BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to measurement of a multiphase mixture, and more specifically to use of a non-intrusive resonator for measuring a phase composition of a multiphase mixture flowing in a pipe.

[0002] A multiphase mixture refers to a mixture that includes at least two phases of material. By way of example, a multiphase mixture includes some combination of oil, water, and gas. Typically, in oil and gas industries, it is desirable to measure the phase composition and a flow rate of a material flowing inside a pipe. With oil and gas reserves across the globe being found in smaller and deeper wells having higher water and non-liquid content, there is an enhanced need for multiphase flow measurement techniques.

[0003] Conventionally, for measuring the composition of fluids in the oil and gas industry a variety of techniques are employed. Certain techniques and sensors employed for measuring the phase composition of multiphase mixtures include impedance sensors, capacitive and/or inductive sensors, dual-energy gamma sensors, venturi meters, and microwave resonance based techniques.

[0004] Currently, multiple microwave resonance based techniques are employed for measuring the phase composition of the multiphase mixture. Typically, the microwave resonance based techniques include a microwave cavity resonance technique and a dielectric resonance technique. In certain scenarios, the microwave cavity resonance technique employs an intrusive reflecting medium which protrudes into an inner volume of the pipe. Accordingly, the flow of the multiphase mixture in the pipe is disturbed and obstructed. Furthermore, the intrusive reflecting medium is prone to erosion. Due to the erosion, frequent replacement of the intrusive reflecting medium is necessary. The dielectric resonance technique provides measurement of phase composition of the multiphase mixture for a localized volume only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0005] In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a resonator is presented. The resonator includes a conduit having an inner surface through which a multiphase mixture can flow and an outer surface. Further, the resonator includes at least one non-intrusive signal reflector. Additionally, the resonator includes an electromagnetic sensor positioned to be non- intrusive with respect tojhe inner surface of the conduit and configured to emit electromagnetic waves over a range of frequencies and cause a resonance between a first point and a second point, where the first point comprises a first non-intrusive signal reflector and the second point comprises at least one of a second non-intrusive signal reflector and the electromagnetic sensor.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for determining a phase composition of a multiphase mixture flowing through a conduit is presented. The method includes exciting an electromagnetic sensor non-intrusive with respect to the inner surface of the conduit over a range of frequencies using an excitation circuitry. Further, the method includes generating electromagnetic waves based on the excitation of the electromagnetic sensor. The method also includes generating resonance along the conduit due to reflection of the electromagnetic waves between a first point and a second point, where the first point includes a first non-intrusive signal reflector and the second point includes at least one of a second non-intrusive signal reflector and the electromagnetic sensor. Additionally, the method includes determining at least one resonance characteristic corresponding to the resonance and estimating the phase composition of the multiphase mixture flowing through the conduit based on the at least one resonance characteristic.

[0007] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for measuring a phase composition is presented. The system includes a resonator including a conduit having an inner surface defining a cross section through which a multiphase mixture can flow and an outer surface, at least one non-intrusive signal reflector, and an electromagnetic sensor non-intrusive with respect to the inner surface of the conduit and configured to emit electromagnetic waves over a range of frequencies and cause a resonance between a first point and a second point, where the first point includes a first non-intrusive signal reflector and the second point includes at least one of a second non-intrusive signal reflector and the electromagnetic sensor. The system also includes an excitation circuitry configured to excite the electromagnetic sensor. Moreover, the system includes a controller configured to determine at least one resonance characteristic corresponding to a resonance set up in the resonator and estimate the phase composition of a multiphase mixture flowing through the conduit based on the at least one resonance characteristic. [0008] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for coupling a resonator inline to an existing pipeline through which a multiphase mixture can flow is presented. The method includes removing a first section from the existing pipeline to form an opening. Moreover, the method includes inserting one or more additional sections in the opening such that the additional sections provide an undisturbed flow path for the multiphase mixture, where the additional sections include a conduit having an inner surface defining a cross section through which a multiphase mixture can flow and an outer surface, at least one non- intrusive signal reflector, and an electromagnetic sensor non-intrusive with respect to the inner surface of the conduit and configured to emit electromagnetic waves over a range of frequencies and cause a resonance between a first point and a second point, where the first point comprises a first non-intrusive signal reflector and the second point includes at least one of a second non- intrusive signal reflector and the electromagnetic sensor.

DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present specification will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical representation of an exemplary system for measuring a phase composition, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical representation for employing a resonator in the exemplary system of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a flow chart representing an exemplary method of coupling a resonator inline to an existing pipeline of the exemplary system of FIG. 1 , according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical representation of an axial section of one embodiment of a resonator as used in the exemplary system of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatical representation of cross-sectional view of a resonator of FIG. 4, according to embodiments of the present invention; [0015] FIG. 6 is another diagrammatical representation of a resonator as used in the exemplary system of FIG. 1 , according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatical representation of an axial section of another embodiment of a resonator as used in the exemplary system of FIG. 1 , according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 8 a diagrammatical representation of an axial section of yet another embodiment of a resonator as used in the exemplary system of FIG. 1 , according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatical representation of an axial section of yet another embodiment of a resonator as used in the exemplary system of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatical representation of cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a resonator of FIG. 9, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 1 1 is a diagrammatical representation of an axial section of yet another embodiment of a resonator as used in the exemplary system of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present invention; and

[0021] FIG. 12 is a flow chart representing an exemplary method for determining a phase composition of a multiphase mixture using the exemplary system of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] As will be described in detail hereinafter, various embodiments of an exemplary system and method for determining a phase composition of a multiphase mixture flowing through a conduit are presented. Specifically, systems and methods for the measurement of a phase composition of a multiphase mixture employing a resonator are presented. According to aspects of present disclosure, a non-intrusive system and method for determining a phase composition of a multiphase mixture, that includes a combination of oil, water and gas flowing through a conduit, are presented. [0023] FIG. 1 depicts a diagrammatical representation of an exemplary system 100 for measuring a phase composition, according to embodiments of the present invention. The system 100 includes a conduit 102 having an outer surface 106 and an inner surface 104 through which a multiphase mixture can flow. The term 'multiphase,' as used herein, refers to a composition that includes at least two phases of materials. The multiphase mixture may include some combination of oil, water, and gas. For example, the composition may include gas and water, where for example, the water may be saline water. In another example, the composition may include gas and oil. The term conduit, as used herein, refers to any structure that permits a flow of the multiphase mixture. Further, the term conduit is not limited to elements that have a substantially circular cross-section, are substantially closed, or are longitudinal elements. In one embodiment, the conduit 102 includes a metallic conduit or a dielectric conduit.

[0024] The system 100 also includes an electromagnetic sensor 108 disposed on the conduit 102 such that in one embodiment the electromagnetic sensor 108 is non-intrusive with respect to the inner surface 104 of the conduit 102. In particular, an inner surface 1 10 of the electromagnetic sensor 108 is non-intrusive with respect to the inner surface of the conduit 102. In one example the inner surface of the electromagnetic sensor 108 extends by no more than five percent (5%) of the conduit diameter into the conduit 102. In certain embodiments, the inner surface 110 of the electromagnetic sensor 108 is flush with the inner surface of the conduit 102. That is, the electromagnetic sensor 108 is positioned on the inner surface 104 of the conduit 102 such that the electromagnetic sensor 108 does not protrude into or obstruct flow 112 of the multiphase mixture. Accordingly, the electromagnetic sensor 108 is not prone to erosion due to exposure to the flow 1 12 of the multiphase mixture. Therefore, the need to replace the electromagnetic sensor 108 is considerably minimized.

[0025] The electromagnetic sensor 108 includes any non-intrusive excitation source. In one example, the non-intrusive excitation source includes a patch antenna. The term 'patch antenna,' as used herein, refers to a transmitting and/or receiving element that is capable of operating at radio frequencies/microwave frequencies. In one example, the patch antenna may include a microstrip patch.

