Abstract:
A flowmeter for use in a wellbore that has vane assemblies that deploy from a rotating segment. The vane assemblies project a variable distance away from the rotating segment, so that the flowmeter adjust to varying flow conditions. The variable distance of the vane assemblies also allows use of the flowmeter in different sized wellbores. An example flowmeter includes vane assemblies of varying length that are selectively deployed depending on operating conditions. Other vane assemblies have vane elements with a pitch that varies in response to wellbore and fluid flow operating parameters.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0002]    The present disclosure relates in general to a flowmeter for use in measuring flow in a wellbore. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a wellbore flowmeter that can adjust to different flow rates in the wellbore to minimize pressure losses from the flowmeter. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Prior Art 
         [0004]    Flowmeters are often used for measuring flow of fluid produced from hydrocarbon producing wellbores. Flowmeters may be deployed downhole within a producing wellbore, a jumper or caisson used in conjunction with a subsea wellbore, or a production transmission line used in distributing the produced fluids. Monitoring fluid produced from a wellbore is useful in wellbore evaluation and to project production life of a well. In some instances transmission lines may include fluid produced from wells having different owners. Therefore proper accounting requires a flow measuring device that monitors the flow contribution from each owner. 
         [0005]    The physical presence and placement of most flowmeters introduces pressure losses into the overall flow of fluid in the wellbore. The amount of pressure loss in the wellbore fluid flow can be affected by the size and configuration of the flowmeter. Flowmeters are generally designed so that the pressure losses they introduce are negligible with respect to the pressure of the measured fluid. However, in some instances production from the wellbore can fluctuate and operate at a reduced flow rate, which in turn causes the flowmeter generated pressure losses to exceed a negligible value and begin to introduce error into the measured flowrate. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Disclosed herein is an example of a flowmeter for use in a wellbore which includes a body, where the body is made up of an upper housing and a lower housing that is rotatable with respect to the upper housing. Vane assemblies couple to the lower housing and that selectively pivot radially outward into a path of fluid flowing through the wellbore. A pivoting actuator couples to the vane assemblies, and that is axially moveable within the body from a retracted position with the vane assemblies retracted adjacent the body, to an extended position with the vane assemblies extended radially away from the body. Coils may be included in the lower housing that communicate with coils in the upper housing. A controller can optionally be used for controlling operation of the pivoting actuator. The vane assemblies can be planar vane elements that are in a plane disposed at an angle oblique to the path of fluid flowing through the wellbore. In this example the vane assemblies further comprise elongate vane posts, each vane post having a free end with a vane element, and an end distal from the free end that is coupled to the pivoting actuator in the body, wherein one of the vane posts extends radially outward so that a vane element on the end of the one of the vane posts is proximate an inner surface of the wellbore. Further optionally, the pivoting actuator is made up of a deployment mandrel having teeth on an axially oriented surface of the mandrel that couple with teeth on a curved surface of one of the vane assemblies, so that axially moving the mandrel in one direction pivots the vane element towards the body, and axially moving the mandrel in another direction pivots the vane element away from the body. The flowmeter can further have a motor driven shaft in the body for axially moving the deployment mandrel. In an alternative, a plurality of deployment mandrels are axially moveable by the shaft, and wherein each deployment mandrel has teeth on an axially oriented surface of the mandrel that couple with teeth on a curved surface of one of the vane assemblies, so that axially moving the mandrel in one direction pivots the vane element towards the body, and axially moving the mandrel in another direction pivots the vane element away from the body. In another embodiment, the vane assemblies have an elongate vane post with an end pivotingly mounted to the body, vane elements rotatably on the post, and a linkage rod that connects to ends of the vane elements, so that when the vane post is moved into an extended position, the vane elements rotate into an orientation that is substantially perpendicular with the vane post. A pinned connection may be included that extends through a middle section of each of the vane elements and into the vane post, so that each of the vane elements are rotatable about the pinned connections. The vane assemblies can contain an elongate vane post having an end pivotingly mounted to the body, planar vane elements on the post, wherein the planar vane elements each have a lateral edge, and pivot about the vane post along the lateral edge so that an enlarged surface of the planar vane element is in a plane substantially perpendicular to the path of fluid flowing through the wellbore. 
