An apparatus and method for measuring wet gas using a Coriolis flow meter is provided. An apparatus embodiment includes a Coriolis meter, a DP meter, and a processing unit. The processing unit is in communication with the Coriolis and DP meters, and a memory storing instructions. The executed instructions cause the processing unit to: a) measure a density of the fluid flow using the Coriolis meter; b) determine a measure of gas wetness of the fluid flow using the measured density, an expected gas density value, and an equation of state model; c) determine a differential pressure measurement across the Coriolis meter; d) determine an over-reading of the differential pressure measurement; e) determine a mass flow rate of gas using the determined over-reading; and f) determine a mass flow rate of liquid.
G01F 1/74 - Dispositifs pour la mesure du débit d'un matériau fluide ou du débit d'un matériau solide fluent en suspension dans un autre fluide
G01F 1/36 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques en mesurant la pression ou la différence de pression la pression ou la différence de pression étant produite par une contraction de la veine fluide
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
2.
SPEED OF SOUND AND CONVECTIVE VELOCITY AUGMENTED CORIOLIS METERS WITH DRIVE GAIN LIMIT LOGIC
A system and method for sensing a process fluid is provided. The method includes: a) using a Coriolis meter (CM) having a flow tube to determine a CM mass flow value, a CM density value, and a drive gain signal; b) using a sensor array having a plurality of sensors configured to sense a characteristic of the process fluid that convects with the process fluid through the flow tube, and produce sensor signals representative of the process fluid characteristic convecting with the process fluid, and a sensor array processing unit in communication with the sensor array to determine a convective velocity of the process fluid; and c) reporting a first mass flow rate of the process fluid as measured by the CM or a second mass flow rate using the convective velocity and the CM density value based on the drive gain signal relative to a predetermined drive gain threshold.
G01F 1/86 - Débitmètres massiques indirects, p.ex. mesurant le débit volumétrique et la densité, la température ou la pression
G01N 11/04 - Recherche des propriétés d'écoulement des matériaux, p.ex. la viscosité, la plasticité; Analyse des matériaux en déterminant les propriétés d'écoulement en mesurant l'écoulement du matériau à travers un passage étroit, p.ex. un tube, une ouverture
G01F 1/84 - Débitmètres massiques du type Coriolis ou gyroscopique
3.
Method for determining a fluid flow parameter within a vibrating tube
An apparatus for use with a Coriolis meter is provided. The apparatus includes an array of strain-based sensors, a filtering module, and a processing unit. The sensor array is configured for sensing a meter flow tube. The array is configured for mounting on the flow tube. The sensors are configured to produce sensor signals representative of strain within the flow tube. The processing unit controls the sensor array to produce the sensor signals representative of the strain within the flow tube. The strain includes a first portion associated with the flow tube vibrating at a resonant frequency of the flow tube and a second portion associated with a fluid flow passing through the flow tube. The filtering module filters the sensor signals to remove a sensor signal portion representative of the strain associated with the flow tube vibrating at the resonant frequency of the flow tube.
An apparatus and method of decreasing vibrational sensitivity of strain based measurements of fluid flow parameters for a fluid flow in a conduit is provided. The method includes using at least one vibrational sensor to sense a conduit to determine vibrational characteristics of the conduit, determining a predominant elastic axis using the measured vibrational characteristics, and securing a strain sensor array to an outer surface of the conduit, the strain sensor array having a plurality of strain sensors disposed at different axial positions of the conduit, the strain sensor array secured to the outer surface of the conduit at a position so that the strain sensor array is oriented substantially symmetric to the determined predominant elastic axis.
A system for measuring a velocity or volumetric fluid flow rate of a fluid flow passing within a pipe includes a SONAR flow meter configured to determine a measured velocity or volumetric rate of a fluid flow passing within a pipe. The system further includes a CFD analysis device configured to produce a simulated velocity or volumetric rate of the fluid flow passing within the pipe. The system further includes a processing unit in communication with the CFD analysis device and the SONAR flow meter. The processing unit is configured to produce at least one error function based on the measured velocity or volumetric fluid flow rate and the simulated velocity or volumetric fluid flow rate, and is configured to determine an adjusted velocity or volumetric fluid flow rate using the at least one error function and the measured velocity or volumetric fluid flow rate.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
G01F 1/36 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques en mesurant la pression ou la différence de pression la pression ou la différence de pression étant produite par une contraction de la veine fluide
G01F 1/667 - Dispositions de transducteurs pour les débitmètres à ultrasons; Circuits pour faire fonctionner les débitmètres à ultrasons
G01F 15/00 - MESURE DES VOLUMES, DES DÉBITS VOLUMÉTRIQUES, DES DÉBITS MASSIQUES OU DU NIVEAU DES LIQUIDES; COMPTAGE VOLUMÉTRIQUE - Détails des appareils des groupes ou accessoires pour ces derniers, dans la mesure où de tels accessoires ou détails ne sont pas adaptés à ces types particuliers d'appareils, p.ex. pour l'indication à distance
6.
Apparatus and method for measuring fluid flow parameters
An apparatus for measuring a parameter of a fluid flow passing within a pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a sensing device and a processing unit. The sensing device has a sensor array that includes at least one first macro fiber composite (MFC) strain sensor disposed at a first axial position, and at least one second MFC strain sensor disposed at a second axial position. The first axial position and the second axial position are spaced apart from one another. The at least one first MFC strain sensor and the at least one second MFC strain sensor are both configured to produce signals representative of pressure variations of the fluid flow passing within the pipe. The processing unit is configured to receive the signals from the sensor array and measure one or more fluid flow parameters based on the signals.
G01F 1/34 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques en mesurant la pression ou la différence de pression
G01F 1/86 - Débitmètres massiques indirects, p.ex. mesurant le débit volumétrique et la densité, la température ou la pression
G01L 9/08 - Mesure de la pression permanente, ou quasi permanente d’un fluide ou d’un matériau solide fluent par des éléments électriques ou magnétiques sensibles à la pression; Transmission ou indication par des moyens électriques ou magnétiques du déplacement des éléments mécaniques sensibles à la pression, utilisés pour mesurer la pression permanente ou quasi permanente d’un fluide ou d’un matériau solide fluent en faisant usage de dispositifs piézo-électriques
G01F 1/7082 - Mesure du temps de parcours d'une distance déterminée utilisant des dispositions de détection acoustique
Apparatus and a method are provided for bringing a well-fluid sample in a well through a sampling device which is in fluid communication with the apparatus. The apparatus includes: a dump chamber for receiving the well-fluid sample; a first hydraulic piston arranged in a first cylinder housing; a second hydraulic piston arranged in a second cylinder housing; a piston rod for mechanically connecting the first piston to the second piston to form a piston arrangement, the dump chamber being defined by the first piston and a portion of the first cylinder housing. The apparatus further includes at least one holding device arranged to switch between an active position, in which the piston arrangement is held fixed against movement, and an inactive position, in which the piston arrangement is allowed a movement relative to the cylinder housings.
In described examples, there are systems and methods for deployment in proximity to an abandoned well. The systems and methods may help monitor conditions at an abandoned well and/or help communication with downhole communicate devices. In some examples, there is described a communication system that is configured to be deployed in proximity to an abandoned well having a metallic well structure severed below a ground region. The system may include a plurality of receivers configured to be deployed at the ground region in proximity to the abandoned well, and configured to receive data signals from the metallic well structure of the abandoned well via the ground region. The system may comprise a processing unit, in communication with the receivers, and configured to receive and process data signals from the receivers.
E21B 47/12 - Moyens pour la transmission de signaux de mesure ou signaux de commande du puits vers la surface, ou de la surface vers le puits, p.ex. pour la diagraphie pendant le forage
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a obtaining a first plurality of signals associated with a fluid flow in a pipe, processing, by a processor, the first plurality of signals to obtain a first plot of power associated with first vortices in the fluid flow and a flow rate of the fluid flow in the pipe over a first flow rate range, determining, by the processor, that a maximum value of the power in the first plot corresponds to a maximum value of the flow rate included in the first flow rate range or that the power is increasing as a function of the flow rate towards an end of the first plot, and based on said determining, multiplying, by the processor, values of the first flow rate range to obtain a second flow rate range.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
G01F 15/02 - Compensation ou correction des variations de pression, de poids spécifique ou de température
G01F 1/74 - Dispositifs pour la mesure du débit d'un matériau fluide ou du débit d'un matériau solide fluent en suspension dans un autre fluide
G01F 1/708 - Mesure du temps de parcours d'une distance déterminée
G01F 7/00 - Dispositifs de mesure du débit volumétrique avec plusieurs gammes de mesure; Compteurs composés
10.
