Abstract: Virtual and non-invasive multiphase metering is performed for recognition of multiphase flow regimes of hydrocarbons and other fluids, flow rate, presence of sand, and other multiphase flow parameters. A passive acoustical detector system receives acoustical flow information in the form of acoustic emission signals, and a data processor processes and classifies the acoustical patterns. A statistical signal processing methodology is used. Acoustic models are provided for various flow regimes and flow patterns, using Artificial Intelligence methods including Hidden Markov Models and Artificial Neural Networks along with automated learning procedures. The metering can be used for downhole, top side and surface applications.

Abstract: Wireless power transmission to downhole well installations is provided using acoustic guided Lamb waves and a tubular conduit (production tubing, casing) as the power transmission medium. A phased array of acoustic transmitters is present at the transmitting end (surface) and an array of acoustic receivers at the receiving end (downhole). Both transmitter and receiver arrays are coupled to the tubular conduit. Beamforming techniques are used along with power amplifiers to generate directional, high power and low frequency acoustic guided Lamb waves along the wellbore to transmit power over long distances. A downhole multi-channel acoustic energy collecting system receives the transmitted acoustic signal, and generates electrical power and stores the power in downhole electrical power storage. This power is used to operate downhole well equipment including sensing, control and telemetry devices.

Abstract: Processing electronics provide flow data acquisition and telemetry for multiphase flow tomographic arrays. The processing electronics convert sensed flow condition data obtained by ultrasonic transceiver tomography arrays into a serial digital data to minimize both the number of external feedthroughs and also the bandwidth required for transmission. The processing electronics also sends the full measured waveforms from each of the transceivers in the tomographic arrays.

Abstract: Tomographic reconstruction is performed of cross-sectional images of downhole or surface multiphase flows containing water (brine), oil, and gas phases. Measures are obtained of digital transmission (or analog attenuation) and also of analog transit time to form two views of the same cross sectional flow in a location of interest in a flow conduit. The measures are then merged by synthesizing a composite image of the multiphase flows. Rather than performing a complex tomographic reconstruction requiring a large number of calculations, measures are also obtained directly from the tomographic pattern which can be used to reconstruct an approximation of the cross sectional flow by the superposition of circles of variable position, radius and density representing flow patterns.

Abstract: Ultrasound tomography arrays and vortex shedding devices are provided which measure average flow velocity through Doppler shift of the fluid as well as cross sectional multiphase fluid composition in pipe or tubing conduits. Multiple tomographic arrays in conjunction with correlation of sensed flow patterns in time provided determination of flow velocity as well as cross sectional multiphase fluid composition. The tomographic arrays may be arranged in a skewed or slanted plane to measure velocity fluctuations downstream of a vortex shedding device where the period and amplitude of the fluctuations is correlated with the mass flow of the fluid. Additionally, the tomographic arrays provide the relative composition of the multiphase fluid. The multiple arrays together with correlation to determine velocity fluctuations downstream of a vortex shedding device where the period and amplitude of the fluctuations is correlated with the mass flow of the fluid.

Abstract: A mounting insert is provided for in situ placement of the tomographic arrays and associated processing electronics. The processing electronics convert sensed flow condition data into serial digital data to minimize both the number of external feedthroughs and also the bandwidth required for transmission. The processing electronics also sends the full measured waveforms from each of the transceivers in the tomographic arrays.

Abstract: Multiphase flow regimes in downhole or surface flow lines are made identifiable by forming images of the flow based on data obtained by flow regime metering of the flow. The flow regime metering data are gathered and processed in a format in which it can be subjected to face recognition processing of the type used for recognition of the faces of persons, and also to Bayesian classification techniques. Identification capabilities are particularly enhanced in flow regimes where gas bubbles or large amounts of free gas cause clutter and multiple reflections in the metering data.

Abstract: A downhole salinity measurement and logging sensor system has multiple cells, each to measure conductivity, temperature and pressure of fluids at depths of interest in a wellbore. The multiple cells protect against effects of non-homogeneous wellbore fluids. The system also determines salinity of the liquid in the wellbore from conductance measurements, and stores the salinity data along with the temperature and pressure readings from the well. The sensors of conductivity, temperature and pressure are made using micro-fabrication technologies, and the system is packaged to comply with harsh downhole environments. The system may be deployed in the well with coiled tubing (CT), wireline or vehicles with a robotic system. The system can be deployed with an onboard memory, or with wireline surface access for real time access to measurement data or programming the device.