System for characterizing pressure, movement, temperature and flow pattern of fluids

US5271675A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Gas Research Institute · US

Inventors

• John E. Fagan · Norman, US
• James J. Sluss, Jr. · Broken Arrow, US
• John W. Hassell · Norman, US
• R. Brian Mears · Norman, US
• Ronnie B. Beason · Lexington, US
• Sonja R. Wilkinson · Norman, US
• Tommy Lear · Norman, US
• Kok-Siang Tan · Bukit Mertajam, MY

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 22, 1992
• Grant date: Dec 21, 1993
• Expiry date: Oct 22, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01P5/001
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A system for characterizing the pressure, temperature, movement and flow patterns of a fluid under high pressure within a test cell. The test cell is lined internally with adjustable rock facings. Pressure is measured within the test cell using a device employing pressure-distortable optical fibers. Fluid velocity, flow direction, and filter-cake buildup are measured with laser Doppler velocimetry. The flow pattern of the fluid is viewed using corresponding arrays of transmitting and receiving optical fibers. Temperature of the fluid is estimated using a combination of thermal sensors. The pressure, velocity, viewing and temperature systems are integral to the rock facings of the test cell.