Methodology and apparatus for distinguishing single phase fluid flows from multiphase fluid flows using a flow meter
An apparatus and method for sensing a fluid flow passing within a pipe, which fluid flow comprises at least a first fluid phase. The apparatus includes a flow meter having an array of sensors and at least one processing unit, which flow meter is adapted to sense the fluid flow passing within the pipe as it travels past the array of sensors and produce signals indicative of the presence of vortical structures convecting with the fluid flow. The at least one processing unit is adapted to: (a) produce a k-ω plot using the signals indicative of the presence of vortical structures convecting with the fluid flow, and determine a k-ω plot quality parameter that indicates the presence or absence of a second fluid phase within a fluid flow passing within a pipe; or (b) determine a shape factor parameter indicative of a presence or absence of a second fluid phase within a fluid flow passing within a pipe; or (c) both (a) and (b).
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
G01F 1/74 - Dispositifs pour la mesure du débit d'un matériau fluide ou du débit d'un matériau solide fluent en suspension dans un autre fluide
11.
Method and apparatus for monitoring multiphase fluid flow
A method of and apparatus for monitoring fluid flow passing within a pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a flow pressure value and a flow temperature value for the fluid flow within the pipe; b) providing a fluid flowmeter operable to be attached to an exterior of the pipe; c) providing one or more of an additional flow related measurement (e.g., DP, SOS, etc.); d) providing a processor adapted to include an equation of state model for the pressure, volume, and temperature properties for the fluid flow, and further adapted to receive composition data values for the fluid flow, the flow pressure value, and the flow temperature value, and the flow velocity signals from the flowmeter; and e) determining a volumetric flow rate of one or more phases of the fluid flow.
G06F 17/00 - TRAITEMENT ÉLECTRIQUE DE DONNÉES NUMÉRIQUES Équipement ou méthodes de traitement de données ou de calcul numérique, spécialement adaptés à des fonctions spécifiques
G06F 19/00 - Équipement ou méthodes de traitement de données ou de calcul numérique, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques (spécialement adaptés à des fonctions spécifiques G06F 17/00;systèmes ou méthodes de traitement de données spécialement adaptés à des fins administratives, commerciales, financières, de gestion, de surveillance ou de prévision G06Q;informatique médicale G16H)
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
G01F 1/74 - Dispositifs pour la mesure du débit d'un matériau fluide ou du débit d'un matériau solide fluent en suspension dans un autre fluide
G16Z 99/00 - Matière non prévue dans les autres groupes principaux de la présente sous-classe
G01S 15/88 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques
G01F 1/708 - Mesure du temps de parcours d'une distance déterminée
G01F 25/00 - Test ou étalonnage des appareils pour la mesure du volume, du débit volumétrique ou du niveau des liquides, ou des appareils pour compter par volume
12.
Systems and methods for managing hydrocarbon material producing wellsites using clamp-on flow meters
A method and system for managing one or more hydrocarbon producing well sites is provided. The well site includes a hydrocarbon material flow passing through a pipe. The system includes a clamp-on flow meter and a control station. The clamp-on flow meter is operable to produce output indicative of at least one characteristic of the hydrocarbon material flowing through the pipe at the well site. The control station is separately located from the well site. The control station includes at least one processor adapted to receive the output from the clamp-on flow meter. The processor is adapted to determine one or more characteristics of the hydrocarbon material flow at each well site using a flow compositional model.
E21B 44/00 - Systèmes de commande automatique spécialement adaptés aux opérations de forage, c. à d. systèmes à fonctionnement autonome ayant pour rôle d'exécuter ou de modifier une opération de forage sans l'intervention d'un opérateur humain, p.ex. systèmes de ; Systèmes spécialement adaptés à la surveillance de plusieurs variables ou conditions de forage
E21B 47/10 - Localisation des fuites, intrusions ou mouvements du fluide
13.
Method for in-situ calibrating a differential pressure plus sonar flow meter system using dry gas conditions
A method and system for in situ calibrating a flow metering system to monitor fluid flow in a pipe from a well is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) measuring a first characteristic of the fluid flow exiting the well using a DP flow meter during a dry gas period, and producing an first output data representative of the first characteristic; b) measuring a second characteristic of the fluid flow exiting the well using a SONAR flow meter time during the dry gas period, and producing a second output data representative of the second characteristic; c) determining a dry gas offset between the DP flow meter and the SONAR flow meter based on the first output data and the second output data; and d) calibrating the flow metering system using the dry gas offset.
G01F 25/00 - Test ou étalonnage des appareils pour la mesure du volume, du débit volumétrique ou du niveau des liquides, ou des appareils pour compter par volume
G01F 1/50 - Moyens de correction ou de compensation
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
14.
Minimally intrusive monitoring of a multiphase process flow using a tracer and a spatially arranged array of at least two sensors on a flow pipe
An apparatus for and a method of monitoring multiphase fluid flow passing within a pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a flow pressure value and a flow temperature value for the multiphase fluid flow within the pipe; b) sensing the fluid flow with a fluid flow meter operable to be attached to an exterior of the pipe, the flowmeter including a spatial array of at least two sensors disposed at different axial positions along the pipe, and producing flow velocity signals indicative of a velocity of the fluid flow traveling within the pipe; c) selectively injecting at least one tracer into the fluid flow passing within the pipe, at a known injection flow rate and concentration; d) sensing a sample of the fluid flow for the tracer, and producing tracer concentration signals indicative of the concentration of the tracer in the fluid flow; and e) determining one or more of a gas component flow rate, an oil component flow rate, and a water component flow rate, using one or more of the flow pressure value, the flow temperature value, the flow velocity signals, and the tracer concentration signals.
G01F 1/74 - Dispositifs pour la mesure du débit d'un matériau fluide ou du débit d'un matériau solide fluent en suspension dans un autre fluide
G01F 1/704 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu utilisant des zones marquées ou non homogènes de l’écoulement de fluide, p.ex. des variations statistiques d'un paramètre du fluide
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
G01F 1/708 - Mesure du temps de parcours d'une distance déterminée
G01F 1/712 - Mesure du temps de parcours d'une distance déterminée utilisant des moyens de détection à autocorrélation ou à intercorrélation
G01F 25/00 - Test ou étalonnage des appareils pour la mesure du volume, du débit volumétrique ou du niveau des liquides, ou des appareils pour compter par volume
15.
Apparatus and method for sensing fluid flow in a pipe with variable wall thickness
A method and apparatus for sensing a fluid flow within a pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing an ultrasonic sensor having a transmitter operable to transmit ultrasonic signals through the first pipe wall, the fluid flow disposed within the pipe, and the second pipe wall, and a receiver operable to receive the transmitted signal after the signal has passed through the pipe walls and fluid flow; b) disposing the transmitter adjacent the first wall and the receiver adjacent the second wall; c) disposing at least one acoustic member between at least one of the transmitter and the first wall, and the receiver and the second wall, which acoustic member has acoustic properties such that the combined respective member and pipe wall have half wave resonant frequencies that substantially match the half wave resonant frequencies of the opposite wall, or opposite wall and respective member; and d) sensing the fluid flow through the pipe walls and structure using the ultrasonic sensor.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
16.
Ultrasonic fluid flow meter housing with acoustically matched base
A device for sensing fluid flow within a pipe, which pipe has a pipe wall, is provided. The device includes a sensor housing and a fluid flow meter. The sensor housing includes at least one pressure vessel enclosure and hardware for mounting the enclosure on an exterior surface of the pipe wall. The enclosure includes a base, side walls, and a cap. The enclosure base has a pipe-side surface that mates with the exterior surface of the pipe wall. The enclosure base and the pipe wall have substantially similar resonant frequencies and acoustic impedance. The sensor housing is adapted to be attached to the pipe wall such that the pipe-side surface of the base is mated with the exterior surface of the pipe wall. The fluid flow meter includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensors disposed within the at least one pressure vessel enclosure. Each sensor has a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitters are adapted to transmit signals at one or more frequencies, including frequencies that are substantially equal to the resonant frequencies of the base and pipe wall.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
17.
Method and apparatus for monitoring multiphase fluid flow
A method and apparatus for monitoring multiphase fluid flow passing within a pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a flow pressure value and a flow temperature value for the multiphase fluid flow within the pipe; b) providing a fluid flowmeter operable to be attached to an exterior of the pipe, the flowmeter including a spatial array of at least two sensors disposed at different axial positions along the pipe, which flowmeter is adapted to produce flow velocity signals indicative of a velocity of the fluid flow traveling within the pipe; c) providing a processor adapted to include an equation of state model for the pressure, volume, and temperature properties for the multiphase fluid flow, and further adapted to receive composition data values for the multiphase fluid flow, the flow pressure value, and the flow temperature value, and the flow velocity signals from the flowmeter; and d) determining a volumetric flow rate of one or both the gas phase and liquid phase of the fluid flow.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
G01F 25/00 - Test ou étalonnage des appareils pour la mesure du volume, du débit volumétrique ou du niveau des liquides, ou des appareils pour compter par volume
E21B 47/06 - Mesure de la température ou de la pression
18.
Apparatus for attenuating ultrasonic waves propagating within a pipe wall
A damping device for a fluid flow meter mountable on the exterior of a pipe to meter fluid flow traveling within the pipe is provided. The flow meter has at least one ultrasonic sensor operable to transmit ultrasonic signals through a pipe wall in a direction normal to the pipe wall and into a fluid flow disposed within the pipe, which signals create secondary ultrasonic signals circumferentially traveling within the pipe wall at a frequency. The damping device includes a base and a plurality of tines. The base is conformable to an exterior surface of the pipe wall, and has a pipe-side surface and a tine-side surface. The plurality of tines is attached to the base and extends outwardly from the tine-side surface. Each tine is spaced apart from an adjacent tine by a tine-to-tine distance that is less than the wavelength of the secondary ultrasonic signals circumferentially propagating within the pipe wall.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
19.
Viscous fluid flow measurement using a differential pressure measurement and a SONAR measured velocity
A method and apparatus for determining a parameter of fluid flow within a piping system is provided. The method includes the steps of: determining a measured velocity of the fluid flow using a fluid flow meter; determining a measured difference in pressure value within the fluid flow using a differential pressure meter; selecting an estimated Reynolds number of the fluid flow; determining a calculated difference in pressure value using a model which relates the calculated difference in pressure value to the measured velocity and the estimated Reynolds number of the fluid flow; determining a degree of inaccuracy of the estimated Reynolds number using the measured difference in pressure and the calculated difference in pressure; and iteratively adjusting the estimated Reynolds number, determining the calculated difference in pressure, and determining the degree of inaccuracy using the adjusted Reynolds number, until the degree of inaccuracy is within an acceptable range.
G01F 1/00 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu
G01F 7/00 - Dispositifs de mesure du débit volumétrique avec plusieurs gammes de mesure; Compteurs composés
G01F 1/12 - Moyens de réglage, de correction ou de compensation appropriés
G01F 1/50 - Moyens de correction ou de compensation
G01F 25/00 - Test ou étalonnage des appareils pour la mesure du volume, du débit volumétrique ou du niveau des liquides, ou des appareils pour compter par volume
A damping device for a fluid flow meter is provided. The fluid flow meter is mountable on the exterior of a pipe to meter fluid flow traveling within the pipe. The flow meter has at least one ultrasonic sensor operable to transmit ultrasonic signals through a wall in a direction substantially normal to the pipe wall and into a fluid flow disposed within the pipe. The transmitted signals create secondary ultrasonic signals circumferentially traveling within the pipe wall at one or more frequencies. The damping device includes a tuned body attachable to the pipe wall at one or more contact points. The body has one or more resonant structural modes, each with a natural frequency, which natural frequencies are closely matched to the one or more frequencies of the secondary signals. The body is operable to dissipate energy upon excitation by the secondary signals.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
21.
Method and apparatus for making a water cut determination using a sequestered liquid-continuous stream
An apparatus and method for determining the water cut value of a multiphase fluid flowing within a pipe is provided. The device includes a sequestering structure disposed within the pipe, a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a processing device. The sequestering structure at least partially defines a sensing passage within the pipe, which passage has a gap extending substantially normal to a direction of fluid flow within the pipe. The sensing passage is oriented to sequester an amount of a liquid component of the multi-phase fluid sufficient to form a continuous liquid body extending across the gap of the sensing passage. The transmitting device is operable to transmit a signal through the liquid across the gap of the sensing passage. The receiving device is operable to receive the signal after it has traversed the liquid within the sensing passage, and create sensor data. The processing device is in communication with at least the receiving device to receive and process the sensor data to determine the water cut value of the liquid.
G01N 29/22 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi d'ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonores; Visualisation de l'intérieur d'objets par transmission d'ondes ultrasonores ou sonores à travers l'objet - Détails
22.
Clamp-on apparatus for measuring a fluid flow that includes a protective sensor housing
An apparatus for measuring one or more characteristics of a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, sealant, and an array of at least two ultrasonic sensors. The housing is operable to be mounted on the exterior surface of the pipe. The housing has at least one pocket extending between a pipe-side surface and an outer surface. The pipe-side surface mates with the exterior surface of the pipe. The sealant is disposed between the pipe exterior surface and the housing pipe-side surface. The sealant forms a seal around the pocket when the housing is mounted on the exterior surface of the pipe. The array of ultrasonic sensor units are disposed within the at least one pocket. Each sensor unit includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitters are operable to transmit ultrasonic signals through the fluid flow within the pipe. The receivers are operable to receive signals from the transmitters.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
23.
Process fluid sound speed determined by characterization of acoustic cross modes
An apparatus measures a speed of sound (SOS) in a process flow by characterizing low order acoustic cross modes in the process flow in a conduit. The apparatus includes transducers on the conduit, spaced from each other around the circumference of the conduit. The transducers generate acoustic input signals in the process flow over a range of frequencies. The apparatus includes strain sensors disposed on the conduit, spaced from each other around the cross-sectional circumference of the conduit. An SOS processor is responsive to the transducers and sensors, and is configured to identify cross-mode frequencies of the conduit and to derive therefrom the SOS in the process flow. An entrained air processor is coupled to the SOS processor to indicate a level of entrained air in the process flow.
G01F 1/20 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
24.
System and method for providing a compositional measurement of a mixture having entrained gas
A method and apparatus for determining at least one characteristic of a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided. The fluid flow may include one or more liquid component bodies and one or more gas component bodies, which bodies occupy a substantial cross-sectional area of the pipe when passing a location in the pipe. The method includes, and the apparatus includes elements operable to perform, the steps of: 1) transmitting a signal into the fluid flow at the location within the pipe, and receiving the signal after it has traversed at least a portion of the fluid flow; 2) determining a time of flight of the signal traversing the fluid flow; 3) determining the presence of a liquid component body at the location in the pipe, using the determined time of flight; and 4) determining at least one characteristic of the fluid using fluid data generated if the liquid component body is present at the location.
A method for measuring the thickness of a pipe wall is provided. The method includes the steps of: 1) emitting ultrasonic signals into the pipe wall at one or more frequencies below 1 MHz and receiving reflected ultrasonic signals, and providing a sensor signal representative of the received reflected signals, including a first received reflected signal and a second received reflected signal; 2) providing a first model signal representative of the first received reflected signal and a second model signal representative of the second received reflected signal; 3) correlating the received reflected signals to the model signals, including varying a time delay between the model signals, until the model signals separated by the time delay substantially agree with the received reflected signals; and 4) determining the thickness of the pipe wall using the time delay.
According to the present invention, a method is provided for sensing a fluid flow within a pipe having a lengthwise axis to determine a parameter of the fluid flow. The method includes the following steps: a) providing an array of more than two ultrasonic sensors, each sensor having a transmitter and a receiver; b) disposing the transmitter and receiver of each sensor orthogonally relative to the lengthwise axis of the pipe; c) receiving ultrasonic signals using the receivers, which received signals result from initial signals transmitted from the transmitters of the ultrasonic sensors; d) processing the received signals from each sensor by projecting the received signals against a sine function and a cosine function, high pass filtering the projected signals, and using the high pass filtered projections to create an arrival vector within a complex plane, wherein the high pass filtered arrival vector is a rectified frequency doubled signal; and e) determining the parameter of the fluid flow using the arrival vector.
