing
the pipe 20. The sampled volume 14 is shown with bubbles 18 and may
also be further divided into oil and aqueous portions. FIGS. 1A to
1C show three configurations with a different number of transducers
12 placed on the perimeter of a section of the pipe 20. In the
embodiment in FIG. 1B, the increased coverage of the various
cross-sections 16a-c are depicted showing the capability of the
transducers 12a, 12b to not only measure a signal from the other
half of that specific transducer, but to pick up the partial
cross-section from the perpendicular transducer. Thus, as shown in
FIG. 1C, three transducers 12a-d are depicted that measure the bulk
of the sampled volume 14 via cross-section 16a-d. The sampled
volume, shown with pattern, increases as the number of transducers
is increased.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a side, cross-section view of the multiphase
flow meter 30 present invention in the context of a pipe 20. A
multiphase flow meter 30 is depicted with a pressure transducer 32
and temperature transducer 34 depicted in one portion of the pipe
20, adjacent first transducer ring 36a, which includes
perpendicular transducers 12a,b. A second ring 36b is depicted
downstream from the first transducer ring 36a, as the flow is
depicted as traversing the pipe 20 and contacting the first
transducer ring 36a and the second transducer ring 36b downstream.
Multiple rings of ultrasound transducers 36a-n (depicted as 1 . . .
n) can be placed along the longitudinal direction of the flowmeter
on the pipe 20. Thus, several "rings" of transducers can be
positioned in parallel planes along the longitudinal direction of
the pipe 20 (flowmeters) to increase the sampled volume and to
improve the precision and accuracy of the measurement, as seen in
FIG. 2.
[0024] A scan configuration can be defined by assigning one or more
transducers as emitter(s), while any number of them, which may
include the emitters themselves, will act as receivers. A wide
range of scan sequences can be generated by using any desired set
of successive scan configuration at specific time intervals.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows one example of a scan configuration with one
transducer 12a acting as an emitter (see arrows), and the others
acting as receivers 12b-d. The signal received at the various
transducers 12a-d are shown as graphs in which the signal received
is depicted with the various reflections measured as shown in the
graphs. The emitter itself switches in receiving mode after the
initial ultrasound pulse. Thus, the present invention can be used
to calculate one or more of the following: (1)
Gas-Volumetric-Fraction (GVF) is estimated using the moving average
of the amplitude of all signal(s) received for a scan configuration
after propagation through the mixture; (2) GVF can be estimated
using at least one characteristic of one or more of the signal(s)
received for a scan configuration after propagation through the
mixture; and (3) liquid fraction. In a typical flow configuration
the signal received across the sampled volume consists of a
combination of reflected and directly transmitted ultrasound waves
as seen in FIG. 4A. The corresponding transducer signal has
relatively low amplitude and can exhibit delayed arrival time due
to longer propagation path (tortuosity). To accurately determine
the liquid fraction it is necessary to identify signals that for
the most part travelled through low gas paths in the mixture (FIG.
4B). These signals, called "ultrasonic flashes", will be transient
in time and will have in general larger amplitude and different
frequency spectra. The flashes are detected using a specialized
algorithm that compares the characteristics of the typical signal
to the signal amplitude and/or the spectral characteristics
measured in the Fourier transform of the signal (spectral
analysis). The detection threshold for flashes can be constant or
can be a function of the moving average of the
gas-volumetric-fraction of the mixture and the total flow rate.
[0026] Thus, using the present invention, the arrival time of the
ultrasonic flashes can then be used to determine the percentages of
two liquid phases in the multiphase mixture. FIGS. 4A to 4D show
two examples of typical signal paths through multiphase mixture.
FIGS. 4A and 4C show the typical signal path (4A) and the received
signal at the transducer (4C). FIGS. 4B and 4D show a "flash"
signal path (4B) and corresponding received signal at the
transducer (4D), in which the signal is shown in the graph and in
which little to no deflection from gas or the minor fraction (oil
or aqueous, depending on what is the majority of the flow).
[0027] Thus, the apparatus and method of the present invention
evaluates the phase fractions (gas, oil, water). To determine the
flow rates of each individual phase, a total mass or volumetric
flow device is used.