[0026] Furthermore, the electromagnetic sensor 108 may be configured to emit electromagnetic waves 114 over a range of frequencies based on excitation of the electromagnetic sensor 108 by using an excitation circuitry 1 16. The range of frequencies may include a range of radio frequencies, a range of microwave frequencies, or combinations thereof. The terms 'radio' or 'microwave' frequency range, as used herein, refers to electromagnetic frequencies between hundreds of MHz to several tens of GHz. In one embodiment, the excitation circuitry 116 may be operatively coupled to a controller 1 18. In one example, the excitation circuitry 1 16 may be a frequency generation and reception unit and the controller 118 may be configured to control the operation of the excitation circuitry 1 16. In a presently contemplated configuration, the controller 118 may include a processing unit 120 and a graphical user interface 122. The graphical user interface 122 may include a display unit. The graphical user interface 122 may be configured to display the data processed by the processing unit 120.

[0027] Furthermore, the system 100 may include at least one non-intrusive signal reflector 124. In one non-limiting example, the non-intrusive signal reflector 124 is represented by a change in cross-section of the conduit 102 viewed from the perspective of the flow 1 12. The change in cross section of the conduit 102 may be due to a decrease in diameter of the conduit 102 in the flow direction or an increase in diameter of the conduit 102 in the flow direction. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the change in cross section of the conduit 102 is a non-abrupt change in cross section. In one example, electromagnetic waves 114 emitted by the electromagnetic sensor 108 may be reflected upon encountering a discontinuity in geometrical cross section caused by the change in cross section of the conduit 102.

[0028] In other embodiments, the non-intrusive signal reflector 124 may be represented by an electrode, a ring, a coating, a liner, or combinations thereof. In such embodiments, the inner surface of the non-intrusive signal reflector 124 extends minimally into the conduit 102. In one example the inner surface of the non-intrusive signal reflector 124 extends by no more than five percent (5%) of the conduit diameter into the conduit 102. In certain embodiments, the non- intrusive signal reflector 124 may be flush with the inner surface 104 of the conduit 102. In one example, when the material of the conduit 102 is different from the material of the non-intrusive signal reflector 124, the electromagnetic waves 1 14 may be reflected due to material discontinuity between the conduit 102 and the non-intrusive signal reflector 124. In one example, when the conduit 102 is a dielectric conduit, resonance may be caused due to the reflection of the electromagnetic waves 114 at the non-intrusive signal reflector 124 due to a difference in dielectric properties of the dielectric conduit 102 and the non-intrusive signal reflector 124. Moreover, the non-intrusive signal reflector 124 allows un-obstructed flow 112 of the multiphase mixture through the conduit 102. [0029] In one example, the conduit 102, the non-intrusive signal reflector 124, and the electromagnetic sensor 108 together form a resonator 128. A resonance is set up between a first point and a second point, where the first point is spaced apart from the second point at a determined axial distance along the conduit 102. In the example of FIG. 1, the first point is the electromagnetic sensor 108 and the second point is the non-intrusive signal reflector 124. In another example, the resonator 128 may include two non-intrusive signal reflectors where the electromagnetic sensor 108 is positioned between the two non-intrusive signal reflectors axially along the conduit 102. Also, when the resonator 128 has two non-intrusive signal reflectors, the first and second points may be formed by each of the non-intrusive signal reflectors.

[0030] In the example of FIG. 1, the emitted electromagnetic waves 114 may be reflected by the non-intrusive signal reflector 124 back to the electromagnetic sensor 108 as the non-intrusive signal reflector 124 operates as a reflection boundary of the resonator 128. The electromagnetic sensor 108 may itself provide a material discontinuity causing the sensor to operate as a reflection boundary further reflecting the electromagnetic waves. Accordingly, a standing wave 126 or resonance is set up between the electromagnetic sensor 108 and the non-intrusive signal reflector 124. Further, a resonance characteristic may be determined corresponding to the resonance set up between the electromagnetic sensor 108 and the non-intrusive signal reflector 124. The resonance characteristic may include a resonant frequency, a quality factor (Q-factor), a resonant response amplitude, a resonant response phase, or a group delay. In one example, the group delay is representative of a change in the phase angle (άφ) with respect to a change in resonant frequency (df). In another example, the group delay may be represented as άφ/k, where Hs a constant.