G06F 19/00 - Équipement ou méthodes de traitement de données ou de calcul numérique, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques (spécialement adaptés à des fonctions spécifiques G06F 17/00;systèmes ou méthodes de traitement de données spécialement adaptés à des fins administratives, commerciales, financières, de gestion, de surveillance ou de prévision G06Q;informatique médicale G16H)
G01F 1/00 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu
27.
Velocity and impingement method for determining parameters of a particle/fluid flow
A method and apparatus for determining at least one flow parameter of a fluid flowing within a pipe, which fluid contains particles entrained within the fluid flow is provided. The method includes the steps of: 1) determining a velocity of the fluid flow within the pipe; 2) sensing the impingement of particles on a surface wetted with the fluid flow, and producing a signal relating to the impingement; and 3) determining the at least one flow parameter of the fluid flow utilizing the determined fluid flow velocity and the sensor signal relating to impingement of the particles on the surface wetted with the fluid flow.
G01F 1/00 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu
G01F 1/708 - Mesure du temps de parcours d'une distance déterminée
G01F 1/74 - Dispositifs pour la mesure du débit d'un matériau fluide ou du débit d'un matériau solide fluent en suspension dans un autre fluide
G01F 1/32 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement utilisant des débitmètres à tourbillons
G01F 1/20 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement
28.
Apparatus and method for attenuating acoustic waves propagating within a pipe wall
A method and apparatus for damping an ultrasonic signal propagating in the wall of a pipe, the apparatus including at least one damping structure for securing at least one sensor to the wall of the pipe, wherein the at least one sensor includes a transmitter component and a receiver component for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal, wherein the at least one damping structure is associated with the outer wall of the pipe for damping the ultrasonic signal propagating within the wall of the pipe and a processor that defines a convective ridge in the k-ω plane in response to the ultrasonic signals, and determines the slope of at least a portion of the convective ridge to determine the flow velocity of the fluid.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
29.
Apparatus and method for augmenting a coriolis meter
A correction system provides at least one of a compensated mass flow rate measurement and a compensated density measurement of a coriolis meter. The correction system includes a gas volume fraction (GVF) meter, which may include an array of strained-based or pressure sensors, to measure the speed of sound propagating through the fluid passing through the coriolis meter to calculate at least the GVF of the fluid and/or the reduced natural frequency. The calculated gas volume fraction and/or reduced frequency is provided to a processing unit for determining an improved mass flow rate and/or density for the coriolis meter. The improved density is determined using analytically derived or empirically derived density calibration models (or formulas derived therefore), which is a function of the measured natural frequency and at least one of the determined GVF, reduced frequency and speed of sound, or any combination thereof.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
G01F 1/84 - Débitmètres massiques du type Coriolis ou gyroscopique
30.
Apparatus and method for measuring liquid and gas flow rates in a stratified multi-phase flow
A method and apparatus for measuring a flow rate of a component of a stratified two-phase fluid flow within a substantially horizontally extending pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) determining a first fluid velocity value and a second fluid velocity value within the pipe section; b) determining a density of the fluid flow within the pipe section, and creating a measured fluid density value; c) determining a degree of fluid phase stratification of the fluid flow using at least one of the top and bottom fluid flow velocity values, and the measured fluid density value; and d) determining a flow rate value for at least one of a liquid component of the fluid flow and a gas component of the fluid flow within the pipe section.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
31.
Apparatus and method for providing a stratification metric of a multiphase fluid flowing within a pipe
A method and apparatus for determining a level of stratification of a multiphase fluid flow passing through a pipe is provided. The method includes, and the apparatus is operable to perform, the steps of: 1) determining a flow velocity of the multiphase fluid flow passing through a first radial region of the pipe; 2) determining a flow velocity of a portion of the multiphase fluid flow passing within a second radial region of the pipe, wherein the second radial region is above the first radial region; and 3) comparing the flow velocity from the first radial region and flow velocity from the second radial region to determine information indicative of the stratification of the multiphase fluid flow.
G01F 1/76 - Dispositifs pour mesurer le débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent
G01F 1/00 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu
G01F 13/00 - Appareils pour mesurer par volumes et déverser des fluides ou des matériaux solides fluents, non prévus dans les groupes précédents
G01F 22/00 - Procédés ou appareils pour la mesure du volume des fluides ou des matériaux solides fluents, non prévus ailleurs
G06F 19/00 - Équipement ou méthodes de traitement de données ou de calcul numérique, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques (spécialement adaptés à des fonctions spécifiques G06F 17/00;systèmes ou méthodes de traitement de données spécialement adaptés à des fins administratives, commerciales, financières, de gestion, de surveillance ou de prévision G06Q;informatique médicale G16H)
32.
Wet gas metering using a differential pressure and a sonar based flow meter
A method and apparatus for measuring wetness of a gas flow within a conduit is provided that includes a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, a sonar based flowmeter, and a processing device. The first pressure sensor is operable to sense the pressure of the gas flow within the conduit at a first position. The second pressure sensor is operable to sense the pressure of the gas flow within the conduit at a second position. The second position is located downstream of the first position an amount sufficient that the gas flow experiences a pressure drop. The sonar based flowmeter is configured to determine a volumetric flow rate of the gas flow. The processing device is in communication with the first and second pressure sensors and the sonar based flowmeter. The processing device is adapted to determine a difference in the pressure sensed by the first and second pressure sensors, and to determine the wetness of the gas flow using the difference in pressure and the volumetric flow rate.
G01F 1/34 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques en mesurant la pression ou la différence de pression
33.
Submersible meter for measuring a parameter of gas hold-up of a fluid
mix propagating through the aerated fluid in the tube using acoustic spatial array signal processing techniques. The submersible meter enables real time measurement of the bubble size, the bubble surface area flux and flotation rate constant, which enables real time monitoring of the efficiency and recovery rate of flotation machines. A control system is also provided using the submersible meter improve the efficiency of mineral processing by controlling the process parameters in response to the measured parameter of the fluid within a flotation machine.
mix propagating through the fluid to calculate at least gas volume fraction of the fluid and/or SOS. In response to the measured density and gas volume fraction, a processing unit determines the density of non-gaseous component of an aerated fluid flow. For three phase fluid flows, the processing unit can determine the phase fraction of the non-gaseous components of the fluid flow. The gas volume fraction (GVF) meter may include a sensing device having a plurality of strain-based or pressure sensors spaced axially along the pipe for measuring the acoustic pressures propagating through the flow.
G01N 9/00 - Recherche du poids spécifique ou de la densité des matériaux; Analyse des matériaux en déterminant le poids spécifique ou la densité
G01N 33/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par des méthodes spécifiques non couvertes par les groupes
G01F 1/20 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement
35.
Sonar-based flow meter operable to provide product identification
An apparatus and method for identifying one or more fluid products flowing within a pipe are provided having a flow meter mounted on the pipe and a processing unit. The flow meter has a plurality of sensors operable to detect vortical disturbances flowing with the fluid products and acoustic waves propagating through the fluid. The sensors produce signals indicative of the vortical disturbances and acoustic waves. The processing unit is operable to determine the speed of sound and volumetric flow rate of the one or more fluid products using the signals from the flow meter. The processing unit includes a database having speed of sound data for a predetermined group of products. The processing unit is operable to identify the type of each product flowing within the pipe given a temperature and pressure value of the products within the pipe.
G01F 1/00 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu
G01F 7/00 - Dispositifs de mesure du débit volumétrique avec plusieurs gammes de mesure; Compteurs composés
G01F 22/00 - Procédés ou appareils pour la mesure du volume des fluides ou des matériaux solides fluents, non prévus ailleurs
G01F 1/20 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement
36.
