WO2011010096A1 - Procédé permettant de déterminer l’emplacement d’une région d’interface dans un milieu et appareil associé - Google Patents

Procédé permettant de déterminer l’emplacement d’une région d’interface dans un milieu et appareil associé Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011010096A1
WO2011010096A1 PCT/GB2010/001386 GB2010001386W WO2011010096A1 WO 2011010096 A1 WO2011010096 A1 WO 2011010096A1 GB 2010001386 W GB2010001386 W GB 2010001386W WO 2011010096 A1 WO2011010096 A1 WO 2011010096A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
layer
interface
location
interface region
speed
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2010/001386
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Wayne Rudd
Laurie Linnett
Original Assignee
Wayne Rudd
Laurie Linnett
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wayne Rudd, Laurie Linnett filed Critical Wayne Rudd
Publication of WO2011010096A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011010096A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/74—Devices for measuring flow of a fluid or flow of a fluent solid material in suspension in another fluid
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/66—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
    • G01F23/296—Acoustic waves
    • G01F23/2962—Measuring transit time of reflected waves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
    • G01N29/02—Analysing fluids
    • G01N29/024—Analysing fluids by measuring propagation velocity or propagation time of acoustic waves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/02—Indexing codes associated with the analysed material
    • G01N2291/022—Liquids
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/02—Indexing codes associated with the analysed material
    • G01N2291/028—Material parameters
    • G01N2291/02836—Flow rate, liquid level
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/04—Wave modes and trajectories
    • G01N2291/048—Transmission, i.e. analysed material between transmitter and receiver

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for determining the location of an interface region in a medium, and associated apparatus.
  • the invention relates to a method for determining the location of an interface region defined between first and second layers of a multi-layer medium, and associated apparatus.
  • a medium such as properties of solids, liquids or gases (or combinations thereof).
  • Such mediums may be provided in a container, pipeline, reservoir, conduit, or the like.
  • An example of a medium might be a coolant in a cooling system conduit, or a flow of hydrocarbons in a transportation/production pipeline.
  • mediums can comprise two or more layers, each layer being a different density and/or different phase. Such mediums may be considered to be multi-layered.
  • An example of a multi-layered medium may be hydrocarbon gas and oil, provided in a pipeline, in which the gas and oil are provided as different layers due to the difference in their relative densities.
  • a conduit comprising a deposited build-up of matter on the inner wall may be considered to be a first layer, while the material passing through the conduit may be considered to be a second layer of the multi-layer medium.
  • An interface region may be provided between such layers.
  • An example of an interface region may be a boundary layer defined at the interface between two immiscible layers (e.g. at the interface provided between water and oil), or as an interface layer provided between a layer of deposition in a pipeline and material flowing through a pipeline, for example. It can be desirable to determine the location of the interface region so as to, for example, determine the height, or hold-up, of a particular material in a layer (or deposit), determine a flow regime, determine component ratios or the like. It can be helpful to determine the profile of the interface region. That is to say it can be helpful to determine the height over a particular area, or volume, of interface region.
  • Inaccurate measurement of the location of an interface region can often be provided in the oil and gas exploration and production industry, such as when monitoring the fluid flow in a multi-fluid/multi-layered pipeline, which can result in serious processing hazards, and/or an undesirable increase in operational costs.
  • a method for determining the location of an interface region defined between first and second layers in a multi- layered medium comprising:
  • the first and second layers may comprise adjacent layers.
  • the first and second layers may be stratified, or substantially stratified.
  • the first and second layers may be substantially continuously stratified such that said layers are of a substantially equivalent dimension in at least one direction, such as the direction of the interface region.
  • the first and second layers may be discretely stratified.
  • one of the first and second layer may be at least partially contained within the other of the first and second layer.
  • one of the first and second layers may comprise a bubble, core, slug, droplet, bead, ball or the like contained within the other of the first and second layer.
  • the interface region may comprise an interface layer, boundary layer or the like.
  • the interface region may comprise a region of emulsion.
  • the interface region may comprise a region of gas and liquid foam defined between the first and second layers.
  • the location of the interface region may be provided with respect to a location of receipt of the interface signal.
  • the location of the interface region may be provided with respect to a location of transmission of the interface signal.
  • the location of the interface region may be an approximate location.
  • the location may be provided as a particular distance along the transmission path.
  • Determining the location of the interface region may provide for determining the height, or hold-up, of at least one of the first and second layer. For example, by using the determined location of the interface region and the known distance of the transmission path.
  • the height may be the height of at least one of the first and second layer in a conduit, container, pipeline, reservoir, tubular, or the like.
  • Determining the location of the interface region may provide for determining the height of both the first and second layer (e.g. in a conduit, etc.).
  • the interface signal may comprise a reflected signal (e.g. a signal transmitted across the transmission path and reflected at a target, or object).
  • the method may comprise using the time of flight of two or more interface signals.
  • the two or more interface signals may have been communicated across two or more transmission paths.
  • the two or more transmission paths may have the same known distance, or may have different known distances. At least two of the two or more interface signals may have been transmitted from a common transmitter. At least two of the two or more interface signals may have been received at a common receiver. One, some or all of the transmission paths may intersect. This may provide for using the time of receipt associated with two or more transmission paths for every one transmitted/received interface signal.
  • the determined location of the interface region along different transmission paths may provide for determining the location (or relative location) of the interface region at different regions in the medium, for example, different regions of a medium in a conduit, container, reservoir, or the like.
