Next Generation Visualisation & Metering Technology for Multi-phase Flows

The principal aim of the research proposal is to develop a next generation multi-phase flow instrument to non-invasively measure the phase flow rates, and rapidly image the flow-field distributions, of complex, unsteady two- or three-phase flows. The proposed research is multi-disciplinary covering aspects of fluid mechanics modelling, sensor material selection and flow metering, process tomography and multi-variable data fusion. The new instrument will be based on the novel concepts of 3D vector Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) and the Electromagnetic Velocity Profiler (EVP). These will be used in conjunction with auxiliary differential-pressure measurements for flow density and total flow rate. It is our intention to be able to measure the volumetric flow rate, image time-dependent distributions of the local axial velocity and volume fraction of the dispersed and continuous phases, visualise flow patterns and provide an alternative measurement of volumetric flow rates in two and three phase flows. The project draws upon several recent advances in EIT technology made by the proposers' research teams. Together these potentially enable the development of an advanced flow meter intended to address some limitations of current multiphase flow meters, leading to improvements of the management of productivity in many industrial sectors such as petroleum, petrochemical, food, nuclear and mineral processing. Within the scope of this research, only flows with a conductive continuous liquid phase will be targeted. We will make use of advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) protocols for independent non-invasive validation of both the phase volume fraction and velocity distribution measurements. It is intended that the project will pave the way for the manufacturing of a next generation of advanced multi-phase flow measurement and rapid visualisation technologies.

The flow consortium of the project consists of three industries and the three academic partners. Schlumberger is both a manufacturer and an end user of multiphase flow meters for oil-gas well testing and production monitoring, and ITS is a manufacturer for electrical impedance tomography systems. This will ensure that a successful outcome of the project will be effectively transferred to instrumentation industries, then further developed and deployed to best serve the UK's oil-gas industry and enhance its competitiveness. NEL seeks to advance the industry knowledge on multiphase flow, as a precursor to developing future business from consultancy, joint industry projects and facility based research. The funding will thus bring six partners with complementary skills in the UK together to carry out this innovative R&D project in advanced multiphase flow metering. The funding will also enable the universities' staff members to carry out conceptal and/or applied research with access to necessary expertise, facilities and equipment at SCR, NEL and ITS, to advance their research on the science of multiphase flow dynamics, flow instrumentation and tomographic imaging, as well as to disseminate the R&D results. The benefits to the academic partners of the project will be immediate, with funding for several talented postdoctoral researchers and PhD students working on the new multidisciplinary concepts of 3D vector Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT), Electromagnetic Velocity Profiler (EVP) and Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for the proposed new multiphase metering instrument - work which will also enrich science and extend the boundaries of engineering. The output of the research, a new generation of multiphase flow visualisation and metering technologies, will provide a new research platform and methodology to both academics and industries for solving known and new challenges in the discipline of multiphase flow which may evoke many new findings and novel solutions. A successful project completion will improve university partners' reputations and track records and the breadth of their research portfolios, and hence will enable them to attract further funding and recruit good research students and research fellows in the future. Following the successful outcome of the project, significant economic and sustainability benefits are expected to those outside the consortium. After commercialisation of the potential new multiphase flowmeter, oil-gas operators in the UK North Sea and elsewhere will benefit from the services and flowmeter sales in oil-gas well exploration and production testing, production monitoring, artificial lift optimisation, fiscal allocation, flow assurance and reservoir management. The project will be managed by the project consortium, chaired by Professor M Wang at University of Leeds (UL), and comprising the University of Huddersfield (UH), the University of Cambridge (UC), Schlumberger Cambridge Research (SCR), National Engineering laboratory (NEL) and Industrial Tomography Systems (ITS). The members of the consortium have a history of successful collaborations, which resulted in a successful commercialisation via knowledge transfer, e.g. The Z8000 Fast EIT System commercialised by ITS in 2009 was based on outcomes of a joint EPSRC project conducted by the consortium members. All parties of the consortium have already signed a confidentiality agreement in advance of the submission. Arrangements on IP protection and management will be made at the start of the project. Knowledge transfer and commercialisation will be addressed on a case-by-case basis but is likely to involve the drawing down of venture capital to fund growth of the participating instrumentation companies and establishment of appropriate linkages with industry participants to access specific application areas and export markets, which include oil-gas and nuclear industrial sectors.