JP6419296B2 - Coriolis type device for directly measuring the source and method for measuring the source directly - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a Coriolis type direct source measuring device and a direct source measuring method, and in particular, provides continuous monitoring of source performance and highly accurate quantitative and qualitative measurements. The present invention relates to a Coriolis type device for directly measuring a source and a method for directly measuring a source.

  Direct source measurement refers to the ability to continuously measure production at an individual source or set of sources. This type of measurement is desirable because the data it provides is directly related to daily judgments about driving. These decisions include decisions about which sources on site should be abolished, and which technologies should be used to maximize the production of oil or gas from individual sources.

  From a measurement perspective, the source is very different for different geographical locations. In the Middle East, most sources produce liquids (oil and water) with small amounts of gas, and the production is relatively smooth and continuous. However, since the source is depleted over time, the stable production volume (flow rate) gradually decreases. In the United States, as in other countries, it is necessary to pump fluids such as water or carbon dioxide into well holes to produce oil and gas, i.e. pump these oil and gas directly to the ground. In many cases, the flow rate fluctuates greatly, and the gas fraction tends to fluctuate between 0% and 100%. With these types of sources, the measurement environment is such that the flow meter (meter) stops moving by gas before and after a batch of liquid (each batch), and the empty-full-empty state is repeated for each batch. Is brought about. In other types of sources, natural gas is mainly produced and contains small amounts of oil, water or condensate. Thus, a measurement environment with “wet gas” is provided.

If there is no reliable and cost-effective direct source measurement device, the most common alternative is to use a “test separator” to test each source intermittently (ie once a month). It is assumed that no change will occur by the next test.
Another solution is to use a permanent separator or multiphase flow meter at each source. However, both of these options are very expensive and often require considerable maintenance and / or custom production for each source. Most managers have hundreds or thousands of small sources in their own locations, and considering these options at individual sources is often too costly and time consuming .

  Thus, there is a need for a device that can provide reliable, accurate, and timely measurement data, is cost effective, and does not require much maintenance and directly measures the source. There is also a need to frequently provide data on source performance, including data on moisture content and flow rate. Providing this information will help you with various daily source management issues, such as whether the source should be shut down or whether there is a need to change production technology for individual sources. You will be able to make good decisions.

The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned problems by providing a Coriolis direct source measuring device and a direct source measuring method that enables even better performance in source testing. It is an advancement, is sufficiently reliable, can provide data more frequently, and is more cost effective than devices and methods currently known in the art.

  Specifically, the present invention can provide measurement results more frequently than the known test separator method. In addition, the present invention can provide solutions to multiple issues in daily operations, including the following items: Which sources produce only water and need to be shut down? When did you start producing gas from the source of liquid only? Has the source flow changed significantly since yesterday? Is this source polymorphic now or not?

Aspects of the Invention In one aspect of the present invention, a method for directly measuring at least one source determines an entrained gas severity of at least one source based on an amount of entrained gas that exceeds a predetermined drive gain threshold. Determining, determining at least one variable based on the determined entrained gas severity, and outputting a confidence index associated with the at least one variable.
Preferably, the at least one variable includes at least one of a flow variable, diagnostic information and a user alert.
Preferably, the flow variables are mass flow, volume flow, density, moisture content and net oil content (net
oil).

Preferably, the diagnostic information includes at least one of temperature, detection of a multiphase state, a time during which a mixed gas exceeds a determined drive gain threshold in a measurement time interval, and information on the multiphase state. The multiphase information includes at least one of gas porosity, continuous mixing, and slag gas mixing.
Preferably, outputting at least one variable comprises continuously averaging at least one variable over a predetermined time interval and outputting a single averaged data value for the at least one variable.
Preferably, the predetermined time interval depends on the user and one of the flow conditions, and the flow condition includes one of slag intermittent mixing and continuous mixing.
Preferably, the predetermined time interval is one of a uniform interval and a non-uniform interval.

Preferably, the continuously averaged at least one variable includes one of a flow variable, diagnostic information, and a user alert if the entrained gas severity is below a determined drive gain threshold. .
Preferably, the continuously averaged at least one variable includes at least one of diagnostic information and a user alert if the entrained gas severity exceeds a determined drive gain threshold.
Preferably, outputting at least one variable includes outputting at least one instantaneous variable at a predetermined uniform time interval.
Preferably, the step of outputting at least one instantaneous variable comprises at least one of a flow variable, diagnostic information, and user alert if the entrained gas severity is below a determined drive gain threshold. Is included.

Preferably, the step of outputting at least one instantaneous variable outputs at least one of diagnostic information and a user alert when the entrained gas severity exceeds a determined drive gain threshold. including.
Preferably, the step of outputting at least one instantaneous variable further comprises the step of maintaining the last data value of the flow variable and outputting the retained last data value associated with a predetermined and uniform time interval. Including.
Preferably, each reliability index is based on the time at which gas contamination is detected in the measurement time interval.

