Abstract: Apparatus and method for concurrently determining steam flow rate and quality, through a conduit which comprises an orifice plate positioned in series with a critical flow venturi in said conduit. Pressure sensing means in the conduit senses pressures therein for application in a formula to provide the desired steam values and provide a method for determining both the quality and the mass flow rate of steam flow passing through the conduit. The measurements are of particular value in the instance of steam flow where a minimal decrease in steam pressure across the measuring instrument is a relevant factor.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for subsea transportation of a hydrocarbon production stream utilizing a wellhead aspirator to reduce wellhead flowing pressure. By using the Bernoulli effect, a head is delivered to the flowing stream that enables the crude oil/water/gas fluid within the system to be moved farther distances than wellhead pressure alone would allow.

Abstract: A multiphase petroleum stream pipeline analyzer including a defoaming device connected to an upstream section of the pipeline which reduces foam in the petroleum stream. Apparatus stratifies the petroleum stream after defoaming by causing the stream to flow down a decline at a predetermined angle to the horizontal. A device traps gas released during stratification and provides the gas to an accumulator. Liquid exits from the trap device and is allowed to re-enter the downstream section of the pipeline. The accumulator also accumulates gas from the defoaming operation and the stratification. The gas is allowed to exit from the accumulator to the downstream section of the pipeline so as to recombine the petroleum stream. A plurality of sensors monitor liquid and gas in the trap, and exit from the trap and the accumulator for various conditions of the liquid and the gas and provides corresponding signals. A water cut monitor provides a signal corresponding to the water cut of the liquid.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for injection steam of know quality into a subterranean reservoir containing hydrocarbon fluids, to enhance or stimulate production of said fluids through a production well. Production stimulating steam from a pressurized source is injected into the reservoir by way of a critical flow venturi and an injection well, in a manner to maintain the steam at a desired pressure and flow rate. The venturi's constricted throat is formed as a function of the stimulating steam's original characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring steam quality and mass flow rate at an injection wellhead includes measuring upstream pressure before a critical flow choke, downstream pressure after the choke and differential pressure across an orifice plate spaced downstream of the choke.

Abstract: Steam quality, namely the mass of steam vapor divided by the total mass of water and steam vapor, is determined by measuring the degree of fluctuation of the differential pressure signal across the orifice of a single sharp-edged orifice plate in the steam carrying pipe. The steam quality is inversely related to this measured degree of differential pressure fluctuation.

Abstract: The use of an orifice plate in series with a critical flow choke provides a method of measurement for both steam quality and mass flowrate. Neither the orifice plate or the choke alone can be used to measure steam quality and mass flowrate. However, an expression for steam quality through both devices is obtained by solving an independent mass flowrate equation for each device--an equation for wet steam through the critical flow choke and an equation for wet steam through a sharp edged orifice plate.

Abstract: In a steam flow line that is delivering reduced quality steam, there is a method and/or system for determining the quality. It includes the steps of flowing quality steam through a first flow restriction, and mixing a measured quantity of water with the steam, downstream from the restriction. It also includes flowing the mixture through a second flow restriction. Then, by measuring pressures and temperatures, the quality of the steam at the second flow restriction may be calculated. Where the pressure drop across the second flow restriction is very small compared to the supply line pressure, the quality of the steam downstream is essentially the same, and thus determined.