System for characterizing flow pattern, pressure and movement of a fluid

US5488224A · 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: Mar 31, 1994
• Grant date: Jan 30, 1996
• Expiry date: Mar 31, 2014

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.