Preferably, each reliability index is based on a result of calculating and comparing one of the total mass flow rate and the total volume flow rate with one of the mass flow rate or the volume flow rate accompanied by gas mixing in the measurement time interval.
Preferably, each confidence index is based on a flow state calculation, where the flow state includes one of slag intermittent mixing and continuous mixing.
Preferably, each confidence index is a percentage of the mass of the interval in which the entrained gas severity exceeds the determined drive gain threshold at a given time interval, the entrained gas severity drive gain. Based on at least one of the percentage of time that the threshold is exceeded and the total volume flow.

Preferably, each reliability index is a cumulative moving average of the percentage of time that the entrained gas severity exceeds the determined drive gain threshold, the entrained gas severity exceeds the determined drive gain threshold. Based on at least one of a percentage of mass flow rate, an amount of time when the entrained gas severity is below a determined drive gain threshold, and a total volume flow rate.
Preferably, the at least one source has an electric submersible pump.
Preferably, determining the drive gain threshold includes determining whether the flow condition includes at least one of gas porosity, continuous entrainment, and slag gas entrainment.

Preferably, the step of determining the drive gain threshold includes storing at least one factory reference drive gain value set during meter calibration in the factory, and at least the drive gain measurement value being small and stable. Computing a time slot and setting a drive gain threshold based on a drive gain measurement associated with at least one time interval.
Preferably, the method includes the step of correcting the drive gain threshold based on the moisture content measurement and the viscosity increase.

In one aspect of the invention, a method for directly measuring at least one source determines an entrained gas severity of at least one source based on the amount of entrained gas that exceeds a determined drive gain threshold. And outputting at least one variable based on the determined entrained gas severity, the step of outputting at least one variable continuously averaging at least one variable over a predetermined time interval. And outputting a single averaged data value for the at least one variable.

In one aspect of the invention, a method for directly measuring at least one source determines an entrained gas severity of at least one source based on the amount of entrained gas that exceeds a determined drive gain threshold. And outputting at least one variable based on the determined entrained gas severity, wherein outputting the at least one variable includes at least one instantaneous variable at a predetermined uniform time interval. Is included.

In one aspect of the invention, a method for directly measuring at least one source determines an entrained gas severity of at least one source based on the amount of entrained gas that exceeds a determined drive gain threshold. Determining the drive gain threshold includes storing at least one factory reference drive gain value set during meter calibration, and at least one drive gain measurement value being small and stable Calculating a time zone, setting a drive gain threshold based on a drive gain measurement associated with at least one time interval, and determining at least one variable based on the determined gas severity. Outputting.

  In one aspect, meter electronics for a direct source measuring device communicates with the flow meter assembly of the direct source measuring device and receives an oscillating response; and Coupled to the interface to determine an entrained gas severity of at least one source based on the amount of entrained gas exceeding a predetermined drive gain threshold and at least one based on the determined entrained gas severity And a processing system configured to output a variable and to output a confidence index associated with the at least one variable.

In one aspect, the Coriolis direct source measuring device (5) is connected to the flow meter assembly for generating a response vibration, and receives and processes the response vibration, and has at least one Meter electronics configured to generate a variable, the meter electronics comprising at least one source of entrained gas based on an amount of entrained gas exceeding a predetermined drive gain threshold A severity is determined, and at least one variable is output based on the determined entrained gas severity, and a confidence index associated with the at least one variable is output.

FIG. 6 shows a device for measuring a direct source comprising a flow meter assembly and meter electronics. 1 is a block diagram illustrating meter electronics according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of a source measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of a source measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  1-5 and the following description depict specific embodiments to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of the invention. In order to teach the principles of the invention, some of the prior art may be simplified or omitted. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, variations on these embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the components described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents.

  FIG. 1 shows a device 5 for measuring the source directly according to the present invention. The device 5 that directly measures the source comprises a flow meter assembly 10 and meter electronics 20. Meter electronics 20 is connected to flow meter assembly 10 through lead wire 100 and has density measurements, mass flow measurements, volume flow measurements, total mass flow measurements, temperature measurements, and other measurements or information. One or more of the measured values are provided through the communication path 26. The source measuring device 5 may be a Coriolis mass flow meter. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the source measurement device may be any source measurement device regardless of the number of drivers, the number of pickoff sensors, the number of flow conduits, and the vibration mode of operation.

The device assembly 10 that directly measures the source comprises a pair of flanges 101, 101 ′, a pair of manifolds 102, 102 ′, a driver 104, a pair of pick-off sensors 105, 105 ′, a pair of flow conduits 103A, 103B. Driver 104 and pickoff sensors 105, 105 ′ are connected to flow conduits 103A, 103B.

