Abstract: Loading of one fluid control device with respect to other fluid control devices in a fluid system is evaluated by a Dynamic Relative Load Rate [DRLR] variable that is common to each devices. DRLR methods compare the relative performances of multiple fluid control devices, such as strings of gas-lift valves that lift hydrocarbons in a well-field. The dimensions of a DRLR variable are a combination of the dimensions of fluid pressure, flow rate, temperature, mass, length, and/or time test data. Evaluating graphs of DRLR data shows that the conventional measure of a gas-lift-valve-bellows load rate, kPa/cm (psi/inch) is only one member of a set of relative load-performance measures, including kPa/sec (psi/sec), that describe the loading-sensitivity of fluid control devices. Test data are generated quickly and cost effectively by a Fluid Energy Pulse Test System with improvements.

Abstract: In improvements to the Fluid Energy Pulse Test System, apparatus and methods regulate high-pressure, high-fluid-flow-rate energy pulses to generate temperature-controlled transient, ramp, constant-steady-state, and periodic-steady-state fluid-pressure and fluid-flow-rate test data and sound data for evaluating fluid control devices. Transient, ramp, and constant-steady-state performance curves describe dynamic operating characteristics of tested devices. Transient and constant-steady-state pressures and flow rates are precisely defined and compared. Constant fluid conductance is represented by transverse lines on performance graphs. Constant- and periodic-steady-state pressures and flow rates are achieved in less than two seconds. Temperature sensitivity of fluid control devices is determined. Fluid-pressure and fluid-flow-rate data correlated with sound data create audio-visual representations. Three-dimensional amplitude-frequency-time sound signatures are displayed graphically.

Abstract: The Annular Void Electromagnetic Flowmeter [AVEF] is a flowmeter in which fluid flow rate of compressible or incompressible fluid is determined by measuring a fluid-mechanical-electrical response that is dependent upon an electromagnetic field. The construction of the flowmeter may be such that it does not reduce the flowing area of an open or closed fluid conduit. The measured electronic response may be generated by a fluid that is in an explosive, fast-transient, or steady-state flow condition, and which fluid may have a laminar, turbulent, or combined flowing property. High resolution of flow rate is achieved by a range of magnitude of the measured voltage with respect to a reference voltage of up to fifty percent. The AVEF is characterized by an annular void for obstructionless flow and by perturbations of an impressed electromagnetic field in which the field is altered as a result of an expanding fluid. The electromagnetic field is generated by an axial or a longitudinal coil.

Abstract: The Fluid Energy Pulse Test System [FEPTS] comprises apparatus and methods, using high-pressure, high-fluid-flow-rate or low-pressure-low-fluid-flow-rate energy pulses in tests to collect data for the evaluation of transient, ramp, steady state, or near steady state dynamic performance characteristics of fluid control devices and fluid systems. Positively increasing and negatively decreasing energy pulses can be generated independently or concurrently during a test. Effects of one or more energy pulses on the dynamic operation of a tested device or system are controlled by the selection of energy pulse variables, including pulse number, pulse type, pulse strength, pulse delay, pulse duration, pulse frequency, and pulse delivery (either an explosive delivery up to at least 243.84 meters per second, or a slow delivery at greater than zero meters per second).