| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/R35254/01 |
| Title: |
Multi-modal and self cleaning instrumentation for the Oil and Gas industry using thick-film materials |
| Principal Investigator: |
Hale, Dr JM |
| Other Investigators: |
|
| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
|
| Project Partners: |
|
| Department: |
Mechanical and Systems Engineering |
| Organisation: |
Newcastle University |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 July 2001 |
Ends: |
31 December 2003 |
Value (£): |
59,117
|
| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Instrumentation Eng. & Dev. |
Materials Characterisation |
| Multiphase Flow |
Oil & Gas Extraction |
|
| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Manufacturing |
Chemicals |
| Energy |
|
|
| Related Grants: |
|
| Panel History: |
|
|
Summary on Grant Application Form |
|
This proposal is concerned with designing and manufacturing novel instrument for monitoring gas/oil/water separation process at elevated pressures (up to 150 bar) and temperatures (up to 150C). Multi-modal distributed sensors immune to sludge deposition will provide measurements in the hostile multi-phase environment. This instrument will be tested in offshore separators and will have potential for use down-hole.Conventional sensor materials are not suitable for use at the high temperatures and pressures encountered down-hole. The ideal candidates are thickfilm conductors and piezoelectrics implemented on ceramic substrates. They will combine outstanding mechanical and electrical properties, which will be thoroughly tested for robustness and functionality in this novel application. To obtain a reliable and accurate picture of phase distribution, two measurement modalities will be required: electrical impedance and ultrasonic. This multi-modal measurement will be modelled and then tested experimentally. Sensor surfaces will be kept free from deposits by using active control mechanisms. These will include application of ultrasonic energy to dislodge the fouling agents and use of DC electrical field to transport them away from sensor surfaces (electro-separation). The project will culminate in the manufacture and field-tests of a prototype probe, to measure the phase distribution in gas/oil/water separator, incorporating multi-modal sensors and self-cleaning capability.
|
|
Key Findings |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Potential use in non-academic contexts |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Impacts |
|
| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
|
| Date Materialised |
|
|
|
|
Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
| Project URL: |
|
| Further Information: |
|
| Organisation Website: |
http://www.ncl.ac.uk |