JPS6115211A - Method and apparatus for monitoring flow of fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Technical field of the invention]

The present invention relates generally to, but not limited to, apparatus for monitoring product within a flow tube. The present invention relates to a device for monitoring a product in a flow tube using parameters set from a scheduled production flow characteristic progression.

[Prior art]

Offshore oil wells typically include a large number of individual wells, which are distributed over a wide area of the ocean bed in which they are drilled. In oil fields consisting of eight wells, it is common practice to connect each well by a flow tube to a central collection station to collect the product from the eight different wells, where the entire fluid produced by each well is collected. The oil and gas are then transported by ship or other means to shore-based facilities for further processing. In this case, a one-layer acquisition circuit is used. in this case,
A large number of intermediate collection stations will be distributed throughout the oil field. Each intermediate collection section is generally arranged to collect product from a number of selected wells, with the product being collected at the various intermediate collection sections and sent via trailing tubes to the central collection section. sending. Production from an individual well will vary over time; however, production from a well may be affected by problems such as a malfunction in the equipment used to pump well fluid to the surface or a blockage or constriction in the flow tube. In the past, it has been difficult to distinguish between problematic conditions and fluctuations that are blocked for some reason. Detection of problem conditions in production from a well tends to be increased in single-tier collection circuits. This is because the production volume from several wells, including wells with production problems, was collected at the collection department, and the collected total production volume was sent to the central collection department. That is, production from the intermediate collection continues to flow as a result of receiving production from other wells associated with a particular well, so that problematic production conditions associated with a particular well are They may remain undetected for considerable periods of time. Traditionally, oil field management personnel have been tasked with traveling over large areas of the field to inspect intermediate collection stations and conditions at wells to determine if problematic production conditions exist. I was engaged in rice. It has often been necessary to open and test various flow tubes to determine if a problematic production condition exists with respect to each individual well.

[Summary of the invention]

The present invention provides a monitoring device for monitoring fluid flow through a monitored flow tube. This monitoring device. a transducer connected to the monitored flow tube and adapted to detect the flow of fluid through the monitored flow tube and generate a flow signal proportional to the velocity of the fluid through the monitored flow tube; and means for receiving the flow signal generated by the transducer. The means includes a portion storing a scheduled alarm value and a scheduled alarm delay time. The alarm value and alarm delay time are predetermined for the flow tube being monitored. This alarm value is approximately 50% of the scheduled maximum value of the fluid velocity through the monitored flow tube if the value of the fluid velocity through the monitored flow tube changes significantly over the scheduled period of time.
of the planned velocity of the fluid through the monitored flow tube if the value of the velocity of the fluid through the monitored flow tube is relatively constant over the scheduled period of time. This is the speed that has a value slightly smaller than the minimum value. The alarm delay time exceeds a predetermined minimum period and is of sufficient duration to include at least about three predetermined maximum velocity peaks of fluid through the monitored flow tube. The means is responsive to receiving a flow signal from the transducer indicating that the velocity of fluid through the monitored flow tube has a value less than the predetermined alarm value for a period that exceeds the predetermined alarm delay time. , generates an output indication, thus indicating a problematic production condition in the flow of fluid through the monitored flow tube. The invention also provides a method of monitoring fluid flow through a monitored flow tube. The method generates flow signals that are proportional to the velocity of fluid through a monitored flow tube and receives the fluid flow signals over a predetermined period of time to define the time of receipt of each flow signal. Proportional to the flow rate of fluid over time for a period of time sufficient to establish a reproducible pattern of fluid velocity through the monitored flow tube over time processing the received flow signals to create a production flow characteristic profile for the monitored flow tube, which is used to determine that there is a problematic production condition in the fluid flow through the monitored flow tube; It consists of the process of Fluctuations or changes in production (production flow profile) of an individual well or more specifically a flow tube are unique to each individual flow tube and often result in a discernible pattern. It has been found that this pattern, which varies from flow tube to flow tube, provides a means of identifying or detecting problematic production conditions in nine individual flow tubes. Once the production flow characteristic curve for each individual flow tube has been established, the production flow for each flow tube can be monitored and compared to the parameters defined by the production flow characteristic curve for the particular flow tube to determine any Detect problematic production conditions that may occur in specific individual flow tubes. In the device of the invention, by measuring the flow rate of the liquid in the flow tube that is monitored over a predetermined period of time. Establish a production flow characteristic profile for each monitored flow tube. The production flow characteristic curve is utilized to determine the minimum value of the velocity of liquid flowing through each monitored flow tube. this is,
This is a value below which a problematic production state may exist (this value is called an alarm value). Minimum period for each monitored flow tube (referred to as W-report delay time)
Set. The alarm delay time indicates that if the flow rate of liquid through the monitored flow tube is less than the alarm value for a period longer than the alarm delay time, then a problematic production condition exists with respect to the production or fluid flow of this particular flow tube. This is the period to be judged. In the monitoring device of the invention, a transducer is connected to the outside of each monitored flow tube. Each transducer is adapted to measure the flow rate of fluid flowing through the monitored flow tube and to generate a flow signal representative of the measured flow rate. receiving and processing the flow signal and if the flow rate in any monitored flow tube falls below a predetermined alarm value for a period that exceeds a predetermined alarm time set for this particular monitored flow tube; Produces an audible or visually perceptible output indication.

[Description of preferred embodiment]

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a portion of a production offshore oil field. This oil field contains multiple intermediate acids i part 10 (
Only two intermediate collection stations are shown in FIG. These are designated by reference numerals 10a and 10b). Medium heat ffJl in the center of intermediate collection section 1o! There is part 12. As shown in FIG. 1, each intermediate collection section 1o. Multiple production wells 14 drilled to oil and γS bearing formations
, each well 14 is artesian or has an artificial pumping system (not shown) and a flow pipe extending from the well 14 to the associated one intermediate collection section 10. Send fluid to. For example, the intermediate collection unit 10a has a plurality of wells 14 (first
Two wells 14 are not specifically shown in the figure. 14a and 14b), respectively, and the intermediate collecting section 10b is connected to a plurality of wells 14.
(Two wells 14 are not specifically shown in FIG. 1; they are designated by reference symbols 14c and 14d, respectively). A flow tube 16 is connected to each well 14, each flow tube 16 connecting one well 14 to one intermediate collection section 1o.
It is growing up to. For example, a flow tube extending from well 14a to intermediate collection section 10a is designated in FIG. 1 by reference symbol 16g.
The flow pipe extending from the well 14b to the well 14b is designated by the reference symbol 16b in FIG. The flow tube extending to the well 14c and open collection section 14b is indicated by the reference symbol 16c in FIG.