  The flanges 101 and 101 'are fixed to the manifolds 102 and 102'. In some embodiments, the manifolds 102, 102 ′ may be fixed at both ends of the spacer 106. The spacer 106 maintains the spacing between the manifold 102 and the manifold 102 'so that piping forces are not transmitted to the flow conduits 103A, 103B. When the device assembly 10 that measures the source directly is inserted into a pipe (not shown) that carries the flowing fluid being measured, the flowing fluid flows through the flange 101 into the flow meter assembly 10; Through the inlet manifold 102, where all of the flowing fluid flows into the flow conduits 103A, 103B, flows through the flow conduits 103A, 103B, and into the outlet manifold 102 'where it flows from the flange 101'. It flows out of the meter assembly 10.

  The flowing fluid may be a liquid. The flowing fluid may be a gas. The flowing fluid may be a multiphase fluid such as a liquid containing entrained gas and / or entrained solids. The flow conduits 103A, 103B are selected to have substantially the same mass distribution, moment of inertia, and elasticity module with respect to the bending axes WW, W′-W ′. 'Mounted properly. The flow conduits 103A, 103B protrude outwardly from the manifolds 102, 102 'substantially parallel to each other.

  The flow conduits 103A and 103B are made to vibrate by the driver 104 in directions opposite to each other about the bending axes W and W ′ in the so-called first antiphase bending mode of the vibration type flow meter 5. The driver 104 may have one of a plurality of well-known configurations, such as a magnet mounted on the flow conduit 103A and a pair of coils mounted on the flow conduit 103B. An alternating current is passed through this opposing coil to vibrate both conduits. An appropriate drive signal is applied to the driver 104 via the lead 110 by the meter electronics 20. Other driver devices are contemplated and are also within the specification and claims.

Meter electronics 20 receives sensor signals from lead 111 and lead 111 ′. The meter electronics 20 generates a drive signal on the lead 110, which causes the driver 104 to flow to vibrate the conduits 103A, 103B. Other sensor devices are contemplated and are also within the specification and claims.
The meter electronics 20 processes the left speed signal and the right speed signal from the pickoff sensors 105, 105 ′, and in particular calculates the flow rate. The communication path 26 provides input and output means that allow the meter electronics 20 to communicate with an operator or other electronic system. The description of FIG. 1 is intended only to illustrate the operation of a device that directly measures the source and is not intended to limit the teaching of the present invention.

  In one embodiment, meter electronics 20 is configured to vibrate flow tubes 103A, 103B. Vibration is generated by the driver 104. The meter electronics 20 further receives vibration signals generated from the pickoff sensors 105, 105 '. These vibration signals include response vibrations of the flow tubes 103A and 103B. The meter electronic device 20 processes the response vibration to determine the response frequency and / or phase difference. The meter electronics 20 also processes response vibrations to determine measurements related to one or more flows including the mass flow rate and / or density of the flowing fluid. Other response vibration characteristics and / or flow measurements are also contemplated and are within the scope of this specification and claims.

In one embodiment, the flow tubes 103A, 103B are substantially U as shown.
It may be a letter-shaped flow tube. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the source measurement device may comprise a substantially straight flow tube. Additional flow meter shapes and / or configurations may be used and are also included in the specification and claims.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating meter electronics 20 of device 5 that directly measures the source according to the present invention. In operation, the device 5 that directly measures the source is adapted to provide various measurements that can be output. These measured values include measured values or average values of moisture content, oil flow rate, water flow rate and total flow rate, for example, including both volume flow rate and mass flow rate.
The device 5 that directly measures the source generates response vibration. This response vibration is received and processed by meter electronics 20 to generate one or more fluid measurements. These values can be monitored, recorded, summed and output.

The meter electronic device 20 includes an interface 201, a processing system 203 that can communicate with the interface 201, and a storage system 204 that can communicate with the processing system 203. Although these components are shown as separate and distinct blocks, it will be appreciated that the meter electronics 20 is made up of an integrated component and / or various combinations of separate components. Also good.
The interface 201 is configured to communicate with the flow meter assembly 10 of the measurement device 5. Interface 201 may be coupled to lead 100 (see FIG. 1) and configured to exchange signals with driver 104 and pickoff sensors 105, 105 ′. The interface 201 may be further configured to communicate with, for example, an external device via the communication path 26.

