Flow Measurement by Piezoelectric Accelerometers: Application in the Oil Industry

Abstract

The objective was to analyze a recently developed flow measurement technique based on the vibration captured by an accelerometer attached to the pipeline surface for use in the oil industry. The applied methodology consists of performing an experimental study to obtain data in an accredited laboratory for calibration of flowmeters, estimating a flow rate for each vibration measured, followed by an uncertainty analysis. The results of water flow rates showed a measurement uncertainty between 2.5% and 5.0% of reading (95% confidence). While these results do not meet to Brazilian regulations for the measurement of crude oil of 0.3% of reading, they are acceptable under the regulations for produced, injected, captured, or discarded water, which occur the processing of oil.

Keywords:

• piezoelectric accelerometer
• flow measurement
• pipe vibration
• water in the oil industry