The flow tube extending from the intermediate collecting section 10b is designated in FIG. 1 by the reference symbol 16d. The fluid flow (product) from each well 14 is routed through a respective flow tube 16 to a single water collection station 10 . At each intermediate collection section 10, the fluid flows received from the well 14 via the respective flow tubes 16 are combined such that the total combined fluid flow is transferred from the open collection section 10 to the respective intermediate collection section 10. and the central collection section 12 (in FIG. 1, the intermediate collection section 10a and the central collection section 12
18. Intermediate collection section 10b and central collection section 1
2 (indicated by 20) to the central collection section 12. A central collection section 12 receives fluid flow from the intermediate collection section 10 via flow tubes 18 and 20. The central collection section 12 may include a processing section (not shown) that separates oil and gas from the fluid streams received from the various wells;
This is well known. After this, oil and gas are collected in the central collection section 1
2 and then transported to onshore facilities for further processing. In applications where both flow tubes 18 and 20 are placed above the sea bed,
1 to 8, and has a portion extending generally upward from the sea bed toward one intermediate collection portion 10 and another portion extending upward from the sea bed toward the central collection portion 12. Please be careful. In other applications, one or more streams W18.20 may be located above the sea surface if a particular open collection section 10 is relatively close to the central collection section 12. Each style Ir! 16 are arranged on the seabed, and each extends from one well 14 to one well collection section 10. A portion of each extends generally upward from the seabed toward one intermediate collection section 10. In the device of the invention, the flow of fluid through each flow tube 16 (monitored flow tube) is monitored by a monitoring device shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2 and page A3. Overall, the monitoring device is
A plurality of transducers 22 are connected to the outside of each flow tube 16 to be monitored, and a plurality of monitors 24 are provided, one to each intermediate collecting section 10 (two monitors are shown in FIG. 2). 24a and 24b) and a base monitoring unit 26 (which is shown in detail in FIG. 3) located in the central collection unit 20. Monitoring section 24a, 2
4b has the same construction, so only the monitoring section 24a is shown in detail in FIG. Each monitoring section 24 communicates with the base monitoring section 26 via wireless communication line #I27. (The wireless communication line between the monitoring unit 24a and the base monitoring unit 26 is shown in the second diagram,
It is designated by reference symbol 27a. The communication radio link between the monitoring section 24b and the base monitoring section 26 is indicated by the reference symbol 27b in FIG. ) 2nd
As shown in the figure, the wireless communication line 27 between the monitoring unit 24 and the base monitoring unit 26 is a bidirectional wireless communication line, and the reason for this will be explained in detail later. Each transducer 22 is mounted or otherwise connected to the outside of one flow tube 16 being monitored. Flow tube 16a
, 16b, 16c, 16d are #
Illustrated schematically in Figures S1 and 2 are individually referenced 22a, 22b, 22c. It is shown by 22d. Each transducer 22 is configured to sense or measure fluid flow through one monitored flow tube 16. Each transducer 22 generates an output flow signal representative of or proportional to the velocity of fluid through one monitored flow tube 16. Transducer 22 may be of any suitable configuration. For example, the DS-5, T-30 or P-
It has been found that a Type 10 ultrasonic Doppler shift transducer provides satisfactory results when used in the apparatus of this invention. The Bestbell transducer identified by the mold number is a complete flowmeter device including the transducer and associated Doppler circuit; the monitoring device of this invention utilizes only the transducer portion of such a device. It is necessary. Similar transducers are also commercially available from other sources. Transducers of the type just described can be
It is configured to receive signals having frequencies within the ultrasonic frequency range, such as 625 KHz or 640 KH2. Typically, a transducer transmits a signal at an ultrasonic frequency to a flow tube that is reflected by particles within a fluid or bubble flowing through the flow tube. A reflected signal is transmitted from the transducer as a transducer output flow signal. The reflected signal emitted from the converter is, for example, 625K.
It has a carrier frequency in the range of Hz or 640 KHz and is modulated proportionally to the velocity of the fluid through the flow tube. To this end, the transducer senses or measures the velocity of the fluid through the flow tube, and the transducer generates an output signal that is directly proportional to the flow, the velocity of the fluid through the tube. Transducers of the type just described are configured to be mounted in a flow tube, and these types of transducers do not include any parts or elements that must fit into the flow tube. In other words, it is a non-intrusive transducer. If you use this type of converter. Cutting or welding eliminates the need to modify the flow tube, resulting in a transducer that can be installed more quickly and economically into existing flow tubes. Transducers of the type just described are designed to measure flow velocity with relatively high accuracy when the percentage of suspended particles in the fluid is low (and the flow tube is substantially full of flowing fluid). It should be noted that the device of the present invention takes advantage of the tendency of the fluid flow, and the accuracy of the measured flow rate of the fluid is less of an issue. When using a transducer, the conditions for accurately measuring the fluid flow velocity of the transducer are not a very important factor.As shown in FIG. Each transducer 22c, 22d receives a transducer actuation signal at an ultrasonic frequency via a signal path 30. Each transducer 22a, 22b, 22c receives a transducer actuation signal at an ultrasonic frequency. .38.40.42 for generating an output flow signal at each transducer 22a.
= 22b, 22c, 22d are output from one flow tube 16a that is monitored respectively.
, 16b , 16c , 16d . The transducer activation signal on signal path 28.30 is generated by a monitoring section 24 shown in FIG. The monitoring unit 248 is connected to the signal path 28
The monitoring unit 24b generates a converter activation signal of the signal path 30.
generates a transducer activation signal. As previously stated, the monitoring unit 24 has the same configuration and operation. For this reason, only the monitoring section 24a is shown in detail in FIG. 2, and what has been described here regarding the monitoring section 24a applies directly to the other monitoring sections 24 in the apparatus of the present invention. Each monitoring section 24 has a signal generator 44. The signal generator is adapted to generate an output signal having a frequency within the H1 sonic frequency range, such as 625 KHz or 640 KHz, depending on the particular transducer configuration used in the particular monitoring device. The output signal of signal generator 44 appears on signal path 46 which is connected to the input of power booster 48 . Power booster 48 receives the output signal of signal generator 44 . A power booster 48 generates an output signal on signal path 50 to increase the power level of this output signal. Power booster 48 is a unity gain buffer amplifier. Conventionally, converter 22 is connected to signal generator 44 . Or in other words, the length of the cable connecting to the source of the transducer actuation signal has been limited to relatively short lengths. The extent to which a particular length is achieved is related to the type of cable used in a particular application. Traditionally, this cable length is relatively short once it exceeds the intended maximum length. Signal distortion occurred. By using the power booster 48 to increase the power level of the signal without increasing the gain, the length of the cable (signal paths 28', 30) can be increased without encountering signal distortion. It turns out. This feature is particularly important in the apparatus of the present invention where the transducer 22 may be located at a relatively long distance from the signal generator 44.
This is especially important. The flow signals generated by the transducers 22a, 22b enter a time division circuit 52 (referred to as the "signal conditioning and time division circuit" in FIG. 2). In particular, converter 22a. 22b, the converters 22a, 22
The output flow signals generated on signal paths 36 and 38 from b to respectively enter the time division circuit 52 shown in FIG. In the preferred embodiment, time division circuit 52 first amplifies each received flow signal so that each received flow signal is at approximately the same power level. After amplifying the received flow signals, time division circuit 52 multiplexes the input flow signals received from converters 22a, 22b to output signal path 5 of time division circuit 52.
4 to sequentially generate input flow signals. In one particular application, time division circuit 52 is adapted to receive the flow signal from each transducer at least once per second during operation of the device. Time division circuits configured to multiplex input signals onto output signal paths are well known and commercially available, and therefore there is no need to describe the construction and operation of time division circuit 52 in detail. It will be done. A flow signal sequentially generated from time division circuit 52 on output signal path 54 enters amplifier detector 56 . Amplifier detector 56 detects the received flow signal. Alternatively, it is configured to demodulate and amplify the am flow signal. A demodulated flow signal is generated on the output signal path 58 of the amplifier detector. The output signal W4 generated on the output signal path 58 of the amplifier detector 56
The resulting flow signal enters signal conditioning device W60. Signal conditioning device 60 includes an amplifier to amplify the received signal and a low pass filter to pass all frequencies below the specified or intended frequency with little or no loss while discriminating higher frequencies. It also has a Schmidt Triangle to reduce noise. Signal conditioning device 60
The output signal from the output signal exits on signal path 62. Each signal on signal path 62 has a frequency that is directly proportional to the fluid flow rate through one monitored flow tube. An output signal generated on signal path 62 from signal conditioning device 60 enters frequency to voltage converter 64 . Frequency to voltage converter 64 produces an output signal on signal path 66 which is a DC signal with a voltage proportional to the frequency of the signal received by the converter. Thus, the voltage of each signal produced on signal path 66 is directly proportional to the velocity of fluid through one monitored flow tube. In one particular example of operation of the apparatus, the DC voltage of each signal produced on signal path 66 is: Depending on the flow rate of the fluid, it was 10 to 10 volts, for example. The output signal on signal path 66 of frequency to voltage converter 64 enters analog to digital converter 64. A 7sAg digital converter 68 is adapted to convert the voltage of the received input signal to digital or binary form to produce two signals on an output signal path 70. analog·
The output signal from digital converter 68 on signal path 70 enters processing unit 72 . For this reason, the monitoring unit 24a
6a. Flow signals received from 16b enter processing unit 72 sequentially. More specifically, the processing device 68 is. Each receives an output signal from an analog-to-digital converter 70 representing the velocity of fluid through one monitored flow tube. For this reason, the signal on signal path 70 is sometimes simply referred to as a flow signal. Processor 72 connects to transceiver 74 via signal path 76.
t will be done. Transceiver 74 receives the signal from processing unit 72 via signal path 76 and transmits the received signal to antenna 78.
The configuration is such that the information is transmitted from the wireless communication line 27a to the wireless communication line 27a. The transceiver 74 is also configured to receive a transmission signal via an antenna 78 from the wireless communication line 27a. This received signal enters processing unit 72 via signal path 76 . Announcement panel 80 is connected to processing unit 72 via signal path 82 . Announcement panel 8o is configured to generate a visually perceptible output display in response to receiving an alarm signal sent via signal path 82 from processing unit 72. In one type, the announcement panel 80 is comprised of a plurality of lights. Each light is associated with one monitored flow tube. In this example, the annunciation panel 80 activates a single light in response to receiving an alarm signal from the processor 72 indicating that a problematic production condition exists for a particular monitored flow tube. It is configured to light up. Each monitor 24 has a keyboard 84, which corresponds to the signal path 8.
6 to a processing device 72. The keyboard 84 is. During operation of the apparatus of the present invention, it provides a means for manually entering data into processing unit 72. In the preferred embodiment, an alphanumeric display device is interfaced with the keyboard 84 so that the keyboard 84 can also be used as a processor! ! ! The data input to 72 is visually displayed. As shown in FIG. 3, the base monitoring section 26 has a transceiver 88, which is connected to a processing device 90 via a signal path 92. The transmitter/receiver 1lj 188 is configured to receive data transmitted at a scheduled radio frequency of the wireless communication line 27 via the antenna 94 and to supply the received data to the processing device 90 via the signal path 92. Transceiver 88 is also configured to receive data sent from processing unit 90 via signal path 92 and to transmit the information thus received from antenna 94 to wireless communication line 27 . As shown in FIG. 3, base monitoring section 26 also includes a permanent storage device 96 that is connected to processing unit 90 via signal path 98. Permanent storage 96 receives data sent from processing unit 90 via signal path 98 . It is configured to store the data thus received. In particular embodiments, permanent storage device 96 may be adapted to store the received data on any desired permanent storage medium, such as, for example, magnetic tape or disk-type storage medium. The processing device 9o is. It is programmed to provide data to permanent storage device 96 in response to receiving data storage commands manually entered into processing device 9o via a keyboard, which will be described later. The notification panel 100 is connected to the processing device 90 via the signal path 102.
It is connected to the. Announcement panel 100. In response to receiving an alarm signal from processor 90 via signal path 102, it is configured to generate a visually perceptible output indication. In one example, the announcement panel 10
0 consists of multiple lights. Each light is associated with one monitored flow tube. In this example, the notification panel 100 issues an alarm signal indicating that a problematic production condition exists for a monitored flow tube! The device 90 is configured to illuminate one light in response to receiving a signal from the device 90. Base monitoring section 26 also has a keyboard 104 connected to processing unit 90 via signal path 106. Keyboard 104 provides a means for manually entering data into processing unit 90 during operation of the apparatus of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, keyboard 104 interfaces with an alphanumeric display. The data input to the processing device 1190 using the keyboard is visually displayed. Processor 90 has an output signal path 108 connected to digital to analog converter 110. digital·
Analog converter 110 is connected to signal path 108 from processing unit 90.
It is designed to receive data in digital format via a signal generator, and to convert the received data from the digital format into a signal in analog format. The converted analog format data is sent to the signal path 1 of the digital-to-analog converter 110.
Appears on 12th. The signal path 112 is the strip chart recording device 11
A one-strip chart recorder 114 connected to 4 receives the data in analog form from the digital-to-analog transformer 110, produces a printed chart output, and displays the received data in the form of a chart or graph. It is a building. The processing device 90 is connected to the processing device 9 by the keyboard 104.
The single strip chart recorder 114 is programmed to provide data to the single strip chart recorder 114 in response to receipt of a manually entered print command signal. The velocity of fluid through a monitored flow tube of the type contemplated in the device of this invention varies over time. The change or variation in velocity over time varies from flow tube to monitored flow tube. The production flow characteristic profile of a particular monitored flow tube creates a unique and identifiable pattern for a particular monitored flow tube. Determine the alarm value and alarm delay time. The apparatus of the invention initially plots or otherwise determines the velocity of fluid through each monitored flow tube over a period of time sufficient to establish a reproducible pattern. is necessary. This graph or determination is referred to herein as a production flow characteristic curve. A particular production flow profile typically has peaks or maximum velocities that occur at various time intervals. The alarm value for a particular monitored flow tube is selected to be a velocity lower than the peak or maximum velocity value determined from the production flow characteristic profile for this particular monitored flow tube. To be more specific. The alarm value for each monitored flow tube is selected to be a velocity within the range of about 50% to about 20% of the peak or maximum velocity value determined from the respective production flow characteristic history for the monitored flow tube. is preferred. The production flow characteristic progression is also used to determine the alarm delay time. As a minimum, the alarm delay time is selected to be a period that exceeds the expected minimum period so that one problematic production condition is detected in response to a single or temporary change in fluid velocity through one monitored flow tube. Certain things should not be displayed. For a particular production flow characteristic course, the alarm delay time is
At least about 3 as determined from the respective production flow characteristic history
The longer period should be chosen to include the three main or peak velocity values or the minimum period of time planned. In some cases, a particular production flow characteristic profile may not include a major or peak velocity. In other words, the velocity of fluid through the monitored flow tube may be relatively constant. In such cases, the alarm value should not be set to a value generally in line with the lower limit of the speed value, or generally slightly lower, and the alarm delay time should be set to the lowest expected period. In one embodiment of the invention, the minimum period or minimum alarm delay time was chosen to be 10 minutes. In this embodiment, the alarm delay time is selected in 5 minute increments from a minimum alarm delay time of 10 minutes, and the determined alarm delay time is selected from at least about three major or Contains peak velocity values. Or the minimum alarm delay time of 10 minutes, whichever is longer. FIG. 4 is for illustrating aspects of the invention. A portion of the production flow characteristic curve of one monitored flow tube is shown. In particular, the velocity of the fluid through the monitored flow tube is plotted against time in FIG. . In particular, Figure 4 was observed over a period equal to 20 minutes. 1 is a graph showing the flow rate through a monitored flow tube. Flow velocity in feet per second is shown on the vertical axis. The horizontal axis shows time in minutes. As shown in Figure 4,
The product (fluid flow) through the monitored flow tube with such a product flow characteristic profile occurs at intervals, and the intervals between such product (fluid flow) intervals occur with little or no No flow occurs at all. In this case, to explain the production flow characteristic course shown in Fig. 4, the first three main peaks (in Fig. 4, reference numbers 116, 118, and 120 are also 1). 2 and 3) occurred within a period of approximately 15 minutes. For this reason, the alarm delay time was chosen to be 20 minutes. This shows three major peaks: 116.118,
120, and is chosen in increments of 5 minutes above the minimum alarm delay time of 10 minutes. This particular production flow characteristic profile shown in FIG.
