초록 ▼

Methods and apparatus for determining the relative proportions of intermixed constituents of a multiphase fluid system. The constituents for which relative proportions are being measured must have measurably different electrical permittivities. The systems use at least one electrically conductive pr

Methods and apparatus for determining the relative proportions of intermixed constituents of a multiphase fluid system. The constituents for which relative proportions are being measured must have measurably different electrical permittivities. The systems use at least one electrically conductive probe having two conductors which are spaced apart and capable of receiving the fluid system therebetween. Time domain reflectometers present a stimulating time varying electrical signal to the probes and receive and measure reflected signals generated at impedance changes in the transmission line and probe. The probe transit time and/or associated average probe velocity provide a measure of the fluid system conditions which can be compared to predetermined values corresponding to various relative proportions of the intermixed constituents. A measure of the relative portions of the constituents is thus provided. The variability of individual probe transit velocity data can be measured, analyzed and used to measure fluid system turbulence. Relevant data can also be interpolated, extrapolated and integrated to provide profiling of the fluid system conditions and a means of total system inventory of the constituents.

대표청구항 ▼

An electrical proportion measuring apparatus for quantitatively determining relative proportions of dynamically varying intermixed constituents having different electrical permittivities contained in a multiphase fluid system, comprising: means for generating time varying stimulating electrical sign

An electrical proportion measuring apparatus for quantitatively determining relative proportions of dynamically varying intermixed constituents having different electrical permittivities contained in a multiphase fluid system, comprising: means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; at least one electrically conductive probe means having first and second ends; which are spaced along the probe means; said probe means being less than approximately 12 inches (30 centimeters) between said first and second ends to define a limited sample zone thereabout within the fluid system; said first end being adapted to be electrically connected to said means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; said probe means having a first conductor and a second conductor spaced from said first conductor; said probe means being adapted for mounting substantially within said multiphase fluid system; means for detecting and measuring reflected electrical signals generated from said stimulating electrical signals at impedance changes along said probe means; means for analyzing reflected electrical signals to deduce approximate probe transit time periods associated with time differences between receipt of first reflected electrical signals generated as stimulating electrical signals pass through the first end, and receipt of second reflected electrical signals generated as stimulating electrical signals pass through the second end; means for measuring temperature at said probe means to provide probe temperature data; means for comparing data derived from probe transit time periods and probe temperature data against predetermined data associating probe transit time periods with relative proportions of variable, intermixed constituents as a function of varying probe temperatures to derive a measure of relative proportions; output means for providing an indication of the measure of relative proportions of the variable, intermixed constituents of the multiphase fluid system.