Processing system 203 may be any processing system. The processing system 203 is configured to retrieve and execute a stored routine 205 to operate the device 5 that directly measures the source. The storage system 204 can store routines including a source measurement routine 205, a mass weighted density routine 209, a mass weighted viscosity routine 210, a mass weighted temperature routine 211, and a gas contamination detection routine 213. Other measurement / processing routines are also contemplated and are within the scope of this specification and claims. The storage system 204 can store measured values, received values, operating values, and other information. In some embodiments, the containment system includes mass flow (m) 221, density (ρ) 222, viscosity (μ) 223, temperature (T) 224, mass-density product (mρ) 234, mass-viscosity product (mμ). 235, mass-temperature product (mT) 236, mass-weighted density (ρmass-weighted) 241, mass-weighted viscosity (μmass-weighted) 242, mass-weighted temperature (Tmass-weighted) 243, gas mixture threshold 244, and gas mixture The ratio 248 may be stored. The measurement routine 205 can provide and store fluid quantification and flow measurements. These values may be substantially instantaneous measurements, or may be total or cumulative values. For example, the measurement routine 205 can generate mass flow measurements and store them in the mass flow storage 221. Also, the measurement routine 205 can generate density measurements and store them in the density storage device 222. As described above and as known in the art, mass flow and density values are determined from response vibrations. The mass flow rate may be a substantially instantaneous mass flow value, may be a sample value of the mass flow rate, or may be a mass flow rate that is averaged over a time interval. Alternatively, it may be a mass flow accumulated over a certain time interval. The time interval here may be selected, for example, so as to correspond to a certain time during which a certain fluid state, for example, a fluid state of only a liquid or a fluid state including a liquid and a mixed gas is detected instead. In addition, other quantifications of mass flow are contemplated and are also included in the specification and claims.

  FIG. 3 shows a plurality of separate sources at the site, all of which produce a certain amount of oil, water and natural gas. All of these sources flow into the field separator. In the field separator, the gas stream and liquid stream are measured separately and then recombined and sent downstream of the product separator. Typically, small test separators are used to test individual sources intermittently, for example, once a month. In this system, the performance of individual sources is known only once a month, but the state may change significantly during that time. However, by directly measuring the source according to the present invention, including the device 5 that directly measures the source at each of the red circles, it is possible to constantly monitor each source and make better daily operational decisions. Can be reduced.

  According to exemplary embodiments, the Coriolis source measurement device has the ability to detect even small amounts of entrained gas in the liquid stream through measurement of tube drive power, known as diagnostic drive gain. . Drive gain is a measure for measuring the amount of drive power required to keep the flow tube of a Coriolis meter oscillating at a constant amplitude. For single phase gas or liquid measurements, the drive gain is low and stable because relatively little power is required to vibrate the structure at its natural frequency. However, when a small amount of gas is present in the liquid or when a small amount of liquid is present in the gas, the drive power required for vibration is dramatically increased. This makes drive gain a very reliable indicator for detecting entrained gas.

  However, gas is not the only physical condition that affects drive gain. According to this embodiment, for example, if the fluid in the meter is a single phase, different direct drive source baselines will be measured with individual direct source measuring devices. Different meter baselines are due to the size of the flow tube and the attenuation of various components. Also, within a given measurement device, individual units, i.e. individual serial numbers, have slightly different drive gain baselines. In addition, fluid viscosity can further influence drive gain. The higher the viscosity of the liquid, the slightly higher the drive gain that is caused. Although the sensor model and fluid viscosity do not affect the drive gain to the extent that the mixed gas impacts the drive gain, in order to maximize the detection sensitivity of the mixed gas, Ideally both of these effects should be removed.

It has been reported that gas is present when the drive gain exceeds a certain threshold. In one embodiment, the drive gain threshold may be determined using a factory baseline drive gain value that is found to be correct during factory meter calibration or testing. This eliminates drive gain baseline variability between a given measurement device or serial number. In other embodiments, the drive gain threshold may be determined using an algorithm in determining various threshold levels during operation. For example, among the above effects on drive gain, typically only the multi-phase condition causes an increase in noise, so the drive gain at a gas volume fraction of approximately 0% should be determined when the flow and density parameters are stable. May be. This may require a correction in the practice for known viscosity and / or moisture content measurements. This is because both viscosity and moisture content can have a small effect on drive gain. In addition, the drive gain threshold is further lowered after compensating for the above effects using the drive gain baseline and drive gain threshold algorithms to more accurately detect the presence of very small volume fraction gases. You may do it. This makes it possible to further improve the accuracy of reporting only liquid measurements. In still other embodiments, the drive gain threshold may be determined by a baseline value that is recognized at the time of installation of the measurement device or as part of the startup stroke at each source.

  If the drive gain is low and stable, no gas is present in the piping and all measurements may be considered accurate within the normal specification range of the flow meter. For most sources, gas entrainment occurs only intermittently (referred to as “slag”, among others), and there may be time intervals where no gas is present for an hour or day. During this time, the drive gain is low and stable, and the flow rate, density, and other measurements provided by the meter are reliable and may be output to the user or statistical analysis May be recorded for. This makes it possible to accurately obtain the moisture content, the oil flow rate, and the water flow rate when the drive gain is low. This is because the requirement of the following equation is met for that time:

1. ψ _o + ψ _w = 1
2. ρ _measured = ψ _o ρ _o + ψ _w ρ _w
Where ψ _w and ψ _o are the volume fractions of water and oil in the fluid, respectively, and ρ _w and ρ _o are the known densities of water and oil, respectively. The first equation indicates that the volume fractions of these phases total 1 and the second equation indicates that the density measurement is a weighted sum of the oil and water components. ing. The electronic device of the flow meter may be configured to obtain the phase fraction when no gas is present using the above two formulas. When gas is mixed, there are actually three phases, so the above two equations are not valid. Unlike the phase fraction, moisture content, and individual oil / water flow rates, which can be inaccurate in the presence of gas, the total mixed mass flow rate or volume flow rate does not depend on Equations 1 and 2 and is more reasonable Can be output at any time with reasonable accuracy. Depending on the embodiment, the measured output may be in the form of an instantaneous value or in the form of an average value over a specific time interval.