Apparatus and method for measuring a fluid flow parameter within an internal passage of an elongated body
A method and apparatus for measuring at least one parameter of a fluid flowing through an internal passage of an elongated body is provided. The internal passage is disposed between a first wall and a second wall, and the first wall and the second wall each include an interior surface and an exterior surface. The method includes the steps of providing an array of at least two ultrasonic sensor units, operating the sensor units to transmit ultrasonic signals at one or more frequencies substantially coincident with at least one frequency at which the transmitted ultrasonic signals resonate within the first wall, receiving the ultrasonic signals with the sensor units, and processing the received ultrasonic signals to measure the at least one parameter of fluid flow within the internal passage.
G01F 1/20 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
37.
Apparatus and method for attenuating acoustic waves in pipe walls for clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter
An apparatus is presented for damping an undesired component of an ultrasonic signal. The apparatus includes a sensor affixed to a pipe. The sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitted ultrasonic signal includes a structural component propagating through the pipe and a fluid component propagating through a flow in the pipe. The receiver receives one of the transmitted components. The apparatus includes a damping structure. The damping structure dampens the structural component of the ultrasonic signal to impede propagation of the structural component to the receiver. The damping structure includes one of a housing secured to the pipe to modify ultrasonic vibrational characteristics thereof, a plurality of film assemblies including a tunable circuit to attenuate structural vibration of the pipe, and a plurality of blocks affixed to the pipe to either reflect or propagates through the blocks, the undesired structural component of the ultrasonic signal.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
38.
Apparatus and method of lensing an ultrasonic beam for an ultrasonic flow meter
A method for sensing flow within a pipe having an internal passage disposed between a first wall portion and a second wall portion is provided, comprising the steps of: 1) providing a flow meter having at least one ultrasonic sensor unit that includes an ultrasonic transmitter attached to the first wall portion and an ultrasonic receiver attached to the second wall portion and aligned to receive ultrasonic signals transmitted from the transmitter; 2) selectively operating the ultrasonic transmitter to transmit a beam of ultrasonic signal, which beam has a focal point such that within the pipe, the beam is either colliminated, divergent or convergent; and 3) receiving the ultrasonic signals within the beam using the ultrasonic receiver. An apparatus operable to perform the aforesaid method is also provided.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
39.
Flow measurement apparatus having strain-based sensors and ultrasonic sensors
A flow measurement apparatus is provided that combines the functionality of an apparatus that uses strain-based sensors and ultrasonic sensors to measure the speed of sound propagating through a fluid flowing within a pipe, and measure pressures disturbances (e.g. vortical disturbances or eddies) moving with a fluid to determine respective parameters of the flow propagating through a pipe. The apparatus includes a sensing device that includes an array of pressure sensors used to measure the acoustic and convective pressure variations in the flow to determine desired parameters and an ultrasonic meter portion to measure the velocity and volumetric flow of the fluid. In response to an input signal or internal logic, the processor can manually or dynamically switch between the pressure sensors and ultrasonic sensors to measure the parameters of the flow. The flow measurement apparatus thereby provides a robust meter capable of measuring fluid flows having a wide range of different characteristics and flows exposed to different environmental conditions.
G01F 1/00 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu
40.
Apparatus and method for determining a parameter in a wet gas flow
In an apparatus for measuring a parameter of a wet gas flow, a gamma densitometer is provided and configured to non-intrusively measure the density of the wet gas flow. A sonar based flow meter is also provided and configured to non-intrusively determine a flow rate of the gas flow of the wet gas flow. A processing device is in communication with at least one of the gamma densitometer and the sonar based flow meter, the processing device being configured to determine the flow rate of the gas portion and/or liquid portion of the wet gas flow using the measured density and flow rate of the wet gas flow.
G01F 1/32 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement utilisant des débitmètres à tourbillons
G01N 9/00 - Recherche du poids spécifique ou de la densité des matériaux; Analyse des matériaux en déterminant le poids spécifique ou la densité
41.
Apparatus for measuring parameters of a fluid in a lined pipe
An apparatus for measuring a parameter of a fluid passing through a pipe comprises a spatial array of pressure sensors disposed at different axial locations along the pipe between a sleeve within the pipe and an inside surface of the pipe. Each of the pressure sensors provides a pressure signal indicative of unsteady pressure within the pipe at a corresponding axial location of the pipe. A signal processor is configured to receive the pressure signals from each of the pressure sensors, and determine the parameter of the fluid using the pressure signals from the pressure sensors. The sleeve and the sensors may be disposed within a pipe spool piece having flanges disposed on opposing ends. The pipe may be formed from a material relatively more rigid than the sleeve, and the sensors may be compressed between the pipe and the sleeve. The sleeve may have grooves formed therein for receiving the sensors, and each sensor may be formed from a piezocable wrapped around the sleeve.
G01F 1/34 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques en mesurant la pression ou la différence de pression
42.
Apparatus and method for measuring a parameter of a multiphase flow
An apparatus is provided that determines a characteristic of a multiphase fluid, such as an aerated oil and water fluid, flowing within a pipe. The apparatus includes a fluid flow meter, a water cut meter, and a density meter, wherein the density meter determines the density of the fluid flow to determine the gas volume (or void) fraction of the multiphase fluid flow. The output signal of each of the meters is provided to a multiphase flow model to provide a plurality of multiphase parameters, such as phase fraction, volumetric flow, mass flow of each of the phases of the multiphase mixture, optimized for various flow conditions. Each of the meters may be secured to the outer surface of the pipe using various means, such a clamping means.
G01F 1/32 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement utilisant des débitmètres à tourbillons
43.
Method and apparatus for determining a quality metric of a measurement of a fluid parameter
An apparatus for measuring a parameter of a fluid passing through a pipe includes a spatial array of at least two sensors disposed at different axial locations along the pipe. Each of the sensors provides a signal indicative of unsteady pressure within the pipe at a corresponding axial location of the pipe. A signal processor constructs at least a portion of a k-ω plot using the signals and detects at least one ridge in the k-ω plot. A slope of the at least one ridge is indicative of the parameter of the fluid. The signal processor determines a quality metric by comparing an accumulated energy (power) of k-ω pairs along the at least one ridge with an accumulated energy (power) of k-ω pairs along at least one ray extending in the k-ω plot. The quality metric is indicative of a quality of the at least one ridge.
G01F 23/00 - Indication ou mesure du niveau des liquides ou des matériaux solides fluents, p.ex. indication en fonction du volume ou indication au moyen d'un signal d'alarme
G06F 19/00 - Équipement ou méthodes de traitement de données ou de calcul numérique, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques (spécialement adaptés à des fonctions spécifiques G06F 17/00;systèmes ou méthodes de traitement de données spécialement adaptés à des fins administratives, commerciales, financières, de gestion, de surveillance ou de prévision G06Q;informatique médicale G16H)
44.
Apparatus and method for measuring settlement of solids in a multiphase flow
A method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of a flow passing through a pipe is provided, wherein the apparatus includes at least two spatial array of sensors disposed at different axial locations along the pipe, wherein each of the sensors provide a signal indicative of unsteady pressure created by coherent structures convecting with the flow within the pipe at a corresponding axial location of the pipe. The apparatus also includes a signal processor configured to determine the flow rate at the circumference location of each sensor array in response to the respective measured unsteady pressures. The signal processor compares the velocity of the flow at each respective location and provides a signal indicative the presence of solids settled at the bottom of the pipe and/or the level of the settled solids in the pipe, in response to an uncharacteristic increase in the velocity of a lower portion of the flow in comparison to the velocity measured above the lower portion of the flow.
G01F 23/00 - Indication ou mesure du niveau des liquides ou des matériaux solides fluents, p.ex. indication en fonction du volume ou indication au moyen d'un signal d'alarme
45.
Portable flow measurement apparatus having an array of sensors
A portable flow measuring apparatus includes an array of pressure sensors used to measure the acoustic and convective pressure variations in the flow to determine a desired parameter. A portable processing instrument processes the signals provided by the sensing array to provide an output signal indicative of a parameter of the fluid flow. The portable processing instrument includes a processor having appropriate processing algorithms to determine the desired or selected parameter(s) of the process flow 12. The portable processing instrument has a user interface to permit the user to select the parameters to be measured in the process flow, and/or more importantly, to enable the user to modify particular parameters or functions in the processor 30 and/or processing algorithms. The user interface 32 also enables a user to modify the code of the algorithm via a graphic user interface (GUI), keyboard and/or user input signal 34.
G01F 1/34 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques en mesurant la pression ou la différence de pression
46.