         [0007]    An alternate example of a flowmeter for use in a wellbore encompasses an upper body, a lower body coupled with the upper body and rotatable with respect to the upper body, vane elements coupled to the lower body and that are pivotable from a retracted position adjacent with the lower body, to an extended position that is radially outward from the lower body and that are oriented at an angle oblique to a path of a flow of fluid through the wellbore, so that when the fluid flows past the lower body, the flow of fluid imparts a force onto the vane elements that rotates the lower body. Also in this example is a deployment assembly coupled with the vane elements and that is retracted when the vane elements are in the retracted position and that is extended with the vane elements are in the extended position. A controller is in communication with the lower body and the deployment assembly. In an example, the controller provides command signals to the deployment assembly based on a signal received from the lower body. Alternatively, at least some of the vane elements are mounted on vane posts that are pivotingly coupled to the lower body, and wherein the deployment assembly has an elongate connector arm that is selectively urged axially within the lower body and has an end connected to a scissor arm linkage, wherein ends of the scissor arm linkage distal from the connector arm are pinned to the vane posts. 
         [0008]    Also disclosed is a method of measuring flow in a wellbore that involves providing a flowmeter that has an upper body, a lower body rotatingly coupled with the upper body, and vane elements coupled with the lower body. The flowmeter is disposed in the wellbore and in a path of a flow of fluid, and the vane elements are pivoted from a stowed position adjacent the lower body to a deployed position radially outward from the body so that the flow of fluid impinges on the vane elements and generates a force that rotates the lower body. Rotation of the lower body is sensed. A step of estimating a flowrate of the flow of fluid in the wellbore based on the sensed rotation of the lower body can be included. The method can further include controlling a distance of the vane elements away from the lower body based on an estimate of the flowrate of the flow of fluid. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Some of the features and benefits of the present invention having been stated, others will become apparent as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a side sectional view of an example of a flowmeter system disposed in a wellbore. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a side sectional view of a flowmeter for use with the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 2A  is a side sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 2  illustrating interaction between gear teeth a vane element and deployment mandrel and in an enlarged view. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is an axial view of a portion of the flowmeter of  FIG. 2  taken along lines  3 - 3 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side sectional view of an alternate embodiment of flowmeter for use with the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  is a side sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 4  illustrating interaction between gear teeth on a vane post and linkage collar and in an enlarged view. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an axial view of a portion of the flowmeter of  FIG. 4  taken along lines  5 - 5 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an axial view of another alternate embodiment of rotating elements for use in a flowmeter. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view of rotating elements of  FIG. 6  taken along lines  7 - 7 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view of rotating elements of  FIG. 6  taken along lines  8 - 8 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a partial sectional view of a flowmeter having the rotating elements of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternate example of a flow meter with rotatable vane assemblies. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is an axial view of the flow meter of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a side view of an alternate example of a flow meter. 
       
    
    
       [0024]    While the invention will be described in connection with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
       [0025]    The method and system of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments are shown. The method and system of the present disclosure may be in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will full fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In an embodiment, usage of the term “about” includes +/−5% of the cited magnitude. In an embodiment, usage of the term “substantially” includes +/−5% of the cited magnitude. 
         [0026]    It is to be further understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the exact details of construction, operation, exact materials, or embodiments shown and described, as modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed illustrative embodiments and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation. 
         [0027]    Shown in side sectional view in  FIG. 1  is one example of a flowmeter assembly  10  mounted within tubing  12  which is suspended within a wellbore  14 . Flowmeter assembly  10  is disposed in a path of a flow of fluid F and is for measuring a flowrate of the fluid shown flowing within the tubing  12 . Wellbore  14  intersects a formation  16  and wherein the fluid F making up the flow is being produced from formation  16 . In the example of  FIG. 1 , flowmeter assembly  10  is mounted within a sonde  18  which is lowered into wellbore  14  on wireline  20 . Wellhead assembly  22  is shown mounted on surface  24  and above the opening of wellbore  14 . Optionally, a controller  26  is provided at surface and connects to wireline  20  via control line  28  shown connecting to an outer surface of wellhead assembly  22 . In one example, controller  26  is in communication with flowmeter assembly  10 , and may receive signals from flowmeter assembly  10  representative of the flow rate of the fluid F. Moreover, examples exist wherein command signals may be relayed from controller  26  and via control line  28  through wireline  20  and to flowmeter assembly  10 . As will be described in more detail below, control signals can include adjusting the configuration of the flowmeter assembly  10  to match the flow conditions of the fluid F as well as diameter of tubing  12 . Optionally, sonde  18  and/or flowmeter assembly  10  may be deployed in a wellbore wherein only casing (not shown) lines the wellbore and without tubing, or an open hole wellbore where casing is not present. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  shows a side partial sectional view of one example of flowmeter assembly  10 , where in this example assembly  10  includes a body  29  that is made up of lower and upper housings  30 ,  32 . Pivotingly mounted to the lower housing  30  are a series of vane assemblies  32   1 - 32   3  that may pivot radially outward as illustrated by angle θ from the lower body  30  and into the flow path of fluid F. When stowed or in a retracted position, the vane assemblies  32   1 - 32   3  are adjacent the housing  30  and within a recess  33  shown formed axially along a portion of the outer surface of lower housing  30 . The vane assemblies  32   1 - 32   3  include a series of vane elements  34   1 - 34   3 , wherein vane elements  34   2 ,  34   3  are mounted on elongated vane posts  35   2 ,  35   3 . Each of the vane assemblies  32   1 - 32   3  are coupled respectively with an annular deployment mandrel  36   1 - 36   3 , which are shown coaxially disposed within lower housing  30 . Axially moving the deployment mandrels  36   1 - 36   3  within housing  30  causes the vane assemblies  32   1 - 32   3  to selectively pivot radially outward from housing  30 . 
         [0029]    One example of the coupling between the mandrels  36   1 - 36   3  and vane assemblies  32   1 - 32   3  is shown in sectional view in  FIG. 2A . Here a series of teeth T M  are shown on an outer surface of mandrel  36   1  and which mesh with teeth T V  on an outer surface and lower end of vane element  34   1 . As illustrated by the arrows A L , A C , axial movement of mandrel  36   1  upward causes outward rotation of the vane element  34   1 . In the examples of the coupling interaction between mandrels  36   2 ,  36   3  and vane posts  35   2 ,  35   3 , teeth (not shown) are on an end of posts  35   2 ,  35   3  proximate the outer surfaces of mandrels  36   2 ,  36   3 . Accordingly, the combination of the teeth T M , T V  on the mandrels  36   1 - 36   3 , vane element  34   1 , and vane posts  35   2 ,  35   3  make up and define a pivot coupling  37  ( FIG. 2 ). 
         [0030]    The mandrels  36   1 ,  36   3  are shown circumscribing an elongate deployment rod  38  which depends from an end of a motor  40 , where rod  38  and motor are disposed in lower housing  30 . The rod  38 , in one example, is selectively configured with threads (not shown) that mate with threads (not shown) formed on an inner facing surface of one of the mandrels  36   1 ,  36   3 , so that selectively axially moving and rotating rod  38  may move the mandrels  36   1 ,  36   3  in a desired axial direction. It is believed that it is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art to strategically locate the respective threads for axially moving the mandrels  36   1 ,  36   3  in a designated or desired axial direction. An optional controller  42  is shown in communication with motor  40  via control line  43 , controller may be equipped with hardware and/or software programmed for directing command signals to motor  40  to strategically operate motor  40  and for deploying or retracting vane assemblies  32   1 - 32   3 . 