  By way of example, a device that directly measures a source may have two output modes, but this is not intended to be limiting. Devices that directly measure the source may operate separately or simultaneously in these modes. In terms of how these variables are processed and output, in some exemplary embodiments, the output variables for each of the two modes may be similar or others. In this embodiment, the output variables in the two modes may be different. For example, the output of these variables includes, but is not limited to, flow variables, diagnostic information, and user alerts. In some embodiments, flow variables (also referred to as quantitative variables) include, but are not limited to, mass flow, volume flow, density, water cut, and net oil content. Do not mean. In some embodiments, diagnostic information (also referred to as a qualitative variable) includes temperature, confidence in the accuracy of the flow variable, detection of multiphase conditions, time during which the gas can be detected in the snapshot time interval (see paragraphs below). Defined) (weighted by flow mass element, volume element or time element), and information on multiphase conditions such as gas porosity and continuous or intermittent gas inclusions, However, it is not limited to these.

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of the method of the device for measuring the source directly in the first output mode of the exemplary embodiment. For convenience, the first output mode will be referred to as the “snapshot” mode throughout the specification. According to FIG. 4, a device for measuring the source directly is incorporated in each source at the source site. As part of the setup of step 401, a device that directly measures the source has customizable settings and configurations for the benefit of the operator of the device that directly measures the source. doing. For example, configuration and settings may include source site surveys or source tests, such as geographic location, source type (eg, free-flowing or assisted lift), flow rate, density, and , And may be determined by the behavior of the mixed gas in the fluid to be measured. Accordingly, the operator may be adapted to determine the appropriate setup of the measurement device, eg, what output is appropriate for the individual source site. For example, according to the snapshot mode, proper setup includes a predetermined snapshot time interval (as described below) and a determined drive gain threshold (as described above) for source performance measurements. , Threshold levels for detection of characteristics and severity of polyphase conditions, specific output variables required by the operator, etc., but are not limited thereto.

  In step 402, as various configurations and settings are initiated, the device that directly measures the source is ready for operation at any time. According to one embodiment, in the snapshot mode, a clock for the snapshot time interval is started (step 403). In this mode, for example, the snapshot time interval is determined by the operator or automatically by a device that measures the source directly based on flow conditions. The snapshot time interval may be uniform or non-uniform. The average of each output variable is determined over the entire snapshot time interval. At the end of the snapshot time interval, the average value of each variable is output. However, in order to improve the accuracy of the output of the flow variable, the average calculation may be performed only when the drive gain is less than the drive gain threshold (step 404). While the drive gain exceeds the drive gain threshold in the snapshot time interval, step 405 may stop calculating the continuous average of the flow variable. However, a device that directly measures the source may continue to monitor the flow for the diagnostic information and user alerts described above. In this case, the device that directly measures the source should continuously calculate the average of the values of other variables that do not require high-precision measurements or that are not significantly distorted by the presence of entrained gases, i.e. qualitative variables. It is supposed to work. For example, these variables may include, but are not limited to, temperature, gas porosity, or a reliability index associated with the current snapshot time interval (step 405). When the snapshot time interval ends (step 406), for example, when the initiated snapshot time interval is equal to the predetermined snapshot time interval, a single data average is output for each variable. In step 407, some variables, such as some flow variables, may not be reported if a severe multiphase condition exists throughout the snapshot time interval, depending on the embodiment. Or it may be reported with a low confidence level index. In this case, an average value of qualitative variables may be output. In addition, a user alert may be generated that warns that an accurate measurement of the flow variable was not obtained during the snapshot time interval.

In the snapshot mode aspect, the determinant of the confidence level index value is the mass flow through the device that directly measures the source while the entrained gas severity exceeds the drive gain threshold during the snapshot time interval. This includes, but is not limited to, the percentage, the percentage of time that the entrained gas severity exceeds the drive gain threshold in the snapshot time interval, and the like. In the snapshot mode aspect, reliability measurements may be determined during a snapshot time interval. For example, a single confidence value for each snapshot time interval is output at the end of the snapshot time interval. Further, if more than one averaged data variable is output, a single confidence value is output for each data variable at the end of the snapshot time interval.