Dual function flow measurement apparatus having an array of sensors
A dual function flow measurement apparatus is provided that combines the functionality of an apparatus that measures the speed of sound propagating through a fluid flowing within a pipe, and measures pressures disturbances (e.g. vortical disturbances or eddies) moving with a fluid to determine respective parameters of the flow propagating through a pipe. The apparatus includes a sensing device that includes an array of pressure sensors used to measure the acoustic and convective pressure variations in the flow to determine desired parameters. The measurement apparatus includes a processing unit the processes serially or in parallel the pressure signals provided by the sensing array to provide output signals indicative of a parameter of the fluid flow relating to the velocity of the flow and the speed of sound propagating through the flow, respectively.
A system and method for optimizing the gas/liquid separation process for a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided, wherein the method includes receiving a fluid flow having a liquid component and a gas component. The method further includes separating the liquid component from the gas component, wherein the liquid component is separated from the gas component via a separator device. The method also includes generating gas component data and liquid component data, wherein the gas component data is responsive to the liquid carry-over into the gas component and wherein the liquid component data is responsive to the gas carry-under into the liquid component. Furthermore, the method includes processing the gas component data and the liquid component data to generate apparatus optimization data.
An apparatus for determining a characteristic of a fluid flow within a pipe is provided, wherein the apparatus includes a separating device for separating the fluid into a gas component and a liquid component and directing the gas component to flow within a gas leg portion of the pipe and the liquid component to flow within a liquid portion of the pipe. The apparatus includes a gas leg portion metering device for generating gas component data and a liquid leg portion metering device for generating liquid component data. Moreover, the apparatus includes a processing device communicated with at least one of the gas leg portion metering device and the liquid leg portion metering device, the processing device being configured to receive and process at least one of the gas component data and the liquid component data to generate fluid flow data responsive to a fluid flow characteristic.
G01F 15/08 - Séparateurs d'air ou de gaz en combinaison avec des compteurs de liquides; Séparateurs de liquide en combinaison avec des compteurs de gaz
49.
Wet gas metering using a differential pressure based flow meter with a sonar based flow meter
A method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of a wet gas flow is provided, wherein the apparatus includes a differential pressure based flow meter configured to determine a first volumetric flow rate of the wet gas flow. Additionally, the apparatus includes a sonar based flow meter configured to determine a second volumetric flow rate of the wet gas flow. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a processing device communicated with at least one of the differential pressure base flow meter and the sonar based flow meter, wherein the processing device is configured to determine the parameter (e.g., wetness, volumetric gas flow rate, and volumetric liquid flow rate) of the wet gas flow using the first and second volumetric flow rates.
G01F 1/37 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques en mesurant la pression ou la différence de pression la pression ou la différence de pression étant produite par une contraction de la veine fluide la pression ou la différence de pression étant mesurée au moyen de tubes ou de vases communiquants avec des niveaux variables de fluide, p.ex. tubes en U
50.
Apparatus and method for measuring a parameter of a multiphase flow
An apparatus for determining a characteristic of an aerated fluid flowing within a pipe is provided and includes at least one first sensing device associated with the pipe, such that the at least one first sensing device senses a low-frequency component of the aerated fluid flow and generates first sensor data responsive to the low-frequency component of the aerated fluid. At least one second sensing device is also included and is associated with the pipe such that the at least one second sensing device senses a high-frequency component of the aerated fluid flow and generates second sensor data responsive to the high-frequency component of the aerated fluid. Furthermore, a processing device is included and is communicated with the at least one first sensing device and the at least one second sensing device to receive and process the first sensor data and the second sensor data to generate fluid data.
G01F 1/22 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement par débitmètres à section variable
51.
Apparatus and method for fiscal measuring of an aerated fluid
A method and apparatus for performing a fiscal measurement of at least one characteristic of an aerated fluid flowing within a pipe is provided, wherein the apparatus includes at least one metering device for determining the mixture density of the fluid, the speed of sound of the fluid and the speed of sound of the liquid portion of the fluid, wherein the at least one metering device generates meter data responsive to the mixture density of the fluid, the speed of sound of the fluid and the speed of sound of the liquid portion of the fluid. The apparatus further includes a processing device communicated with the at least one metering device, wherein the processing device receives the meter data and processes the meter data to generate the at least one fiscal measurement.
G01F 1/32 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement utilisant des débitmètres à tourbillons
52.
Apparatus and method of processing data to improve the performance of a flow monitoring system
An apparatus and method of processing flow meter data to filter out signal noise is provided. The method includes defining the flow meter data as a k-ω plane, wherein the k-ω plane includes a first k-plane quadrant separated from a second k-plane quadrant by a predetermined axis. The flow meter data includes a first data set disposed within the first k-plane quadrant and a second data set disposed within the second k-plane quadrant. The first data set and the second data set are disposed symmetrically about the predetermined axis and subtracting the first data set from the second data set to obtain a resultant data set.
G01F 1/00 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu
G06F 17/00 - TRAITEMENT ÉLECTRIQUE DE DONNÉES NUMÉRIQUES Équipement ou méthodes de traitement de données ou de calcul numérique, spécialement adaptés à des fonctions spécifiques
53.
Industrial flow meter having an accessible digital interface
An apparatus for measuring a parameter of a fluid flowing within a pipe includes a sensing device having a sensor for sensing an unsteady pressure of the fluid flow. The sensing device generates sensor data responsive to the parameter. A processing device, which communicates with the sensing device, receives and processes the sensor data to generate meter data. The apparatus includes a digital interface, which communicates with the processing device, that is configured to associate with a portable external digital storage device for transferring information between the apparatus and the portable external digital storage device.
G01F 1/00 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu
54.
Apparatus and method for augmenting a Coriolis meter
mix propagating through the fluid to calculate at least gas volume fraction of the fluid and/or the reduced natural frequency. For determining an improved density for the coriolis meter, the calculated gas volume fraction and/or reduced frequency is provided to a processing unit. The improved density is determined using analytically derived or empirically derived density calibration models (or formulas derived therefore), which is a function of the measured natural frequency and at least one of the determined GVF, reduced frequency and speed of sound, or any combination thereof. The gas volume fraction (GVF) meter may include a sensing device having a plurality of strain-based or pressure sensors spaced axially along the pipe for measuring the acoustic pressures propagating through the flow.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
G01F 1/84 - Débitmètres massiques du type Coriolis ou gyroscopique
55.
System for measuring a parameter of an aerated multi-phase mixture flowing in a pipe
A method and apparatus for measuring at least one characteristic of an aerated fluid flowing within a pipe is provided, wherein the method includes generating a measured sound speed, a measured density, a pressure and a gas volume fraction for the aerated fluid. The method also includes correcting the measured density responsive to the measured sound speed, the pressure and the gas volume fraction to generate a corrected density. The method further includes calculating a liquid phase density, determining whether the gas volume fraction is above a predetermined threshold value and generating a mass flow rate responsive to whether the gas volume fraction is above the predetermined threshold value.
G01F 15/08 - Séparateurs d'air ou de gaz en combinaison avec des compteurs de liquides; Séparateurs de liquide en combinaison avec des compteurs de gaz
56.
Apparatus and method for providing a fluid cut measurement of a multi-liquid mixture compensated for entrained gas
An apparatus for determining a fluid cut measurement of a multi-liquid mixture includes a first device configured to sense at least one parameter of the mixture to determine a fluid cut of a liquid in the mixture. A second device is configured to determine a concentration of gas in the mixture in response to a speed of sound in the mixture; and a signal processor is configured to adjust the fluid cut of the liquid using the concentration of the gas to determine a compensated fluid cut of the liquid. The parameter of the mixture sensed by the first device may include a density of the mixture (e.g., by way of a Coriolis meter), a permittivity of the mixture (e.g., by way of a resonant microwave oscillator), or an amount of microwave energy absorbed by the mixture (e.g., by way of a microwave absorption watercut meter). The signal processor may employ different correction factors depending on the type of fluid cut device used. The second device may include a gas volume fraction meter.
