Data Driven Virtual Flow Metering: Leveraging AI and Edge Computing for Continuous Multiphase Flow Measurement

This paper describes the use of data-driven virtual flow metering (VFM) for continuous multiphase flow measurement, which has been developed and tested in an oil field well pilot in Austria. 12 ESP (Electric Submersible Pump) wells have been modelled and fine-tuned within the pilot. Hardware-based test separators were used to conduct quality control evaluations on the predicted production rates and calibrate the well models as required. For the practical deployment of VFM systems, we have addressed the need for optimized learning and scalability of the artificial intelligence (AI) models by means of what we call soft-sensing and will explain how to successfully deploy this technology on wells with artificial lift. Notably, the application of this software-based, soft-sensing VFM in combination with hardware-based multiphase flow measurement bears the potential to significantly reduce the CAPEX cost for future metering infrastructure investments and even reduce the OPEX of existing metering hardware by extending the duration of metering cycles. This makes data-driven VFM an economical option even for low-producing wells. Details of the well pilot project conducted with OMV in Austria will be provided. The use of soft-sensing VFMs via cloud computing for continuous multiphase flow measurement is a step toward the closed-loop, fully autonomous operation of oil fields.

Comparison between OPCABG and CABG Surgical Revascularization Using Transit Time Flow Measurement (TTFM)

Objective: To compare the intraoperative quality of coronary anastomoses performed with or without cardiopulmonary bypass using transit time flow measurement (TTFM) parameters. Methods: We collected data from 588 consecutive patients who underwent surgical revascularization. We retrospectively reviewed data from two groups: 411 with cardiopulmonary bypass (CABG group) and 177 off-pump (OPCABG group). Transit time flow measurement parameters: mean graft flow (MGF), pulsatile index (PI), and diastolic filing (DF) were measured for each graft and patient. Results: Patients in the OPCABG group had higher EuroSCORE compared with the CABG group (3.53 ± 2.32 versus 2.84 ± 2.15, P = .002). Overall comparison of TTFM parameters showed no statistical difference between the two surgical techniques except for PI in circumflex artery territory, which was higher in the OPCABG group for all types of grafts 3.0 ± 4.9 versus 2.4 ± 2.0 in, P = .026. Conclusion: The comparison between OPCABG and CABG in this study showed comparable results with both surgical techniques. PI was higher in the OPCABG group in harder-to-reach vessel territories. Measurement of transit time may improve the quality, safety, and efficacy of coronary artery bypass grafting and should be considered as a routine procedure.

Study on Flow Velocity Distribution in Open Channel With Flexible Vegetation

Ecological management of river channels is a hot topic for current sustainable development and flow measurement of ecological river is an important part. In this article, a flow velocity distribution model of the channel containing flexible vegetation is constructed from the vegetation riverbed theory and the bursting phenomenon to reveal the microscopic mechanism of the flow velocity distribution in the upper layer of vegetation. In the vegetation riverbed law, the effect of flexible vegetation is evaluated by the mixed length formula. The bursting phenomenon law considers the influence of the channel sidewalls on the flow and a two-dimensional velocity model is established by introducing the concept of average turbulence structure. The mechanism of the downward shift of the maximum flow velocity point on the channel sidewall is explained. The verification of the calculated velocity profiles is carried out based on data obtained in laboratory experiments. The results show that the combination of the two models can well describe the velocity distribution of the whole channel. At the end, the phenomenon of flow velocity zoning in open channel is discussed, which provides a solution for flow measurement in ecological channel.