SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCE

专利摘要:
balanced pressure ultrasonic flowmeter. The present invention relates to a system including an ultrasonic flowmeter with a conduit that includes a conduit wall and configured to flow a fluid, a housing disposed over the conduit to define a fluid chamber over the conduit, in which the conduit facilitates fluid flow into the fluid chamber and through the ultrasonic flowmeter and a first ultrasonic transducer disposed in the fluid chamber.
公开号:BR112013022296B1
申请号:R112013022296-4
申请日:2012-02-22
公开日:2021-06-22
发明作者:David Francis Anthony Quin；Kevin Peter Minnock；Francis Anthony O'brien；Finian McCarthy
申请人:Cameron Technologies Limited；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDERS
[001] This application claims priority and benefit of Provisional Patent Application no. US 61/448,628, filed March 2, 2011, entitled "PRESSURE BALANCED ULTRASONIC FLOWMETER", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[002] The present invention relates to chemical injection management systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to high pressure chemical injection management systems that can measure low flow rates. BACKGROUND
[003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be useful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. Consequently, it is to be understood that these statements are to be read in that light, and not as admissions of prior art.
[004] Wells are often used to access resources below the earth's surface. For example, oil, natural gas, and water are often extracted through a well. Some wells are used to inject materials below the earth's surface, for example, to sequester carbon dioxide, to store natural gas for later use, or to inject steam or other substances in the vicinity of an oil well to improve recovery. Due to the value of these subsurface features, wells are often drilled at greater expense, and great care is typically taken to extend their useful life.
[005] Chemical injection management systems are often used to maintain a well and/or improve a well's throughput. For example, chemical injection management systems are used to inject corrosion inhibiting materials, foam inhibiting materials, wax inhibiting materials, and/or antifreeze to extend the life of a well or increase the rate at which resources are extracted from a well. Typically, these materials are injected into the well in a controlled manner over a period of time by the chemical injection management system using a flowmeter. Unfortunately, existing flowmeters are unable to provide accurate measurements at high pressures and low flow rates. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[006] These and other attributes, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description of certain exemplary embodiments is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which similar characters represent similar parts throughout the drawings, in what:
[007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an exemplary resource extraction system;
[008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an exemplary resource extraction system with a chemical injection management system;
[009] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of the chemical injection management system of FIG. two;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the flow regulator in FIG. 3 with a low-flow ultrasonic flowmeter;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a low-flow ultrasonic flowmeter;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a low-flow ultrasonic flowmeter;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a low-flow ultrasonic flowmeter with a pressure adjustment mechanism;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a low-flow ultrasonic flowmeter with a pressure adjustment mechanism;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a low-flow ultrasonic flowmeter with acoustic signal damping particles;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a low-flow ultrasonic flowmeter with a pressure adjustment mechanism; and
[0017] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a low flow ultrasonic flowmeter with a pressure adjustment mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC MODALITIES
[0018] One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. These described embodiments are only exemplary of the present invention. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these exemplary modalities, all attributes of an actual deployment may not be described in the descriptive report. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual deployment, as in any engineering or modeling project, numerous deployment-specific decisions need to be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with a business or system-related constraint, which may vary from one deployment to another. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that such a development effort can be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine execution of modeling, fabrication, and fabrication for those of ordinary skill who have the benefit of this description.
[0019] By introducing elements of various embodiments of the present invention, the articles "a", "an", "the", "the", "said" and "said" are intended to signify that there is one or more of the elements . The terms "which comprises", "which includes", and "which has" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the elements listed. In addition, the use of "top", "bottom", "above", "below", and variations of these terms is for convenience, but does not require any particular orientation of the components.
[0020] Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a low flow ultrasonic flowmeter capable of measuring low flow rates while operating under high pressure conditions. In certain embodiments, the ultrasonic low-flow flowmeter can be used with, coupled to, or generally associated with underwater equipment, such as subsea equipment, in a variety of applications. For example, low flow ultrasonic flowmeter modalities can be used with, coupled to, or generally associated with mineral extraction equipment, flow control equipment, pipelines, and the like. In one embodiment, as discussed in detail below, the ultrasonic low flow flowmeter can be used with, coupled to, or generally associated with a chemical injection management system. However, the aforementioned examples are not intended to be limiting.
[0021] In certain embodiments, the ultrasonic low flow flowmeter can be modeled to operate with pressures ranging from approximately 0 to 344,738 MPa (0 to 50,000 psi), while flow rates can range from approximately 0.01 to 1,000 liters /hour. For example, the flowmeter can be configured to measure low flow rates less than approximately 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0 .4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 liters/hour, while operating under pressures of up to or greater than 34,474 MPa (5,000 psi), 68,948 MPa (10,000 psi), 103,421 MPa (15,000 psi), 137,895 MPa (20,000 psi), 172,369 MPa (25,000 psi), 206,843 MPa (30,000 psi), 275,790 MPa (40,000 psi), psi), or 344,738 MPa (50,000 psi). However, the modalities described are not limited to any of the specific operating ranges, and the ranges described are intended to be non-limiting examples.
[0022] Ultrasonic transducers in combination with acoustic damping allow the flowmeter to measure low chemical flow rates in the chemical injection management system. In certain embodiments, ultrasonic transducers quickly switch between acting as an actuator to produce ultrasonic waves, and acting as a sensor to detect ultrasonic waves. For example, an upstream transducer sends signals downstream through the chemical fluid to a transducer downstream, while the transducer downstream sends signals upstream through the chemical fluid to the transducer upstream. The time required by the signals to reach the opposite transducer determines the chemical fluid flow rate through the chemical injection management system.
[0023] As discussed in detail below, the accuracy of transducers depends on the acoustic isolation of the transducers from acoustic noise, which can interfere with communication through the chemical fluid between the transducers. For example, transducers can be covered in polyether ether ketone (PEEK) in combination with a PEEK acoustic insulator to prevent acoustic noise and communication between the transducers outside of the chemical fluid. In some embodiments, the conduit carrying the chemical fluid can be covered in PEEK in combination with PEEK covered transducers to prevent acoustic noise and communication outside of the chemical fluid. In some embodiments, a chamber can surround the conduit, house the transducers, and provide acoustic dampening. For example, the chamber can be filled with an acoustic dampening material, such as a fluid, particles, structures, or a combination thereof.
[0024] The flowmeter may also include a pressure balance system that allows operation of the flowmeter at high pressures. For example, the pressure balancing system can include the chamber around the conduit, where the chamber includes the transducers and is pressure balanced with the conduit. In certain embodiments, the duct and chamber can be in fluid communication with each other. Pressure equalization in the conduit and chamber prevents damage to ultrasonic transducers. In other embodiments, a pressure balance/adjustment mechanism may be disposed at an interface between the chamber and the conduit, thereby allowing for pressure balance between the conduit and the chamber. For example, the pressure adjustment/balance mechanism can include a bellows, a balloon, a diaphragm, a piston and cylinder assembly, gel portions in bottles, or any combination thereof. For example, the bellows, balloon, or diaphragm can be made of an expandable/compressible material, such as an elastomer. As the chemical fluid changes pressure, the pressure balance/adjustment mechanism moves (eg, expands and contracts) maintaining a pressure balance between the conduit and chamber. However, in certain embodiments, the pressure balance/adjustment mechanism may include a variety of movable elements, which are configured to balance fluid pressure inside and outside the conduit by moving the element in response to a pressure differential between the chamber and the conduit. In this way, the pressure balance/adjustment mechanism reduces stress on the conduit, which thereby protects the ultrasonic transducers coupled to the conduit over a wide range of pressures. Although the described modalities are presented in the context of an ultrasonic flowmeter, the described modalities can be used with any type of flowmeter with the use of several sensors or transducers coupled to the conduit.
[0025] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary subsea resource extraction system 10. In particular, the subsea resource extraction system 10 can be used to extract oil, natural gas, and other related resources from a well 12, located in a subsea bed 14, to an extraction point 16 at a surface location 18. The extraction point 16 may be an onshore processing facility, an offshore platform, or any other extraction point. The subsea resource extraction system 10 can also be used to inject fluids such as chemicals, steam, and so on into well 12. These injected fluids can aid in the extraction of resources from well 12.
[0026] As subsea resource extraction systems 10 become more complex, reach greater depths, extend to greater distances offshore, and operate at greater pressures, the auxiliary equipment that provides working fluids for these resource extraction systems 10 submarines feature increases in complexity similarly. Working fluids can be supplied to subsea equipment using flexible bridge or umbilical lines 20. The systems can be comprised of reinforced polymer and small diameter steel supply lines, which are interstitial spaced in a larger reinforced polymer liner . As the working pressure of the subsea equipment increases, the supply pressures and injection pressures also increase.
[0027] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary resource extraction system 10, which may include a well 12, colloquially called "Christmas tree" 26 (hereafter, a "tree"), a chemical injection management system (CIMS). ) 28, and a valve receptacle 30. The illustrated resource extraction system 10 may be configured to extract hydrocarbons (e.g. oil and/or natural gas). When assembled, the shaft 26 can be coupled to the well 12 and include a variety of valves, fittings, and controls to operate the well 12. The chemical injection management system 28 can be coupled to the shaft 26 via the receptacle of valve 30. Tree 26 can allow fluid communication between chemical injection management system 28 and well 12. As explained below, chemical injection management system 28 can be configured to regulate the flow of a product through the tree 26 and into the well 12 through the use of a flow regulator 32.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of chemical injection management system 28, combined with valve receptacle 30. As illustrated, chemical injection management system 28 may include flow regulator 32, a housing 36, a tree interface 38, key 52, and an ROV (remotely operated vehicle) interface 40. Housing 36 may include an outer end plate 42, a side wall 44, a handle 46, and an inner end plate. The sidewall 44 and end plates 42 can be made of a generally rigid corrosion resistant material and can define a generally straight cylindrical volume with a circular base. Handle 46 can be affixed (e.g. welded) to sidewall 44 and can be U-shaped. Tree interface 38 allows connection of chemical injection management system 28 to tree 26 via complementary components in the valve receptacle 30.
[0029] The illustrated ROV 40 interface may include apertures 66, an enlarged grip 68, slots 70 and 72, and a torque tool interface 74. In some embodiments, the ROV interface 40 may be a class ROV interface 4 17D API. The ROV interface 40 can be attached to the outer end plate 42. The torque tool interface 74, which can be configured to mate with a torque tool on an ROV, can be disposed within the flared jaw 68 and generally of symmetrical mode between slots 70 and 72. Torque tool interface 74 can be coupled to an internal drive mechanism to effect ROV commands.
[0030] The valve receptacle 30 may include a fluid inlet 82, a fluid outlet 84, an electrical connection 86, a mounting flange 88, a keyway 90, support flanges 92, an outer flange 94, a valve opening 96, a valve tray 98, and tray supports 100. Fluid inlet 82 can be a fluid conduit, tube, or conduit that fluidly communicates with a fluid source, such as a fluid supply. a liquid to be injected, and the fluid output 84 may be a fluid conduit, tube, or conduit that is in fluid communication with the well 12. The electrical connection 86 may couple to a power source, an input device a user interface, a display, and/or a system controller. Mounting flange 88 can be configured to couple valve receptacle 30 to shaft 26. Keyway 90 and valve tray 98 can be configured to at least approximately align chemical injection management system 28 to valve receptacle 30 during an installation of chemical injection management system 28. Specifically, valve tray 98 can be configured to support chemical injection management system 28 as it slides into the valve opening 96, and key 52 can be configured to slide into keyway 90 to rotatably position chemical injection management system 28.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the flow regulator 32 in FIG. 3 with an ultrasonic low flow 120 flowmeter. As discussed in detail below, the flowmeter 120 may include an acoustic isolation system and a pressure balance system configured to improve flowmeter 120 performance and operability over a wider range of pressures. and flow rates. In addition to flow meter 120, flow regulator includes controller 122, valve driver 124, and valve 126. As discussed below, flow regulator 32 can be configured to regulate or control a flow parameter, such as a flow rate. flow meter, a mass flow rate, a volume, and/or a mass of fluid flowing to or from the well 12. The flowmeter 120 may include a fluid inlet 128, a fluid outlet 130, and a signal path. measurement 132. Measurement signal path 132 provides signal data to controller 122 for processing.
[0032] Controller 122 may include a processor 134 and memory 136. Controller 122 may be configured to determine a volumetric flow rate, a mass flow rate, a volume, or a mass based on a signal from the flow meter 120 Controller 122 may also be configured to regulate or control one or more of these parameters based on the signal from flowmeter 120 signaling valve driver 124 to adjust valve 126. To that end, controller 122 may include software and/or or set of circuits configured to execute a control routine. In some embodiments, control routine and/or data based on a signal from flowmeter 120 may be stored in memory 136 or other computer readable medium.
[0033] The illustrated valve actuator 124 may include a motor 138, a gearbox 140, and a control signal path 142 to controller 122. In operation, controller 122 may exert feedback control along flow. fluid. Controller 122 can transmit a control signal 142 to valve driver 124. The content of control signal 142 can be determined by, or based on, a comparison between a flow parameter (e.g., a volumetric flow rate, a mass flow rate, a volume, or a mass) measured by the flowmeter 120 and a desired value of the flow parameter. For example, if controller 122 determines that the flow rate through flow regulator 32 is less than a desired flow rate, controller 122 may signal 142 to valve driver 124 to open valve 126 some distance. In response, motor 138 can drive gearbox 140, and gearbox 140 can convert rotational motion of motor 138 into linear translation of valve 126, or rotation of valve 126. As a result, in some embodiments, the rate flow rate through valve 126 may increase as the valve opens. Alternatively, if controller 122 determines that the flow rate (or other flow parameter) through flow regulator 32 is greater than a desired flow rate (or other flow parameter), controller 122 may signal 142 to the valve 124 to close valve 126 some distance, thereby potentially decreasing the flow rate. In other words, controller 122 can signal valve actuator 124 to open or close valve 126 some distance based on a flow parameter detected by flowmeter 120.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a low-flow ultrasonic flowmeter 120. Flowmeter 120 defines a housing 160, ultrasonic metering system 162, acoustic isolating system 164, and pressure balancing system 166. As discussed in detail below, housing 160 defines a chamber 213 surrounding a conduit 218, wherein camera 213 includes ultrasonic metering system 162, acoustic insulating system 164, and pressure balancing system 166. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 160 includes a cap 170 that connects to a body portion 172. Cap 170 includes an intermediate section 174 with a front face 176 and a rear face 178. A circular protrusion 179 extends from front face 176 to an end face 180 Rear face 178 of cap 170 similarly includes a circular protrusion 182, which has a side face 184 and an end face 186.
[0035] The lid 170 may include multiple openings. For example, cover 170 includes multiple screw openings 188, gasket openings 190, and a fluid passage 192. Screw openings 188 receive screws 194, while the gasket openings receive gaskets 196 (e.g., annular gaskets or seals ). In the present embodiments, gasket openings 190 and gaskets 196 are located on the back face 178 of the cap 170, and on the side face 184 of the circular protrusion 182. These gaskets 196 form a fluid-tight seal between the cap 170 and the body 172 The fluid passage 192 extends between face 180 of circular protrusion 179 and face 186 of circular protrusion 182. This allows fluid to flow through cap 170, e.g., fluid flow measured by flowmeter 120.
[0036] Body 172 defines a front face 198, a back face 200, a flowmeter opening 202, and a circular protrusion 204 extending from the front face 198. The flowmeter opening 202 defines a diameter 206, an inner surface 208 , and a wall 210. The rear face 200 further defines screw openings 212. The cap 170 is secured to the body 172 by inserting the circular protrusion 182 into the flowmeter opening 202. As mentioned above, the flowmeter opening 202 defines a diameter 206, which is equal to or greater than circular protrusion 182. Protrusion 182 slides into opening 202 until rear face 178 of cap 170 contacts rear surface 200 of body 172. Cap 170 can be circumferentially rotated, then around the body 172 until the screw openings 188 align with the screw openings 212. The screws 194 extend to the openings 188, 212 and threadably secure the cap 170 to the body rpo 172. As explained above, gaskets 196 are compressed between the two back faces 178 and 200, and between the inner surface 208 and the surface 184 to create a fluid-tight seal between the cap 170 and the body 172. The junction from cover 170 to body 172 creates a flowmeter/static fluid chamber 213 chamber that houses ultrasonic metering system 162, sound insulation system 164, and pressure balancing system 166.
[0037] The ultrasonic flowmeter 120 includes a through passage 161 defined by passage 192 in cover 170, a passage 214 in body 172, and a conduit 218 that extends through chamber 213 between passages 192 and 214. The ultrasonic meter system 162 measures parameters, for example, a flow rate, along passage 161. Passage 214 extends between face 216 of protrusion 204 and wall 210. Consequently, fluid can enter flowmeter 120 through passageway 214, flow through body 172 to chamber 213, flow through conduit 218 to passage 192, and then exit through passage 192 of cap 170.
[0038] As the fluid passes through the flowmeter 120, the ultrasonic meter system 162 measures its flow rate. The ultrasonic metering system 162 includes conduit 218, ultrasonic transducers 220 and 222, and controller 122. As illustrated, transducers 220 and 222 are annular in shape. In other embodiments, transducers 220 and 222 may vary in shape, for example, flat, square, oval, etc. Transducers 220 and 222 measure fluid that enters flowmeter 120 and travels through conduit 218. As illustrated, ultrasonic transducers 220 and 222 are mounted around conduit 218 at an axial displacement distance 224 relative to each other. Ultrasonic transducers 220 and 222 measure flow velocities by quickly sending and receiving ultrasonic waves traveling through the fluid in conduit 218. For example, the upstream transducer 222 can send ultrasonic waves through the fluid traveling in conduit 218 to the transducer downstream 220. Controller 122 collects transmission times by upstream transducer 222 and reception times by downstream transducer 220 through wires 226. Controller 122 then calculates ultrasonic wave velocity in the fluid using distance 224 and the time between transmission and reception. The ultrasonic wave velocity is then compared to the known velocity of ultrasonic waves in the same fluid over the same distance while the fluid is immobile. Wave velocity differences determine how fast the fluid moves in conduit 218, that is, the faster the fluid velocity in conduit 218, the less time it takes for the ultrasonic waves to travel from the upstream transducer 222 to the downstream transducer 220. Similarly, the faster the fluid velocity, the longer it takes for the ultrasonic waves to travel from the transmitting downstream transducer 220 to the receiving upstream transducer 222. Once the fluid velocity is known, the controller 122 can calculate the flow rate by multiplying the fluid velocity by πd2/4 (i.e., conduit area), where "d" represents the diameter 228 of conduit 218. With this information, flow regulator 32 can increase, decrease, or maintain the chemical fluid flow rate, for example, by operating valve 126 (as illustrated in FIG. 4). In some embodiments, both transducers 220 and 222 can transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, which controller 122 can use to determine fluid velocity in the pipe. Comparing the two speeds can advantageously provide increased accuracy of fluid velocity calculation.
[0039] As mentioned above, the flowmeter 120 may include an acoustic isolation system 164. The acoustic isolation system 164 is configured to prevent acoustic noise and out-of-fluid communications in conduit 218, thereby ensuring that transducers 220 and 222 communicate only through the fluid in conduit 218 without interference. This acoustic isolation allows more accurate detection of the fluid flow rate within conduit 218. For example, the acoustic isolation system 164 can allow accurate measurement of flow rates as low as 0.03 liters/hour (eg less than 0.05, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, or 20 liters/hour), and as high as 120 liters/hour. In the present embodiment, the acoustic insulation system 164 can use polyether ether ketone (PEEK) to prevent and/or absorb acoustic noise, interference, and ultrasonic waves created by transducers 220 and 222 out of the fluid in conduit 218. Other embodiments can use a different material to prevent and/or absorb ultrasonic wave energy, acoustic noise, or interference. For example, sound insulation system 164 can encapsulate transducers 220 and 222 with insulating structures 230 (e.g., sound dampening structures). As illustrated, insulating structures 230 are ring-shaped, but may form other shapes, eg square, irregular, oval, rectangular, etc. Additionally, such insulating structures 230 can be made of an acoustic dampening material, such as PEEK, an elastomer, a polymer, a foam, or a combination thereof. These PEEK 230 rings absorb ultrasonic waves created by their respective 220 or 222 transducer, and waves created by the opposite transducer 220 or 222 out of the fluid in conduit 218. For example, the PEEK 230 rings can absorb ultrasonic wave energy transmitted through fluid in chamber 213, and through wall 219 of conduit 218. For example, the PEEK ring 230 covering transducer 220 absorbs waves produced by transducer 220 and transducer 222 out of conduit 218, while allowing transducer 220 to transmit and receive ultrasonic wave energy at an interface 221 with conduit 218. Similarly, the ring 230 covering transducer 222 absorbs waves produced by transducer 222 and transducer 220 out of conduit 218, while allowing the transducer to transmit and receive ultrasonic wave energy in an interface 223 with conduit 218.
[0040] In addition to the PEEK rings 230, the acoustic insulator system 164 may include a third acoustic insulating structure 232 (e.g., acoustic damping structure) to absorb acoustic noise, interference, and ultrasonic waves created by transducers 220 and 222 outside of duct 218. For example, the third sound insulation structure 232 can absorb acoustic noise, interference, and ultrasonic waves traveling through the wall 219 of the duct 218. The ultrasonic waves that travel through the duct wall 219 can travel in a speed different from that of ultrasonic waves traveling through the fluid, and thus the sound insulation structure 232 absorbs this energy to improve measurement accuracy. Consequently, soundproofing structure 232 is mounted axially between transducers 220 and 222. As illustrated, soundproofing structure 232 surrounds and extends along duct 218, while also including a duct break or annular lock 233 axially between conduit portions 218. In the illustrated embodiment, system 164 includes a single third ring 232, while other embodiments may include other shapes of insulating structure 232, e.g., square, oval, rectangular, irregular, etc. In addition, system 164 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more insulating structures 232 between transducers 220 and 222. Additionally, each of these structures 232 may vary by thickness and/or type of acoustic material.
[0041] Finally, the flowmeter 120 may include a pressure balance system 166 that protects transducers 220 and 222 in high pressure environments. In certain embodiments, pressures can range from approximately 0 to 344,738 MPa (0 to 50,000 psi), while flow rates can range from approximately 0.01 to 1,000 liters/hour. For example, the flowmeter can be configured to measure low flow rates less than approximately 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0 .4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 liters/hour, while operating under pressures of up to or greater than 34,474 MPa (5,000 psi), 68,948 MPa (10,000 psi), 103,421 MPa (15,000 psi), 137,895 MPa (20,000 psi), 172,369 MPa (25,000 psi), 206,843 MPa (30,000 psi), 275,790 MPa (40,000 psi), psi), or 344,738 MPa (50,000 psi). Pressure balancing system 166 includes chamber 213, conduit 218, and electrical connector plug 234. As illustrated, conduit 218 includes wall 219 that surrounds a passage 235 extending through chamber 213 from a first end 236 , to a second end 238. First end 236 is coupled to passage 192 in cap 170. Second end 239 extends into a recess 240 of wall 210 of body portion 172. First end 236 is sealed relative to passage 192 , while second end 238 is not sealed to passage 214. Instead, an axial gap 242 exists between second end 238 and passage 214. Additionally, recess 240 defines a diameter 244 greater than conduit diameter 228, which it creates thereby an annular span 246. The combination of spans 242 and 246 creates a fluid connection 247 between chamber 213, conduit 218, and passageway 214. This fluid connection 247 between the fluid in conduit 218 and chamber 213 pe allows a pressure equalization.
[0042] Without pressure equalization, the conduit may compress or expand to the point where transducers 220 and 222 break or lose their connection with conduit 218. For example, if the pressure in conduit 218 exceeds the pressure within the chamber 213, conduit wall 219 can expand diametrically. Similarly, if the pressure in chamber 213 exceeds the pressure in conduit 218, then wall 219 may compress diametrically. Compression and expansion of conduit wall 219 can cause transducers 220, 222 to break or separate from conduit 218, which prevents proper transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves traveling through the fluid in conduit 218. Thus, fluid connection 247 allows fluid to pressure-balance between chamber 213 and conduit 218 to increase an operating range of flowmeter 120 for higher pressures, eg, greater than 68.948 MPa (10,000 psi), 103,421 MPa (15,000 psi), 137,895 MPa ( 20,000 psi), 172,369 MPa (25,000 psi), 206,843 MPa (30,000 psi), 275,790 MPa (40,000 psi), or 344,738 MPa (50,000 psi).
[0043] The electrical connection plug 234 maintains communication between the ultrasonic metering system 162 and the controller 122. More specifically, the electrical connection plug 234 allows electrical communication between transducers 220 and 222 while maintaining pressure and a tight seal. fluid. For example, electrical connection plug 234 may fit within and adhere to a passage 248 within body 172. For example, plug 234 may be threaded, welded, press-fitted into passage 248. Plug 234 may retain fluid inside chamber 213 without leakage at pressures greater than 68,948 MPa (10,000 psi), 103,421 MPa (15,000 psi), 137,895 MPa (20,000 psi), 172,369 MPa (25,000 psi), 206,843 MPa (30,000 psi), 275,790 MPa (40,000 psi) ), or 344,738 MPa (50,000 psi).
[0044] Electrical connection plug 234 includes a body portion 250 (eg, an electrically insulating body portion) and electrically conductive portions 252 (eg, wires) disposed in openings 254 and 256. These electrically conductive portions 252 se couple to wires 226 of transducers 220 and 222 and wires 258 of controller 122. Wires 226 and 258 and electrically conductive portions 252 allow electrical signals to pass from transducers 220 and 222 inside flowmeter 120 to outside controller 122, while the portion body 250 maintains a chamber seal 213. Consequently, the three systems: ultrasonic metering system 162, acoustic isolating system 164, and pressure balancing system 166 allow accurate low flow rate measurement in a high pressure environment.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of a low-flow ultrasonic flowmeter 120. Similar to the flowmeter 120 of FIG. 5, the flowmeter 120 in FIG. 6 includes a housing 270, ultrasonic metering system 272, acoustic isolating system 274, and pressure balancing system 276. In the illustrated embodiment, housing 270 includes a cover 278 that connects to a body portion 280. connects to body 280 via screws 282. As illustrated, cap 278 and body portion 282 include a passage that allows fluid to pass through flowmeter 120. Specifically, cap 278 includes an outlet passage 284, while the body 280 includes a 286 input pass or vice versa. Passageways 284 and 286 connect to a chamber 288 within housing 270.
[0046] The ultrasonic metering system 272 is located within the chamber 288, and, as discussed above, measures the fluid flow rate through the flowmeter 120. The ultrasonic flowmeter system 272 includes an upstream transducer 290 and a downstream transducer 292 (or vice versa) that attaches to a wall of conduit 295 of conduit 294. Ultrasonic transducers 290 and 292 can send or receive ultrasonic waves from the opposite transducer through fluid traveling in conduit 294. Controller 122 receives the transmission and reception times of ultrasonic waves from transducers 290 and 292 through electrical connections 296 and then determines their speed using a displacement distance 298 between transducers 290 and 292. As discussed above, the faster a fluid travels in conduit 294, the faster a wave will travel from the upstream transducer 290 to the downstream transducer 292. Similarly, a fast-moving fluid will decelerate a wave which travels against the current from the downstream transducer 292 to the upstream transducer 290. With this information, the controller 122 is able to determine the fluid flow rate by comparing the wave velocity in the flowmeter to a known wave velocity in an immobile fluid.
[0047] As mentioned above, the flowmeter 120 includes an acoustic isolation system 274. The acoustic isolation system 274 is configured to prevent acoustic noise and communications outside the fluid in conduit 294, thereby ensuring that transducers 290 and 292 communicate only with each other through the fluid in conduit 294. This acoustic insulation allows more accurate detection of the fluid flow rate within conduit 294. For example, the acoustic insulation system 274 can advantageously allow accurate measurement of such flow rates. as low as 0.03 liters/hour (for example, less than 0.05, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, or 20 liters/hour), and as high as 120 liters/hour. In the present embodiment, sound insulation system 274 covers conduit 294; and transducers 290 and 292 with an acoustic dampening material, e.g., a PEEK 297 housing. The PEEK 297 housing can prevent and/or dampen acoustic noise, interference or ultrasonic waves in chamber 288, which substantially reduces thereby , interference with transducers 290 and 292. In other words, the PEEK enclosure 297 can prevent or dampen all acoustic waves other than the desired transmission of ultrasonic waves through the fluid in conduit 294 between transducers 290 and 292. PEEK housing 297 can also serve as a protective barrier or chemical resistant coating, which can protect transducers 290 and 292 from chemical corrosion in chamber 288. Thus, PEEK housing 297 can simultaneously dampen acoustics and chemically protect the transducers transducers 290 and 292. The PEEK 297 enclosure can also dampen or absorb ultrasonic energy that may be traveling in the cond wall. uto 295 (ie, waves travel at a different speed in conduit wall 295 than waves traveling through the fluid in conduit 294). Thus, the PEEK 297 wrap surrounding conduit 294 and transducers 290 and 292 allows the sound insulation system 274 to protect conduit 294 while absorbing waves that do not travel through the fluid in conduit 294.
[0048] Flowmeter 120 also includes pressure balance system 276. Pressure balance system 276 includes chamber 288, conduit 294, and electrical connector plug 300. Pressure balance system 276 enables ultrasonic metering system 274 operate in pressure ranges between approximately 0 to 344,738 MPa (0 to 50,000 psi), while flow rates can range from approximately 0.01 to 1000 liters/hour. For example, the flowmeter can be configured to measure low flow rates less than approximately 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0 .4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 liters/hour, while operating under pressures of up to or greater than 34,474 MPa (5,000 psi), 68,948 MPa (10,000 psi), 103,421 MPa (15,000 psi), 137,895 MPa (20,000 psi), 172,369 MPa (25,000 psi), 206,843 MPa (30,000 psi), 275,790 MPa (40,000 psi), psi), or 344,738 MPa (50,000 psi).
[0049] As illustrated, conduit 294 extends through chamber 288 from a first end 302, which connects passageway 284, to a second end 304. Second end 304 rests in a recess 306 formed in a wall 308 of chamber 288. Unlike first end 302, which connects passage 284, second end 304 does not connect passage 286. Instead, a gap 310 exists between second end 304 and passage 286. Additionally, recess 306 defines a diameter 312 that is greater than a diameter 313 of the PEEK covered conduit 294. This distance creates a second span 314. The combination of the first span and second span 310, 314 creates a fluid connection 315 between the chamber 288, the conduit 294, and passage 286. This fluid connection 315 allows for pressure equalization between the fluid in conduit 294 and chamber 288. Pressure equalization limits or prevents compression and expansion of conduit 294 that can break transducers 290 and 292 or cause them to lose their connection to conduit 294. Finally, as discussed above, pressure balance system 276 includes electrical connection plug 300. Electrical connection plug 300 allows electrical communication between transducers 290 and 292, while maintaining a pressure and fluid tight seal. As illustrated, electrical connection plug 300 can fit within and adhere to a passageway 316 within body 280. In particular, plug 300 allows electrical communication between transducers 290 and 292 with controller 122, while resisting pressures of up to or greater than approximately 34,474 MPa (5,000 psi), 68,948 MPa (10,000 psi), 103,421 MPa (15,000 psi), 137,895 MPa (20,000 psi), 172,369 MPa (25,000 psi), 206,843 MPa (30,000 psi), 275,790 MPa (40,000 psi), psi), or 344,738 MPa (50,000 psi).
[0050] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a low-flow ultrasonic flowmeter 120 with pressure-equalizing mechanism 340. For example, pressure-equalizing mechanism 340 may include a bellows, such as an expandable and contractable bellows. For further example, the pressure equalizing mechanism 340 may include a bellows, a balloon, a diaphragm, a piston and cylinder assembly, gel portions in bottles, or any combination thereof. For example, the bellows, balloon, or diaphragm can be made of an expandable/compressible material, such as an elastomer. Similar to flowmeter 120 in FIG. 5, the flowmeter 120 in FIG. 7 includes a housing 342, ultrasonic metering system 344, acoustic isolating system 346, and a pressure balancing system 348. In the illustrated embodiment, housing 342 includes a cap 350 that connects to a body portion 352. 350 and body portion 352 define a chamber 353. As illustrated, the cap 350 and the body portion 352 each define a passage that allows fluid to pass through the flowmeter 120. Specifically, the cap 350 defines an outlet passage. 354, while the body 352 defines an inlet passage 356 or vice versa. Passageways 354 and 356 connect to a conduit 358 at the respective first and second ends 360 and 362 of a conduit wall 359.
[0051] As illustrated, ultrasonic metering system 344 includes transducers 364 and 366, power lines 368, and controller 122. Ultrasonic transducers 364 and 366 can send or receive ultrasonic waves to the opposite transducer through fluid traveling in conduit 358. Controller 122 receives the transmit and receive times of ultrasonic waves from transducers 364 and 366 through power lines 368, which they then use to calculate the fluid velocity in conduit 358. As discussed above, the faster a fluid travels in conduit 358, the faster a wave will travel from the upstream transducer 366 to the downstream transducer 364. Likewise, a rapidly moving fluid will decelerate a wave traveling against the current from the downstream transducer 364 to the transducer upstream 366. With this information, controller 122 is able to determine the fluid flow rate by comparing the wave velocity in the flowmeter to a velocity. known from the wave in an immobile fluid.
[0052] As illustrated, flowmeter 120 includes sound insulation system 346. Sound insulation system 346 uses rings of PEEK 370 to prevent transducers 364 and 366 from communicating with each other except through the fluid flowing in conduit 358. For example, the sound insulation system 346 can advantageously allow accurate measurement of flow rates as low as 0.03 liters/hour (eg 0.05, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15 , or 20 liters/hour) and as high as 120 liters/hour. In the present embodiment, the sound insulation system 346 includes a third PEEK ring 372 to absorb ultrasonic waves created by transducer 364 and 366. Ring 372 is disposed axially between transducers 364 and 366 so that it absorbs wave energy which runs through conduit wall 359. While present embodiments illustrate a single third ring 372, in other embodiments there may be more rings between transducers 364 and 366. For example, there may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 rings between transducers 364 and 366. Furthermore, each of these rings can vary in thickness and/or type of absorption material in relation to the other rings. In the present embodiment, pressure equalizing mechanism 340 (e.g., bellows) may allow a second fluid to occupy chamber 353 surrounding conduit 358 so that the second fluid is isolated from the first fluid flowing through conduit 350. second fluid can be specifically selected based on acoustic damping properties, for example, the second fluid can be a shielding liquid that will not corrode housing 342, PEEK rings 370 and 372 or otherwise negatively affect the system. For example, the second fluid can include oil. In some embodiments, the second fluid can advantageously include fine particles that provide acoustic dampening (e.g., sand, microspheres, foam, etc.).
[0053] Flowmeter 120 may also include pressure balance system 348. Pressure balance system 348 includes chamber 353, conduit 358, pressure equalization mechanism 340 (eg, bellows) and electrical connector plug 374 The 348 pressure balancing system allows the 344 ultrasonic meter system to operate in pressure ranges from approximately 0 to 344.74 MPa (50,000 psi), while flow rates can range from approximately 0.01 to 1,000 liters/ hour. For example, the flowmeter can be configured to measure low flow rates less than approximately 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 liters/hour, while operating under pressures up to or greater than 34.47 MPa (5,000 psi), 68.95 MPa (10,000 psi), 103.42 MPa (15,000 psi), 137.9 MPa (20,000 psi), 172.37 MPa (25,000 psi) ), 206.84 MPa (30,000 psi), 275.79 MPa (40,000 psi) or 344.74 MPa (50,000 psi).
[0054] As illustrated, pressure equalizing mechanism 340 (eg bellows) replaces or extends around a section 376 of duct 358. Pressure equalizing mechanism 340 (eg bellows) can be produced to from metal, rubber, neoprene, vinyl, silicone or other material that expands and contracts in response to changes in pressure. The expansion and contraction of pressure equalizing mechanism 340 (e.g., bellows) advantageously allows for pressure equalization while allowing a second fluid to occupy chamber 353. For example, conduit 358 may include perforations or passages 378 in section 376 to enable fluid to travel through conduit 358 to enter pressure equalizing mechanism 340 (eg, bellows). Therefore, during an increase in pressure in conduit 358, fluid passes through passages 378 and into pressure equalizing mechanism 340 (e.g., bellows), causing pressure equalizing mechanism 340 to expand (e.g., bellows) for pressure equalization with chamber 353. Similarly, during a decrease in pressure in conduit 358, pressure equalization mechanism 340 (eg, bellows) contracts and forces fluid through passages 378 in section 376 and to the interior of conduit 358 thereby enabling pressure equalization as the pressure equalization mechanism 340 (eg, bellows) expands and contracts in response to pressure changes, consequently, conduit 358 does not experience significant stresses (i.e., conduit 358 does not expand or compress). As explained above, expansion and contraction of conduit 358 can break or loosen the connection of transducers 366 and 368, which can prevent or limit accurate measurement. Finally, the pressure balance system 348 includes an electrical connection plug 374. The electrical connection plug 374 allows electrical communication between transducers 364 and 366 and controller 122, while maintaining a tight seal to fluid under significant pressure.
[0055] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a low flow ultrasonic flowmeter 120 with a PEEK 390 pressure equalization mechanism for pressure equalization, acoustic damping and corrosion protection. In certain embodiments, the pressure equalizing mechanism 390 can include a bellows, a balloon, a diaphragm, a piston-cylinder assembly, gel portions in bottles, or any combination thereof. Similar to flowmeter 120 in FIG. 7, the flowmeter 120 in FIG. 8 includes a housing 392, ultrasonic meter system 394, sound insulation system 396, and pressure balancing system 398. In the illustrated embodiment, housing 392 includes a cap 400 that connects to a body portion 402. cap 400 and body portion 402 define a chamber 404. As illustrated, cap 400 and body portion 402 each define a passageway that allows fluid to pass through flowmeter 120. Specifically, cap 400 defines a passageway output port 406, while body 402 defines an input port 408, or vice versa. Passageways 406 and 408 connect to a conduit 410 at respective first and second ends 412 and 414 of a conduit wall 411.
[0056] As illustrated, the ultrasonic meter system 394 includes transducers 416 and 418, power lines 420, and controller 122. Ultrasonic transducers 416 and 418 can send or receive ultrasonic waves to the opposite transducer through the fluid flowing in conduit 410. As explained above, controller 122 uses the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves between transducers 416 and 418 to calculate the fluid flow rate in conduit 410.
[0057] In addition, the flowmeter 120 includes the 396 soundproofing system. The 396 soundproofing system uses rings of PEEK 422 and a PEEK 390 pressure equalization mechanism (eg, bellows) to prevent transducers 416 and 418 communicate with each other except through the fluid that travels in conduit 410. For example, the PEEK rings 422 encapsulate transducers 416 and 422 preventing them from transmitting ultrasonic waves through the fluid in chamber 404. As illustrated, the equalization mechanism of PEEK 390 pressure (eg bellows) can also be included axially between transducers 416 and 422. The PEEK 390 pressure equalizing mechanism (eg bellows) effectively absorbs ultrasonic energy that travels through the conduit wall 411, therefore, only ultrasonic waves traveling through the fluid reach transducers 416 and 422. In some embodiments, the PEEK 390 pressure equalization mechanism (eg, bellows) pos. to allow a second fluid to occupy chamber 404 surrounding conduit 410. The second fluid may be an oil or other fluid that will not corrode housing 392, PEEK rings/bellows 422/390 or otherwise adversely affect the system . The second fluid can advantageously include fine particles that promote acoustic damping (e.g. sand, microspheres, foam, etc.).
[0058] Flowmeter 120 may also include pressure balancing system 398. Pressure balancing system 398 includes pressure equalizing mechanism 390 (eg bellows), chamber 404, conduit 410, and electrical connector plug 424 The 398 pressure balance system allows the 394 ultrasonic meter system to operate in pressure ranges from approximately 0 to 344.74 MPa (50,000 psi), while flow rates can vary from approximately 0.01 to 1,000 liters/ hour. For example, the flowmeter can be configured to measure low flow rates less than approximately 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 liters/hour, while operating under pressures up to or greater than 34.47 MPa (5,000 psi), 68.95 MPa (10,000 psi), 103.42 MPa (15,000 psi), 137.9 MPa (20,000 psi), 172.37 MPa (25,000 psi) ), 206.84 MPa (30,000 psi), 275.79 MPa (40,000 psi) or 344.74 MPa (50,000 psi).
[0059] As illustrated, conduit 410 may include the PEEK 390 pressure equalization mechanism (eg, bellows) that replaces or extends around a section 426 of conduit 410. The pressure equalization mechanism 390 (by bellows) advantageously allows for a pressure equalization by expanding when the fluid flowing in conduit 410 increases in pressure and contracting when the pressure drops. For example, conduit 410 may have one or more passages 428 formed in section 426 within pressure equalizing mechanism 390 (e.g., bellows). As the chemical fluid flowing through conduit 410 experiences an increase in pressure, the fluid flows out of section 426 through passages 428 and into bellows section 390, causing it to expand. Similarly, if the chemical fluid reduces in pressure in conduit 410, then the fluid leaves pressure equalizing mechanism 390 (eg, bellows) and enters conduit 410, thereby enabling pressure equalization. The expansion and contraction of the pressure equalizing mechanism 390 (eg, bellows) reduces or eliminates pressure differentials that could cause conduit 410 to expand or contract. As explained above, the expansion and contraction of conduit 410 may break or loosen the connection of transducers 416 and 418, which can prevent or limit accurate measurement. Finally, as discussed above, pressure balance system 398 includes electrical connection plug 424. Electrical connection plug 424 allows electrical communication between transducers 416 and 418 and controller 122, while maintaining a fluid tight seal under pressure.
[0060] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a low-flow ultrasonic flowmeter 120 with particles 448 configured to dampen acoustic noise. Similar to flowmeter 120 in FIG. 5, the flowmeter 120 in FIG. 9 includes a housing 450, ultrasonic meter system 452, sound insulation system 454, and a pressure balancing system 456. In the illustrated embodiment, housing 450 defines passages that allow fluid to pass through flowmeter 120, specifically, a passageway output port 458 and an input port 460 or vice versa. Additionally, housing 450 defines a chamber 462 that houses ultrasonic meter system 452, sound insulation system 454, and pressure balance system 456.
[0061] As illustrated, the ultrasonic meter system 452 includes transducers 464 and 466, power lines 468 and controller 122. The ultrasonic transducers 464 and 466 can send or receive ultrasonic waves to the opposite transducer through the fluid flowing in conduit 470. As explained above, controller 122 uses the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves between transducers 464 and 466 to calculate the fluid flow rate in conduit 470.
[0062] As illustrated, flowmeter 120 includes sound insulation system 454. Sound insulation system 454 uses PEEK rings 472 to prevent transducers 464 and 466 from communicating with each other except through the fluid flowing in conduit 470. For example, the soundproofing system 454 can allow accurate measurement of flow rates as low as 0.03 liters/hour (eg 0.05, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, or 20 liters/hour) and as high as 120 liters/hour. In the present embodiment, the sound insulation system 454 includes a third ring of PEEK 474 to absorb ultrasonic wave energy that travels through the conduit wall 475. While the present embodiments illustrate a single third ring 474, in other embodiments there may be more rings. of similar or varying sizes between transducers 464 and 466. In addition to rings 472 and 474, the sound insulation system 454 can include particles 448 within chamber 462. Particles 448 can absorb acoustic noise that travels through the fluid in chamber 462, while which simultaneously limits fluid movement in chamber 462, i.e., limiting fluid movement prevents the creation of acoustic noise. Particles can also deflect acoustic noise, that is, prevent waves from traveling in a straight path, which can help block acoustics. Particles 448 can be produced from PEEK, rubber, neoprene, vinyl, silicone or other substances that can absorb acoustic noise and have the ability to withstand a chemical environment. Furthermore, particles 448 can take a variety of size shapes, e.g., circular, oval, irregular, etc.
[0063] The flowmeter 120 may also include the pressure balance system 456. The pressure balance system 456 includes chamber 462, conduit 470, and electrical connector plug 478. The pressure balance system 456 allows the system to 452 ultrasonic meter operates in pressure ranges from approximately 0 to 344.74 MPa (50,000 psi), while flow rates can range from approximately 0.01 to 1,000 liters/hour. For example, the flowmeter can be configured to measure low flow rates less than approximately 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 liters/hour, while operating under pressures up to or greater than 34.47 MPa (5,000 psi), 68.95 MPa (10,000 psi), 103.42 MPa (15,000 psi), 137.9 MPa (20,000 psi), 172.37 MPa (25,000 psi) ), 206.84 MPa (30,000 psi), 275.79 MPa (40,000 psi) or 344.74 MPa (50,000 psi).
[0064] As illustrated, conduit 470 extends through chamber 462 from a first end 480, which connects passageway 458, to a second end 482. Second end 482 secures in a recessed hole 486 formed in a wall 488 of chamber 462. Unlike first end 480, which connects to passage 458, second end 482 does not connect to passage 460 or the side surface 490 of recessed hole 486. This produces a gap 492 that allows a fluid connection 494 between chamber 462, conduit 470, and passage 460. Fluid connection 494 allows for a pressure equalization between the fluid in conduit 470 and chamber 462. Pressure equalization limits or prevents compression and expansion of conduit 470 that can break transducers 464 and 466 or cause them to lose their connection to conduit 470. Finally, as discussed above, pressure balance system 456 includes electrical connection plug 478. 478 allows electrical communication between transducers 464 and 466 and controller 122.
[0065] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a low flow ultrasonic flowmeter 120 with a pressure equalizing mechanism 500. For example, the pressure equalizing mechanism 500 may include a piston-cylinder assembly 501 having a piston 502 disposed in a cylinder 504. In the illustrated embodiment, piston 502 includes one or more seals, such as first and second seals or annular rings 506 and 508, which are disposed in annular seal grooves 510 and 512, respectively. Piston 502 can be produced from any suitable material such as metal, plastic, ceramic, cermet or any combination thereof. For example, piston 502 can be produced from stainless steel. Furthermore, seals 506 and 508 can be produced from any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, cloth, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, piston 502 may exclude seals 506 and 508 and associated seal grooves 510 and 512. Some embodiments may also employ a liner 514 disposed along an outer surface 516 of piston 502 and/or an inner surface 518 of the piston. cylinder 504. Coating 514 may include a corrosion resistant coating, a wear resistant coating, a low friction coating, or any combination thereof. For example, coating 514 can include a low friction coating such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon. Additionally, for example, coating 514 may include a wear resistant coating such as tungsten carbide.
[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, piston 502 moves along a geometric axis 520 of cylinder 504 between first and second opposite ends 522 and 524 of cylinder 504 in response to pressure changes between the first and second chambers of opposing fluid 526 and 528, respectively. In particular, first fluid chamber 526 is defined between first end 522 of cylinder 504 and first end 530 of piston 502, while second fluid chamber 528 is defined between second end 524 of cylinder 504 and second end 532 of piston 502. As pressure changes in first and second fluid chambers 526 and 528, piston 502 moves along axis 520 of cylinder 504 to balance pressure in first and second fluid chambers 526 and 528 In the illustrated embodiment, the piston 502 has a cylindrical shaped body 534, which may be solid or hollow. Similarly, cylinder 504 has a cylindrical shaped geometry 536 to accommodate the cylindrical shaped body 534 of piston 502. However, other embodiments of piston 502 and cylinder 504 may have geometric shapes such as oval, rectangular, polygonal, and so on. against. In addition, some embodiments of pressure equalizing mechanism 500 may include a plurality of pistons 502 disposed in cylinder 504 or a plurality of piston-cylinder assemblies 501, each of which has at least one piston 502 disposed in cylinder 504. in other embodiments, piston 504 may be replaced with a bellows, diaphragm, or other pressure balancing mechanism in cylinder 504. As discussed below, piston-cylinder assembly 501 is configured to provide pressure balancing to increase the operating pressure range. of the ultrasonic low flow flowmeter 120.
[0067] Additionally, the ultrasonic low flow flowmeter 120 of FIG. 10 includes a housing 540, ultrasonic meter system 542, sound insulation system 544, and a pressure balancing system 546. In the illustrated embodiment, housing 540 includes a cap 548 that connects to a body portion 550. cap 548 and body portion 550 define a chamber 552. As illustrated, cap 548 and body portion 550 each define a passageway that allows fluid to pass through flowmeter 120. Specifically, cap 548 defines a first passageway 554, while body 550 defines a second passageway 556. In one embodiment, first passageway 554 is an inflow passageway while second passageway 556 is an outflow passageway. In another embodiment, first passage 554 is an exit passage while second passage 556 is an entrance passage. Passageways 554 and 556 connect to a conduit 558 at respective first and second ends 560 and 562 of a conduit wall 564.
[0068] As illustrated, the ultrasonic meter system 542 includes transducers 566 and 568, power lines 570, and controller 122. Ultrasonic transducers 566 and 568 can send or receive ultrasonic waves to the opposite transducer through the fluid flowing in conduit 558. Controller 122 receives the transmit and receive times of the ultrasonic waves from transducers 566 and 568 through power lines 570, which they then use to calculate the fluid velocity in conduit 558. As discussed above, the faster a fluid is traveling in conduit 558 faster a wave will travel from upstream transducer 568 to downstream transducer 566 or vice versa. Likewise, a fast-moving fluid will decelerate a wave traveling against the current from the downstream transducer 566 to the upstream transducer 568 or vice versa. With this information, controller 122 is able to determine the fluid flow rate by comparing the wave velocity on the flowmeter to a known wave velocity in an immobile fluid.
[0069] As further illustrated in FIG. 10, flowmeter 120 includes soundproofing system 544. Soundproofing system 544 uses soundproofing rings 572 to prevent transducers 566 and 568 from communicating with each other except through the fluid flowing in conduit 558. For example, the sound insulation rings 572 can be produced from a sound insulation material such as PEEK and therefore the rings 572 can be described as PEEK rings 572. The sound insulation system 544 can advantageously allow for accurate measurement from flow rates as low as 0.03 liters/hour (eg 0.05, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, or 20 liters/hour) and as high as 120 liters/hour. In the present embodiment, sound insulation system 544 includes a third sound insulation ring 574 (e.g., a PEEK ring) to absorb ultrasonic waves created by transducer 566 and 568. Ring 574 is disposed axially between transducers 566 and 568 , so that it absorbs ultrasonic wave energy that travels through conduit wall 564. While the present embodiments illustrate a single third ring 574, in other embodiments there may be more rings between transducers 566 and 568. For example, there may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 rings between transducers 566 and 568. Furthermore, each of these rings may vary in thickness and/or type of absorption material from the other rings. In the present embodiment, pressure equalizing mechanism 500 (e.g., piston-cylinder assembly 501) may allow a second fluid to occupy chamber 552 surrounding conduit 558 so that the second fluid is isolated from the first fluid flowing through. of conduit 548. The second fluid may be specifically selected based on acoustic dampening properties, for example, the second fluid may be a shielding liquid that will not corrode housing 540, PEEK rings 572 and 574, or otherwise negatively affect the system. For example, the second fluid can include oil. In some embodiments, the second fluid can advantageously include fine particles that promote acoustic damping (e.g., sand, microspheres, foam, etc.).
[0070] Flowmeter 120 may also include pressure balance system 546. Pressure balance system 546 includes chamber 552, conduit 558, and pressure equalizing mechanism 500 (eg, piston-cylinder assembly 501 ) and the 576 electrical connector plug. The 546 pressure balancing system allows the 542 ultrasonic meter system to operate in pressure ranges between approximately 0 to 344.74 MPa (50,000 psi), while flow rates can vary between approximately 0.01 to 1,000 liters/hour. For example, the flowmeter can be configured to measure low flow rates less than approximately 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 liters/hour, while operating under pressures up to or greater than 34.47 MPa (5,000 psi), 68.95 MPa (10,000 psi), 103.42 MPa (15,000 psi), 137.9 MPa (20,000 psi), 172.37 MPa (25,000 psi) ), 206.84 MPa (30,000 psi), 275.79 MPa (40,000 psi) or 344.74 MPa (50,000 psi).
[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure equalizing mechanism 500 (e.g., piston-cylinder assembly 501) is displaced radially away from the fluid chamber 552, but connects both to the fluid chamber 552 and the fluid flow path. fluid through flowmeter 120. For example, the illustrated pressure equalizing mechanism 500 includes first and second conduits or passages 578 and 580, which couple to the first and second fluid chambers 526 and 528 of cylinder 504. 578 communicates fluid between fluid chambers 526 and 552 so that chambers 526 and 552 are at substantially the same pressure as the other. Likewise, passage 580 communicates fluid between fluid chamber 528 and passage 556 such that chamber 528 and passage 556 are at substantially the same pressure as the other. As appreciated, piston 502 includes seals 506 and 508 to isolate fluid in passage 556 from fluid in chamber 552. Accordingly, the fluids may be the same or different from each other. Piston 502 also moves along axis 520 of cylinder 504 to pressure balance the fluid in passage 556 with the fluid in chamber 552.
[0072] Therefore, during an increase in pressure in passage 556, fluid passes through passage 580 and into fluid chamber 528, thereby inducing piston 502 to move from chamber 528 toward chamber 526 until a pressure balance is reached between chambers 526 and 528 (and therefore between passage 556 and chamber 552). Likewise, during a decrease in pressure in passage 556, fluid passes through passage 578 and into fluid chamber 526, thereby inducing piston 502 to move from chamber 526 toward chamber 528 to that a pressure balance is achieved between chambers 526 and 528 (and therefore between passage 556 and chamber 552). Finally, the pressure balance system 546 includes an electrical connection plug 576. The electrical connection plug 576 allows electrical communication between the transducers 566 and 568 and the controller 122, while maintaining a tight seal to fluid under significant pressure.
[0073] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a low flow ultrasonic flowmeter 120 with a pressure equalizing mechanism 600. For example, the pressure equalizing mechanism 600 may include a piston-cylinder assembly 601 having a piston 602 disposed in a cylinder 604. In the illustrated embodiment, piston 602 includes one or more seals, such as first and second seals or annular rings 606 and 608, which are disposed in annular seal grooves 610 and 612, respectively. Piston 602 can be produced from any suitable material such as metal, plastic, ceramic, cermet or any combination thereof. For example, piston 602 can be produced from stainless steel. Furthermore, seals 606 and 608 can be produced from any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, cloth, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, piston 602 may exclude seals 606 and 608 and associated seal grooves 610 and 612. Some embodiments may also employ a liner 614 disposed along an outer surface 616 of piston 602 and/or an inner surface 618 of the piston. cylinder 604. Coating 614 may include a corrosion resistant coating, a wear resistant coating, a low friction coating, or any combination thereof. For example, coating 614 can include a low friction coating such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon. Additionally, for example, coating 614 may include a wear resistant coating such as tungsten carbide.
[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, piston 602 moves along a geometric axis 620 of cylinder 604 between the first and second opposite ends 622 and 624 of cylinder 604 in response to pressure changes between the first and second chambers of opposing fluid 626 and 628, respectively. In particular, first fluid chamber 626 is defined between first end 622 of cylinder 604 and first end 630 of piston 602, while second fluid chamber 628 is defined between second end 624 of cylinder 604 and second end 632 of piston 602. As pressure changes in first and second fluid chambers 626 and 628, piston 602 moves along axis 620 of cylinder 604 to balance pressure in first and second fluid chambers 626 and 628 In the illustrated embodiment, piston 602 has a cylindrical shaped body 634, which may be solid or hollow. Similarly, cylinder 604 has a cylindrical shaped geometry 636 to accommodate the cylindrical shaped body 634 of piston 602. However, other embodiments of piston 602 and cylinder 604 may have geometric shapes such as oval, rectangular, polygonal, and so on. against. In addition, some embodiments of the pressure equalizing mechanism 600 may include a plurality of pistons 602 disposed in cylinder 604 or a plurality of piston-cylinder assemblies 601, which each have at least one piston 602 disposed in cylinder 604. in other embodiments, piston 604 may be replaced with a bellows, diaphragm, or other pressure balancing mechanism in cylinder 604. As discussed below, piston-cylinder assembly 601 is configured to provide pressure balancing to increase the operating pressure range of the ultrasonic low flow flowmeter 120.
[0075] Additionally, the ultrasonic low flow flowmeter 120 of FIG. 11 includes a housing 640, ultrasonic metering system 642, sound insulation system 644, and a pressure balancing system 646. In the illustrated embodiment, housing 640 includes a cap 648 that connects to a body portion 650. cap 648 and body portion 650 define a chamber 652. As illustrated, cap 648 and body portion 650 each define a passage that allows fluid to pass through flowmeter 120. Specifically, cap 648 defines a first passage 654, while body 650 defines a second passage 656. In one embodiment, first passage 654 is an inlet passage while second passage 656 is an exit passage. In another embodiment, first passage 654 is an exit passage while second passage 656 is an entrance passage. Passageways 654 and 656 connect to conduit 658.
[0076] As illustrated, the ultrasonic meter system 642 includes transducers 666 and 668 and associated power lines and controller, as discussed in detail above with reference to FIG. 10. Ultrasonic transducers 666 and 668 can send or receive ultrasonic waves to the opposite transducer through the fluid flowing in conduit 658. Controller 122 receives the transmission and reception times of ultrasonic waves from transducers 666 and 668 through lines which they then use to calculate the fluid velocity in conduit 658. As discussed above, the faster a fluid is traveling in conduit 658 the faster a wave will travel from upstream transducer 668 to downstream transducer 666 or vice versa. versa. Likewise, a fast-moving fluid will decelerate a wave traveling against the current from the downstream transducer 666 to the upstream transducer 668 or vice versa. With this information, controller 122 is able to determine the fluid flow rate by comparing the wave velocity on the flowmeter to a known wave velocity in an immobile fluid.
[0077] As further illustrated in FIG. 11, flowmeter 120 includes soundproofing system 644. Soundproofing system 644 uses soundproofing rings 672 to prevent transducers 666 and 668 from communicating with each other except through the fluid flowing in conduit 658. For example, the sound insulation rings 672 can be produced from a sound insulation material such as PEEK and therefore the rings 672 can be described as PEEK rings 672. The sound insulation system 644 can advantageously allow for accurate measurement from flow rates as low as 0.03 liters/hour (eg 0.05, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 15, or 20 liters/hour) and as high as 120 liters/hour. In the present embodiment, sound insulation system 644 includes a third sound insulation ring 674 (e.g., a PEEK ring) to absorb ultrasonic waves created by transducer 666 and 668. Ring 674 is disposed axially between transducers 666 and 668 , so that it absorbs ultrasonic wave energy that travels through conduit wall 664. While the present embodiments illustrate a single third ring 674, in other embodiments there may be more rings between transducers 666 and 668. For example, there may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 rings between transducers 666 and 668. Furthermore, each of these rings may vary in thickness and/or type of absorption material from the other rings. In the present embodiment, the pressure equalizing mechanism 600 (e.g., piston-cylinder assembly 601) may allow a second fluid to occupy chamber 652 surrounding conduit 658 so that the second fluid is isolated from the first fluid flowing through. of conduit 648. The second fluid can be specifically selected based on acoustic dampening properties, for example, the second fluid can be a shielding liquid that will not corrode housing 640, PEEK rings 672 and 674, or otherwise negatively affect the system. For example, the second fluid can include oil. In some embodiments, the second fluid can advantageously include fine particles that promote acoustic damping (e.g., sand, microspheres, foam, etc.).
[0078] Flowmeter 120 may also include pressure balance system 646. Pressure balance system 646 includes chamber 652, conduit 658, and pressure equalizing mechanism 600 (eg, piston-cylinder assembly 601 ). The 646 pressure balancing system allows the 642 ultrasonic meter system to operate in pressure ranges between approximately 0 to 344.74 MPa (50,000 psi), while flow rates can range from approximately 0.01 to 1,000 liters/hour . For example, the flowmeter can be configured to measure low flow rates less than approximately 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 liters/hour, while operating under pressures up to or greater than 34.47 MPa (5,000 psi), 68.95 MPa (10,000 psi), 103.42 MPa (15,000 psi), 137.9 MPa (20,000 psi), 172.37 MPa (25,000 psi) ), 206.84 MPa (30,000 psi), 275.79 MPa (40,000 psi) or 344.74 MPa (50,000 psi).
[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure equalizing mechanism 600 (e.g., piston-cylinder assembly 601) is displaced radially away from fluid chamber 652, but connects both to fluid chamber 652 and the fluid flow path. fluid through flowmeter 120. For example, the illustrated pressure equalizing mechanism 600 includes first and second conduits or passages 678 and 680, which couple to the first and second fluid chambers 626 and 628 of cylinder 604. 678 communicates fluid between fluid chambers 626 and 652 so that chambers 626 and 652 are at substantially the same pressure as the other. Likewise, passage 680 communicates fluid between fluid chamber 628 and passage 656 such that chamber 628 and passage 656 are at substantially the same pressure as the other. As appreciated, piston 602 includes seals 606 and 608 to isolate fluid in passage 656 from fluid in chamber 652. Accordingly, the fluids can be the same or different from each other. Piston 602 also moves along axis 620 of cylinder 604 to pressure balance the fluid in passage 656 with the fluid in chamber 652.
[0080] Therefore, during an increase in pressure in passage 656, fluid passes through passage 680 and into fluid chamber 628, thereby inducing piston 602 to move from chamber 628 toward chamber 626 until a pressure balance is reached between chambers 626 and 628 (and therefore between passage 656 and chamber 652). Likewise, during a decrease in pressure in passage 656, fluid passes through passage 678 and into fluid chamber 626, thereby inducing piston 602 to move from chamber 626 toward chamber 628 to that a pressure balance is achieved between chambers 626 and 628 (and therefore between passage 656 and chamber 652).
[0081] Although the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been shown in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms described. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims below.

权利要求:
Claims (24)
[0001]
1. System, characterized by comprising: an ultrasonic flowmeter (120) comprising: a conduit (218) comprising a conduit wall (219) disposed over an internal passage, wherein the conduit (218) is configured to flow a fluid through the internal passage; a housing (270) disposed over the conduit (218) to define a fluid chamber over the conduit (218), wherein the fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the conduit (218); and a first ultrasonic transducer (220) disposed in the fluid chamber, wherein the first ultrasonic transducer (220) is coupled to the conduit.
[0002]
2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid chamber is configured to balance a fluid pressure in the conduit wall (219) in the internal passage and in the fluid chamber.
[0003]
3. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid chamber is configured to contain the fluid in a substantially static state to facilitate the filtration of acoustic noise.
[0004]
4. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the first ultrasonic transducer (220) comprises a first annular ultrasonic transducer (220) encapsulated in an acoustic insulating material.
[0005]
5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the acoustic insulating material comprises polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
[0006]
6. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a second ultrasonic transducer (222) disposed in the fluid chamber, in which the second ultrasonic transducer is coupled to the conduit, and the first and second ultrasonic transducers are configured to communicate ultrasonic sound waves with each other.
[0007]
7. System according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises an acoustic insulating structure arranged outside the conduit in the fluid chamber, at least partially between the first and second ultrasonic transducers.
[0008]
8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the acoustic insulating structure comprises a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) structure.
[0009]
9. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the first ultrasonic transducer (220) comprises a first annular ultrasonic transducer (220) disposed on the conduit (218) in the fluid chamber in a first position along a longitudinal axis of the conduit (218), the second ultrasonic transducer (222) comprises a second annular ultrasonic transducer (222) disposed over the conduit (218) in the fluid chamber at a second position along the longitudinal axis of the conduit ( 218), the acoustic insulating structure comprises an annular acoustic insulating structure disposed on the conduit (218) in a third position along the longitudinal geometric axis of the conduit (218) and the third position is disposed longitudinally between the first and second positions.
[0010]
10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the first annular ultrasonic transducer (220) is at least partially encapsulated in a first polyether ether ketone (PEEK) material, the second annular ultrasonic transducer (222) is at least partially encapsulated in a second polyether ether ketone (PEEK) material and the annular acoustic insulating structure comprises a third polyether ether ketone (PEEK) material.
[0011]
11. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a mineral extraction component that has the ultrasonic flowmeter (120).
[0012]
12. Apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a chemical injection management system of a subsea oil and gas extraction system comprising: a flow path having an inlet and an outlet; and an ultrasonic flowmeter (120) disposed in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the ultrasonic flowmeter (120) comprises: a conduit (218); a housing (270) disposed over the conduit (218) to define a pressurized fluid chamber over the conduit (218); and a first ultrasonic transducer (220) disposed in the pressurized fluid chamber.
[0013]
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the pressurized fluid chamber is configured to at least substantially balance the fluid pressure internal and external to the conduit (218) by means of the pressurized fluid chamber, and the Pressurized fluid chamber is configured to contain a fluid in a substantially static state to facilitate the filtration of acoustic noise.
[0014]
14. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the first ultrasonic transducer (220) comprises a first annular ultrasonic transducer (220) encapsulated in an acoustic insulating material.
[0015]
15. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a second ultrasonic transducer (222) disposed in the fluid chamber, wherein the first and second ultrasonic transducers are configured to communicate ultrasonic sound waves with each other, and an acoustic insulating structure is disposed between the first and second ultrasonic transducers.
[0016]
16. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the first ultrasonic transducer (220) comprises a first annular ultrasonic transducer (220) encapsulated in PEEK disposed on the conduit (218) in a first position along a longitudinal axis of the conduit (218), the second ultrasonic transducer (222) comprises a second annular ultrasonic transducer (222) encapsulated in PEEK disposed over the conduit (218) in a second position along the longitudinal axis of the conduit (218) , the acoustic insulating structure comprises an annular acoustic insulating structure disposed on the conduit (218) in a third position along the longitudinal geometric axis of the conduit (218), the third position being disposed longitudinally between the first and second positions.
[0017]
17. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the flowmeter has the ability to measure fluid at pressures greater than 68,948 kilopascals (10,000 pounds per square inch).
[0018]
18. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the chemical injection management system comprises a motorized valve arranged in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet, and a controller communicatively coupled to the ultrasonic flowmeter ( 120) and to the motorized valve, where the controller is configured to control a fluid flow parameter through the flow path based on a feedback signal from the ultrasonic flowmeter (120).
[0019]
19. System, characterized by comprising: an ultrasonic flowmeter (120) comprising: a conduit surrounding a fluid flow path; a first ultrasonic transducer (220); a second ultrasonic transducer (222), wherein the first and second ultrasonic transducers are configured to measure a fluid flow along the fluid flow path; and a static fluid chamber isolated at least substantially from the fluid flow path, wherein the first and second ultrasonic transducers are disposed in the static fluid chamber; and an acoustic dampening material disposed in the static fluid chamber outside the conduit, wherein the acoustic dampening material is disposed between the first and second ultrasonic transducers.
[0020]
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the system is configured to balance at least substantially a first fluid pressure in the static fluid chamber with a second fluid pressure along the fluid flow path.
[0021]
21. System according to claim 20, characterized in that it comprises a pressure balancing member disposed between the conduit and the static fluid chamber, wherein the static fluid chamber with the second fluid pressure along the fluid flow path.
[0022]
22. System according to claim 21, characterized in that the pressure balance member comprises a bellows, a diaphragm, a piston-cylinder assembly or any combination thereof.
[0023]
23. System according to claim 19, characterized in that the acoustic damping material comprises a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) material.
[0024]
24. System according to claim 19, characterized in that the acoustic damping material comprises a plurality of particles disposed in the static fluid chamber.

类似技术:

---

公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题

---

BR112013022296B1|2021-06-22|SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCE

---

US9568348B2|2017-02-14|Ultrasonic flowmeter having pressure balancing system for high pressure operation

---

CA2961388C|2019-03-26|Coriolis flow meter having flow tube with equalized pressure differential

---

US9163471B2|2015-10-20|Position monitoring system and method

---

MX2011004404A|2011-06-16|Sub-sea chemical injection metering valve.

---

EP3137855B1|2021-07-07|Acoustically isolated ultrasonic transducer housing and flow meter

---

BR112014026124A2|2021-05-04|system and method for position monitoring using ultrasonic sensor

---

US8408074B2|2013-04-02|Riser annulus flow meter and method

---

US10281306B2|2019-05-07|Flow meter system

---

Ocalan et al.2016|Acoustic leak detection at a distance: a key enabler for real-time pipeline monitoring with the internet of things

---

Namuq et al.2012|Numerical simulation and modeling of a laboratory MWD mud siren pressure pulse propagation in fluid filled pipe

同族专利:

---

公开号 | 公开日

---

GB2502021B|2018-04-11|

---

US20120312522A1|2012-12-13|

---

NO20131188A1|2013-10-01|

---

SG192991A1|2013-10-30|

---

GB201315259D0|2013-10-09|

---

NO343642B1|2019-04-15|

---

GB2502021A|2013-11-13|

---

WO2012118669A1|2012-09-07|

---

BR112013022296A2|2020-10-13|

---

US8997848B2|2015-04-07|

引用文献:

---

公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题

---

---

US4003252A|1974-08-16|1977-01-18|The Institutes Of Medical Sciences|Acoustical wave flowmeter|

---

FR2385084B1|1977-03-25|1980-11-28|Crouzet Sa|

---

FR2668836B1|1990-11-06|1993-04-30|Schlumberger Services Petrol|ACOUSTIC WELL TRANSDUCER.|

---

US5841734A|1997-06-05|1998-11-24|Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.|Rotating acoustic transducer head for cement bond evaluation tool|

---

SE9801430D0|1998-04-23|1998-04-23|Siemens Elema Ab|Ultrasonic flowmeter|

---

US6213250B1|1998-09-25|2001-04-10|Dresser Industries, Inc.|Transducer for acoustic logging|

---

AUPP634098A0|1998-10-02|1998-10-29|AGL Consultancy Pty. Limited|Improvements in fluid metering technology|

---

US6354146B1|1999-06-17|2002-03-12|Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.|Acoustic transducer system for monitoring well production|

---

US6418792B1|1999-09-24|2002-07-16|Stephen Edward Spychalski|Pressure compensated transducer|

---

US7389786B2|2003-11-21|2008-06-24|Mark Zeck|Ultrasonic and sonic odorization systems|

---

CN107035335A|2008-12-05|2017-08-11|卡梅伦国际有限公司|Sub-sea chemical injection metering valve|

---

US8522624B2|2011-03-02|2013-09-03|Cameron International Corporation|System and method for pressure balancing a flow meter|

---

BR112013022296B1|2011-03-02|2021-06-22|Cameron Technologies Limited|SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCE|CN107035335A|2008-12-05|2017-08-11|卡梅伦国际有限公司|Sub-sea chemical injection metering valve|

---

US9187980B2|2009-05-04|2015-11-17|Onesubsea Ip Uk Limited|System and method of providing high pressure fluid injection with metering using low pressure supply lines|

---

CN102575950A|2009-08-18|2012-07-11|鲁比康研究有限公司|Flow meter assembly, gate assemblies and methods of flow measurement|

---

US8544343B2|2010-11-19|2013-10-01|Cameron International Corporation|Chordal gas flowmeter with transducers installed outside the pressure boundary|

---

US8522624B2|2011-03-02|2013-09-03|Cameron International Corporation|System and method for pressure balancing a flow meter|

---

BR112013022296B1|2011-03-02|2021-06-22|Cameron Technologies Limited|SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCE|

---

WO2015000487A1|2013-07-02|2015-01-08|Kamstrup A/S|Flow meter with unbroken liner|

---

US10048108B2|2013-07-26|2018-08-14|Zhejiang Joy Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.|Ultrasonic flow meter having an entrance of a sound channel equipped with a chamfer for a smooth and restraint turbulent flow|

---

US9365271B2|2013-09-10|2016-06-14|Cameron International Corporation|Fluid injection system|

---

WO2015148988A1|2014-03-28|2015-10-01|Bray Internatal, Inc.|Pressure independent control valve for small diameter flow, energy use and/or transfer|

---

JP2015230260A|2014-06-05|2015-12-21|アズビル株式会社|Ultrasonic flowmeter and method of attaching ultrasonic flowmeter|

---

WO2017048848A1|2015-09-14|2017-03-23|Michael Mullin|Flow meter system|

---

US9996089B2|2015-09-21|2018-06-12|Blue-White Industries, Ltd.|Flow sensor devices and systems|

---

US11150118B2|2016-09-23|2021-10-19|Blue-White Industries, Ltd.|Flow sensor devices and systems|

---

US10830431B2|2017-08-10|2020-11-10|Canada J-R Consulting Inc.|Once through steam generator with 100% quality steam output|

法律状态:
2020-10-27| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

---

2020-11-10| B25A| Requested transfer of rights approved|Owner name: CAMERON TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED (NL) |

---

2021-04-06| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

---

2021-06-22| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 22/02/2012, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

---

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

---

US201161448628P| true| 2011-03-02|2011-03-02|

---

US61/448,628|2011-03-02|

---

PCT/US2012/026195|WO2012118669A1|2011-03-02|2012-02-22|Pressure balanced ultrasonic flowmeter|

---