G01N 9/24 - Recherche du poids spécifique ou de la densité des matériaux; Analyse des matériaux en déterminant le poids spécifique ou la densité en observant la propagation de l'onde ou de la radiation des particules à travers le matériau
G01N 9/26 - Recherche du poids spécifique ou de la densité des matériaux; Analyse des matériaux en déterminant le poids spécifique ou la densité en mesurant des différences de pression
An apparatus for measuring compositional parameters of solid, liquid, and gas components of a mixture flowing in a pipe is presented. The apparatus combines three different compositional measurements (e.g., the speed of light (microwave), the speed of sound (sonar), and mass loading of vibrating tubes or absorption of radiation) simultaneously to provide a real time, multi parameter, compositional measurement of gas-entrained mixtures.
G01N 9/24 - Recherche du poids spécifique ou de la densité des matériaux; Analyse des matériaux en déterminant le poids spécifique ou la densité en observant la propagation de l'onde ou de la radiation des particules à travers le matériau
G01N 9/32 - Recherche du poids spécifique ou de la densité des matériaux; Analyse des matériaux en déterminant le poids spécifique ou la densité en utilisant les propriétés d'écoulement des fluides, p.ex. l'écoulement à travers des tubes ou des ouvertures
G01N 29/14 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi d'ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonores; Visualisation de l'intérieur d'objets par transmission d'ondes ultrasonores ou sonores à travers l'objet utilisant des techniques d'émission acoustique
G01N 29/22 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi d'ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonores; Visualisation de l'intérieur d'objets par transmission d'ondes ultrasonores ou sonores à travers l'objet - Détails
58.
Method and apparatus for determining a quality metric of a measurement of a fluid parameter
An apparatus for measuring a parameter of a fluid passing through a pipe includes a spatial array of at least two sensors disposed at different axial locations along the pipe. Each of the sensors provides a signal indicative of unsteady pressure within the pipe at a corresponding axial location of the pipe. A signal processor constructs at least a portion of a k-ω plot using the signals and detects at least one ridge in the k-ω plot. A slope of the at least one ridge is indicative of the parameter of the fluid. The signal processor determines a quality metric by comparing an accumulated energy (power) of k-ω pairs along the at least one ridge with an accumulated energy (power) of k-ω pairs along at least one ray extending in the k-ω plot. The quality metric is indicative of a quality of the at least one ridge.
G01F 1/00 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu
G01F 7/00 - Dispositifs de mesure du débit volumétrique avec plusieurs gammes de mesure; Compteurs composés
G07F 19/00 - Systèmes bancaires complets; Dispositions à déclenchement par carte codée adaptées pour délivrer ou recevoir des espèces ou analogues et adresser de telles transactions à des comptes existants, p.ex. guichets automatiques
59.
Flow measurement apparatus having strain-based sensors and ultrasonic sensors
A flow measurement apparatus is provided that combines the functionality of an apparatus that uses strain-based sensors and ultrasonic sensors to measure the speed of sound propagating through a fluid flowing within a pipe, and measure pressures disturbances (e.g. vortical disturbances or eddies) moving with a fluid to determine respective parameters of the flow propagating through a pipe. The apparatus includes a sensing device that includes an array of pressure sensors used to measure the acoustic and convective pressure variations in the flow to determine desired parameters and an ultrasonic meter portion to measure the velocity and volumetric flow of the fluid. In response to an input signal or internal logic, the processor can manually or dynamically switch between the pressure sensors and ultrasonic sensors to measure the parameters of the flow. The flow measurement apparatus thereby provides a robust meter capable of measuring fluid flows having a wide range of different characteristics and flows exposed to different environmental conditions.
G01F 1/00 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu
60.
Contact-based transducers for characterizing unsteady pressures in pipes
A sensor head characterizes unsteady pressures in a fluid flowing within a pipe, as may be caused by one or both of acoustic waves propagating through the fluid within the pipe and/or pressure disturbances that convect with the fluid flowing in the pipe. The sensor head comprises a rigid support structure and at least one transducer attached to the rigid support structure. The rigid support structure holds the transducer in contact with an outer surface of the pipe. The at least one transducer senses relative movement between the outer surface of the pipe and the support structure and provides a signal indicative of unsteady pressures within the fluid at a corresponding axial position of the pipe in response to the relative movement. The support structure may be attached to each transducer in an array of transducers, and may include a handle secured thereto for manipulating the sensor head into contact with the pipe. Output signals from the transducers are provided to a processing unit, which processes the output signals to provide a signal indicative of at least one parameter of the flow process.
G01L 9/00 - Mesure de la pression permanente, ou quasi permanente d’un fluide ou d’un matériau solide fluent par des éléments électriques ou magnétiques sensibles à la pression; Transmission ou indication par des moyens électriques ou magnétiques du déplacement des éléments mécaniques sensibles à la pression, utilisés pour mesurer la pression permanente ou quasi permanente d’un fluide ou d’un matériau solide fluent
61.
Method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of a fluid flowing within a pipe using sub-array processing
A parameter of a fluid passing through a pipe is measured using a spatial array of sensors disposed at different axial locations along the pipe. The spatial array includes at least two overlapping sub-arrays. Using the pressure signals, a signal processor determines a spatial correlation matrix for each of the sub arrays. The spatial correlation matrices from the sub-arrays are averaged, and the averaged spatial correlation matrix is used as input to an adaptive array processing algorithm. The pipe may be open ended such that it can be positioned within the fluid flow for forming a portion of a sensing device.
G01F 1/00 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu
G01F 7/00 - Dispositifs de mesure du débit volumétrique avec plusieurs gammes de mesure; Compteurs composés
G06F 19/00 - Équipement ou méthodes de traitement de données ou de calcul numérique, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques (spécialement adaptés à des fonctions spécifiques G06F 17/00;systèmes ou méthodes de traitement de données spécialement adaptés à des fins administratives, commerciales, financières, de gestion, de surveillance ou de prévision G06Q;informatique médicale G16H)
62.
Method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of a fluid flowing within a pipe using an array of sensors
Various methods are described which increase the efficiency and accuracy of a signal processor in determining parameters of a fluid using signals output by a spatial array of sensors disposed along a pipe. In one aspect, parameters used for calculating the temporal Fourier transform of the pressure signals, specifically the amount or duration of the data that the windowing function is applied to and the temporal frequency range, are adjusted in response to the determined parameter. In another aspect, an initialization routine estimates flow velocity so the window length and temporal frequency range can be initially set prior to the full array processing. In another aspect, the quality of one or more of the parameters is determined and used to gate the output of the apparatus in the event of low confidence in the measurement and/or no flow conditions. In another aspect, a method for determining a convective ridge of the pressure signals in the k-ω plane is provided.
G06F 19/00 - Équipement ou méthodes de traitement de données ou de calcul numérique, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques (spécialement adaptés à des fonctions spécifiques G06F 17/00;systèmes ou méthodes de traitement de données spécialement adaptés à des fins administratives, commerciales, financières, de gestion, de surveillance ou de prévision G06Q;informatique médicale G16H)
63.
Piezocable based sensor for measuring unsteady pressures inside a pipe
A piezocable based sensor for measuring unsteady pressures inside a pipe comprises a cable wrapped around the pipe and an outer band compressing the cable towards the pipe. The cable provides a signal indicative of unsteady pressure within the pipe in response to expansion and contraction of the pipe. The cable includes: a first electrical conductor, a piezoelectric material disposed around the first electrical conductor, a second electrical conductor disposed around the piezoelectric material, and an insulative jacket surrounding the piezoelectric material and electrical conductors. The cable may be part of an array of cables wrapped around the pipe, and a signal processor may determine a parameter of the fluid using the signals. A housing is disposed around the pipe and electrical components associated with the pipe. Ends of the housing include a sealing arrangement, which provides a seal between the ends of the housing and the pipe.
G01N 11/00 - Recherche des propriétés d'écoulement des matériaux, p.ex. la viscosité, la plasticité; Analyse des matériaux en déterminant les propriétés d'écoulement
64.
Apparatus and method for providing a density measurement augmented for entrained gas
mix propagating through the fluid to calculate at least gas volume fraction of the fluid and/or SOS. In response to the measured density and gas volume fraction, a processing unit determines the density of non-gaseous component of an aerated fluid flow. For three phase fluid flows, the processing unit can determine the phase fraction of the non-gaseous components of the fluid flow. The gas volume fraction (GVF) meter may include a sensing device having a plurality of strain-based or pressure sensors spaced axially along the pipe for measuring the acoustic pressures propagating through the flow.
