Method and apparatus for non-intrusive measurement and control of the flow rates of the different phases of a multiphase fluid in a pipeline
US5661248A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 26, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/02836
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A mechanical or acoustic excitation apparatus 26 imparts mechanical vibrations to a pipeline 12 in at least two longitudinally spaced areas of its outer surface. At least one sensor 30 is positioned in proximity to the pipeline, which collects vibration data supplied to it along the pipeline. A processing and analysis apparatus 40 derives from the vibration data information concerning the gas and liquid content of the multiphase fluid, in particular the length and rate of travel of liquid plugs and air pockets, and a control device 42 regulates intake valves of downstream petroleum equipment to adjust the intake flow rate of the phases as a function of the storage and/or treatment capacity of the equipment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.