Characterizing multiphase fluid flow
US9702745B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F1/74
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for determining multiphase flow characteristics inside production equipment containing at least two fluids. A pulse of heat from a heat source adjacent to the production equipment is provided, and a thermal response to the pulse is measured at each of a plurality of temperature sensors located adjacent to the production equipment. The thermal response measurement includes a time constant obtained from a measured decline in the temperature after the pulse of heat has been provided. The measured thermal responses are used to determine parameters of a fluid contained in the production equipment in proximity to each of the temperature sensors. The determined fluid parameters are in turn used to determine multiphase flow characteristics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.