  • the determined location of the interface regions along different transmission paths may provide for determining a profile of the interface region of a multi-layer medium, such as a profile of the interface region provided in a conduit, etc.
  • the profile may be a cross-sectional profile.
  • the profile may be a two-dimensional profile, or may be a three dimensional profile.
  • the profile may be time variant. That is to say, the profile may change as the medium/interface region changes.
  • the method may comprise providing a visual representation of the change in profile
  • a visual representation may be provided on a user interface, such as an output user interface (e.g. Liquid Crystal Display, Organic Light Emitting Diodes, etc.).
  • the method may comprise providing for flow visualisation (e.g. visualisation of the flow of a medium, such as real time visualisation).
  • the speed of the interface signal in the first layer may be associated with the speed of the interface signal at the location of transmission of the interface signal (i.e. for transmission across a transmission path).
  • the speed of the interface signal in the first layer may be the speed of the interface signal at the location of transmission.
  • the speed of the interface signal in the second layer may be associated with the speed of the interface signal at the location of receipt of the interface signal (i.e. receipt across a transmission path).
  • the speed of the interface signal in the second layer may be the speed of the interface signal at the location of receipt.
  • the speed of the interface signal in the first layer may be different from the speed of the interface signal in the second layer, or the same, similar, roughly the same, or the like.
  • the method may comprise determining the location of an interface region in a conduit.
  • the method may comprise using the time of flight of two or more interface signals having been communicated across a conduit.
  • the conduit may comprise or at least partially define a pipeline, such as an oil and gas pipeline (e.g. production and/or exploration pipeline).
  • the method may comprise using the time of flight of two or more interface signals having been communicated across transmission paths of a conduit at different interval orientations. For example, transmission paths spaced at every 30 degrees, 45 degrees, around a conduit, and/or 0.1 m, 0.2 m, etc. along a conduit, or the like.
  • the intervals may be regular or irregular, or combination of regular and irregular intervals.
  • the method may comprise using the time of flight of four interface signals having been communicated across four transmission paths through a multi-layered medium to determine the location of the interface region (e.g. through a multi-layered medium in a conduit).
  • the known distances of one, some or all of the transmission paths may be measured known distances, estimated known distances, evaluated known distances, approximated known distances, or the like.
  • the distances may include configured known distances.
  • a particular distance may have been measured prior, during, or after transmitting of the interface signal, or may have been estimated, evaluated, or approximated.
  • the interface signal may have been transmitted a configured distance.
  • a time of receipt of the interface signal may be used to provide for determining the time of flight.
  • the method may comprise determining the time of flight from a time of receipt of the interface signal.
  • the time of receipt may be considered to be the time of flight.
  • the multi-layer medium may comprise a single phase.
  • the multi-layer medium may comprise multiple phases.
  • the multi-layer medium may comprise any one or combination of: solid, liquid and/or gas component phase.
  • the first layer may comprise any one, or more, of solid, liquid or gas component phases.
  • the first layer may comprise a single component phase.
  • the first layer may comprise multiple component phases.
  • the first layer may comprise different or the same component phases.
  • the first layer may comprise water, oil, hydrocarbon gas, hydrates, asphaltenes, salts, etc.
  • the second layer may comprise any one, or more, of solid, liquid or gas component phases.
  • the second layer may comprise a single component phase.
  • the second layer may comprise multiple component phases.
  • the second layer may comprise different or the same component phases.
  • the second layer may comprise water, oil, hydrocarbon gas, hydrates, asphaltenes, etc.
  • the first layer and the second layer may comprise different or the same component phases. At least one of the first and second layer may comprise two or more sub-layers, such as three, four, five, ten, twenty sub-layers, or any number therebetween. Each sublayer may be adjacent, such as being adjacently stratified, or the like.
  • Each sub-layer may serve to define a sub-interface region between respective sub- layers.
  • the sub-interface region may be provided as an interface layer, boundary layer, region of emulsion, foam, etc.
  • the speed of an interface signal in at least one of the first and second layer comprising sub-layers may be provided as the average speed of an interface signal through the cumulative sub-layers. That is to say that the interface region, whose location is to be determined, may be selected from a plurality of interface regions (or sub-interface regions), by providing the average speed of a interface signal through the cumulative sub-layers that define an interface region with another layer (or other sub-layers).
  • the method may be for determining the presence, and/or change in deposition in a conduit, pipeline, etc.
  • the interface region may be the region provided between material flowing in a pipeline and hydrates, asphaltenes, salts, etc. deposited in a pipeline.
  • the method may be for determining the presence, and/or change in corrosion in a conduit, pipeline, etc.
  • the interface region may be the region provided between material flowing in a conduit and a wall of a conduit.
  • the method may comprise providing the speed of the interface signal in the first and/or second layer.
  • Providing the speed of the interface signal in the first layer and/or second layer may be provided by having knowledge of the first and/or second layer. For example, if it were known, guessed, assumed, or the like, that the first layer was water, and the second layer was oil, the speed of interface signals in those layers may be determined, such as determined from look-up tables, or the like.
  • the method may comprise using the temperature of at least one of the first and second layer to provide the speed of an interface signal in the first/second layer.
  • the speed of a particular interface signal in the medium may be dependent upon the particular interface signal species that is used. Examples of interface signal species are acoustic interface signals, such as ultrasonic interface signals, electromagnetic interface signals, such as Radio Frequency interface signals, optical interface signals, or the like.
