Comparison of electrical capacitance tomography & gamma densitometer measurement in viscous oil-gas flows

A. Archibong Eso, Yabin Zhao, Hoi Yeung

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Multiphase flow is a common occurrence in industries such as nuclear, process, oil & gas, food and chemical. A prior knowledge of its features and characteristics is essential in the design, control and management of such processes due to its complex nature. Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) and Gamma Densitometer (Gamma) are two promising approaches for multiphase visualization and characterization in process industries. In two phase oil & gas flow, ECT and Gamma are used in multiphase flow monitoring techniques due to their inherent simplicity, robustness, and an ability to withstand wide range of operational temperatures and pressures. High viscous oil (viscosity > 100 cP) is of interest because of its huge reserves, technological advances in its production and unlike conventional oil (oil viscosity < 100 cP) and gas flows where ECT and Gamma have been previously used, high viscous oil and gas flows comes with certain associated concerns which include; increased entrainment of gas bubbles dispersed in oil, shorter and more frequent slugs as well as oil film coatings on the walls of flowing conduits. This study aims to determine the suitability of both devices in the visualization and characterization of high-viscous oil and gas flow. Static tests are performed with both devices and liquid holdup measurements are obtained. Dynamic experiments were also conducted in a 1 & 3 inch facility at Cranfield University with a range of nominal viscosities (1000, 3000 & 7500 cP). Plug, slug and wavy annular flow patterns were identified by means of Probability Mass Function and time series analysis of the data acquired from Gamma and ECT devices with high speed camera used to validate the results. Measured Liquid holdups for both devices were also compared.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication8th International Symposium on Measurement Techniques for Multiphase Flows, ISMTMF 2013
PublisherAIP Publishing
Pages81-89
Number of pages9
ISBN (Print)9780735412262
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2014
Event8th International Symposium on Measurement Techniques for Multiphase Flows, ISMTMF 2013 - Guangzhou, China
Duration: 13 Dec 201315 Dec 2013

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1592
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

Conference8th International Symposium on Measurement Techniques for Multiphase Flows, ISMTMF 2013
Country/TerritoryChina
CityGuangzhou
Period13/12/1315/12/13

Keywords

  • Flow Visualization
  • fluid flow and flow patterns
  • pipelines
  • viscosity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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