Texaco Inc.

Steven M Stockman

Gregory J Hatton

Michael G Durrett

Clifford L Redus

Earl L Dowty

Gary E Collier

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.

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Alvin, TX, United States of America

Steven M Stockman