  • the method may comprise determining the speed of the interface signal species in at least one of the first and second layer of a multi-layer medium.
  • the method may comprise determining the speed of the interface signal species in both the first and second layer of the multi-layer medium.
  • the method may comprise determining the speed of the interface signal species in at least one of the first and second layer of a multi-layer medium so as to provide for determining the location of the interface region.
  • the speed of the interface signal species may be determined by transmitting one or more signals across one or more distances (e.g. one or more transmission paths). Interface signals may be used (e.g. additionally used) for determining the speed of the signal species.
  • the method may comprise receiving one or more interface signals.
  • the method may comprise transmitting one or more interface signals.
  • the method may comprise using one or more transmitter/receivers, such as acoustic transducers, for transmitting and/or receiving.
  • the method may comprise using one or more transducers.
  • the method may comprise using one or more common transmitters/receivers (e.g. for transmitting/receiving two or more interface signals).
  • the method may comprise using one or more transceivers for transmitting and receiving.
  • the method may comprise using four transmitter-receiver pairs to provide twenty-four transmission paths (e.g. twenty-four transmission paths in a conduit).
  • the method may comprise using movable/adjustable apparatus to provide configured known distances of transmission paths.
  • the method may comprise using moveable/adjustable transmitters/receivers/transceivers.
  • the method may comprise determining the presence of an interface region along one or more particular transmission paths associated with one or more particular interface signals.
  • the method may comprise determining the lack of an interface region along one or more particular transmission paths.
  • the presence or lack of an interface region may be used to provide for determining the location of the interface region. For example, a determined presence or lack of an interface region may allow for determining that there is no location of an interface region along a particular transmission path, and/or that a determined location is spurious.
  • the method may comprise using the speed of a particular interface signal in the first and second layer in order to determine the presence or lack of an interface region along the associated particular transmission path.
  • the speed of the particular interface signal in the first layer may be compared with the speed of the particular interface signal in a second layer to determine the presence or lack of an interface region. For example, when the speed of the particular interface signal in the first and second layer is considered to be similar, the same, or substantially similar/the same, it may be determined that no interface regions exists along that particular transmission path. For example, if the speed of the interface signal in the first and second layer is considered roughly the same, it might be considered that the first layer and the second layer are the same material, density, phase, etc.
  • the determination of the presence or lack of an interface region may be for use in providing a profile (e.g. a profile of the interface region).
  • the method may comprise not using, or discarding, a determined location of an interface region derived from the time of flight of an interface signal having been communicated across a transmission path having a lack of interface region (or a determined lack of interface region).
  • the method may comprise not determining the location of an interface region derived from the time of flight of an interface signal having been communicated across a transmission path having a lack of interface region (or a determined lack of interface region). For example, the location of an interface region used for providing a profile along transmission paths may be disregarded if no interface region exists, is determined to exist (e.g. for the purposes of providing a profile).
  • a method for determining the location of an interface region defined between first and second layers in a multi-layered medium comprising:
  • a computer program stored, or storable, on a computer readable medium, the computer program configured to provide the method of any of the features of the first and second aspect.
  • apparatus for determining the location of an interface region defined between first and second layers in a multi-layered medium the apparatus configured to use a time of flight of an interface signal having been communicated across a transmission path of known distance, such a transmission path passing through a multi-layered medium having a first layer, second layer and an interface region, such an interface region being defined between a first layer and a second layer, together with the speed of an interface signal in a first layer and the speed of an interface signal in a second layer in order to provide for determining the location of an interface region along a transmission path.
  • the apparatus may be configured to determine the location of an interface region with respect to a location of receipt and/or transmission of an interface signal.
  • the location may be an approximate location.
  • the apparatus may be configured to determine the location of an interface region to provide the height, or hold-up, of at least one of a first and second layer. For example, by using a determined location of an interface region and a known distance of a transmission path.
  • the height may be the height of at least one of the first and second layer in a conduit, container, pipeline, reservoir, tubular, or the like.
  • the apparatus may comprise a transmitter configured to transmit an interface signal.
  • the apparatus may comprise a receiver configured to receive an interface signal.
  • the transmitters/receiver may be configured to provide the transmission path.
  • the transmitter/receiver may be configured to provide the known distance of the transmission path.
  • the apparatus may be configured to use the time of flight of two or more interface signals (e.g. having been communicated across two or more transmission paths).
  • the apparatus may comprise two or more transmitters and/or receivers to provide two or more transmission paths.
  • the two or more transmission paths may have the same known distance, or may have different known distances.
  • the apparatus may comprise a common transmitter for transmitting two or more interface signals.
  • the apparatus may comprise a common receiver for receiving two or more interface signals.
  • the apparatus may be configured such that one, some or all of the transmission paths intersect.
  • the apparatus may comprise one or more transceivers configured to transmit and receive interface signal(s).
  • a determined location of an interface region along different transmission paths may provide the location (or relative location) of an interface region at different regions in a medium, for example, different regions of a medium in a conduit, container, reservoir, or the like.
  • the apparatus may be configured to determine the interface regions along different transmission paths to provide a profile of an interface region of a multi-layer medium, such as a profile of an interface region provided in a conduit, etc. (e.g. a cross-sectional profile).
  • the profile may be a two-dimensional profile, or may be a three dimensional profile.
  • the profile may be time variant. That is to say, the profile may change as the medium/interface region changes.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a user interface, such an output user interface (e.g. Liquid Crystal Display, Organic Light Emitting Diodes, etc.).
