Apparatus and method for characterizing two phase fluid flow
US7637167B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 2008 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F1/88
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus (and corresponding method) for characterizing the fluid properties of a two phase fluid includes a restriction element (e.g., orifice plate or nozzle) along the flow path of the two phase fluid. At least one temperature sensor measures temperature of the two phase fluid flowing through the restriction element. A pressure sensor measures the pressure downstream of the restriction element. Time-of-flight measurements of pulses passing through the two phase fluid are made. The speed of sound within the two phase fluid is calculated from the time-of-flight measurements. At least one fluid property (e.g., a vapor phase fraction) of the two phase fluid is calculated from the measured pressure, the measured temperature, and the calculated speed of sound.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.