<-), and therefore the alarm value is the failure [122
We chose 2 feet per second, as shown in . This is a value equal to 20% of the maximum velocity value or peak. FIG. 5 shows a section of another production flow characteristic profile of another monitored flow tube. Even this picture. Flow velocity is shown in feet per second on the vertical axis and 9 hours in minutes per minute on the horizontal axis. In this case, to explain the production flow characteristic course in Figure 5, the first three main peaks (the fifth
(indicated in the figure by reference numerals 124, 126, 128 and also indicated by the numbers 1, 2 and 1/3 in circles) occurred within a period of slightly less than 20 minutes. In this case, the alarm delay time is 2
I chose 0 minutes. This is a period long enough to include the three major peaks 124, 126, 128, and is chosen in 5 minute increments over the minimum alarm delay time of 10 minutes. The peak or maximum velocity (peak 128) observed in this particular production flow profile shown in Figure 5 is approximately 9 feet per second, so the alarm value is as shown by dashed line 130 in Figure 5. , chosen to be 2 feet per second. This is slightly greater than the maximum velocity value or 22% of the peak. FIG. 6 shows a section of a further production flow profile for another flow tube. Again, the flow rate is shown in feet per second on the vertical axis, and the hour is shown in minutes on the horizontal axis. In this case, to explain the production flow characteristic progression shown in Figure 6, the first three main peaks (shown in Figure 6 with reference numbers 132, 134, 136, and the number 1 in the circle)
, 2.3) occurred within a period of about 5 minutes. For the production flow characteristic profile shown in FIG. 6, since the times (in 5 minutes) at which the first three major peaks occurred are shorter than the minimum alarm delay time of 10 minutes. The alarm delay time was chosen to be 10 minutes. The peak or maximum velocity (peak 132) observed in the particular production flow characteristic profile shown in Figure 6 is 5.5 feet per second, so the alarm value is as shown in Figure 6 at break #11138. , chosen to be 2 feet per second. This is 36% of the peak or maximum velocity value
With slightly larger values, FIG. 7 shows a further production flow characteristic curve for another monitored flow tube. The flow velocity is shown in feet per second on the vertical axis, and one hour is shown in minutes on the horizontal axis. In the case of the particular production flow profile shown in FIG. 7, there were no major peaks. In other words, the flow rate through this particular monitored flow tube was relatively constant. For this reason, the alarm delay time was chosen to be 10 minutes, which is equal to the minimum alarm delay time. Because the velocity of fluid through this particular monitored flow tube is relatively constant, the alarm value was chosen to be approximately the lowest flow velocity, which is generally lower. The alarm value was chosen to be 5 feet per second, as shown by dashed line 140 in FIG. FIG. 8 shows the production flow characteristic profile of another monitored flow tube. Flow velocity is shown in feet per second on the vertical axis and hourly in minutes on the horizontal axis. In the case of the production flow characteristic curve shown in FIG. 8, the first three main peaks (indicated in FIG.
But it shows). It occurred within a period of slightly less than 10 minutes. For this reason. The alarm delay time was chosen to be 10 minutes, which is the lowest alarm delay time. The peak or maximum velocity (peak 164) observed in the particular production flow characteristic profile shown in FIG. 8 is 7.5 feet per second, so the alarm value is. Two feet per second was chosen, as shown by dashed line 148 in FIG. This is slightly greater than 26% of the peak or maximum velocity value. FIG. 9 shows a further production flow characteristic curve for another monitored flow tube. Flow velocity is shown in feet per second on the vertical axis and time is shown in minutes on the horizontal axis. In the case of the production flow characteristic curve shown in Fig. 9, there are the first three main peaks (indicated in Fig. 9 by the reference numerals 150°, 152, 154, and also by the numbers 1, 2, 3 in the circle). occurred within a period of slightly less than 5 minutes. For this reason, the alarm delay time was selected to be 10 minutes, which is the minimum alarm delay time. The peak or maximum velocity (peak 154) observed in the particular production flow characteristic profile shown in FIG. 25/second
I chose 100 feet. This is slightly greater than 31% of the peak or maximum velocity value. During one operating phase (calibration phase) of the monitoring device of the present invention, a signal generator 44 generates a transducer activation signal on signal path 46. This converter activation signal is sent via signal path 28 to power booster 48 . A transducer activation signal on signal path 28 is applied to transducer 22. Flow tubes 16a and 16b in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, transducer actuation signals on signal path 28 are provided to transducers 22a and 22b, respectively. Transducers 16 generate flow signals, with each transducer generating a flow signal that is proportional to the rate of fluid flow through the flow tube connected to that particular transducer 22. A specific converter 22 in FIG.
Regarding a and 22b. Each transducer 22a, 22b has a respective flow tube 16a. An output flow signal is generated on each signal path 36, 38 that is proportional to the velocity of the fluid through 16b. The flow signal on signal path 36.degree. 38 enters time division circuit 52. The time division circuit 52 is operative to sequentially generate the flow signals received from the transducers 22a, 22b on an output signal path 54 after amplifying the received flow signals. Signal path 54
The received flow signal is amplified and detected by amplifier-detector 56, conditioned by signal conditioner 60, and then sent to frequency-to-voltage converter 64. A frequency-to-voltage converter 64 converts each received flow signal to a DC analog voltage corresponding to the flow signal received on input signal path 64. Each flow signal as a DC analog voltage is sequentially generated on an output signal path 66 of a frequency-to-voltage converter 64. The flow signal in analog form on signal path 66 enters an analog-to-digital converter 68 which generates a flow signal in binary form on signal path 70. A processing unit 72 receives each flow signal on signal path 70 sequentially. During this calibration phase, processor 72 is programmed to generate a received flow signal on output signal path 76. These flow signals are provided to a transceiver 74. The flow signal received by the transmitter section of the transceiver 74 is placed on a radio frequency carrier wave and transmitted over the wireless communication line 27a. This flow signal is transmitted from antenna 78. The flow signal transmitted from the transmitter/receiver @14 in the monitoring unit 24a is received by the antenna 94 of the base monitoring unit 26. Flow signals received during the calibration phase at the base monitor 26 enter the receiver portion of the transceiver 88 and the received flow signals are generated on the output signal path 92 of the transceiver fi 88. The processing unit 90 of the base monitoring section 26 receives the 8M circuit 92 flow signals and stores the received flow signals during this calibration phase of operation along with the relative times at which each flow signal is received. is programmed to. During the calibration phase, a flow signal is generated at each monitor 24, and each monitor 24 transmits a flow signal to the base monitor 26 in exactly the same manner as previously described for monitor 24a. For this purpose, the base monitoring section 26 receives the flow signals from each monitoring section 24, and the processing device 90 in the base monitoring section 26 receives the flow signals from each monitoring section 24.
is programmed to receive and store flow signals and relative times during this calibration phase. Additionally, when processing device 90 stores each flow signal received. a code identifying the particular monitored flow tube associated with each flow signal, and a processing unit 90 for each flow signal;
It is programmed to also store the time it was received. As a result of multiplexing the transducers 22 in each monitor 24, the flow signals are generated sequentially so that the particular flow tubes associated with each flow signal, as well as the order in which they receive such flow signals, are The identification of the particular monitor 24 from which the signal was received is determined by the processing unit 72.90. The flow signals are processed by processing device 90 for a predetermined period of time sufficient to establish a production flow characteristic profile for the flow tube 16 being monitored.