  • the apparatus may be configured to provide flow visualisation (e.g. visualisation of the flow of a medium, such as real time visualisation).
  • the apparatus may be configured to provide a visual representation of a change in profile of an interface region.
  • the speed of the interface signal in the first layer may be different from the speed of the interface signal in the second layer, or the same, similar, roughly the same, or the like.
  • the speed of an interface signal in a first layer may be associated with the speed of an interface signal at the location of transmission of that interface signal (i.e. for transmission across a transmission path).
  • the speed of an interface signal in a first layer may be the speed of that interface signal at the location of transmission.
  • the speed of an interface signal in a second layer may be associated with the speed of that interface signal at the location of receipt of that interface signal (i.e. receipt across a transmission path).
  • the speed of an interface signal in a second layer may be the speed of that interface signal at the location of receipt.
  • the apparatus may be configured for use with a conduit.
  • the apparatus may comprise a conduit, such as a conduit configured for use with a multilayered medium.
  • the apparatus may be configured to communicate two or more interface signals across the conduit.
  • the conduit may be a pipeline, such as an oil and gas pipeline.
  • the apparatus may be configured to communicate the two or more interface signals at different interval orientations with respect to the conduit, such as spaced at every 30 degrees, 45 degrees, around a conduit, and/or 0.1 m, 0.2 m, 0.5 m, etc. along the conduit, or the like.
  • the intervals may be regular or irregular, or combination of regular and irregular intervals.
  • the apparatus may be configured to use the time of flight of four interface signals having been communicated across four transmission paths through a multi-layered medium to determine the location of the interface region (e.g. a multi-layered medium in a conduit).
  • the known distances of one, some or all of the transmission paths may be measured known distances, estimated known distances, evaluated known distances, approximated known distances, or the like.
  • the distances may include configured known distances.
  • a particular distance may be measured prior, during, or after transmitting of the interface signal, or may be estimated, evaluated, or approximated.
  • the apparatus may be configured/configurable to transmit an interface signal a configured distance.
  • the apparatus may be movable/adjustable to provide a configured known distance, such as providing movable/adjustable transmitters, and/or receivers.
  • a time of receipt of the interface signal may be used to provide for determining the time of flight.
  • the apparatus may be configured to determine the time of flight from a time of receipt.
  • the time of receipt may be considered to be the time of flight.
  • the apparatus may be configured for use with a multi-layer medium comprising any one or combination of: solid, liquid and/or gas component phase.
  • the first layer may comprise any one, or more, of solid, liquid or gas component phases.
  • the first layer may comprise a single component phase.
  • the first layer may comprise multiple component phases.
  • the first layer may comprise different or the same component phases.
  • the first layer may comprise water, oil, hydrocarbon gas, hydrates, asphaltenes, etc.
  • the second layer may comprise any one, or more, of solid, liquid or gas component phases.
  • the second layer may comprise a single component phase.
  • the second layer may comprise multiple component phases.
  • the second layer may comprise different or the same component phases.
  • the second layer may comprise water, oil, hydrocarbon gas, hydrates, asphaltenes, salts, etc.
  • the first layer and the second layer may comprise different or the same component phases. At least one of the first and second layers may comprise two or more sub-layers, such as three, four, five, ten, twenty sub-layers, or any number therebetween. Each sub-layer may be adjacent, such as being adjacently stratified, or the like.
  • Each sub-layer may serve to define a sub-interface region between respective sub- layers.
  • the sub-interface region may be provided as an interface layer, boundary layer, region of emulsion, foam, etc.
  • the speed of an interface signal in at least one of the first and second layer comprising sub-layers may be provided as the average speed of an interface signal through the cumulative sub-layers. That is to say that the interface region, whose location is to be determined, may be selected from a plurality of interface regions (or sub-interface regions), by providing the average speed of a interface signal through the cumulative sub-layers that define an interface region with another layer (or other sub-layers).
  • the location of the interface region may be determined by evaluating the difference between two of more interface signals.
  • the apparatus may be configured to determine the presence, and/or change in deposition in a conduit, pipeline, etc.
  • the interface region may be the region provided between material flowing in a pipeline and hydrates, asphaltenes, etc. deposited in a pipeline.
  • the apparatus may be configured to determine the presence, and/or change in corrosion in a conduit, pipeline, etc.
  • the interface region may be the region provided between material flowing in a conduit and a wall of the conduit.
  • the apparatus may be configured to provide the speed of an interface signal in a first and/or second layer. Providing the speed of the interface signal in the first layer and/or second layer may be provided by having knowledge of the first and/or second layer. For example, the apparatus may be configured to from look-up table based on secondary data to provide the speed of an interface signal.
  • the secondary data may comprise the temperature of at least one of a first and second layer.
  • the apparatus may be configured to use one or more of: acoustic interface signals, such as ultrasonic interface signals, electromagnetic interface signals, such as Radio Frequency interface signals, optical interface signals, or the like.
  • the apparatus may be configured to determine the speed of an interface signal species in at least one of a first and second layer of a multi-layer medium.
  • the apparatus may comprise one or more measurement sensors to provide for determining the speed.
  • the one or more measurement sensors may determine the speed directly (e.g. by transmitting a signal in the first/second layer and determining speed), or indirectly (e.g. by measuring one or more of the layer's characteristics, such as density, temperature, etc., to provide for determining the speed, such as by using look-up tables).
  • the apparatus may be configured to determine the presence of an interface region along one or more particular transmission paths associated with one or more particular interface signals.
  • the apparatus may be configured to determine the lack of an interface region along one or more particular transmission paths.
  • the presence or lack of an interface region may be used to provide for determining the location of the interface region. For example, a determined presence or lack of an interface region may allow for determining that there is no location of an interface region along a particular transmission path, and/or that a determined location is spurious.
  • the apparatus may be configured to use the speed of a particular interface signal in a first and second layer it order to determine the presence or lack of an interface region along that associated particular transmission path.
  • the speed of a particular interface signal in a first layer may be compared with the speed of that particular interface signal in a second layer to determine the presence or lack of an interface region along that particular transmission path.
  • the apparatus may be configured to determine that no interface regions exists along that particular transmission path. For example, if the speed of an interface signal in a first and second layer is considered roughly the same, it might be considered that that first layer and that second layer are the same material, density, phase, etc.
  • the determination of the presence or lack of an interface region may be for use in providing a profile (e.g. a profile of the interface region).
  • the apparatus may be configured to not use, or discard, a determined location of an interface region derived from a time of flight of an interface signal having been communicated across a transmission path having a lack of interface region (or a determined lack of interface region).
  • the apparatus may be configured to not determine the location of an interface region derived from the time of flight of an interface signal having been communicated across a transmission path having a lack of interface region (or a determined lack of interface region). For example, the location of an interface region used for providing a profile along transmission paths may be disregarded if no interface region exists, is determined to exist (e.g. for the purposes of providing a profile).
  • the apparatus may be comprised with a conduit, container, pipeline, or the like.
  • the apparatus may be attachable/detachable with a conduit, container, pipeline, etc.
  • the apparatus may be mountable/demountable with a conduit, container, pipeline, etc.
  • the apparatus may be configured for attachment/mounting with the outer side of a conduit, container, pipeline, and/or the inner side of a conduit, pipeline, container, etc.
  • the apparatus may be configured to be retro-fit to a conduit, container, pipeline, etc.
  • the apparatus may be provided with a conduit for use as a modular component of a pipeline, and/or further conduit.
  • the apparatus may be comprised with a portion of pipeline, conduit, flow circuit, or the like, for use with other modular parts of a pipeline, conduit, etc.
  • Such other modular parts may not comprise apparatus, but merely act to complete a flow circuit, or the like.
  • the apparatus may be configured such that one or more interface signals may be transmitted from transmitters implanted, or embedded, in a multi-layered medium, which may be a multi-layered medium in a conduit, reservoir, pipeline, etc. That is to say that the apparatus may be configured such that one or more signals might be transmitted and received (and/or reflected and received) from regions within a medium, such as a medium in a conduit, pipeline, reservoir, or the like.
  • the apparatus may comprise one or more locators to allow location of the apparatus within a medium.
  • apparatus for determining the location of an interface region defined between first and second layers in a multi-layered medium, the apparatus comprising: a transmitter and receiver configured to transmit and receive an interface signal across a transmission path of a known distance, such a transmission path passing through a multi-layered medium having a first layer and a second layer having an interface region defined between first layer and second layer;
  • a measurement device comprising an apparatus of the fourth or fifth aspect.
  • the measurement device may be a flow meter.
  • the measurement device may be an oil and gas flowmeter.
  • the measurement device may be comprised with a conduit (e.g. a pipeline).
  • a pipeline such as an oil and gas pipeline, comprising an apparatus of the fourth or fifth aspect, or a device of the sixth aspect.
  • a device for determining the location of an interface region comprising:
  • a ninth aspect of the invention there is provided a method for determining the presence of an interface region defined between first and second layers in a multi-layered medium, the method comprising:
  • a method for determining the location of an interface region defined between first and second layers in a multi-layered medium comprising: using a time of flight of an interface signal having been communicated across a transmission path of known distance, the transmission path passing through a multi-layered medium having a first layer, second layer and an interface region, the interface region defined between the first layer and the second layer, together with the speed of the interface signal in the first layer and the speed of the interface signal in the second layer in order to provide for determining the location of the interface region along the transmission path.
  • the invention includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations with of aspects whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments/features/aspects may be useful in stimulating subterranean target material.
  • the above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting. Brief description of the figures
  • Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment, comprising a conduit, and apparatus for determining the location of an interface region
  • Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the invention for determining the location of an interface at different locations along a conduit
  • Figure 3 shows an embodiment of apparatus comprising measurement sensors
  • Figure 4 shows an embodiment of exemplary apparatus with a cross-section of a pipeline
  • Figure 5 shows an embodiment of exemplary apparatus with a pipeline
  • Figure 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of apparatus for use in flow visualisation.
  • Figure 7 shows an embodiment of apparatus for use with a reflected interface signal;
  • Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the invention for use with sub-layers in a multi- layered medium;
  • Figure 9 shows a further exemplary embodiment of apparatus;
  • FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of the arrangement of layers within a conduit. Detailed description of the figures
  • Figure 1a shows a diagrammatic longitudinal section of a conduit 100 forming part of a pipeline, which comprises a multi-layer medium having a first layer 110 and a second layer 120 separated by an interface region 115.
  • Figure 1b shows a cross- section of the exemplary conduit 100 as a tubular pipeline.
  • the conduit 100 is provided in a horizontal configuration, such that the first layer 110 rests on the second layer 120.
  • the first layer 110 is a liquid hydrocarbon, such as oil, while the second layer 120 is water.
