Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring one or more fluid flow rates in a gas and liquid multiphase system, in which the multiphase flow is separated in-line into, gas and liquid flows, measurements on the liquid and/or gas streams are taken in the region immediately following the separation, the flows are recombined to form a substantially homogenous mixture and further measurements on the mixture are taken.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for measuring densities and flow rates of gas-liquid fluid mixtures. In the systems and methods, the fluid mixture is caused to exhibit swirling flow as it flows through a conduit that includes a constriction, a first pressure difference is measured between two vertically-spaced measurement positions in the conduit, a second pressure difference is measured between two horizontally-spaced measurement positions in the conduit, the first horizontally-spaced measurement position being at the constriction region and the second horizontally-spaced measurement position being upstream or downstream of the constriction region, and one or more of the pressure differences is used to determine a density or a flow rate of the gas-liquid fluid mixture.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a property of a physiological fluid suspension comprises measuring a value of the property of a liquid portion of the physiological fluid suspension via light scattering, and comparing the measured value with a reference value to evaluate the property of the liquid portion of the physiological fluid suspension.

Abstract: A method of analyzing phase transitions of fluid in an oilfield operation of an oilfield. The method includes determining phase boundaries of a multi-component multi-phase system based on geophysical parameters associated with the oilfield, predicting an amount of at least one fluid component in a liquid fluid phase of the multi-component multi-phase system by solving a set of flash equations based on phase boundaries, and performing the oilfield operation based on the predicted amount.

Abstract: This disclosure describes measuring properties of a multiphase mixture flowing in a pipe using probes with different sensitivity depths. By generating annular flow of the multiphase mixture in the pipe, the probes may be contacted with the liquid phase of the mixture flowing on an inner-wall of the pipe and apparent permittivities of the annular flow measured by the probes. These measured permittivities may be processed to determine liquid fraction of the annular flow and water-in-liquid ratio of the liquid phase of the annular flow.

Abstract: In order to extract a part of a three-phase flow from a pipe line (23), a pair of communication pipes (13), which are connected to upstream and downstream sides of an orifice (12) provided in the pipe line (23), and a gas-liquid extraction tank (14) are used. Flowing of a slag flow or the like into the pipe line (23) causes a periodical change in a pressure difference between input and output sides of the orifice (12). This causes extraction of gas-liquid and discharge mainly of gas to be simultaneously effected in the pair of communication pipes (13) and the gas-liquid extraction tank (14). Within the gas-liquid extraction tank (14), the gas-liquid is forcibly shaken horizontally, vertically, etc. for agitating, whereby gas-liquid of high liquid-phase rate remains. Then, the gas is removed from this gas-liquid of high liquid-phase rate to thereby extract mixture liquid, which is accumulated in a liquid storage tank (17).

Abstract: A sensor of the inductive type comprising at least one support, wherein the support is provided with at least one coil, and wherein the coil is adapted to be fed with a high-frequency signal. The coil or each coil part thereof has its respective windings arranged in one plane and the support is formed of a disc-shaped substrate having a deformation temperature which is at least 1000° C. The windings are provided on the substrate by vapour deposition or etching. The sensor is adapted for operation selected in the frequency range of 1 MHz-1 GHz. Through the substrate and in the centre of said at least one coil there may be arranged a core of ferromagnetic material. The sensor is expediently embeddable with the aid of glass ceramic material or glass material in an aperture in a holder of metal or metal alloy.

Abstract: The invention relates in a one aspect to a method or apparatus for measuring flow properties of a multiphase fluid stream flowing in a pipeline comprising means for sampling, with a sampling probe, a portion of the fluid stream; for measuring a differential pressure between a first pressure of the fluid stream in the pipeline and a second pressure of the portion of the fluid stream in the sampling probe; for controlling flow rate of the sampled portion, wherein the flow rate of the sampled portion is controlled to provide for nullification of the differential pressure in order to obtain substantially isokinetic sampling of the fluid stream; for measuring properties of the portion of the fluid stream; and for processing the measured properties to determine the flow properties of the multiphase fluid stream flowing in the pipeline, wherein the above elements do not require- or are performed without the determination of the density of fluid in the fluid stream through nuclear radiation methods.

