Multiphase flow meter for electrical submersible pumps using artificial neural networks

A method of determining flow rate characteristics in a well bore, the method comprising:

• determining a pressure at an intake of an electrical submersible pump system in a well bore defining a pump intake pressure;
• determining a pressure at a discharge of the electrical submersible pump system in the well bore defining a pump discharge pressure;
• determining a pressure at a surface of the well bore defining a tubing surface pressure;
• outputting a flow characteristic of the well bore by an artificial neural network device responsive to one or more of the following:
• the pump intake pressure, the pump discharge pressure, and the tubing surface pressure.

A multiphase flow meter for an electrical submersible pump system, comprising:

• a pressure sensor located at a surface of a well bore;
• an electrical submersible pump located in the well bore;
• a pressure sensor located at an intake of the electrical submersible pump;
• a pressure sensor located at a discharge of the electrical submersible pump;
• a motor located in the well bore and attached to the electrical submersible pump;
• and
• at least one artificial neural network device including a processor and circuitry capable of receiving a measurement transmitted from a pressure sensor associated with the well bore and of outputting a flow characteristic of the well bore responsive to one or more received measurements.