  • the first and/or second layer may be any liquid, gas or solid.
  • the first layer 110 may be a mixture water and oil in an emulsion, while the second layer may be asphaltene, such as an asphaltene deposit, or the like.
  • the first layer 110 may be a coolant, while the second layer 120 is a deposit, or the first layer 110 may be a gas, while the second layer 120 is a liquid or solid, etc.
  • the first layer 110 and the second layer 120 each have a flow rate in a particular direction, and can be considered to have a laminar flow.
  • the conduit 100 cross-section is a known distance, 'D'.
  • the height, or so-called holdup, of the first layer 110 at the first known distance can be considered to be 'h'.
  • the height, or so-called hold-up, of the second layer 120 can be considered to be 'D-h 1 .
  • Figure 1a further shows apparatus 200 comprising a transmitter 210a and a receiver 210b.
  • the transmitter 210a and receiver 210b are configured to transmit and receive respectively an interface signal of a particular signal species across a transmission path 50.
  • the transmission path 50 is provided across the known distance, 'D 1 .
  • Figure 1 b shows the relative positions of the respective transmitter 210a and receiver 210b as indicated by arrows. Although shown such that the transmitter/receiver 210a, 210b are perpendicular to the interface region 115, in alternative embodiments that need not be the case.
  • the apparatus 200 is configured such that the interface signal passes initially through the first layer 110, and then through the second layer 120 in order to reach the receiver 210b.
  • the transmitter 210a is a distance 'h 1 from the interface region 1 15, while the receiver 210b is a distance 'D-h' from the interface region 115.
  • the transmitter 210a and receiver 210b are configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic signal species.
  • the apparatus 200 is configured to determine the time of flight of an interface signal travelling across the transmission path 50. The time of flight may be measured by observing the difference in time between transmitting an interface signal and receiving an interface signal. Alternatively, the apparatus 200 may be configured to only observe the time of receipt. In such cases, the time of flight may be determined from further information regarding the time of transmission.
  • the apparatus 200 is configured to be mountable/demountable with the conduit 100, however in alternative configurations the apparatus 200 may be comprised with the conduit 100, or portion of the conduit, or the like.
  • time of flight of the interface signal travelling across the transmission path 50 can be considered to be the cumulative time of flight of the interface signal passing through the first layer 1 10, and then the second layer 120. This can be represented algebraically by the following:
  • t is the cumulative time of flight of an interface signal passing through the first layer 110 and through the second layer 120, (t o + t w ). Assuming an average velocity or speed of signal species in each layer 110, 120, the cumulative time of flight can be considered as: h (D - h)
  • V V where V 0 and V w are the speed of the interface signal species in the first layer 110 and the second layer 120 respectively. That is to say that in this example V 0 is the speed of the interface signal passing through oil, while V w is the speed of the interface signal passing through water.
  • V 0 1410 m/s
  • V w 1450 m/s
  • the interface region is 30 mm from the transmitter 210a, and 71.6 mm from the receiver 210b.
  • the interface signal of the apparatus 200 mounted will additionally pass through the wall of the conduit.
  • the apparatus 200 is configured to remove from the time of flight the time taken for the interface signal to pass through the wall of the conduit
  • the time taken for the interface signal to pass into the first layer 110 through the conduit 100, and for it to pass from the second layer 120 through the wall to the receiver 210b can be determined. This time can be removed from the time of flight in order to determine the location of the interface region 115 from the , wall of the conduit 100, and/or the location of the interface region 1 15 with respect to the transmitter 210a or receiver 210b.
  • Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of apparatus 300, similar to that described above, comprising two transmitters 310a, 310c and two receivers 310b, 31Od.
  • the apparatus 300 is configured to determine the location of the interface region 115 along two transmission paths 350a, 350b.
  • the location of the interface region 115 is provided with respect to the transmitters 310a, 310c, 'hi ' and 'h2'.
  • 'hi ' and 'h2' can be determined.
  • the flow velocity of the first and second layer 110, 120 may be determined by observing the location of the interface region 115, or time rate of change of location of an interface region 115, at a first transmitter/receiver 310a, 310b and comparing this with the observations of a second transmitter/receiver 310c, 31Od, spaced at a distance from the first transmitter/receiver 310a, 310b (e.g. along the conduit).
  • the time taken for the location of the interface region 115 (or time rate of change of interface region 115) to be observed as the same, or similar, can be used, along with the distance between the first and second transmitters/receivers 310a-310d to determine the flow velocity/rate, such as the flow velocity/rate of the first and second layers 110, 120.
  • Figure 2b shows a similar embodiment in which a common transmitter 31Oe is configured to transmit an interface signal along two transmission paths 350c, 35Od for receipt by two receivers 310b, 310b.
  • the location of the interface region 115 with respect to the transmitter 31Oe and receivers 310b, 31Od can be determined in a similar manner to that above.
  • the location of the interface region 115 with respect to the conduit wall e.g. 'h'
  • a profile of the interface region 115 can again readily be provided. .
  • the apparatus 300 shown in Figure 2 have only a first and second transmitter/receiver 310a-310d, or a common transmitter 31Oe, and two receivers 310b, 31Od, in alternative embodiments, the apparatus 300 may comprise any number of transmitters/receivers, one, some or all of which may act as common transmitters/receivers. It will also be appreciated that a profile of the location of the interface region 115 may be determined for a length of the conduit 100, and/or for a cross-section of the conduit 100.
  • Figure 3 shows a further exemplary apparatus 400, similar to that described in relation to Figure 1.
