US5148405A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for monitoring acoustic emissions
Assignee: BP PLC
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Filing: 1992-02-10
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Granted: 1992-09-15
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Expires: 2012-02-10
Abstract
Abstract A non-intrusive method for the determination of characteristics of slug flow in a multiphase flow pipeline comprising the steps of: detecting the acoustic emissions from the pipeline in the ultrasonic frequency range by means of at least one sound transducer, the output from which is an analogue electrical signal, converting the analogue signal to a digital signal, and analyzing the digital signal to determine the characteristics of the slug flow. The characteristics of slug flow which may be determined include distinguishing slug flow from wave flow, the frequency of slugging and the velocity and length of slugs. The method is particularly suitable for studying multiphase flow comprising oil, gas and water.
Inventors
- 👤 Ronald M. Belchamber
- 👤 Derek Brister
- 👤 Michael P. Collins
- 👤 John Hill
- 👤 Robert Watkins
- 👤 Douglas G. Wood
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:21
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N29/00; G01N29/14; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/66; G01F1/666; G01F1/74; G01N2291/00; G01N2291/02; G01N2291/028; G01N2291/02836
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A non-intrusive method for the determination of characteristics of slug flow in a multiphase flow pipeline wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) detecting the acoustic emissions from the pipeline in the ultrasonic frequency range by means of at least one sound transducer, the output from which is an analogue electrical signal, wherein the transducer is in direct contact with the external wall of the pipeline, (b) converting the analogue signal to a digital signal, and (c) analyzing the digital signal to determine the characteristics of the slug flow.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A non-intrusive method for the determination of characteristics of slug flow in a multiphase flow pipeline wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) detecting the acoustic emissions from the pipeline in the ultrasonic frequency range by means of at least one sound transducer, the output from which is an analogue electrical signal, wherein the transducer is in direct contact with the external wall of the pipeline, (b) converting the analogue signal to a digital signal, and (c) analyzing the digital signal to determine the characteristics of the slug flow.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the characteristic is selected from the group consisting of the detection of slug flow, the velocity of the slugs, the length of slugs or the frequency of slugging.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the multiphase flow comprises oil, gas and water.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the analogue electric signal is amplified.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the number of transducers is two.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the digital signal is analyzed as a function of time.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 6 wherein the digital signal is analyzed as a function of amplitude of voltage against time.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
100 words
A non-intrusive method for the determination of characteristics of slug flow in a multiphase flow pipeline wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) detecting the acoustic emissions from the pipeline in the ultrasonic frequency range by means of at least one sound transducer, the output from which is an analogue electrical signal, wherein the transducers are in direct contact with the external wall of the pipeline, (b) converting the analogue signal to a digital signal, and (c) analyzing the digital signal to determine the characteristics of the slug flow by a pattern recognition system for analyzing the digital signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
100 words
A non-intrusive method for the determination of characteristics of slug flow in a multiphase flow pipeline wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) detecting the acoustic emissions from the pipeline in the ultrasonic frequency range by means of at least one sound transducer, the output from which is an analogue electrical signal, wherein the transducers are in direct contact with the external wall of the pipeline, (b) converting the analogue signal to a digital signal, and (c) analyzing the digital signal to determine the characteristics of the slug flow by a pattern recognition system for analyzing the digital signal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-09-15 | 1996-03-16 | 1996-09-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-09-15 | 2000-03-16 | 2000-09-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-09-15 | 2004-03-16 | 2004-09-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |