Stopped flow detection using statistical methods
AssigneeTexaco Inc.
InventorsJohn David Marrelli, Farhan Siddiqui
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for determining a stopped flow condition in a fluid fraction measuring apparatus includes the steps of establishing a minimum threshold level of statistical variation in the measured parameter repetitively (continuously) monitored by the measuring apparatus, and giving an indication when the standard deviation, statistical average, or the kurtosis of the measured parameter or characteristic drops to the threshold level.
Claims6
In conjunction with a fluid fraction measuring means capable of measuring a physical flow characteristic, a method to determine stopped flow conditions comprising the steps of:
- establishing a minimum threshold level reading of the statistical variation of a physical flow characteristic measured by said measuring means;
- continuously monitoring readings of the statistical variation of said physical flow characteristic measured by said measuring means;
- giving an indication of stopped flow when the reading of the statistical variation of said physical flow characteristic measured by said measuring means drops to said threshold level.
A method to determine a stopped flow condition in a pipe line having microwave sensor and transmitter means disposed therein, said method comprising the steps of:
- applying microwave energy to the fluid passing through said sensor means;
- and
- determining either the standard deviation of the phase shift or the standard deviation of the attenuation of the microwave energy passing through said microwave sensor to distinguish a flowing condition from a stopped flow condition, as indicated by one or both of these statistical variables falling below a predetermined criterion value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.