G01N 9/00 - Recherche du poids spécifique ou de la densité des matériaux; Analyse des matériaux en déterminant le poids spécifique ou la densité
G01N 33/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par des méthodes spécifiques non couvertes par les groupes
G01F 1/20 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement
65.
Apparatus and method for compensating a coriolis meter
mix propagating through the fluid to calculate at least gas volume fraction of the fluid and/or the reduced natural frequency. For determining an improved density for the coriolis meter, the calculated gas volume fraction and/or reduced frequency is provided to a processing unit. The improved density is determined using analytically derived or empirically derived density calibration models (or formulas derived therefore), which is a function of the measured natural frequency and at least one of the determined GVF, reduced frequency and speed of sound, or any combination thereof. The gas volume fraction (GVF) meter may include a sensing device having a plurality of strain-based or pressure sensors spaced axially along the pipe for measuring the acoustic pressures propagating through the flow.
G01N 7/00 - Analyse des matériaux en mesurant la pression ou le volume d'un gaz ou d'une vapeur
G01N 22/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de micro-ondes ou d'ondes radio, c. à d. d'ondes électromagnétiques d'une longueur d'onde d'un millimètre ou plus
G01F 1/20 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement
66.
Method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of a high temperature fluid flowing within a pipe using an array of piezoelectric based flow sensors
A method, apparatus and system are provided to measure the process flow of a fluid or medium traveling in a pipe. The system and apparatus feature a standoff and piezoelectric-based sensor arrangement having a plurality of standoffs arranged on a pipe and a plurality of sensor bands, each arranged on a respective plurality of standoffs, each having at least one sensor made of piezoelectric material arranged thereon to detect unsteady pressure disturbances in the process flow in the pipe which in turn can be converted to the velocity of and/or speed of sound propagating within the pipe, and a cooling tube arranged in relation to the plurality of standoffs for actively cooling the sensor band; and further comprise a processing module for converting one or more sensor signals into a measurement containing information about the flow of the fluid or medium traveling in the pipe, as well as a pump and heat exchanger for processing the cooling fluid flowing through the cooling tube. The processing includes maintaining the cooling fluid at a desired operating temperature.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
67.
Method and apparatus for measuring parameters of a fluid flowing within a pipe using a configurable array of sensors
N along the pipe. Each of the pressure sensors provides a pressure signal P(t) indicative of unsteady pressure within the pipe at a corresponding axial location of the pipe. A signal processor receives the pressure signals from each of the pressure sensors and determines the parameter of the fluid using pressure signals from selected ones of the pressure sensors. By selecting different pressure sensors, the signal processor can configure the array to meet different criteria. In one embodiment, the array of pressure sensors may be formed on a single sheet of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) that is wrapped around at least a portion of an outer surface of the pipe. This arrangement allows a large number of pressure sensors to be quickly and economically installed.
A dual function flow measurement apparatus is provided that combines the functionality of an apparatus that measures the speed of sound propagating through a fluid flowing within a pipe, and measures pressures disturbances (e.g. vortical disturbances or eddies) moving with a fluid to determine respective parameters of the flow propagating through a pipe. The apparatus includes a sensing device that includes an array of pressure sensors used to measure the acoustic and convective pressure variations in the flow to determine desired parameters. The measurement apparatus includes a processing unit the processes serially or in parallel the pressure signals provided by the sensing array to provide output signals indicative of a parameter of the fluid flow relating to the velocity of the flow and the speed of sound propagating through the flow, respectively.
An apparatus for measuring at least one parameter associated with a fluid flowing within a pipe comprises an optical measurement device and a signal processor. The optical measurement device provides output signals indicative of unsteady pressures within the fluid at two or more axial locations along the pipe in response to light reflected from an outer surface of the pipe. The signal processor provides an output signal indicative of at least one parameter associated with the fluid in response to the output signals. The optical measurement device may include, for example, an electronic speckle pattern interferometer, a Fabry-Perot device, and/or a laser vibrometer. The at least one parameter may include at least one of: density of the fluid, volumetric flow rate of the fluid, mass flow rate of the fluid, composition of the fluid, entrained air in the fluid, consistency of the fluid, size of particles in the fluid, and health of a device causing the unsteady pressures to be generated in the pipe.
G01B 11/02 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la longueur, la largeur ou l'épaisseur
G01P 3/36 - Dispositifs caractérisés par l'emploi de moyens optiques, p.ex. en utilisant la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
G01L 1/24 - Mesure des forces ou des contraintes, en général en mesurant les variations des propriétés optiques du matériau quand il est soumis à une contrainte, p.ex. par l'analyse des contraintes par photo-élasticité
70.
Configurable multi-function flow measurement apparatus having an array of sensors
A configurable multi-function flow measurement apparatus is provided that can selectably function to measure the speed of sound propagating through a fluid flowing within a pipe and/or to measure pressures disturbances (e.g. vortical disturbances or eddies) moving with a fluid to determine respective parameters of the flow propagating through a pipe and detects the health of an industrial process. The configurable flow measurement device can also be selectable to function as a system diagnostic meter that provides a diagnostic signal indicative of the health of the industrial process, namely health of pumps, valves, motors and other devices in an industrial flow loop. The apparatus includes a sensing device that includes an array of strained-based or pressure sensors used to measure the acoustic and convective pressure variations in the flow to determine desired parameters. In response to a remote or local configuration signal, a control logic selects the desired function of the flow measurement apparatus.
A system for monitoring, diagnosing, and/or controlling a flow process uses one or more flow meters based on an array of pressure sensors. A signal processor outputs at least one of a flow signal, a diagnostic signal, and a control signal in response to the pressure signals from the pressure sensors. The flow signal indicates the at least one parameter of the fluid, the diagnostic signal indicates a diagnostic condition of a device in the flow process, and the control signal is effective in adjusting an operating parameter of at least one device in the flow process. The system may be arranged as a distributed control system (DCS) architecture for monitoring a plurality of flow meters based on array-processing installed at various locations throughout a flow process.
G01F 1/00 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu
72.
Portable flow measurement apparatus having an array of sensors
A portable flow measuring apparatus measures the speed of sound and/or vortical disturbances propagating in a fluid flow to determine a parameter of the flow propagating through a pipe. The apparatus includes a sensing device that includes an array of pressure sensors, which may be removable, used to measure the acoustic and convective pressure variations in the flow to determine a desired parameter. A portable processing instrument processes the signals provided by the sensing array to provide an output signal indicative of a parameter of the fluid flow. The portable processing instrument includes a processor having appropriate processing algorithms to determine the desired or selected parameter(s) of the process flow 12. The portable processing instrument has a user interface to permit the user to select the parameters to be measured in the process flow, and/or more importantly, to enable the user to modify particular parameters or functions in the processor 30 and/or processing algorithms. The user interface 32 also enables a user to modify the code of the algorithm via a graphic user interface (GUI), keyboard and/or user input signal 34.
G01F 1/34 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques en mesurant la pression ou la différence de pression
73.
Apparatus for measuring velocity and flow rate of a fluid having a non-negligible axial mach number using an array of sensors
N(t) to a signal processing unit 30 which determines the speed of sound propagating with and against the flow of the fluid 12 in the pipe 14 using acoustic spatial array signal processing techniques. The apparatus, responsive to the measured speed of sound propagating with and against the flow of the fluid, determines the velocity and the flow rate of the fluid propagating through the pipe.
G01F 1/32 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement utilisant des débitmètres à tourbillons
An apparatus measures the speed of sound and/or vortical disturbances propagating in a fluid flow to determine a parameter of the flow propagating through a pipe. The apparatus includes a sensing device that includes an array of pressure sensors used to measure the acoustic and convective pressure variations in the flow to determine a desired parameter. The sensing device includes a unitary strap having a plurality of bands disposed parallel to each other. The bands are interconnected by cross members to maintain the bands a predetermined distance apart. Each of the bands having a strip of piezoelectric film material mounted along a substantial length of the bands. The piezoelectric film material provides a signal indicative of the unsteady pressures within the pipe. The sensing device includes a conductive shield around the multi-band strap and the piezoelectric film material to provide a grounding shield.
G01F 1/34 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques en mesurant la pression ou la différence de pression
brevets
