Multiphase flow detector

摘要

The multiphase flow detector detects the different fractions of different phases of fluids, i.e., oil, water, and/or gas, flowing through a pipeline or the like. The detector includes a plurality of capacitive and resistive probes extending radially into an oil delivery pipeline. The probes preferably have various different lengths from one another to detect differences in fluid phases at differing distances from the pipe wall as the fluid flows randomly therethrough. The capacitive and resistive probes are preferably evenly spaced from one another in an alternating circumferential array. Two rings or stations of such probes are preferably installed in the pipe to measure the velocity of flow in the pipe, as well as the fluid fractions flowing therethrough. Appropriate algorithms enable a central controller to determine the fraction differences between oil and water and between oil and gas, and therefore to determine the fraction difference between water and gas.

主权项

1. A multiphase flow detector for the detection of phase fractions of a fluid flowing in a pipe, the pipe having a length and a radius, the multiphase flow detector comprising:
at least one plurality of capacitive probes adapted for extending radially into the pipe in a circumferential array; at least one plurality of resistive probes adapted for extending radially into the pipe in a circumferential array, the capacitive probes and the resistive probes being disposed in an alternating order in the same circumferential array with one another; and a central controller receiving capacitance and resistance measurement signals generated by each of the capacitive and resistive probes in response to the fluid flowing through the pipe, the controller having means for determining the fraction of each phase in the fluid flow.