After storage, processing device 90 is responsive to receiving print command signals manually entered into processing device 90 from keyboard 104 . It is programmed to generate on output signal path 108 the stored flow signal received from each transducer 22 and the relative time of receipt of the flow signal. Specifically, a print command signal is manually entered into the processing device 90 along with a code identifying the particular monitored flow tube 16;
In response to that. Processor 90 outputs stored flow signals and relative times associated with this particular flow tube 16 on output signal path 108.
occurs in The flow signals and relative time generated on signal path 108 from processor 90 are in digital form;
A digital-to-analog converter 110 converts the flow signal thus received into a signal in analog form. A flow signal in analog form is sent to signal path 112. Signal path 112
The flow signal in analog form and relative time enters a strip chart recorder 114, which strip chart recorder 114 is adapted to produce an output in the form of a printed graph of the received flow signal versus time. . This graph shows that during the calibration phase each monitored flow tube 16 is
The production flow characteristic curve generated by the strip chart recorder 114 is shown in FIG. Utilizing the production flow characteristic history generated by the strip chart recorder 114, alarm values and alarm delay times are determined for each monitored flow tube 16, as previously described with respect to FIGS. 4-9. It is determined. The alarm value and alarm delay time thus set for each monitored flow tube 16 are manually entered into the processor 90 via the keyboard 104. Processor 90 is programmed to receive and store alarm values and alarm delay times for each monitored flow tube 16. Furthermore, the processing device 90
The alarm value and alarm delay time for each monitored flow tube 16 is programmed to be generated on output 43 92 . This alarm value and alarm delay time are input to the transceiver 88. The transmitter portion of the transceiver 88 is connected from the antenna 94,
Send the received alarm value and alarm delay time. The alarm value and alarm delay time transmitted from the transmission/reception fi 88 of the base monitoring section 26 are received by the monitoring section 24g. Specifically regarding the monitoring section 24a, the alarm value and alarm delay time are received by the antenna 78 of the monitoring section 24a. A receiver portion of the transceiver 74 receives the alarm value and alarm delay time, and the received alarm value and alarm delay time are generated on an output signal path 76 of the transceiver 74 for receipt by the processing unit 72. There is. Where the monitoring section 24a is located J! l! Vcf
fi 72 is programmed to receive alarm values and alarm delay times from transceiver 74 and to store the received alarm values and alarm delay times. Similarly, other monitoring units 2
4 also receives and stores the alarm value and alarm delay time. During another operation #' of the monitoring device of the invention (monitoring phase), the signal generator 44 is exactly the same as previously described for generating the transducer actuation signal during the calibration phase. Similarly, a transducer actuation signal is provided to transducer 22. Each transducer 22 generates an output flow signal that is proportional to the velocity of fluid through the monitored flow tube associated with or connected to that particular transducer 22. For example, converter 22a. 22b generates a flow signal on signal path 36.38. The flow signals from the transducers 22a, 22b are sent to the time division circuit 52.
After amplifying the received flow signal, the time division circuit sequentially generates the received flow signal on the output link 54. The flow signal in signal path 54 is amplified and detected by amplifier-detector 56, conditioned by signal conditioning device 60 and converted to an analog DC voltage by frequency-to-voltage converter 64, and analog-to-digital converter 68. is converted into a digital signal by A flow signal in digital form exits on signal path 70. During the monitoring phase, the processor 72 receives the 1M channel 70 flow signals and assigns each received flow signal to the monitored flow tube 161 associated with the received flow signal, e.g.
It is compared with the alarm value set for the monitored flow tubes 16a and 16b shown in the figure. If any compared flow signal is set for the monitored flow tube 16 associated with this flow signal than the predetermined alarm value set for the monitored flow tube 16 associated with this flow signal. During the predetermined alarm delay time, which is less, processor 72 is programmed to generate a no flow signal on signal path 82 as an output. Announcement panel 80 receives a signal from processing unit 72 on output signal path 82 . Announcement panel 80 is configured to generate a visually perceptible output indication in response to receiving a no flow signal on signal path 82 . Announcement panel 80 has a plurality of indicators (not shown) attached to each flow tube 16 that is monitored one by one. Announcement panel 80 displays a message in signal path 82 from processor 72 indicating that there is a problematic production condition in the monitored flow tube that generated the flow signal that caused processor 72 to generate this no flow signal. In response to receiving the no output flow signal, the device is configured to generate a visually perceptible output indication. For example, in one format,
The notification panel 80 may have a plurality of indicator lights. Each indicator light is arranged on the announcement panel 80 so as to be associated with one flow tube 16 to be monitored. During the monitoring phase, processing unit 72 transmits and receives! lIl! 74
is programmed to generate a flow signal received from signal path 70 on output signal path 76 so as to receive it. Transmitter/receiver a 74 transmits the received flow signal from antenna 78 . During the monitoring phase, the antenna 94 of the base monitoring unit 26 receives flow signals transmitted by the monitoring unit 24a. Monitoring section 2
The flow signal received from 4a is received by the receiver portion of a transceiver 88, which is adapted to produce the received flow signal on an output signal path 92. The flow signal exiting on output signal path 92 enters processing device 90 . During the supervisory stage, the processor 90. Store the received flow signals and store each received flow signal. Each flow signal thus received is programmed to be compared to an alarm value set for the associated flow tube 16 being monitored. During a scheduled alarm period that you set for the monitored flow tube associated with the particular flow signal received;
If any monitored flow signal is less than the predetermined alarm value set for the monitored flow tube 16 associated with the received flow signal, the processor 90 outputs a no flow signal on signal path 102. It is programmed to occur. An output signal from processing device 90 on signal path 102 enters announcement panel 100 . Announcement panel 100 receives a no-flow signal on signal path 102 indicating that a problematic production condition exists in the particular flow tube associated with the flow signal that caused processor 90 to generate the no-flow signal. In response, the device is configured to generate a visually perceptible output indication. Announcement panel 100 may include indicator lights for producing a visually perceptible output indication, similar to that previously described for announcement panel 80. A processor 90 receives flow signals from other monitors 24, stores the received flow signals, and compares each received flow signal to a stored alarm value for a respective monitored flow tube 16. , generates a no-flow signal, and displays the notification panel 10.
0 to produce a visually perceptible output display exactly as described above for the monitor 24a. Processor 90 is programmed to provide stored flow signals to permanent storage 96 via signal path 98 in response to receiving manually entered data storage commands from keyboard 104 . There is. Permanent storage device 96
permanently stores the flow signals for each monitored flow tube 16. A data history regarding the fluid passing through the various monitored flow tubes 16 is provided. The monitoring device of the present invention determines one variety by comparing a recently measured production flow characteristic curve with a previously determined production flow characteristic curve for a particular flow tube connected to a well of interest. It provides a means of regularly evaluating well performance. Furthermore, when using the present invention in connection with production wells, it is important to set the production flow characteristic course for each monitored stream W16 from time to time while using the present invention, since flow characteristics may change from time to time for various reasons. It has been found that it is desirable to re-determine each alarm value and alarm delay darkness based on the thus re-set production flow characteristic progress. In preferred operation, the apparatus of the present invention also has a test or performance maintenance inspection mode of operation. In this mode of operation, the signal path for one transducer 22 is disconnected, such as by removing one of the signal paths 36, 38, 40° 42 from one of the transducers 22g, 22b, 22c22d. A test transducer configured identically to transducer 22 is separated from signal path 36, which was previously separated from one transducer 22.
