Abstract: An isokinetic sampling method has been discovered for use in a pipeline carrying a three phase mixture of petroleum, water and gas. The method is used in combination with a fluid fraction measuring means capable of measuring physical characteristics indicative of fluid fraction. A statistically significant number of samples is analyzed over the range of sampler flow rate. The sampling flow rate is reset to correspond with the flow rate of the maximum standard deviation sample. As a result, samples most representative of the pipeline fluid fraction are withdrawn.

Abstract: A method for determining a stopped flow condition in a fluid fraction measuring apparatus includes the steps of establishing a minimum threshold level of statistical variation in the measured parameter repetitively (continuously) monitored by the measuring apparatus, and giving an indication when the standard deviation, statistical average, or the kurtosis of the measured parameter or characteristic drops to the threshold level.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining a solids to liquids ratio in a flowing petroleum stream having an immiscible solids, oil and water flow. Microwave energy in the 10-12 Gigahertz bond is directed through the petroleum stream and attenuated transmitted and reflected microwave energy are detected. The detected microwave energy is compared to an empirically derived map of attenuated amplitude vs. phase for a set of reference petroleum streams having known solid, oil and water contents to derive a solids to liquids ratio for the unknown stream.