The present invention provides methods for determining a parameter associated with a flow of a fluid located within a fluid conduit, based on measuring the difference between electrical signals of at least two second sensing elements contacting different positions on am exterior of the fluid conduit. The sensing elements comprise an assembly of nanoparticles being in electric contact with conductive electrodes; wherein the electrical signals of the sensing elements are responsive to at least one of pressure and temperature. Further provided is a clamping device configured to reduce a cross-sectional diameter of a portion of the fluid conduit, in order to determine said parameter.

An insertable flow meter assembly includes a flow measuring device configured to be inserted into a flow passage of a receiving structure. The flow measuring device is configured to enable determination of a flow rate of fluid through the flow passage, the flow measuring device is formed as a single continuous structure, and an outer cross-section of at least a portion of the flow measuring device is configured to be substantially the same as an inner cross-section of the flow passage. The insertable flow meter assembly also includes an end cap configured to engage an exterior surface of the receiving structure and to couple to the receiving structure at an end of the flow passage. The end cap is configured to block movement of the flow measuring device out of the end of the flow passage.

An insertable flow meter assembly includes a flow measuring device configured to be inserted into a flow passage of a receiving structure. The flow measuring device is configured to enable determination of a flow rate of fluid through the flow passage, the flow measuring device is formed as a single continuous structure, and an outer cross-section of at least a portion of the flow measuring device is configured to be substantially the same as an inner cross-section of the flow passage. The insertable flow meter assembly also includes an end cap configured to engage an exterior surface of the receiving structure and to couple to the receiving structure at an end of the flow passage. The end cap is configured to block movement of the flow measuring device out of the end of the flow passage.

A flow meter includes a cylindrical body having an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an inner diameter of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body also includes an outlet end and an inlet end. The inlet end is shaped and dimensioned for selective attachment to an inlet pipe or hose having an inner diameter that is small than the inner diameter of the cylindrical body. The flow meter also includes a gauge tap formed within the cylindrical body, the gauge tap being positioned adjacent the outlet end of the cylindrical body at a position between the outlet end and the inlet end. A pressure gauge is secured within the gauge tap for measuring the pressure within the cylindrical body and ultimately the flow of fluid through the cylindrical body. A nozzle is attached at the outlet end of the cylindrical body and at least one nozzle insert is provided for selective attachment to the nozzle so as reduce the size of the outlet in order to extend the normal range of the flow meter.

A system and method of controlling and monitoring a cementing process injecting a cement slurry down a well that causes a return of a drilling fluid includes a first and second flowmeters disposed in the primary return conduit configured to generate a flow rate measurements of the returned drilling fluid, a first control valve receiving control signals from a microprocessor to regulate conducting the returned drilling fluid to a reservoir, a choke valve disposed downstream from the first and second flowmeters receiving control signals from a microprocessor to regulate diverting the returned drilling fluid in the primary return conduit in response to a detection of the presence of gas in the returned drilling fluid, and a mud-gas separator disposed in the primary return conduit configured to receive the diverted drilling fluid and separate the diverted drilling fluid into a mud component for return to the reservoir and a gas component for controlled burn off.

A sensor of a multiphase flow meter is operated to determine a physical property attributable to multiphase fluid flow in a conduit of the multiphase flow meter. A stationarity of the multiphase fluid flow is determined based on the determined physical property in actual conditions compared to expected noise of the sensor in stationary flow conditions. A flow model variable is selected from a plurality of flow model variables based on a gas content of the multiphase fluid flow and the determined stationarity. The multiphase fluid flow is then modeled by adjusting the selected flow model variable.

A sensor of a multiphase flow meter is operated to determine a physical property attributable to multiphase fluid flow in a conduit of the multiphase flow meter. A stationarity of the multiphase fluid flow is determined based on the determined physical property in actual conditions compared to expected noise of the sensor in stationary flow conditions. A flow model variable is selected from a plurality of flow model variables based on a gas content of the multiphase fluid flow and the determined stationarity. The multiphase fluid flow is then modeled by adjusting the selected flow model variable.

New and/or alternative approaches to determine mass flow using a flow measurement device in a pulsatile flow context. The flow measurement device is configured to generate a delta-pressure measurement. A semi-physical valve model is generated for the flow measurement device, and the delta-pressure measurement is then is isolated using the model. A discharge coefficient map is determined for the flow measurement device by testing using sets of operating parameters for a system. The operating parameters of the system are then used to determine the discharge coefficient for use in estimating mass flow with the semi-physical valve model. The resultant estimated mass flow can be used to control the system, and a Factor of Effective Area estimate generated using the valve model can be used to determine the status of the flow measurement device and identify or predict a need for maintenance.

New and/or alternative approaches to determine mass flow using a flow measurement device in a pulsatile flow context. The flow measurement device is configured to generate a delta-pressure measurement. A semi-physical valve model is generated for the flow measurement device, and the delta-pressure measurement is then is isolated using the model. A discharge coefficient map is determined for the flow measurement device by testing using sets of operating parameters for a system. The operating parameters of the system are then used to determine the discharge coefficient for use in estimating mass flow with the semi-physical valve model. The resultant estimated mass flow can be used to control the system, and a Factor of Effective Area estimate generated using the valve model can be used to determine the status of the flow measurement device and identify or predict a need for maintenance.

A flow sensing device includes a first body member defining an inlet port, an upstream sensor port, and a first connecting port; a second body member defining an outlet port, a downstream sensor port, and a second connecting port; a flow restricting element defining a flow restricting passage and including a first end connection coupled to the first connecting port and a second end connection coupled to the second connecting port, such that the flow restricting passage is disposed between the inlet port and the outlet port, and between the upstream sensor port and the downstream sensor port; a first fluid sensor assembled with the upstream sensor port; and a second fluid sensor assembled with the downstream sensor port.