  Advantageously, by using the snapshot mode, the user can only see the value of the data measured when the drive gain is below the drive gain threshold, and therefore when the value is more accurate. It becomes like this. Thus, by using the snapshot mode, the amount of data values that are output can be reduced, allowing the operator to see a longer-term trend in the data values, and the flow data values generated by the polyphase condition. Variations and inaccuracies can be removed.

  FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of a method of a device for directly measuring a source according to the second output mode of the exemplary embodiment. For convenience, the second output mode will be referred to as the “instantaneous” mode throughout the specification. According to FIG. 5, a device that directly measures the source is incorporated into each source at the source site. In step 501, as part of the setup, the device that directly measures the source has customizable settings and configurations for the operator of the device that directly measures the source. For example, configuration and settings can include source site surveys or source tests, geographical location, source type (eg, free flow or auxiliary lift), flow rate, density, and contamination gas in the fluid being measured. It can be determined by behavior. Thus, the operator can determine the appropriate setup of the measuring device including the appropriate output for the individual source site. For example, according to the instantaneous mode, the proper set-up includes a uniform output speed of the instantaneous mode for source performance measurements (discussed below), a predetermined drive gain threshold (described above) ), Threshold levels for detecting the nature and severity of polyphase conditions, specific output variables required by the operator, specific measured data values that are held during the instantaneous mode and output at a given rate (If any) and the like may be included, but is not limited thereto.

  At the start of various configurations and settings, the device that directly measures the source is ready for operation (step 502). Similar to the snapshot mode, even in the instantaneous mode, the amount of data output may be determined by the measuring device or set by the user. However, in contrast to the snapshot mode, for example, each data value is an instantaneous reading of the measuring device. Thus, in some embodiments, the amount of output in the instantaneous mode may be much greater than the amount of output in the snapshot mode. In instantaneous mode, when the entrained gas severity is below a determined drive gain threshold, all variables are output at a predetermined rate (503). If a multi-phase condition exists in the flow, Transient Bubble Remediation (TBR) may be used with a device that directly measures the source. The TBR may be automatically enabled by a device that directly measures the source, or may be manually initiated by an operator. However, if the source gas ratio is high and continuous mixing, TBR may not work well to meet the needs of the operator. In situations where the gas is continuously mixed, the instantaneous mode can no longer output quantitative flow variables. In step 504, the instantaneous mode does not require accuracy or is significantly distorted by the entrained gas when the entrained gas severity exceeds a determined drive gain threshold. Variables (also called qualitative variables) are output. These variables include, but are not limited to, user alerts and diagnostic information with a reliability index. Further, for example, in such a case, in the instantaneous mode, with respect to a flow variable that requires accuracy of measurement, the final value of the desired flow variable is retained, and these values are output at predetermined and uniform time intervals. It has become.

この式で、ｍ_{ｍｉｘｔｕｒｅ}はスラグ状ガスが流れている間の質量流量の測定値であり、ρ_{ｌｉｇｕｉｄ}はスラグ状ガスの前の密度のままに「維持された」値である。正確な混合質量流量は、ガスの質量が無視できるため液体の質量流量と実質的に等しい。 In contrast to maintaining the final value of the desired flow variable (as described herein), the purpose is to output the volumetric flow rate of the liquid portion of the flow stream (and abandon the volumetric flow rate of the gas) Therefore, TBR is used to hold the final density value when the drive gain increases. Variations in mass flow are allowed during the TBR routine. In TBR, the intention is to keep reading the mass flow rate accurately (eg, decrease in proportion to the amount of gas) while maintaining the density value at the liquid only value. Therefore, when the mass is divided by the density, the output of the volume flow rate is the volume flow rate of the liquid only. The problem with this is that, due to decoupling, mass flows that can be quite large and difficult to predict will be reported smaller than actual. For example, consider an example in which a gas with a volume ratio of 10% is suddenly added to a water flow of 100 lb / min. In this case, the density should typically drop from 1 g / cc to about 0.9 g / cc with the addition of gas, but in TBR, the density remains constant at 1 g / cc. Also, the mass flow rate drops from 100 lb / min to about 90 lb / min (because the mass of the gas can be ignored). However, in the case of separation, the mass flow rate can drop to 75 lb / min, which would predict the liquid volume flow rate even smaller during the flow of slag gas. .

In this equation, m _mixture is a measurement of the mass flow rate during the flow of the slag gas, and ρ _liguid is the value that is “maintained” at the previous density of the slag gas. The exact mixing mass flow rate is substantially equal to the liquid mass flow rate because the mass of the gas is negligible.