Connect to 38°40 or 42. The test transducer has a known carrier and places an audible signal of a known frequency, such as less than 1.0 KHz, on the output carrier signal of the test transducer. The output signal of the test transducer is received by the monitoring section 24 and transmitted to the base monitoring section 26 where it is recorded by the one-strip chart recording device 11 in exactly the same way as described above for the flow signals.
Draw a graph of the signal received by 4. Since the output signals of the test transducers are predetermined, it is possible to determine from the graphical printout produced by the nine-strip chart recorder 114 whether the various parts of the device are functioning properly. In the preferred embodiment, each monitor 24, and in particular the base monitor 26, is assigned a unique identification code. This confirmation code is used to poll one of various monitoring units 24. In this way, only the base monitoring section 26 receives a signal from one monitoring section 24 at any predetermined time. In this format, the base monitoring section 24 sends out a signal encoding the confirmation code of one monitoring section 24, and in response to receiving this signal, a specific The monitoring unit 24 transmits information (flow signals) to be received by the base monitoring unit 26. Although the invention has been described in connection with monitoring the production of offshore wells or flow tubes associated with such offshore wells, it is understood that the invention can also be used to monitor flow tubes connected to onshore wells. I would like to be recognized. Furthermore, in applications such as this, the base monitoring unit 24 can be installed on land as a device for monitoring the production volume of the O7 Showa well. Further, although the monitoring apparatus of the present invention has been described in terms of using flow signals representative of the velocity of fluid through the flow tube being monitored, it is also possible to use flow signals representative of some other parameter of fluid flow. It is recognized that other transducers that occur may also be used. Additionally, the present invention provides a means for monitoring the flow of fluid through a flow tube, and in the event that the flow tube is Please note that it may be attached to something else. In other words, the invention is not limited to monitoring production from wells. The present invention may be modified even if the configuration and operation of the various elements, assemblies and parts described above, as well as the steps of the method described herein or the order of the steps, are changed as long as they are consistent with the scope of the claims. Please be aware that I will not deviate from the scope.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a production offshore well using the device of the invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the monitoring device of the invention; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another portion of the monitoring device of the invention; FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the production flow characteristics of a particular flow tube over time, illustrating aspects of the invention. Figure 5 is the 4th
2 is a graph similar to that shown in the figure, but showing the production flow characteristic profile of another particular flow tube; FIG. FIG. 6 is a graph similar to FIGS. 4 and 5, but showing the production flow characteristic profile of yet another particular flow tube. FIG. 7 is a graph similar to FIGS. 4-6, but showing the production flow characteristic profile of yet another particular flow tube. FIG. 8 is a graph similar to FIGS. 4-7, but showing the production flow characteristic profile of another particular flow tube. FIG. 9 is a graph similar to FIGS. 4 to 8. 3 shows the production flow characteristic profile of a further flow tube; Explanation of main symbols 1.6.18...Flow tube 22...Converter 24.26...Monitoring section 72.90...Processing device 80.100...Notification panel 114... ...Strip chart recording device=Presentation==, :5

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1) In a monitoring device for monitoring the flow of fluid passing through a flow tube to be monitored, the monitoring device is connected to the flow tube to be monitored and monitors the flow of fluid passing through the flow tube to be monitored. a transducer configured to detect and generate a flow signal proportional to the velocity of the fluid through the monitored flow tube; and a transducer configured to detect and generate a flow signal proportional to the velocity of the fluid through the monitored flow tube; means having a portion stored therein of a predetermined predetermined alarm value and a predetermined alarm delay time; the velocity through the monitored flow tube is between about 50% and about 20% of a predetermined maximum value of the fluid velocity through the monitored flow tube when substantially varying over a period of time; If the fluid velocity value is relatively constant over a predetermined period of time, the velocity has a value slightly less than the predetermined minimum value of the fluid velocity through the monitored flow tube, and the alarm delay time is a period of time exceeding a predetermined minimum period and sufficient to include at least about three predetermined maximum velocity peaks of fluid through the monitored flow tube, the means exceeding the predetermined alarm delay time; generating an output indication in response to receiving a flow signal from a transducer indicating that the velocity of fluid through the monitored flow tube for a period of time has a value less than the predetermined alarm value; A monitoring device that indicates a problematic production condition in the flow of fluid through a flow tube. 2) The monitoring device according to claim 1) is adapted to monitor the flow of fluid passing through a plurality of flow tubes to be monitored, and for each of the flow tubes to be monitored. includes a plurality of externally connected transducers, each transducer detecting the flow of fluid through the monitored flow tube connected thereto, and detecting the flow of fluid through the monitored flow tube connected thereto; said flow signal receiving means receives each flow signal produced by said transducer, said means is adapted to generate a flow signal proportional to a velocity of said transducer, said means receiving each flow signal generated by said transducer, said means receiving a respective alarm value and an alarm delay time. includes a portion for storing a plurality of predetermined alarm values and a plurality of predetermined alarm delay times for one monitored flow tube; from one transducer through a monitored flow tube connected to the transducer (as determined for the monitored flow tube connected to the transducer that generated the flow signal). receiving a flow signal indicating that the flow signal has a value lower than a predetermined alarm value (as determined for the monitored flow tube connected to the transducer that generated the flow signal) for a period that exceeds the alarm delay time; a monitoring device that generates an output indication in response to the flow of fluid through the monitored flow tube, thus indicating that there is a problematic production condition in the flow of fluid through the monitored flow tube; 3) In the monitoring device according to claim 2), the flow signal receiving means receives each flow signal and sequentially generates the received flow signal on an output signal path. a time division circuit, and a processing device adapted to receive a flow signal generated from the time division circuit;
The predetermined alarm value and predetermined alarm delay time for each monitored flow tube are stored in the processor, and the processor is configured to convert each flow signal received from a transducer into a predetermined flow signal. If the velocity of fluid from any one transducer (the received for a period exceeding the alarm delay time (determined for the monitored flow tube connected to the transducer that generated the received flow signal). In response to receiving a flow signal that is lower than an alarm value (determined for the flow tube), a no flow signal is generated as an output indicating that a problematic production condition exists. and the means for receiving the flow signal further comprises an annunciation panel, the annunciation panel receiving the no flow signal from the processing device and connected to the transducer that generated the flow signal that caused the no flow signal. A monitoring device that generates an output indication that a problematic production condition exists for a particular monitored flow tube. 4) In the monitoring device according to claim 3), the processing device receives the flow signals and records the flow signals received from each transducer and thus the time of receipt of each flow signal. storage for a predetermined period of time sufficient to establish a production flow characteristic profile for the flow tube being monitored, the processing device being adapted to receive a print command signal, the processing device responsive to the print command signal, the processing device is configured to generate a received flow signal for each monitored flow tube and an associated time for each flow signal on an output signal path; is connected to receive flow signals and associated times for each flow signal from the processing device, and outputs in printed form depicting the flow signals versus time (to which the transducers associated with the received flow signals are connected); a strip chart recorder adapted to produce a production flow characteristic curve for the monitored flow tube, said alarm value and alarm delay time being determined from the respective production flow characteristic curve for the monitored flow tube; monitoring equipment. 5) A monitoring device as claimed in claim 4), located generally between the processing device and the strip chart recording device, receiving flow signals in digital form from the processing device;
