A Dual-Parameter Measurement Method for Oil–Water Flow Based on a Venturi Embedded With Microwave Transmission Line Sensor

Abstract

Accurate and real-time measurement of water cut (WC) and flowrate of oil–water flow is a critical factor in achieving intelligent digital oil field. In this article, a dual-parameter (WC and water flowrate) measurement method for oil–water flow is proposed based on a Venturi embedded with microwave transmission line sensor (V&MS). Dynamic experiments of horizontal fine dispersed oil–water flow are conducted. A two-dimensional finite element simulation model for V&MS under the fine dispersed flow is developed to simulate microwave phase outputs at 0%–100% WC. The simulation results agree with the experiments, providing a low-cost alternative to expensive oil–water dispersed flow tests. Furthermore, it is found that the flow patterns for 0%–10% WC and 40%–100% WC are water-in-oil and oil-in-water flows, respectively, but the flow patterns for 10%–40% WC are dispersions of water-in-oil and oil-in-water flow, and 20% WC is the transition point of the dominant continuous phase. When the water phase is continuous, V&MS has a higher sensitivity to phase signals. Finally, a WC prediction model (40%–100%) is developed by combining a modified Bruggeman model with microwave transmission line theory. Then, a discharge coefficient model is developed and the water flowrate is obtained by combining the pressure drop and the predicted WC. The absolute average relative deviation (AARD) of the predicted WC and water flowrate is 1.49% and 1.54%, respectively. The results suggest that appropriate sensing technology integration can offer a powerful solution for accurate and real-time determination of dual-parameter in oil–water flow systems.