Abstract: Methods and apparatus determine individual phase fractions for three phases within a fluid mixture. Appropriate flow algorithms can utilize this phase fraction information with a sensed total combined flow rate of the mixture to find individual flow rates for the three phases, such as oil, water and gas. For some embodiments, a multiphase flowmeter includes an array of spatially distributed pressure sensors configured to determine a speed of sound in the mixture and any type of water cut meter, oil cut meter or gas cut meter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting particles flowing in a fluid within a conduit involve analysis of acoustic pressure signals detected with an array of at least two pressure sensors. The analysis can include monitoring for attenuation in power of the acoustic disturbances within the fluid and/or a reduction in a speed of sound in the fluid. This attenuation in power or reduction in the speed of sound can be detected to provide an output or otherwise indicate that particles are present in the fluid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable monitoring a hydrocarbon well for water within a flow stream of the well. A water detector includes a light source for emitting into a flow stream infrared light that includes a water absorbent wavelength band. A detector detects attenuation of the water absorbent wavelength band upon the infrared radiation passing through at least a portion of the flow stream. The water detector outputs a presence of water and/or a phase fraction or quantification of water as determined based on the attenuation. Detecting attenuation of a substantially transmissive wavelength band with respect to water simultaneously with detection of the attenuation of the water absorbent wavelength band can enable correction for non-wavelength dependent attenuation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods, apparatus, and systems for determining void fractions of individual phase components of a multiphase mixture. The void fractions may be determined based on measured parameters of the mixture as a whole, such as differential pressure, bulk velocity of the mixture and speed of sound in the mixture. According to some embodiments, the mixture parameters may be measured using non-intrusive fiber optic based sensors. Various other parameters may also be derived from the void fractions, such as individual phase flow rates, liquid holdup and watercut parameters (for oil and gas mixtures).