a digital-to-analog converter for generating a received flow signal in analog form on an output signal path for receipt by a strip chart recorder; A monitoring device that receives data from and creates production flow characteristic progress. 6) A monitoring device according to claim 3), wherein each transducer receives a transducer actuation signal having a frequency in the ultrasonic frequency range to control the fluid passing through the monitored flow tube connected thereto. It is designed to generate an output signal (flow signal) having a carrier wave modulated at an ultrasonic frequency in proportion to the speed of an amplifier for detecting and amplifying the detected flow signal on an output signal path, and for receiving the amplified and detected flow signal and having a DC analog voltage output signal ( an analog-to-digital converter that receives the flow signal from the frequency-to-voltage converter and generates the received flow signal in digital form on an output signal path; and a monitoring device in which a flow signal in digital form is sent to a processing device. 7) A monitoring device according to claim 6, comprising a signal generator for generating a transducer actuation signal having a frequency within the ultrasonic frequency range, which is received by the Doppler shift transducer. 8) The monitoring device according to claim 7), further comprising a power booster receiving the converter activation signal from the signal generator and increasing the power level of the converter activation signal, the power booster comprising: A buffer amplifier with a gain of 1, through which the transducer activation signal from the power booster is sent to the transducer, allows a relatively long signal path to be used to connect the transducer activation signal to the Doppler shift converter. A similar monitoring device. 9) In the monitoring device described in claims 2) to 8), each flow tube to be monitored is connected to a well,
A monitoring device in which fluid flow from each well passes through one monitored flow tube. 10) In the monitoring device described in claim 9),
A monitoring device in which the well is offshore and a portion of each monitored flow tube is located underwater. 11) In a monitoring device for monitoring the flow of fluid through a plurality of monitored flow tubes, each of which is connected to one monitored flow tube, the fluid flowing through the monitored flow tubes connected thereto; a plurality of transducers each adapted to detect the flow of the fluid through the monitored flow tube connected thereto and each transducer adapted to generate a flow signal proportional to the velocity of the fluid through the monitored flow tube; and at least two monitors. a local monitoring station and a base monitoring station, each of the at least two monitoring stations receiving flow signals generated from a transducer connected to a number of monitored flow tubes and converting the received flow signals into an output signal. a time division circuit adapted to sequentially transmit a flow signal to a signal path; a processing device for receiving a flow signal sent from the time division circuit and generating a flow signal in an output signal path; and a flow signal generated by the processing device. receive the signal,
The base monitoring section receives the flow signal transmitted from the transceiver in each monitoring section and sends the received flow signal to an output signal path. It consists of a transceiver, a processing device adapted to receive flow signals transmitted from the transceiver, and a notification panel, the processing device being configured to record scheduled alarm values and schedules for each monitored flow tube. an alarm delay time of The fluid velocity from any one transducer (relative to the monitored flow tube connected to the transducer that generated this received flow signal) compared to the set scheduled alarm value and the scheduled alarm delay time. the flow signal indicating that it is below the alarm value (determined for the monitored flow tube connected to the transducer that generated the received flow signal) for a period that exceeds the alarm delay time (determined by in response to receiving a no-flow signal as an output indicating that there is a problematic production condition;
The annunciation panel receives a no flow signal from the processing device and indicates a problematic production condition for the particular monitored flow tube connected to the transducer that generated the flow signal that caused the no flow signal. A monitoring device that produces an output indication indicating that 12) In the monitoring device according to claim 11), a processing device in each monitoring section controls each monitored flow tube to which a transducer is connected for generating a flow signal that is received by a time division circuit. The processing device stores a predetermined alarm value and a predetermined alarm delay time for a received flow signal obtained from a transducer, and the processing device stores a predetermined alarm value and a predetermined alarm delay time. The velocity of the fluid from any one transducer (monitor connected to the transducer that generated the received flow signal) lower than the alarm value (determined for the monitored flow tube connected to the transducer that generated the received flow signal) for a period exceeding the alarm scheduled time (determined for the monitored flow tube). in response to receiving a flow signal indicative of a non-flow signal indicating that there is a problematic production condition; Receives a No Flow signal and generates an output indication that there is a problematic production condition for the particular monitored flow tube connected to the transducer that generated the flow signal that caused this No Flow signal. A monitoring device that has a notification panel. 13) In the monitoring device according to claim 12), the alarm value is monitored if the value of the velocity of the fluid through the monitored flow tube changes substantially over a period of time. defined as a velocity having a value between about 50% and about 20% of the predetermined maximum value of the velocity of the fluid through the flow tube, and the value of the velocity of the fluid through the flow tube being monitored over a period of time. A monitoring device defined as a velocity that, if relatively constant, has a value slightly less than the expected minimum value of the velocity of the fluid through the flow tube being monitored. 14) The monitoring device of claim 13, wherein the alarm delay time exceeds a predetermined maximum period and at least about three predetermined maximum velocity peaks of fluid through the monitored flow tube. A monitoring device defined as a period sufficient to include. 15) In the monitoring device according to claim 11), the processing device in the base monitoring section receives the flow signals and receives the flow signals received from each transducer as well as each flow signal. the time of day is stored for a predetermined period sufficient to establish a production flow characteristic profile for each flow tube being monitored, and a processing unit in said station monitor receives print command signals. A processing unit in the station monitor, in response to receiving the print command signal, determines the received flow signals for each monitored flow tube and the time associated with each flow signal. The base monitoring section is further connected to a processing device in the base monitoring section to generate flow signals from the processing device in the base monitoring section as well as signals associated with each flow signal. receiving the time to produce a printed output depicting the flow signal versus time (the production flow characteristic curve for the monitored flow tube to which the transducer associated with the received flow signal is connected). and the alarm value and alarm delay time are determined from the respective production flow characteristic curves for the monitored flow tube. 16) In the monitoring device according to claim 15), the monitoring device is connected between a processing device in the base monitoring section and a strip chart recording device, and the monitoring device is connected between a processing device in the base monitoring section and a strip chart recording device, and is configured to receive data in digital format from the processing device in the base monitoring section. a digital-to-analog converter for receiving the flow signal and producing the received flow signal in analog form on an output signal path for receipt by a strip chart recorder; A monitoring device that receives flow signals in analog form from a computer and produces production flow characteristics. 17) In the monitoring device according to claim 11), each transducer receives a transducer actuation signal having a frequency within the ultrasonic frequency range and controls the fluid passing through the monitored flow tube connected thereto. It is designed to generate an output signal (flow signal) having a carrier wave modulated at an ultrasonic frequency in proportion to the speed of an amplifier/detector for amplifying and detecting the detected flow signal and generating the amplified and detected flow signal in an output signal path; a frequency-to-voltage converter that generates a proportional DC analog voltage output signal (flow signal); and a signal path that receives the flow signal from the frequency-to-voltage converter and outputs the received flow signal in digital form. an analog-to-digital converter that generates an analog-to-digital converter, such that a processing unit in the monitoring section receives the flow signal in digital form. 18) A monitoring device as claimed in claim 17, wherein each monitoring unit includes a signal generator for generating a transducer activation signal having a frequency within the ultrasonic frequency range. 19) A method of monitoring fluid flow through a monitored flow tube, the method comprising: generating a flow signal proportional to the velocity of fluid through the monitored flow tube; and receiving the fluid flow signal over a predetermined period of time. , establish the time at which this flow signal is received, and direct the fluid to the monitored flow tube for a predetermined period of time sufficient to establish a reproducible pattern of fluid velocity through the monitored flow tube. The received flow signal, which is proportional to the velocity of the flow of A method consisting of the steps of determining that there is a problematic production condition. 20) In the method according to claim 19), for monitoring the flow of fluid through a plurality of monitored flow tubes,