         [0031]    Coupled to an end of controller  42  is a coil  44  which is set within lower housing  30  and is in communication with coil  46  disposed within a lower portion of upper housing  31 . Examples of communication conveyed between coil  44  and coil  46  includes data, signals, and electrical power. As shown, lower housing  30  includes a recess  50  its upper end that projects radially outward a distance from axis A X  and in which a correspondingly shaped protrusion  52  on the lower end of upper housing  31  is inserted. Bearings  54  are shown placed in channels that circumscribe protrusion  52 ; bearings  54  provide rolling surfaces to facilitate rotation of the lower housing  30  with respect to upper housing  31 . Coil  46  is shown connected to a controller  56  also disposed in upper housing  31 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  illustrates an axial view of flowmeter assembly  10  and taken along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . In this example, each of the vane assemblies  32   1 - 32   3  are shown deployed radially outward and away from body  30 , so that each vane element  34   1 - 34   3  is in the flow path of fluid F ( FIG. 2 ). Alternatively in this example, vane element  34   1  is mounted on a corresponding vane post  35   1  shown coupled with body  30  and in the manner as described above in regard to  FIG. 2  the vane post  35   2 ,  35   3 . As indicated above, changes in flow rate of the fluid F can in some instances result in a pressure drop across the flowmeter assembly  10  which has sufficient magnitude to affect the results obtained by the flowmeter assembly  10 . In low flow situations, the controller  56 , or controller  26  ( FIG. 1 ), can direct controller  42  ( FIG. 2 ) to actuate motor  40  as described above to reduce the exposure of the vane elements  34   1 - 34   3  so that a meaningful flow rate value may be obtained. In one example, during minimum or low flow conditions, vane assemblies  32   2 ,  32   3  may be stowed within recess  33  and only vane assembly  32   1  be deployed into the flow of fluid F. Alternatively, in situations of varying diameter tubulars, vane assemblies  32   2 - 32   3  may be selectively deployed outward so that the tip of the outermost vane element  34   1 - 34   3  is proximate to or adjacent the inner radial surface of a tubular or open hole wellbore in which the flowmeter  10  is disposed. Accordingly, implementation of the device described herein provide flexibility in that it can be disposed in various sizes tubulars or wellbores without any structural changes being done to the device between deployments in different well bores. 
         [0033]    Shown in side sectional view in  FIG. 4  is an alternate example of flowmeter assembly  10 A. In this example, the vane assemblies  32 A are made up of elongate vane posts  35 A that have an end coupled with lower housing  30 A so the vane posts  35 A can be selectively pivoted radially outward from lower housing  30 A. Further in the example of  FIG. 4 , vane elements  34 A are planar and elongate elements that are pinned proximate their middle section onto the vane posts  35 A and at axially spaced apart locations. An annular linkage collar  57  is mounted on an outer surface of the lower end of deployment rod  38 A. As shown in the example of  FIG. 4A , linkage collar  57  includes a series of teeth T S  on its outer surface. In the illustrated embodiment, teeth T S  engage teeth T B  that are formed on the portion of posts  35 A adjacent housing  30 A. As illustrated by arrows A L  and A C , moving linkage collar  57  axially upward engages the respective teeth T S , T B  thereby pivoting the vane posts  35 A radially outward. 
         [0034]    An elongate linkage rod  58  is illustrated that has one end pivotingly anchored in an outer surface of housing  30 A, and which runs along the side of vane posts  35 A. Linkage rod  58  connects with a lateral portion of each of the vane elements  34 A. As the linkage rod  58  is not substantially elastic and retains a generally constant length, as the posts  34 A are drawn radially outward from housing  30 A, the vane elements  34 A rotate about that pinned connection and so that they are generally perpendicular with the elongate side of the vane posts  35 A. Moreover, in this example the vane elements  34 A are not substantially flat but instead are curved so that when disposed within the flow of fluid F, they produce a resultant rotational force to cause rotation of the lower housing  30 A with respect to upper housing  31 A.  FIG. 5  shows an axial view of flowmeter assembly  10 A taken along lines  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . As shown, the vane assemblies  32 A are in a deployed position and the vane elements  34 A have their elongate sides in a direction generally perpendicular with the elongate side of the vane posts due to the strategic positioning and dimensioning of the linkage rod  58 . 
