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Details of Grant 

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:
White, Professor NM
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Advanced Research Partnership
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:
GR/R35858/01
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
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Summary
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.ncl.ac.uk