A method of assessing fluid flow in a conduit, the fluid comprising hydrocarbons, the method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring optical variances resulting from at least one circumferential mode of vibration of the conduit by directing a monochromatic light source, such as from a vibrometer, onto an external surface of the conduit thereby providing a measured vibration of the conduit as a result of fluid flow in the conduit. The data normally accurately measures velocity of the conduit usually considered to be wideband noise. Accordingly, sample rates are high, such as at least 5,000 times per second. The data is then assessed, for example by using a Fourier Transform, and a pre-trained algorithm to predict fluid flow at that point in the conduit, or upstream or downstream thereof. An associated apparatus is also disclosed. Embodiments of the invention can thus provide a non-invasive method and apparatus for providing information on the nature of flow regimes in pipelines, such as subsea pipelines which can be useful to optimise production and reduce well testing and/or downtime.
G01F 1/663 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters by measuring Doppler frequency shift
E21B 47/001 - Survey of boreholes or wells for underwater installations
G01F 1/661 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters using light
E21B 47/107 - Locating fluid leaks, intrusions or movements using acoustic means
A method of assessing fluid flow in a conduit, the fluid comprising hydrocarbons, the method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring optical variances resulting from at least one circumferential mode of vibration of the conduit by directing a monochromatic light source, such as from a vibrometer, onto an external surface of the conduit thereby providing a measured vibration of the conduit as a result of fluid flow in the conduit. The data normally accurately measures velocity of the conduit usually considered to be wideband noise. Accordingly, sample rates are high,such as at least 5,000 times per second. The data is then assessed,for example by using a Fourier Transform,and a pre-trained algorithm to predict fluid flow at that point in the conduit, or upstream or downstream thereof. An associated apparatus is also disclosed. Embodiments of the invention can thus provide a non-invasive method and apparatus for providing information on the nature of flow regimes in pipelines, such as subsea pipelines which can be useful to optimise production and reduce well testing and/or downtime.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
An apparatus for generating electricity. The apparatus comprises a collar arranged to couple to a pipe and a support having a first planar face, the support being attached to the collar such that it projects away from the collar. The apparatus also has at least one thermoelectric generator attached to the first planar face of the support and a cover attached to the at least one thermoelectric generator.
H01L 35/30 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - Details thereof operating with Peltier or Seebeck effect only characterised by the heat-exchanging means at the junction
H01L 35/32 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - Details thereof operating with Peltier or Seebeck effect only characterised by the structure or configuration of the cell or thermocouple forming the device
H01L 35/06 - Structural details of the junction; Connections of leads detachable, e.g. using a spring
H01L 35/02 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - Details thereof - Details
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
An apparatus for generating electricity. The apparatus comprises a collar arranged to couple to a pipe and a support having a first planar face, the support being attached to the collar such that it projects away from the collar. The apparatus also has at least one thermoelectric generator attached to the first planar face of the support and a cover attached to the at least one thermoelectric generator.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
H01L 35/32 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - Details thereof operating with Peltier or Seebeck effect only characterised by the structure or configuration of the cell or thermocouple forming the device
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