  In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, hypotheses may have been made that provide improvements over known examples of TBR. This hypothesis assumes that the total volume flow of the liquid and gas mixture is constant while the occasional slug gas flows directly through the source measuring device. This hypothesis can be made when measuring the source directly. This is because the total pressure loss (i.e., head loss) of the entire piping system is not significantly affected by the occasional slug gas flow. The head loss in the piping system is affected by many things including viscosity, but the greatest influence is due to the speed. This is because the velocity is expressed as a square term in the head loss equation (see the Darcy-Weisbach equation) for the flow in the pipe. It is possible to assume that the head loss remains constant when the slag gas flow through the meter is relatively short, in which case the velocity remains relatively constant over the same time. Therefore, the volume flow rate can also be considered to remain relatively constant.

Therefore, assuming that the total volume flow is constant, the density of only known liquids seen at low drive gain times (where the entrained gas severity has been detected to be below a predetermined drive gain threshold) At the same time, the phase fraction of the liquid may be obtained using the measured value of the density (for example, the mixing density) while the slag gas is flowing. This liquid phase fraction may be multiplied by the total volume flow rate (which is held constant) to determine the liquid volume flow rate, ie, the desired amount. The main difference between this approach of the present invention and TBR is that the aspect of the present invention uses density measurements instead of mass flow measurements while slug gas is flowing to determine the liquid flow rate. In the point. Similar to the mass flow rate, the density can also be affected by the separation, causing some errors while the slag gas is flowing. However, the density error is less severe and is much more predictable, resulting in a significant improvement in the total liquid-only flow rate while the slug (slag gas) is flowing. The aspects of the invention described herein can only be realized assuming that the volumetric flow rate is constant. This assumption is specific to source measurements that require a long piping network, a relatively stable flow rate, and a time scale that is at least as long as slug gas is flowing through the meter. Is.

これらの式で、ψ_{ｌｉｑｕｉｄ}は液体の相分率であり、ρ_{ｌｉｑｕｉｄ}は「維持された」密度の値であり、ρ_{ｍｉｘｔｕｒｅ}はスラグ状ガスが流れている間の密度の測定値であり、ρ_ｇａｓは圧力に合わせて推定することができるかまたは０に等しいと仮定することができる。ρ_{ｍｉｘｔｕｒｅ}は分離に起因して誤差が生じるが、この誤差の大きさはｍ_{ｍｉｘｔｕｒｅ}、すなわち標準ＴＢＲアルゴリズムに用いられる混合質量流量の測定値よりもはるかに小さい。密度に対する分離の影響も、はるかに予測可能であり、分離比が一定であることを仮定することにより部分的に補償することもできる。

In these equations, ψ _liquid is the liquid phase fraction, ρ _liquid is the value of the “maintained” density, ρ _mixture is a measure of the density while the slag gas is flowing, and ρ _Gas can be estimated for pressure or can be assumed to be equal to zero. [rho _Mixture is error due to the separation occurs, the magnitude of this error is _{m Mixture,} i.e. much smaller than the measured value of the mixture mass flow rate used in the standard TBR algorithm. The effect of separation on density is also much more predictable and can be partially compensated by assuming that the separation ratio is constant.

Thus, for example, in some embodiments in the instantaneous mode, a device that directly measures the source, whether multiphase or single phase, monitors the flow at any flow condition and relates to the output measurement variable. In some cases, diagnostic information and user alerts are generated. For example, in one example, the items described above in relation to maintaining the final value of the desired flow variable are those described for the instantaneous mode, but in some other embodiments of the invention, these items are May be implemented in snapshot mode.
In operation, using the instantaneous mode allows the operator to see a short-term trend in the source, but in some embodiments, the mode may be desired if the multiphase state is very persistent. It may not give accurate results in time. In these cases, for example, the operator may be notified of quantitative and qualitative variables and alerts and warnings associated with these confidence level indices.

  In the instantaneous mode mode, the factors that determine the confidence level index include the cumulative moving average of the percentage of time that the entrained gas severity exceeds the determined drive gain threshold, and the drive gain determined for the entrained gas severity. Includes a percentage of mass flowing through the device that directly measures the source when the threshold is exceeded, and a value that represents the amount of time that the entrained gas severity is below the determined drive gain threshold. However, it is not limited to these.

  In some other embodiments of the present invention, the reliability index may be based on the amount of time that gas contamination is detected in a given time interval. Alternatively, the confidence level index may be calculated based on mass flow or volume flow with entrained gas compared to total mass flow or total volume flow during a given measurement time interval. Alternatively, the confidence level index may be based on calculation of flow variability. Alternatively, the confidence level index may be based on a weighted combination of the above methods. The confidence level index may be expressed using a display screen, error bars, alarms and / or any known scale to indicate the relative reliability of the measurement.

In some exemplary embodiments, a confidence index may be configured to be measured and output periodically to help an operator interpret relative changes in source measurement variables. For example, if a device that directly measures the source determines that the entrained gas is very continuous, and therefore the measurement is unreliable, the source flow rate until a reliable measurement is obtained. The relatively small change in is likely to be safe to ignore. However, if the entrained gas is mild and intermittent and the measurement is reliable, the operator can interpret the change in the source flow measurement as the correct change in production rate. Relative variation and reliability values may be measured hourly, daily and weekly. If a large relative change is found, the operator may determine whether a more accurate test is necessary.