[0031] According to embodiments of the present invention, the controller 118 is configured to determine the resonance characteristic corresponding to the resonance set up in the resonator 128. In one example, the controller 118 may obtain the resonance characteristic via the excitation circuitry 116, where the excitation circuitry 116 receives the resonance characteristic from the resonator 128. Furthermore, the controller 118 may determine the phase composition of the multiphase mixture flowing through the conduit 102 based on the resonance characteristic. In one embodiment, the controller 118 estimates the phase composition of the multiphase mixture flowing through the conduit 102 based on the complex permittivity of the multiphase mixture. [0032] The term 'phase composition,' as used herein, refers to the water cut and the gas fraction of the multiphase mixture. The term 'water cut' is used to refer to a water volume flow rate relative to the total liquid volume flow rate (oil and water) at a standard pressure and temperature. Also, the term 'gas fraction' is used to refer to a parameter which provides a measure of a quantity of gas present in a multiphase mixture. In particular, the gas fraction refers to a gas volume relative to the multiphase mixture volume at a pressure and temperature prevailing in a measurement environment. Both the water cut and the gas fraction are usually expressed as percentages. In the present specification, the terms 'water fraction' and 'water cut' may be used interchangeably.

[0033] With continued reference to FIG. 1, when the resonator 128 is filled with the multiphase mixture, depending on the permittivity of the multiphase mixture, the resonant frequency of the resonator 128 changes. The resonant frequency of the filled resonator 128 is related to the permittivity of the multiphase mixture as indicated by equation (1): where, f _ro is the resonant frequency of an empty resonator, f _r is the resonant frequency of a filled resonator, and ε is the permittivity of the multiphase mixture.

[0034] Furthermore, an imaginary part of the permittivity of the multiphase mixture may be associated with losses in the medium and may therefore affect the Q-factor of the resonator 128.

[0035] Based on the resonant frequency (f _r ) of the filled resonator 128 and the Q-factor of the resonator 128, the complex permittivity (ε) of the multiphase mixture is determined. As previously noted, the phase composition of the multiphase mixture may be determined based on the complex permittivity of the multiphase mixture. In particular, the corresponding water cut and gas fraction of the multiphase mixture may be determined. In one example, the water cut may be determined for a given value of complex permittivity by employing one or more relations that relate the complex permittivity and the water cut. In a similar manner, the gas fraction of the multiphase mixture may be determined by employing the complex permittivity.

[0036] It should be noted that when the multiphase mixture is a liquid medium, the liquid medium is typically in the form of an emulsion or a homogenous mixture of oil and water. The complex permittivity of the liquid medium is dependent on the actual ratios of oil and water. Certain widely known relations, such as Bruggeman relation and Maxwell-Garnet Rule, are employed to establish a relation between the permittivity and the water cut. Based on the measurement of the resonance characteristic and using the empirical relations appropriately, water cut of the liquid medium may be estimated. The Bruggeman relation for a mixture is given by the following equation where, ε is effective permittivity of the mixture , ε is the permittivity of dispersed particles

(p), e _m is the permittivity of the medium (m), where the particle (p) is dispersed in the medium (m) and φ is a fraction of the particle (p) in the medium (m). In an oil continuous medium, the medium is oil and the particle dispersed in the medium is water. Also, in a water continuous medium, the medium is water and the particle dispersed in the medium is oil.

[0037] Turning now to FIG. 2, a diagrammatical representation of resonator 200 employed in the exemplary system of FIG. 1, is depicted. Moreover, FIG. 3 represents a flow chart 300 depicting an exemplary method of coupling a resonator inline to an existing pipeline of the exemplary system of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present invention. FIGs. 2 and 3 will be explained with respect to each other. Reference numeral 202 represents a first section of an existing pipeline 204. The section 202 may be removed from the existing pipeline 204 creating an opening 205(block 302 of FIG. 3). In one example, the opening 205 may be created by cutting the section 202 from the existing pipeline 204. In another example, the opening 205 may be created by decoupling the section 202 from the existing pipeline 204.

