Abstract: A temperature sensing device comprising a plurality of thermocouples in a hollow tube, where the thermocouples sensing tips contact the outer wall of the tube, and a heat flux source that heats the hollow tube. The hollow tube is inserted through a cross section of a pipe perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The apparatus measures a void fraction in a two-phase flow of a liquid-gas mixture flowing through the pipe. A process of measuring void fraction whereby the hollow tube is heated to an initial temperature, and in the presence of a liquid-gas mixture flow through the pipe the difference is calculated between the initial temperature of the tube and the temperature during liquid-gas mixture flow, to determine the void fraction in the two-phase flow of liquid-gas mixture through the pipe.

Abstract: The multiphase flow detector detects the different fractions of different phases of fluids, i.e., oil, water, and/or gas, flowing through a pipeline or the like. The detector includes a plurality of capacitive and resistive probes extending radially into an oil delivery pipeline. The probes preferably have various different lengths from one another to detect differences in fluid phases at differing distances from the pipe wall as the fluid flows randomly therethrough. The capacitive and resistive probes are preferably evenly spaced from one another in an alternating circumferential array. Two rings or stations of such probes are preferably installed in the pipe to measure the velocity of flow in the pipe, as well as the fluid fractions flowing therethrough. Appropriate algorithms enable a central controller to determine the fraction differences between oil and water and between oil and gas, and therefore to determine the fraction difference between water and gas.

Abstract: The sensor for two-phase flow measurements is installed between two sections of pipe, providing an accurate measurement of radial temperature gradient in a two-phase flow. The sensor includes a heated tube having axially opposed first and second open ends. An annular sensor mount is secured about the first end thereof. First and second annular flanges are mounted to the heated tube for fluid-tight connection with the pair of pipe sections such that a two-phase fluid flowing through the pair of pipe sections continuously flows through the heated tube and a circular opening defined by the annular sensor mount. A central temperature sensor is suspended centrally within the circular opening for measuring a central temperature of the two-phase fluid. At least one peripheral temperature sensor is mounted on the annular sensor mount adjacent an inner annular wall thereof for measuring the peripheral temperature of the two-phase fluid.

Abstract: The oil-water separator is installed in a substantially horizontal crude oil pipeline for separating water from the oil and water mix. The separator includes a depending vortex and settling chamber depending from the pipeline, the segment of the pipeline and the separator defining a generally T-shaped configuration. Oil and water flowing through the pipeline drop into the chamber as it flows through the pipeline and over the chamber. The denser water tends to settle into the bottom of the chamber, while the lighter oil is entrained back into the flow through the pipeline. A sensor detects water collected in the bottom of the chamber and provides a signal to open a drain valve when sufficient water has been collected. While only a single separator serves to collect a substantial fraction of water, a series of separators may be installed along the pipe to remove more water from the oil.

Abstract: The multiphase flow detector detects the different fractions of different phases of fluids, i.e., oil, water, and/or gas, flowing through a pipeline or the like. The detector includes a plurality of capacitive and resistive probes extending radially into an oil delivery pipeline. The probes preferably have various different lengths from one another to detect differences in fluid phases at differing distances from the pipe wall as the fluid flows randomly therethrough. The capacitive and resistive probes are preferably evenly spaced from one another in an alternating circumferential array. Two rings or stations of such probes are preferably installed in the pipe to measure the velocity of flow in the pipe, as well as the fluid fractions flowing therethrough. Appropriate algorithms enable a central controller to determine the fraction differences between oil and water and between oil and gas, and therefore to determine the fraction difference between water and gas.