         [0035]    Illustrated in  FIGS. 6 through 9  are alternate embodiments of a flowmeter assembly  10 B, wherein individual vane members  34 B are pivoted on their lateral sides and to create a windmill type arrangement of the vane assemblies  32 B that project radially outward from housing  30 B.  FIG. 6  illustrates an axial view whereas  FIG. 7  shows a sectional view and taken along lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 . As shown, the vane elements  34 B depend downward from an upper surface of the vane assemblies  32 B so that an asymmetric force can be generated from interaction with the flow of fluid F and induce the rotation of the vane assemblies and body  30 B.  FIG. 8 , which is a side sectional view taken along lines  8 - 8  of  FIG. 6 , illustrates stages of how an individual vane element  34 B can rotate about a pivot  62 B that runs along a lateral edge of the element  34 B. Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a side sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the flowmeter assembly  10 B is illustrated wherein the deployment mechanism for the vane assemblies  32 B is illustrated. In this example, an elongate connector arm  64  connects to an end of deployment rod  38  and can be moved axially within housing  30 B based upon action of motor  40 B. A pin connection provides connectivity between connector arm and a scissor arm  66 . Scissor arm  66  connects to the connector arm  64  via a pin connection  68 . A pin connection  70  provides connection of the scissor arm  66  to the vane posts  35 B. 
         [0036]    In the alternate example of  FIG. 10 , flowmeter  10 C is illustrated in a perspective view and which is equipped with vane assemblies  32 C on its lower housing  30 C that may gimbal about an axis A R  shown projecting radially outward from lower housing  30 C. As illustrated, a rotational torque T R  is exerted onto the lower housing  30 C from the flow of fluid F interacting with the vane assemblies  32 C. Gimbaling the vane assemblies  32 C adjusts their aspect ratio to the flow of fluid F thereby altering the magnitude of the rotational torque T R . Similar to that described above where adjustments to the flowmeter  10 C are made depending on the flow rate of the flow of fluid F or dynamic losses across the flowmeter  10 C, the vane assemblies  32 C can be gimbaled to a particular orientation to ensure meaningful results are obtained. In addition to gimbaling the vane assemblies  32 C, as illustrated in an axial view in  FIG. 11 , vane elements  34 C within the vane assemblies  32 C can be selectively telescoped radially inward or outward depending on operating conditions, i.e. flow rate, pressure drop, or tubular inner diameter. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , another alternate example of a flowmeter  10 D is shown in a partial side sectional view with the flowmeter  101 ) disposed in tubing  12 . In this example, an upper centralizer  72  is provided on the upper housing  31 D for positioning the flowmeter  10 D at a designated position within the tubing  12 . In an example, the designated position is the flowmeter  10 D is to be substantially coaxial with the tubing  12 . The centralizer  72  is made up of semi-circular spring like members whose ends pivotingly couple with the outer surface of the upper housing  31 D. Mid-portions of the spring like members project radially outward into contact with the inner surface of the tubing  12 . A lower centralizer  74  is shown that extends over an interface between the upper and lower housings  31 D,  30 D. Lower centralizer  74  includes spring like members whose mid portions include a pivot connection; the mid portions also project radially outward into contact with the tubing  12  to maintain the lower portion of the flowmeter  10 D in a designated position within the tubing  12 . Lower ends of the members of the lower centralizer  74  pivotingly connect to a post  78  that projects axially downward from a lower end of lower housing  30 D. Upper ends of the members of the lower centralizer  74  terminate in cylindrically shaped anchor members  80  that axially slide within grooves  82 . Grooves  82  are formed axially along an outer surface of the upper housing  31 D. 
         [0038]    The present invention described herein, therefore, is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as others inherent therein. While a presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been given for purposes of disclosure, numerous changes exist in the details of procedures for accomplishing the desired results. These and other similar modifications will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and are intended to be encompassed within the spirit of the present invention disclosed herein and the scope of the appended claims.