  • the apparatus 400 comprises a transmitter 410a, and receiver 410b, configured to transmit and receive an interface signal across a transmission path 45 of known distance.
  • the apparatus 400 further comprises measurement sensors 430a, 430b configured to measure one or more characteristics of the first and second layer 110, 120.
  • the measurement sensors 430a, 430b are configured to be in direct communication with the first and second layer 110, 120, but in other embodiments that need not be the case.
  • the measurement sensors 430a, 430b may be in communication indirectly with the first and second layer 1 10, 120 such as via the wall of the conduit 100.
  • each measurement sensor 430a, 430b are configured to determine the speed of an interface signal in the first and second layer 110, 120 respectively.
  • each measurement sensor 430a, 430b may comprise two displaced transducers, configured to transmit and receive a signal of the same species as the interface signal so as to measure the speed of an interface signal in the first or second layer 110, 120.
  • each measurement sensors 430a, 430b may be provided by a thermocouple, or the like, configured to determine the temperature of the first and/or second layer. The temperature may then provide the speed of the interface signal species in the first/second layer (e.g. by using a look-up table and knowledge of the first/second layer).
  • the apparatus 400 is configured such that when the speed of an interface signal is determined to be the same, or similar, in the first and second layer 110, 120 the apparatus determines that no interface region is present. This allows for determining that the first and second layer are provided as an emulsion, or are substantially the same (e.g. homogenous). For example, in a conduit 100 in which a particular transmission path passes only through one of the first or second layer, the apparatus 400 is configured to determine the lack of interface region, and may discard using any determined interface region for the purposes of providing a profile.
  • the apparatus 400 determines that the speed of an interface signal in the first and second layer 110, 120 is different, it uses these determined . values in order to determine the location of the interface region 115 (as provided by equation 2).
  • apparatus 300 was show to be provided along the conduit 100, it will be appreciated that the apparatus 300 may additionally or alternatively positioned around the conduit 100.
  • FIG 4a shows a cross-section of a conduit 100 comprising apparatus 450 having a plurality of transceivers 50a-50f for determining the location of an interface region.
  • each transceiver 50a-50f is configured to transmit and receive interface signals in order to determine the location of the interface region 115.
  • Figure 4b exemplifies the transmission paths for an interface signal being transmitted from one of the transceivers 50a.
  • each transceiver 50a-50f is located at a regular interval around the conduit (e.g. 30 degrees, 45 degrees, etc). However, the transceivers 50a-50f may be configured at irregular intervals. Additional, transmitters/receivers may be used rather than transceivers.
  • a cross-sectional, or two-dimensional, profile of the interface region 115 may be provided. This can be achieved by providing the location to the interface region 115 along each transmission path. It will readily be appreciated that, for example, the apparatus 450 is configured to discard (or not use) the determined interface region 115 provided by transceiver 50a and 50b , or 50a and 5Of. In such cases, the apparatus 450 would determine that the speed of the interface signal in the first layer and second layer would be the same, because, in effect, the signal passes only through the first layer.
  • FIG. 5 shows a conduit comprising apparatus 500 for determining the location of an interface region 115, in which the apparatus 500 is provided with a plurality of transceivers 50a-50f, 60a-60f, 70a-70f, spaced not only around a conduit 100, but also along the conduit 100 (some of the transceivers are not shown for clarity).
  • each particular transceiver 60a is configured to communicate an interface signal to not only further transceivers 6Od across the conduit, but to transceivers 7Od along the conduit.
  • the apparatus 500 may be configured to communicate interface signals only across, or only along the conduit 100.
  • FIG. 6 shows an exemplary apparatus 900 similar to the apparatus 500 described above, comprising a plurality of transmitters/receivers 910a-910n, 920a-920n for use with the conduit 100.
  • each of the transmitters/receivers are configured to transmit/receive an interface signal across a first/second layer.
  • the apparatus 900 may be configured with 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20 or more transmitters/receivers (or transceivers), or any number therebetween.
  • the apparatus 900 further comprises a remote controller 930 comprising a processor 940 and a memory 950, the processor 940 and memory 950 being configured in a known manner.
  • the processor/memory 940, 950 may be provided by a microcontroller, such as provided by a field programmable gate array, application specific integrated circuit, programmable intelligent computer, or the like.
  • the controller 930 is configured to operate the transmitters/receivers so as to provide the interface signals.
  • the controller 930 is further configured to determine the time of flight of respective signals, and determine the location of the interface region (i.e. along each respective transmission path).
  • the controller 930 is configured to communicate with the transmitters/receiver from a distance (i.e. not located at a multi-layer medium).
  • the controller 930 is configured to communicate with the respective transmitters/receivers by wired communication, but in alternative embodiments, the controller may be configured to communicate with the transmitters/receivers by wireless, optical, acoustic (i.e. using the layer in the conduit as a vehicle for signals) or any combination thereof.
  • the controller 930 is configured to provide an output 960.
  • the output 960 is in communication with a user interface 965, such as a Liquid Crystal Display output.
  • the profile (or data associated with the profile) of the interface region is provided from the controller to the user interface 965 so as to provide a display of the profile of the interface region 115 (e.g. flow visualisation).
  • a display of the profile of the interface region 115 e.g. flow visualisation
  • the output 960 is configured to be in communication with a different apparatus, such as a multiphase flow meter.
  • the controller 930 and output 960 are comprised with a multiphase flow meter.
