Controlling the slug flow of a multiphase fluid

摘要

Controlling the flow of a multiphase fluid through a pipeline to avoid a slugging flow comprises: receiving multiple first signals dependent on fluid flow properties from a plurality of sensors in the topside area of the riser pipe; analysing the first signals to establish a vector of measurement weights; receiving further signals dependent on fluid flow properties from the plurality of sensors; determining a set position for a choke valve from the product of the vector of measurement weights and the further values of the signals; and moving the choke valve to the set position. The position of the choke valve may be set according to a function of the form V=VO+(WTY-R) where VOmay be a manually set choke valve position and WTY may represent a linear combination of weighted variables each corresponding to one of the received signals. The set position of the choke valve may be determined from the product of the vector of measurement weights and the first signals.