The disclosed embodiments include a wireless restrictor that may be used as a laminar flow element in a flow meter or a mass flow controller. Embodiments of the wireless restrictor include a single machined part that contains both the features of a tapered restrictor and crushable positioning protrusions.

A drilling system used with drilling fluid for drilling a wellbore has at least one choke in adjustable communication with flow from the wellbore. A programmable control device determines a flow coefficient value of the choke from a measured position value and a stored characteristic of the choke. The device then calculates a first value of the flow of the drilling fluid from the wellbore through the choke based on the flow coefficient value and a pressure differential measured across the choke. The device adjusts operation of the drilling system at least partially based on the calculated flow value. To adjust operation, the device can set the choke (or another choke) to a set flow value relative to the calculated first flow value. Density of the flow can also be determined so the device can adjust operation based on mass flow rate.

The present invention refers to a method for the isokinetic sampling of liquids and gases present in streams having many fluid phases, and to an apparatus suitable for achieving it. The method and apparatus have application in particular in the field of oil extraction, wherein, after the extraction of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons possibly accompanied by water and suspended solids, it is necessary to know the composition of the mixture extracted and also the flow rate of the single phases.

Disclosed is a flow-rate measuring system for drilling muds and for multiphase mixtures (water/oil/gas) also with transport of solids or sand and in the presence of heavy oil. The system includes a flow-rate measuring system for drilling muds and/or for multiphase mixtures, wherein the measuring ports are equipped with an appropriate pre-chamber that enables elimination of the risk of failure of the measuring membranes in the case of particularly erosive mixtures and in the case of presence of solid by accumulation or transport. Furthermore, the particular vertical installation enables a compactness of the system in terms of horizontal encumbrance, enables installation where there is little horizontal space, and makes possible an undisturbed flow necessary for obtaining a higher measuring accuracy. The vertical installation enables installation, on the descending stretch, of a sensor for measuring the density that renders the measuring system autonomous (normally, the density is entered as external input).

Disclosed is a flow-rate measuring system for drilling muds and for multiphase mixtures (water/oil/gas) also with transport of solids or sand and in the presence of heavy oil. The system includes a flow-rate measuring system for drilling muds and/or for multiphase mixtures, wherein the measuring ports are equipped with an appropriate pre-chamber that enables elimination of the risk of failure of the measuring membranes in the case of particularly erosive mixtures and in the case of presence of solid by accumulation or transport. Furthermore, the particular vertical installation enables a compactness of the system in terms of horizontal encumbrance, enables installation where there is little horizontal space, and makes possible an undisturbed flow necessary for obtaining a higher measuring accuracy. The vertical installation enables installation, on the descending stretch, of a sensor for measuring the density that renders the measuring system autonomous (normally, the density is entered as external input).

A hybrid flow meter includes a fluid obstruction element, two or more pressure ports, a support member, and a vortex shedding sensor system. The fluid obstruction element is placed in a fluid conduit, and includes a cone-shaped member having a pair of frusto-conical portions joined at their larger ends. The pressure ports provide measurement points for measuring a change in fluid pressure caused by the fluid obstruction element. The support member for the fluid obstruction element extends across the entire diameter of the fluid conduit, and is shaped to function as a vortex shedding bluff body, holds in place the fluid obstruction element. The vortex shedding sensor system provides a measurement point for measuring a vortex shedding frequency generated by the support member.

A hybrid flow meter includes a fluid obstruction element, two or more pressure ports, a support member, and a vortex shedding sensor system. The fluid obstruction element is placed in a fluid conduit, and includes a cone-shaped member having a pair of frusto-conical portions joined at their larger ends. The pressure ports provide measurement points for measuring a change in fluid pressure caused by the fluid obstruction element. The support member for the fluid obstruction element extends across the entire diameter of the fluid conduit, and is shaped to function as a vortex shedding bluff body, holds in place the fluid obstruction element. The vortex shedding sensor system provides a measurement point for measuring a vortex shedding frequency generated by the support member.

A flow sensing module is provided for determining a flow rate of a fluid flowing through a flow channel. The flow sensing module may include an integrated flow restrictor, sometimes including a plurality of concentric ribs defining a plurality of orifices shaped to match the curvature of the wall of the flow channel. A first sensing port may open into the flow channel upstream of the flow restrictor, and a second sensing port may open into the flow channel downstream of the flow restrictor. A flow rate of a fluid flowing through the flow channel may be determining using a differential pressure between the first and second ports created by the flow restrictor, either using a flow sensor or a pressure sensor. The particular arrangement and relative dimensions of the orifices of the flow restrictor and the pressure ports can result in substantially reduced noise.

A collar is provided for use with a fluid flow sensor to reduce condensation of a moist gas flowing through the fluid flow sensor. The collar comprises a body defining an interior that defines an airspace between the collar and the housing of the fluid flow sensor when the collar is positioned on the fluid flow sensor. The collar also includes a heat source secured to the body and adapted to heat air contained within the airspace to consequently heat the housing of the fluid flow sensor and the interior surfaces of the sensor to reduce condensation of the moist gas.

A collar is provided for use with a fluid flow sensor to reduce condensation of a moist gas flowing through the fluid flow sensor. The collar comprises a body defining an interior that defines an airspace between the collar and the housing of the fluid flow sensor when the collar is positioned on the fluid flow sensor. The collar also includes a heat source secured to the body and adapted to heat air contained within the airspace to consequently heat the housing of the fluid flow sensor and the interior surfaces of the sensor to reduce condensation of the moist gas.