Multi-phase flow-monitoring with an optical fiber distributed acoustic sensor
US11768179B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 2020 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/02836
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention provide a “tool-kit” of processing techniques which can be employed in different combinations depending on the circumstances. For example, flow speed can be found using eddy tracking techniques, or by using speed of sound measurements. Moreover, composition can be found by using speed of sound measurements and also by looking for turning points in the k-w curves, particularly in stratified multi-phase flows. Different combinations of the embodiments can therefore be put together to provide further embodiments, to meet particular flow sensing requirements, both on the surface and downhole. Once the flow speed is known, then at least in the case of a single phase flow, the flow speed can be multiplied by the interior cross-sectional area of the pipe to obtain the flow rate. The mass flow rate can then be obtained if the density of the fluid is known, once the composition has been determined.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.