[0028] In one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention
there can be an even (or an odd number other than 1) of radially
symmetric transducers. For example, paired dual frequency (high and
low) ultrasound transmitters/receivers in a transversal direction
to the flow can also be used. These transducers can be arranged in
the form of diametrically opposed pairs. In other embodiments, the
transducers pairs can have a radial angled placement along the
longitudinal direction of the flow for thorough sampling of the
mixture. Thus, using the present invention a more complete or total
flow measurement can be obtained, including: (1) ultrasound
transducer pairs sampling in the same direction, positioned at a
known distance in the longitudinal direction of flow are used to
determine flow velocity using signal cross-correlation; (2) Venturi
tube with real-time correction for mixture density provided by the
GVF and water cut measured by the fraction meter; and (3) positive
displacement flowmeter.
[0029] It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this
specification can be implemented with respect to any method, kit,
reagent, or composition of the invention, and vice versa.
Furthermore, compositions of the invention can be used to achieve
methods of the invention.
[0030] It will be understood that particular embodiments described
herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of
the invention. The principal features of this invention can be
employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of
the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able
to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous
equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such
equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention
and are covered by the claims.
[0031] All publications and patent applications mentioned in the
specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled
in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and
patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the
same extent as if each individual publication or patent application
was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference.
[0032] The use of the word "a" or "an" when used in conjunction
with the term "comprising" in the claims and/or the specification
may mean "one," but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one
or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." The use of
the term "or" in the claims is used to mean "and/or" unless
explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the
alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure
supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and
"and/or." Throughout this application, the term "about" is used to
indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for
the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or
the variation that exists among the study subjects.
[0033] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words
"comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and
"comprises"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and
"has"), "including" (and any form of including, such as "includes"
and "include") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as
"contains" and "contain") are inclusive or open-ended and do not
exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. In
embodiments of any of the compositions and methods provided herein,
"comprising" may be replaced with "consisting essentially of" or
"consisting of". As used herein, the phrase "consisting essentially
of" requires the specified integer(s) or steps as well as those
that do not materially affect the character or function of the
claimed invention. As used herein, the term "consisting" is used to
indicate the presence of the recited integer (e.g., a feature, an
element, a characteristic, a property, a method/process step or a
limitation) or group of integers (e.g., feature(s), element(s),
characteristic(s), propertie(s), method/process steps or
limitation(s)) only.
[0034] The term "or combinations thereof" as used herein refers to
all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the
term. For example, "A, B, C, or combinations thereof" is intended
to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if
order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA,
BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly
included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item
or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so
forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is
no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless
otherwise apparent from the context.
[0035] As used herein, words of approximation such as, without
limitation, "about", "substantial" or "substantially" refers to a
condition that when so modified is understood to not necessarily be
absolute or perfect but would be considered close enough to those
of ordinary skill in the art to warrant designating the condition
as being present. The extent to which the description may vary will
depend on how great a change can be instituted and still have one
of ordinary skilled in the art recognize the modified feature as
still having the required characteristics and capabilities of the
unmodified feature. In general, but subject to the preceding
discussion, a numerical value herein that is modified by a word of
approximation such as "about" may vary from the stated value by at
least .+-.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 or 15%.
[0036] Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for
consistency with the suggestions under 37 CFR 1.77 or otherwise to
provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or
characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue
from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although
the headings refer to a "Field of Invention," such claims should
not be limited by the language under this heading to describe the
so-called technical field. Further, a description of technology in
the "Background of the Invention" section is not to be construed as
an admission that technology is prior art to any invention(s) in
this disclosure. Neither is the "Summary" to be considered a
characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issued claims.
Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to "invention" in the
singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single
point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set
forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing
from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the
invention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In
all instances, the scope of such claims shall be considered on
their own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be
constrained by the headings set forth herein.
[0037] All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed
herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in
light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods
of this invention have been described in terms of preferred
embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that
variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in
the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described
herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the
invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent
to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit,
scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *