US 10,502,054 B2 · Fluid properties measurement using choke valve system

Abstract

A technique facilitates monitoring of a multiphase fluid flow. The fluid flow is directed through a choke valve comprising a choke actuation system which controls a flow rate of the fluid passing through the choke valve. The choke valve also comprises a velocity reduction area which is created by a choke gallery. The choke gallery reduces the velocity of the fluid flow to encourage separation of phases of the multiphase fluid. A sensor is positioned along the gallery at a desired region to monitor a property of at least one separated phase of the multiphase fluid. For example, the sensor may be positioned proximate a bottom of the choke gallery to monitor a property related to a water phase which separates and transitions to the bottom due to its greater density.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A system for monitoring a fluid flow, comprising:

a subsea process line for flowing a multiphase fluid;
a subsea choke valve positioned along the subsea process line, the subsea choke valve having:
an inlet section;
a choke gallery coupled to the inlet section and having a larger cross-sectional flow area than the subsea process line;
an outlet section coupled to the choke gallery;
and
a choke actuator system disposed in the choke gallery, the choke actuator system being adjustable to control a flow rate of the multiphase fluid through the subsea process line, the larger cross-sectional area of the choke gallery causing a reduction in flow velocity enabling a heavier phase of the multiphase fluid to separate and transition to a bottom of the choke gallery;
and
a sensor positioned at the bottom of the choke gallery to measure a property of the heavier phase.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fluid properties measurement using choke valve system

Life of this patent

Fluid properties measurement using choke valve system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20