  • the apparatus 900 is described as being provided with a remote controller 930, this need not always be the case.
  • the controller 930 and/or user interface 965 may be provided locally (i.e. local to the medium, conduit, etc.). While in the above embodiments, the apparatus has been shown to provide a transmission path from a transmitter to a receiver (or transducer to transducer, etc.), it will readily be appreciated that in other embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to use a reflected interface signal.
  • Figure 7 shows a further exemplary embodiment of apparatus 600, similar to that described in relation to Figure 1.
  • the apparatus 600 is provided with a transducer 610, which can be used to transmit and receive the interface signal (i.e. a transceiver) across a transmission path 55.
  • the interface signal i.e. a transceiver
  • the transmission path 55 is twice that of Figure 1.
  • Figure 8a shows a further embodiment on the invention provided with a chamber 10, such as a container, barrel, drum, or the like (although this is exemplary, and embodiment may equally be provided with a conduit 100, such as a pipeline, reservoir, etc. and vice versa).
  • the chamber 10 contains a first layer 111 and a second layer 121 in a similar manner to that described above.
  • the second layer 121 has two sub-layers 121 a, 121 b, which are separated by a second interface region 117.
  • the location of the interface region 1 15 may be evaluated.
  • the speed of the interface signal in the sub-layers 121a, 121 b may be considered to be an average speed of signal in the second layer 121.
  • the time of flight of the interface signal passing through the second layer 121 can be considered to be a cumulative average.
  • the location to the second interface 117 may be determined by considering the speed of the interface signal in the first layer 1 11 and the top sub-layer 121a together (e.g. as an average speed).
  • Figure 8b shows an embodiment of the chamber 10 in which the lower sub-layer 121b is a deposit of material, such as a hydrate, asphaltene, etc.
  • the second layer 121 may be entirely, or substantially, provided by a deposit. Similar deposits may be formed/measured in the above exemplary conduits 100 in Figures 1 to 7.
  • Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of the invention, comprising apparatus 800 in a similar configuration to that described in relation to Figure 1 , whereby the apparatus
  • the apparatus 800 is provided such that it is not comprised with a conduit or the like, but is provided with locators 810, configured such that the apparatus 800 can be located in a medium, so as to transmit an interface signal through the first and second layers.
  • the apparatus 800 is immersed in a reservoir comprising the multi-layer medium, but in alternative configurations that apparatus may be for use in a conduit, in the like.
  • the locators 810 may be configured such that the apparatus can be embedded in deposits, or located in liquid/gas, such as flowing liquid/gas, as will be appreciated.
  • the apparatus 800 may be configured such that the interface region is maintained, or controlled, to be a particular distance between receiver/transmitter.
  • Figure 9b shows the apparatus 800 is a similar configuration to Figure 2b.
  • locators 810 may be provided with locators 810, rather than being provided with a conduit/chamber.
  • first and second layers are shown to be continuously stratified.
  • first layer 110a may be at least partially contained within the second layer 120 with an interface region 115a defined therebetween.
  • first layer 1 10b may be entirely contained within the second layer 120 with an interface region 115b defined therebetween.
  • the apparatus/conduit is consider to have a wall of negligible thickness, or that the transmitters/receivers are in (direct) communication with the respective layer, it will be appreciated by the skilled reader that wall thickness, such as pipe thickness may easily be accounted for in any of the above embodiments (e.g. when the transmitters/receivers are not in direct communication with the layer).
  • a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple, may be provided with the conduit in order to determine accurately the speed of a signal in the wall.
  • the apparatus/method may be applicable for any layer, which may be a solid, liquid or a gas.
  • the apparatus may be configured to location of an interface in a combination of liquid and gas, such as oil and a hydrocarbon gas, or an emulsion of a number of fluids.
  • the apparatus may be configured to determine the location of an interface in other layers in a conduit, such as coolants, or the like.
  • apparatus may be provided by apparatus arranged such that they become configured to carry out the desired operations only when enabled, e.g. switched on, or the like. In such cases, they may not necessarily have the appropriate software loaded into the active memory in the non-enabled state (e.g. switched off state) and only load the appropriate software in the enabled state (e.g. on state).
  • the apparatus may comprise hardware circuitry and/or firmware.
  • the apparatus may comprise software loaded onto memory.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil et des procédés permettant de déterminer l’emplacement d’une région d’interface. Une telle région d’interface peut être définie entre des première et seconde couches d’un milieu multicouche (par exemple, une région d’interface définie entre des couches de pétrole et d’eau dans un pipeline). Dans certains exemples, l’emplacement est déterminé par l’utilisation d’un temps de déplacement d’un signal d’interface ayant été communiqué sur un trajet de transmission de distance connue traversant le milieu multicouche comportant la première couche, la seconde couche et la région d’interface, conjointement avec la vitesse du signal d’interface dans la première couche et la vitesse du signal d’interface dans la seconde couche dans le but de permettre de déterminer l’emplacement de la région d’interface le long du trajet de transmission. Une telle détermination peut servir à des débitmètres tels que des débitmètres de pétrole, de gaz et/ou d’eau.
PCT/GB2010/001386 2009-07-24 2010-07-22 Procédé permettant de déterminer l’emplacement d’une région d’interface dans un milieu et appareil associé WO2011010096A1 (fr)

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US9327221B2 (en) 2012-05-09 2016-05-03 Dow Global Technologies Llc Liquid-liquid separator interface detection system and polymerization process utilizing the same
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