Abstract: A method for determining the flow rates of a fluid comprising a multi-component mixture of a gas and at least one liquid in a pipe, the method comprising the following steps: a) the multi-component mixture flow is conditioned to create a symmetrical annular gas concentration flow condition, b) the density distribution and/or dielectric constant distribution in said symmetrical flow within a cross-section of the pipe is determined, c) a function describing the radial distribution of density and/or radial distribution of dielectric constant is determined, d) the velocity of the multi-component mixture is determined, e) the temperature and pressure are obtained, and, f) based on the knowledge of densities and/or dielectric constants of the components of the fluid mixture, and the result from the above steps a-e, the volume and/or mass flow rates of the gas and liquid components of the fluid mixture are calculated. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of allocating hydraulic fluid between actuators in a machine accepts a first command to provide a first requested fluid flow to a first actuator, wherein the first actuator is a bounded actuator such as a steering actuator, and a second command to provide a second requested fluid flow to a second actuator. The system adjusts the first and second commands to produce adjusted first and second commands corresponding to adjusted first and second fluid flows, such that the sum of the adjusted first and second fluid flows is less than or equal to a maximum available flow and the adjusted first fluid flow meets or exceeds the lesser of the first requested fluid flow and a threshold curve that is a function of engine speed or other variable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for determining multiphase fluid streams flowing from individual wells of a cluster of crude oil, gas and/or other fluid production wells, wherein the fluid streams produced by the individual wells are commingled and routed via a fluid separation assembly into fluid outlet conduits for transportation of at least partly separated streams of crude oil, gas and/or other fluids.

Abstract: A flow rate measuring method for a multiphase fluid mixture FM flowing into a line LN, the fluid mixture FM comprising at least a first and a second phase, the method comprising the steps of: passing the fluid mixture through a Venturi tube in which the fluid mixture is subjected to a pressure drop, continuously measuring by means of said Venturi tube permanently installed on the line a differential pressure across the Venturi tube ?Pv and a line pressure of the fluid mixture in the line Pi, punctually measuring at a determined instant by means of a second measuring device removably installed on the line at least one measured parameter of the fluid mixture correlated to the first phase quantity relatively to the second phase quantity, continuously determining at least one estimated parameter of the fluid mixture correlated to the first phase quantity relatively to the second phase quantity based on the punctually measured parameter and an extrapolating scheme, and determining at least one phase flow rate base

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a flow rate of a component of a stratified two-phase fluid flow within a substantially horizontally extending pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) determining a first fluid velocity value and a second fluid velocity value within the pipe section; b) determining a density of the fluid flow within the pipe section, and creating a measured fluid density value; c) determining a degree of fluid phase stratification of the fluid flow using at least one of the top and bottom fluid flow velocity values, and the measured fluid density value; and d) determining a flow rate value for at least one of a liquid component of the fluid flow and a gas component of the fluid flow within the pipe section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measurement of total phase volumes in multiphase flow in pipelines. The multiphase fractions comprise hydrocarbon liquid phase and/or water phase and/or transported solid phases. One or more tracers are injected into the pipeline, preferably at the inlet and the tracer concentration(s) are measured as a function of time at the point of injection and at one or more points of measurements downstream from the point of injection. Further, the mean residence time(s) are measured for transport of the injected tracer(s) from the point of injection to said one or more point(s) measurements. The liquid phase volume(s) are calculated based on the amount of injected tracers and the measured tracer concentrations in each phase and the mean residence time.

Abstract: This disclosure relates in general to methods and systems for measuring multiphase flows in a pipeline using a combination of venturi, microwave and radiation techniques, where the pipeline is configured to transport hydrocarbons. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems in which low activity radiation sources may be used in combination with one or more microwave transmitter-receiver pairs and pressure differential sensors to measure the flow rates and fractions of phases in multiphase flows in a pipeline, such as may be encountered in producing hydrocarbon wells. Additionally, other embodiments of the present invention provide for the arrangement of one or more microwave transmitter-receiver pairs, one or more radiation source-detector pairs and/or one or more pressure sensor ports in the same cross-section of the throat of a venturi to measure multiphase flow in a hydrocarbon transporting pipeline.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that determines the density of one component in a multi-component flow through a conduit. The multi-component flow is separated into two streams (404) where a first stream has essentially all the flow for a first one of the components. The density of the second stream is measured (406).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring the ratio of gas volume flow rate to the volume flow rate of a multiphase hydrocarbon mixture. The inventive method comprises the following steps consisting in: sampling (A) the gas and liquid in the pipeline and measuring the ratio (?g) of the section occupied by the gas in the flow of the mixture; analysing (B) the composition of the gas and liquid samples in order to determine the mass or mole fraction of the carbon compounds, composition parameters [Xi] [Yi]; using [Xi] [Yi] to determine the intensive properties of each phase (?liquid, ?gas) with the aid of a thermodynamic equilibrium simulation; calculating (D) the measured density (?mm) of the mixture; using an adaptive process to calculate (E) the calculated density (?e) of the mixture by comparing ?c and ?mm, the mixture being analytically reconstructed when said density values are equal; and calculating (F) the ratio (GVF) of the gas volume flow rate to the volume flow rate of the mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a level of stratification of a multiphase fluid flow passing through a pipe is provided. The method includes, and the apparatus is operable to perform, the steps of: 1) determining a flow velocity of the multiphase fluid flow passing through a first radial region of the pipe; 2) determining a flow velocity of a portion of the multiphase fluid flow passing within a second radial region of the pipe, wherein the second radial region is above the first radial region; and 3) comparing the flow velocity from the first radial region and flow velocity from the second radial region to determine information indicative of the stratification of the multiphase fluid flow.

Abstract: An in-line flow separator (1) comprises an uphill section (2) of pipeline which, in use, carries a gravitationally stratified flow of a first liquid (3) and a second denser liquid (4). The second liquid (4) forms a sump (5) extending uphill from the foot of the uphill section (2), and an interface between the first and second liquids on the uphill section is inclined from the horizontal. An extraction port (6) in the pipeline extracts the second liquid from the sump.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for investigating a gas-liquid fluid mixture as it is conveyed in a conduit having a first constriction region providing a reduced conduit cross section. The method and system include inducing the mixture to exhibit swirling flow in the first constriction region, thereby separating the liquid from the gas, and determining one or more properties of the fluid in the first constriction region.

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: An apparatus comprises an inlet to convey a first fluid comprising first and second components having different density into a rotating chamber such that an interface forms between at least portions of such components at a first location. At least one outlet removes at least one of the first and second components. A controller is adapted to introduce the first fluid and is operable to move the interface from the first location to a second location and to move the interface from the second location in a direction toward the first location and to return the interface to the second location. The controller is operable to determine a flow rate of the first or second component based, at least in part, on the time interval between when the interface moves from and returns to the second location. At least one sensing assembly is adapted to sense the location of the interface.

Abstract: An exhaust sampling system is provided that includes a sampler having a sample inlet for receiving an exhaust gas sample. The sampler includes a mixer for receiving the exhaust gas sample and a diluent to produce a diluted exhaust gas. The exhaust sampling system includes first and second dilution gas flow devices. The first and second dilution gas flow devices are fluidly connected to one another at a second junction. Any diluent provided by the first and second dilution gas flow devices intermingles with one another prior to reaching the mixer. A diluted sample flow meter is arranged downstream from the mixer for receiving the diluted exhaust gas. In one example, diluent flow from the first and second dilution gas flow devices intermingles before being introduced to the mixer. In another example, diluent flow from the first dilution gas flow device is leaked out of the second dilution gas flow device in a controlled manner to achieve a desired diluent flow into the mixer.

Abstract: An apparatus is utilized for obtaining flow measurements from an individual oil and gas well. The apparatus utilizes pipe segments rather than vessels to separate the fluid components into a gas phase, a water phase, and an oil phase. Separation of the flow stream into the different phases allows the measurement of a particular phase. Because the oil stream may continue to contain a small amount of water, a water cut meter may be employed to determine the water content in the oil stream. The apparatus may be configured as a skid package to facilitate transportation and installation of the unit.

Abstract: A metal particle sensor system for detecting metal particles in an oil line. The metal particle sensor system may include a metal particle sensor positioned about the line, an orifice positioned within the line and downstream of the metal particle sensor, a first pressure sensor positioned upstream of the orifice, and a second pressure sensor positioned downstream of the orifice. The metal particle sensor detects metal particles in the line while the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor determine a pressure drop across the orifice.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flow meter that obtains the individual flow rates of gas, liquid hydrocarbons, and water in a predominantly gas-containing flowing fluid mixture. The flow meter comprises a water content meter (7) that provides a signal representing a measure of the water content of said fluid. The flow meter also comprises a double differential pressure generating (3) and measuring (4) structure, denoted a DDP-unit (2), that provides two measurement signals (6A and 6B) representing two independent values of differential pressure (DP) in said fluid (1). In addition to the above, the meter also comprises a signal processing unit (8) having inputs (9A-C) for receiving the measurement signals and the water content signal, and a calculation module (10) which calculates values representing the volumetric flow rates of said gas, liquid hydrocarbons and water in said fluid.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for simultaneously monitoring the fluid flux and the target chemical mass fluxes in fluid flow systems is provided comprising the use of a body or shell that is inserted into the flow field. Inside or outside this body is a bundle of one or more permeable sorptive columns. The extremes of each column are hydraulically connected to the outside flow field around the body of the device through a pair of small openings in the body. The known non-uniform flow velocity distribution around the body of the invention causes a pressure difference between pairs of openings used to connect internal or external column units. A preferred shape of the body is a hydrofoil. Alternatively, instantaneous measurement of the fluid flux and contaminant composition is possible using pressure transducers and a chemical sensor.

Abstract: A method for quantifying droplet fluxes of a water mist spray uses different measuring apparatuses and compares the measurements of the two apparatuses with one another. One of the measuring apparatuses is an iso-kinetic sampling probe in which the air velocity of the portion of the water spray mist entering the probe is made equal to the air velocity of the water mist spray around the probe by connecting a source of vacuum to the probe. The drops of the spray entering the probe are prevented from passing out of the probe. The air velocity of the spray entering the probe is measured by an anemometer, the drops of the entering spray are collected in a reservoir, and the depth of water in the reservoir is measured by a differential pressure transducer. The output of the pressure transducer is sent to a computer that calculates the water collection rate based on the sectional area of the probe opening and the water collection rate in the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for its use allow selective installation and removal of a canister such as one containing interface electronics to a mating connector on a housing, such as one containing a subsea multiphase flow meter sensor. The separately retrievable canister may contain multiphase flow meter detector electronics and is sealed, waterproof, and preferably light-weight. Installation and retrieval may be via use of an ROV and an alignment guide which acts as a guide to aid in correct positioning of the canister. The canister may be cooled by surrounding sea water and/or by insulation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rapid gas recovery in a controlled gas atmosphere enclosure, which are particularly suited for maintaining incubator gas concentration levels, include the formulation of algorithms utilized for this purpose. The algorithms are included in the firmware for an embedded controller and operate gas solenoids that have inputs defined as specific gases at a defined pressure. An application of the rapid gas recovery method and apparatus to incubators is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device is described for measuring a fluid, to be used advantageously in mixing devices for ingredients of liquid drinks. The device comprises an impeller, a diffuser upstream from the impeller and detecting means for the impeller (46). The diffuser (41) has a core (42), a ring-shaped peripheral portion (43) and one or more separators (45A, 45B) extending between the core (42) and the peripheral portion (43) and developing so as to define helical channels for fluid passage (44A, 44B). The invention also describes an advantageous method for carrying out said diffuser (41).

Abstract: A separation method comprises introducing a first fluid comprising first and second components having different density into a centrifugal field and allowing an interface to form between at least portions of such components at a first location. The method also comprises moving the interface from the first location to a second location and further comprises introducing the first fluid and removing one of the first and second components at known controlled flow rates so as to move the interface from the second location in a direction toward the first location and to return the interface to the second location. The flow rate of the first or second component may be determined based, at least in part, on the time interval between the interface moving from and returning to the second location. The flow rate may also be based on the weight of the one component removed during the time interval.

Abstract: A method for determining the flow rate of a fluid, having a liquid fraction and a gas fraction, having the steps of: measuring the pressure and temperature of the fluid at a flow control device through which said cyrogenic fluid passes; inputting the measured pressure and Cv into an algorithm; and performing a single or multi-step iteration to determine a fluid mass flow rate of the fluid through the flow control device using the algorithm that relates the mass flow rate of the fluid to the Cv, and mass densities of the liquid fraction and the gas fraction of the fluid which are a function of the measured pressure, and temperature. A system is also provided.

Abstract: An in-line hot-wire sensor for monitoring the mixing and the flow rate of slurry is disclosed. The hot-wire sensor may include a number of resistors organized into a Wheatstone bridge, as well as a frequency-domain transform mechanism. The resistors include a hot-wire resistor that is placed in-line with the slurry after substances have been mixed to become the slurry. The Wheatstone bridge thus yields a signal that is transformed to the frequency domain by the frequency-domain transform mechanism, such as by performing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the signal. The frequency-domain transform is used to monitor the mixing of the substances into the slurry, and the flow rate of the slurry. The signal may be amplified prior to transformation to the frequency domain.

Abstract: A fully automated Coriolis-based well system which can deliver accurate volumetric flow rate measurements in three phase flow. Measurements are performed according to a process including using N equations and N unknowns technique.

Abstract: A gas meter for determining a gas mixture consumption is revealed which determines sensor signal values proportional to a flow rate, this gas meter being calibrated as an energy measuring unit. The calibration is based on a basic gas mixture. During the measurement of the gas consumption, a measured energy consumption value is multiplied by a correction factor which takes account, at least approximately, of the calorific value of a supplied gas mixture, this calorific value being determined by an external unit. By this means, it is possible, using a simple and cost-efficient gas meter, to determine the effective supplied energy and to bill costs according to the supply.

Abstract: A system for measuring the density and mass flow rate of a fluid stream. The system generally comprises a volumetric flow device, a momentum device, and a data processing device. The present invention also provides methods for using such system.

Abstract: A flowmeter, and a method of, measuring the flow of a multi-phase fluid is described. The flowmeter has a first pressure sensor located in a conduit for measuring a first pressure differential at a first location and a second response sensor spaced along the conduit for measuring a second pressure differential at a second location. The flowmeter includes pressure drop creation means for causing a drop in fluid pressure between the first and second locations, and a water fraction meter upstream of the first location or downstream of the second location for measuring the fraction of water in the multi-phase fluid. Various embodiments of the invention are described and in a preferred arrangement the first and second pressure measuring means are venturi flowmeters.

Abstract: A fluid flow system for continuously monitoring the flow of fluid including fluid flow conduit with an upstream side and a downstream side, sensors and fluid flow elements, with the method for analyzing the operation of a fluid flow system by determining whether the fluid flow subsystem of the main system is operating properly, inputting a sensor reading of the parameter in the fluid flow of the main system and outputting an error indication of the main system.

Abstract: In order to reduce the influence of fluid velocity on a measurement of a concentration characteristic of a fluid, the magnitude of an r.m.s. signal V derived from a voltage induced in a sensor provided in relation to the fluid passage is adjusted using a factor dependent upon the measured velocity v of the fluid. Consequently, the accuracy with which the mass flow rate M of the solids in the fluid can be determined is improved.

Abstract: A method and system is presented for accurately measuring the two phase flow rate of a fluid mixture that includes two different phase components. Capacitance tomography measurements are made in order to determine the concentration ratio of the different phase components within the fluid. Approximate flow measurements are made by transmitting, for example, ultrasound waves through the fluid mixture, and measuring the different speeds of propagation of the ultrasound waves through the different phase components of the fluid mixture. The exact flow rate of the fluid mixture is determined using the concentration ratio obtained from the tomographic measurements, and the approximate flow measurements made, for example, by ultrasound sensing.

Abstract: A gas flow measuring device and gas flow measuring method are disclosed wherein specific gas component of measuring object gas or target gas composed of gas different from the specific gas component are added to or extracted from the measuring object gas, and concentrations C1 and C2 of the specific gas component before and after the target gas is added to or extracted. A detector (111, 121) is provided to calculate the flow rate Q1 in response to the detected concentrations C1, C2 or to detect the flow rate Q1 of the measuring object gas, and the flow rate Q3 of added or extracted target gas is detected in response to the flow rate Q1 and the concentrations C1, C2 which are detected.

Abstract: A method for measuring properties of a flowing fluid composition comprising at least two different components, while the fluid composition is flowing through a duct or channel, which flow meter comprises: at least one sensor (2, 3) in the shape of a cavity resonator through which at least a portion of the fluid composition passes; at least one electronic circuit (4) comprising a transmitting means (11) adapted to transmit an electronic signal (9) into the flowing fluid via a probe (7, 11); at least one receiving means adapted to receive a signal which has traveled through the flowing fluid composition; and at least one signal processing unit (12) adapted to deduce fluid specific signals from the received signals. An oscillator included in the electronic unit (4) may, in a preferred embodiment, be phase locked to the resonant frequency of the sensor (2, 3) (in a so-called FSA (feedback self-oscillating amplification) method).

Abstract: A junction element for a hydraulic fluid circuit, comprising a body (1) which is provided with inner channels (2,3) leading in an outer direction through a plurality of connection elements (7,8,9,10) which can cooperate with outer channels and with the support (12) of at least one sensor (13) for the value of a physical parameter of the fluid circulating in one of the inner channels (2,3) of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus, systems, and method for measuring an amount of oil in a flow of fluid at varying depths of the flow of fluid are provided. A support structure is configured to be submerged in a flow of fluid and to support a plurality of sensors. A plurality of sensor arrays is disposed on the support structure with each of the sensor arrays being disposed at positions corresponding to varying depths of the flow of fluid and being configured to measure properties of a localized flow of fluid. Each of the sensor arrays includes a capacitance sensor being configured to respond to a localized capacitance of the localized flow of fluid adjacent to the capacitance sensor. Each of the sensor arrays also includes a conductance sensor configured to measure a localized conductance of the localized flow of fluid.

Abstract: A fully automated Coriolis-based well system which can deliver accurate volumetric flow rate measurements in three phase flow. Measurements are performed according to a process including using N equations and N unknowns technique.

Abstract: A flow meter comprises an inflow chamber having a first fluid inlet, an outflow chamber housed in the inflow chamber and having a second fluid inlet, which is in fluid communication with the inflow chamber, and a fluid outlet by which fluid can drain from the outflow chamber, and a sensing device having a elongate sensor which is positioned at, or adjacent to and downstream of, the second fluid inlet. The second fluid inlet is of limited dimensions so that, in use, a head of fluid is formed in the inflow chamber and the flow rate of the fluid passing through the second fluid inlet is monitored based on the extent of the elongate sensor which is covered by the fluid.

Abstract: A flowmeter, and a method of, measuring the flow of a multi-phase fluid is described. The flowmeter has a first pressure sensor located in a conduit for measuring a first pressure differential at a first location and a second response sensor spaced along the conduit for measuring a second pressure differential at a second location. The flowmeter includes pressure drop creation means for causing a drop in fluid pressure between the first and second locations, and a water fraction meter upstream of the first location or downstream of the second location for measuring the fraction of water in the multi-phase fluid. Various embodiments of the invention are described and in a preferred arrangement the first and second pressure measuring means are venturi flowmeters.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus comprises a phase fraction meter and a compliant mandrel deployable within a production pipe, and may further comprise a flow velocity meter. The mandrel allows the determination of the phase fraction for a fluid comprising three phases by providing an additional cross sectional compliance within the conduit, thereby allowing the density of the fluid to be determined. The mandrel also provides a specified blockage through the flow velocity meter, thereby increasing flow velocity through the meter. This allows flow rate measurements in conditions under which flow velocity in the under-restricted cross-sectional area of the pipe would normally be very low. Further, the mandrel can provide a specified restriction in the pipe, i.e., a venturi. By measuring the differential pressure across the venturi and utilizing the measured fluid velocity from the flow velocity meter, the density of the fluid mixture can be calculated.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for measuring the presence or degree of stratified flow in a two-phase flow is disclosed. A first speed of sound for the fluid flowing through the pipeline is measured for an ultrasonic signal that would reflect from stratified flow, if present. A second speed of sound is measured at a location that would not reflect off the stratified flow. A difference in these two measurements indicates the presence of stratified flow. The level of stratified flow can be determined based on the magnitude of the difference.