Application of the ultrasonic technique for the measurement of the dispersed phases concentrations in three-phase oil-continuous mixtures

摘要

This paper examines the possibility of eliminating or diminishing the need for mixing and separation in multiphase flow metering (MFM) systems by means of the ultrasonic technique. First, a configuration of a complete MFM system using the ultrasonic is proposed and thoroughly discussed. Next, visual data and ultrasonic data in oil-continuous two- and three-phase mixtures in 54-mm diameter acrylic pipes are presented to support the proposed use to the ultrasonic technique. USP mineral oil (white oil) and 80 - 600μm glass beads were used to simulate the petroleum and sand contents, respectively. Tap water was used to simulate the brine in multiphase flows. The ultrasonic data are then carefully analyzed in order to obtain the dispersed phases concentrations from the ultrasonic signals.