In some aspects of some embodiments, an alert may be issued to the operator if the flow variable of moisture content exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, if the flow variable measure of moisture content exceeds 99%, the source no longer produces enough oil to justify the continuation of the service, and an alert is sent to notify the operator. It is announced.
In some aspects of some embodiments, the measurement device may have a history graph. This history graph shows the measured values of the flow variables and the corresponding time stamps to show how the output of the source is relatively changing over time.

Certain aspects of some embodiments provide a confidence level index for those measurements along with a statistical analysis of the measurement variables. Statistical analysis of measured variables and confidence level index can help the operator to prevent false alarms.
In some aspects of some embodiments, the measurement time interval may be changed from hourly, daily and weekly, and can be customized to the needs of the operator. In some cases.
In some aspects of some embodiments, the operator is alerted when the entrained gas severity exceeds a predetermined drive gain threshold and the flow conditions have changed significantly and the source flow variables have changed significantly. In some cases, an alarm is issued.

In one aspect, an alarm is issued to recommend that the source be analyzed using a test separator in response to a significant change detected in the flow variable, including flow rate, moisture content, or other measured or calculated variable. It has become so.
In another aspect, the total amount of oil and water may be reported periodically if a reliable enough flow value is recorded over a predetermined period of time. In addition, information may be provided that roughly indicates the total flow rate of the mixture, including a measurement reliability assessment.

  In some embodiments, an electric submersible pump (ESP) may be required in the source to actively pump liquid to the ground. The electric submersible pump may be installed in a hole dug in the ground, but conventionally, it has been difficult to control efficiently due to lack of flow rate information. Pumps such as ESP are designed to operate most efficiently at specific flow rates. Direct flow measurement at the source, as provided by some embodiments of the present invention, allows the pump to operate at optimal efficiency, reduces electricity bills and prevents damage to the pump Is possible.

Further, when a moisture content probe, sonar-based gas volume fraction meter, or second source measurement device is used in combination with the exemplary embodiment, even when gas is present, the moisture content, gas volume fraction, and Information that approximates oil and water flow rates may be provided along with a reliability index. In such a case, history graphs and alerts based on these measurements may be provided. Also, various diagnostic methods may be provided that indicate the length of time that a multiphase state exists rather than a single phase state.

  Advantageously, in one embodiment of the present invention, a single direct source measuring instrument may be constructed for each individual source or for a series of sources. It may be constructed. Advantageously, in one inventive aspect of the invention, more information is provided than a monthly source test, and the cost is determined by known polymorphs known in the art. It is much cheaper than measuring means.

  As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, a direct source measuring device may be operated continuously or at various times based on a specified drive gain or condition of the flow material. May only work. In one example, it is within the scope of the present invention to allow the operator to select which mode of source measurement is optimal, but is not so limited. In another example, a device that directly measures the source may be pre-programmed, but is not limited to this. In another example, different measurement diagnostics and different indicators may be required for different types of measurement configurations.

This written description sets forth specific embodiments to teach those skilled in the art how to make or use the best mode of the invention. In order to teach the principles of the invention, some of the prior art may be simplified or omitted. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, variations of these embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention.
The above detailed description of the embodiments does not completely cover all embodiments considered by the inventor to be within the scope of the present invention. More precisely, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, some of the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined or removed in various ways to create further embodiments, but such further Embodiments are also included in the technical scope and teaching scope of the present invention. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments may be combined in whole or in part to create additional embodiments that fall within the scope and teachings of the present invention.
Although specific embodiments or examples of the invention have been described for purposes of illustration as described above, various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The teachings described herein may be applied to embodiments different from the embodiments described above and corresponding figures. Accordingly, the technical scope of the present invention is determined by the appended claims.

Claims (2)

A method for directly measuring at least one source,
Determining an entrained gas severity of the at least one source based on the amount of entrained gas exceeding a determined drive gain threshold;
Calculating at least one time interval during which the drive gain measurement is small and stable ;
Setting the drive gain threshold based on the drive gain measurement associated with the at least one time interval;
Outputting at least one variable based on the determined severity of the mixed gas,
Outputting the at least one variable comprises: averaging the at least one variable continuously over a predetermined time interval; and outputting a single averaged data value for the at least one variable. Including. A method for directly measuring at least one source,
Determining an entrained gas severity of the at least one source based on an amount of entrained gas exceeding a determined drive gain threshold;
Calculating at least one time interval during which the drive gain measurement is small and stable ;
Setting the drive gain threshold based on the drive gain measurement associated with the at least one time interval;
Outputting at least one variable based on the determined severity of the mixed gas,
The method of outputting the at least one variable comprises outputting at least one instantaneous variable at a predetermined and uniform time interval.

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