the step of generating a flow signal is the step of generating a flow signal proportional to the velocity of fluid flowing respectively through each monitored flow tube, and the step of receiving the flow signal is the step of generating a flow signal proportional to the velocity of fluid flowing respectively through each monitored flow tube. The step of drawing a flow signal includes receiving a flow signal proportional to the velocity of the fluid over a predetermined period of time and determining the time at which the flow signal is received. A method comprising plotting received flow signals proportional to the velocity of fluid flowing through each monitored flow tube versus time, thus creating a production flow characteristic curve for each monitored flow tube. 21) In the method according to claim 20), the steps of processing the flow signals to create a production flow characteristic profile and using the characteristic profile to indicate that there is a problematic production condition, each step include: For each monitored flow pipe, an alarm value is determined from the progress of each production flow characteristic, and for each monitored flow pipe,
determining an alarm delay time from the course of each production flow characteristic; receiving a fluid flow signal after determining the alarm value and the alarm delay time; and relating the velocity represented by each received flow signal to the received flow signal. and in response to such comparison indicating that the velocity of the fluid through the monitored flow tube is less than the alarm value for a period that exceeds the alarm delay time; A method comprising the step of generating a no-flow signal. 22) In the method according to claim 21), each alarm value indicates that the value of the velocity of the fluid through the monitored flow tube changes substantially over a period of time. Defined as a value between about 50% and about 20% of the predetermined maximum value of fluid velocity through the tube, and where the value of fluid velocity through the flow tube being monitored is relatively constant over a period of time. is defined as the velocity that has a value slightly less than the predetermined minimum value of the fluid velocity through the monitored flow tube, and each alarm delay time exceeds the predetermined maximum period and the fluid velocity through the monitored flow tube is defined as a period of time sufficient to include at least about three predetermined maximum velocity peaks of the fluid passing through. 23) The method of claim 21), comprising: receiving the no-flow signals and generating a visually perceptible output indication in response to receiving each no-flow signal; A method comprising the step of indicating a problematic production condition in one monitored flow tube. 24) In the method of claim 21), the step of generating a flow signal connects a Doppler shift transducer outside each monitored flow tube, each transducer capable of receiving an actuation signal and generating a transducer actuation signal; receiving the transducer actuation signal at each transducer; a method comprising the step of generating a flow signal proportional to the velocity of the flow. 25) In the method according to claim 24), the step of generating a transducer actuation signal comprises generating a transducer actuation signal having a frequency within the ultrasonic frequency range; The process that occurs is to generate a flow signal at each transducer, each transducer transmitting a flow signal within an ultrasonic frequency range proportional to the velocity of the fluid through the monitored flow tube to which it is connected. generating a flow signal with a frequency modulated carrier wave and receiving the flow signal includes sequentially receiving the flow signal from each transducer, amplifying and detecting each received flow signal, and detecting the detected flow signal; converting the flow signals from analog form to analog signals in digital form, receiving the flow signals in digital form, and storing the received flow signals for a predetermined period of time along with the time of receipt of each flow signal from the respective converter; receiving a flow signal after determining the alarm value and alarm delay time;
sequentially receiving a flow signal from each transducer, amplifying and detecting each received flow signal, converting the detected flow signal from an analog format to a digital format flow signal, and converting the detected flow signal from an analog format to a digital format flow signal; A method that includes the step of receiving. 26) A method according to claims 19) to 25), wherein each monitored flow tube is connected to a well, and from each well the fluid flows through one monitored flow tube. . 27) The method of claim 26), wherein the well is an offshore well and a portion of each monitored flow tube is located underwater. 28) A monitoring device for monitoring fluid flow through a monitored flow tube, the monitoring device being connected to the monitored flow tube and adapted to detect the flow of fluid through the monitored flow tube. a transducer for generating a flow signal proportional to the flow rate of the fluid through the flow tube being monitored; and receiving the flow signal generated from the transducer; and means for storing the time for a predetermined period of time, the predetermined period being sufficient to establish a reproducible pattern of fluid velocity through the monitored flow tube over time. establishing a production flow characteristic profile for the flow tube being monitored, said means being adapted to generate on an output signal path a received flow signal as well as a time associated with each flow signal; Using
A monitoring device having means for generating an output indication indicating a problematic production condition in the monitored flow tube. 29) The monitoring device according to claim 28) has a plurality of transducers in order to monitor the flow of fluid passing through the plurality of flow tubes to be monitored, and each transducer has a one by one, each transducer is adapted to detect the flow of fluid through the monitored flow tube to which it is connected, and each transducer is adapted to detect the flow of fluid through the monitored flow tube to which it is connected. the means for receiving the flow signal is adapted to generate a flow signal proportional to a fluid flow parameter representative of the flow of fluid through the connected monitored flow tube, the means for receiving the flow signal being adapted to and means for receiving a flow signal received from each transducer as well as the time of receipt of each flow signal sufficient to establish a production flow characteristic profile for each monitored flow tube. storage for a predetermined period of time, said means being adapted to generate on an output signal path a received flow signal for each monitored flow tube as well as a time associated with said respective flow signal, said means receiving said flow signal; Means receives a flow signal associated with each transducer as well as a time associated with each flow signal, and outputs in printed form depicting the respective flow signal versus time for each monitored flow tube. A monitoring device that creates (production flow characteristic progress). 30) In the monitoring device according to claim 29), means for generating an output indication indicating the presence of a problematic production condition using said progress receives the flow signal and also provides a scheduled alarm. means including a portion in which a value and a scheduled alarm delay time are stored, said alarm value and alarm delay time being determined for a monitored flow tube from production flow characteristics for a particular monitored flow tube; and the means receives a flow signal from the transducer indicating that the flow rate of fluid in the monitored flow tube has a value less than the predetermined alarm value for a predetermined period of time exceeding the predetermined alarm delay time. in response to generating an output indication, thus indicating that there is a problematic production condition in the flow of fluid through the monitored flow tube, said alarm value being indicative of the velocity of fluid through the monitored flow tube. changes substantially over a period of time, approximately 50% of the expected maximum value of the fluid flow rate through the flow tube being monitored.
% to about 20% and the value of the velocity of the fluid through the monitored flow tube is relatively constant over a period of time. A monitoring device defined as a velocity that has a value slightly less than the expected minimum value of velocity. 31) The monitoring device of claim 30, wherein the alarm delay time exceeds a predetermined maximum period of time, and the alarm delay time exceeds at least about three predetermined maximum velocity peaks of fluid through the monitored flow tube. monitoring equipment for a period sufficient to include the 32) In the monitoring device according to claim 29), the means for receiving flow signals is configured to receive each flow signal and sequentially generate the received flow signals on the output signal path. and a time-sharing circuit that receives the flow signals generated by the time-sharing circuit and determines the flow signals received from each transducer as well as the time of receipt of each flow signal for each monitored flow tube. a processing device for storing for a predetermined period of time sufficient to establish the characteristic curve, the processing device being adapted to receive the print command signal, and the processing device configured to receive the print command signal; means for generating a received flow signal for each monitored flow tube and a time associated with each flow signal on an output signal path in response to chronologically depicting the respective production flow characteristics; is connected to receive flow signals as well as relative times associated with each flow signal from the processing device, and outputs in printed form depicting the flow signals versus time (to which the transducer associated with the received flow signals is connected); A monitoring device including a strip chart recorder adapted to produce a production flow characteristic profile for the flow tube being monitored. 33) In the monitoring device according to claim 32), the means for drawing the progress of production flow characteristics is located between the processing device and the strip chart recording device, and receives flow signals in digital format from the processing device. a digital-to-analog converter for generating a received flow signal in analog format on an output signal path for receiving a strip chart recorder, the strip chart recorder converting the flow signal in analog format into a digital-to-analog converter; A monitoring device that receives data from a container and creates a production flow characteristic progress. 34) The monitoring device according to claim 11), wherein the transducer is a Doppler shift transducer connected to the outside of the flow tube to be monitored.