Texaco Inc.

Earl L Dowty

Gregory J Hatton

Michael G Durrett

John D Marrelli

David A Helms

Joseph D Stafford

Clifford L Redus

Gary E Collier

David J Stavish

Startup Ian

Timothy L Dean

Steven M Stockman

The gas flow rate and liquid flow rate of a two phase fluid flow are determined by passing the fluid flow down an inclined pipe to stratify the flow. The fluid pressure, temperature and density are measured along with the liquid density. The differential pressure is measured to determine the dynamic head of the fluid. These measurements are used together to determine the gas flow rate and the liquid flow rate.

Means to determine liquid flow rate with gas present

A multiphase petroleum stream pipeline analyzer including a defoaming device connected to an upstream section of the pipeline which reduces foam in the petroleum stream. Apparatus stratifies the petroleum stream after defoaming by causing the stream to flow down a decline at a predetermined angle to the horizontal. A device traps gas released during stratification and provides the gas to an accumulator. Liquid exits from the trap device and is allowed to re-enter the downstream section of the pipeline. The accumulator also accumulates gas from the defoaming operation and the stratification. The gas is allowed to exit from the accumulator to the downstream section of the pipeline so as to recombine the petroleum stream. A plurality of sensors monitor liquid and gas in the trap, and exit from the trap and the accumulator for various conditions of the liquid and the gas and provides corresponding signals. A water cut monitor provides a signal corresponding to the water cut of the liquid. A computer having data relating to characteristics of the gas, the liquid, and produced water, entered therein, provides at least one output relating to at least one of the flow rates of gas, oil and water, in accordance with the signals from the sensors and from the water cut monitor.

Petroleum stream analyzing means and method

The flow rate monitor includes a test line containing a chamber wherein the test line is declinated at a predetermined angle so stratification of liquid and gas will occur in the chamber. A sample stream is removed from the liquid in the chamber and provided to a separator which separates the gas from the sample stream to provide a gas output and a liquid output. The gas output and the liquid output is returned to the test line. The water cut of the liquid output is determined while the pressure of the composite petroleum stream is sensed along with the temperature. The volumetric flow rate of the composite petroleum stream is monitored and the flow rate signal is provided. The density of the composite petroleum stream is also monitored. The flow rate of all three coponents of the composite petroleum stream is determined in accordance with the temperature signal, the pressure signal, the water cut signal, the flow rate signal and the density signal.

Multiphase flow rate monitoring means and method

A system and method for obtaining a rapid determination of the volumetric flow rate of a multi-phase fluid stream comprised of crude oil, water and gas. The gaseous component of the stream is first segregated to allow a measurement of the volumetric relationship between the respective liquid phases. Thereafter, the density of the remaining liquids is made. Translation of the values obtained by such measurements permits the system to function at a remote source of the multi-phase fluid.

Fluid flow volumetric determination apparatus and method

A petroleum stream microwave water cut monitor includes test cell means which contains a reference petroleum multiphase fluid sample and which has a sample stream of a petroleum stream passing through it. The test cell is maintained at a predetermined temperature. A source provides microwave energy to one of a first pair of antennae which provides the petroleum stream flowing in the test cell or the reference sample in the test cell with microwave energy. One of a second pair of antennae receives the microwave energy that has passed through either the petroleum stream or the reference sample. A detector detects the received microwave energy and provides a signal corresponding thereto. An indicator provides an indication of the water cut of the petroleum stream in accordance with the received signal power and a phase difference between the source provided microwave energy and the received microwave energy.

Microwave water cut monitor with temperature controlled test cell

A petroleum stream microwave water cut monitor includes test cell means which contains a reference petroleum multiphase fluid sample and which has a sample stream of a petroleum stream passing through it. A source transmits microwave energy to one of a first pair of antennae which irradiates the petroleum stream flowing in the test cell or the reference sample in the test cell with microwave energy. One of a second pair of antennae receives the microwave energy that has passed through either the petroleum stream or the reference sample. A detector detects the received microwave energy and provides a signal corresponding thereto. An indicator provides an indication of the water cut of the petroleum stream in accordance with the received signal power and a phase difference between the transmitted microwave energy and the received microwave energy.

Growing community of inventors

Katy, TX, United States of America

Earl L Dowty