[0038] Furthermore, an additional section 206 is inserted in the opening 205 such that the additional section provides an undisturbed flow path for the multiphase mixture flowing through the existing pipeline 204 (block 304 of FIG. 3). In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the section 206 is a resonator, such as the resonator 128 of FIG. 1. The section 206 includes a conduit 208, an electromagnetic sensor 210, and a non-intrusive signal reflector 212. In another embodiment, the section 206 may include a conduit 208, an electromagnetic sensor 210, and two non-intrusive signal reflectors 212 positioned on either sides of the electromagnetic sensor 210. [0039] In one embodiment, the electromagnetic sensor 210 is non- intrusive with respect to an inner surface 214 of the conduit 208 and is configured to emit electromagnetic waves over a range of frequencies. The electromagnetic sensor 210 is spaced apart from the non-intrusive signal reflector 212 at a determined axial distance along the conduit 208. As mentioned hereinabove, the non- intrusive signal reflector 212 may represent a change in cross section of the conduit 208, in one example. In another example, the non-intrusive signal reflector 212 may be a metallic electrode, a dielectric ring, a dielectric coating, a dielectric liner, or combinations thereof. When the non-intrusive signal reflector 212 is a metallic electrode, a dielectric ring, a dielectric coating, a dielectric liner, or combinations thereof, an inner surface of the non- intrusive signal reflector 212 is non-intrusive with respect to the inner surface 214 of the conduit 208. Although FIG. 2 explains retrofitting a resonator to an existing pipeline, the resonator may also be included while the conduit or pipeline is being manufactured thereby eliminating the need to decouple or cut sections from the pipeline.

[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagrammatical representation of an axial section 400 of one embodiment of a resonator as used in the exemplary system of FIG. 1. Moreover, FIG. 5 represents a cross-sectional view 500 (section 5-5) of the axial section of the resonator 400 of FIG. 4. The resonator 400 includes a conduit 402 having a conduit wall 404. Furthermore, an inner surface of the conduit 402 is represented by reference numeral 406 and an outer surface of the conduit 402 is represented by reference numeral 408. A multiphase mixture can flow through a flow space 416. An electromagnetic sensor 410 is disposed on the conduit wall 402 and is non-intrusive with respect to an inner surface 406 of the conduit 402. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic sensor 410 is flush with an inner surface 406 of the conduit 402. Additionally, a non-intrusive signal reflector 412 is disposed about a circumference of the conduit 402.

[0041] In the example of FIGs. 4 and 5, the non-intrusive signal reflector 412 includes a plurality of electrodes. In one embodiment, the electrodes are metallic electrodes. Moreover, the plurality of electrodes include low frequency electrodes. The term low frequency electrodes, as used herein, refers to metallic electrodes used for injecting an electrical current into the multiphase mixture flowing through the conduit at frequencies in the MHz range (generally <10MHz) for the purpose of multiphase measurements. In one example, the low frequency electrodes include an Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) electrode, an Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) electrode, an Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) electrode, or an Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) electrode. In one embodiment, the plurality of electrodes are disposed about the circumference of the conduit 402 such that an inner surface 414 of each of the electrodes are non-intrusive with respect to the inner surface 406 of the conduit 402. In one embodiment, the plurality of electrodes is disposed on a dielectric ring disposed about the circumference of the conduit 402. As clearly represented in FIG. 5, the electrodes 412 do not protrude into the flow space 416 of the conduit 402. Accordingly, the non- intrusive signal reflector 412 is non-obstructive to the flow of multiphase mixture in the conduit 402 thereby preventing erosion of the electrodes. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, resonance is set up within the conduit 402 between a first point and a second point to facilitate determination of a phase composition of a multiphase mixture flowing within the conduit 402. In the example of FIG. 4, the electrodes 412 form the first point and the electromagnetic sensor 410 forms the second point.

[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a resonator such as the resonator 128 as used in the exemplary system of FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 6 depicts an external view of a resonator 600, having different types of non-intrusive signal reflectors, such as the non-intrusive signal reflector 124 of FIG. 1. The resonator 600 includes a conduit 602 and electromagnetic sensor 604, such as a patch antenna, which is non-intrusive with respect to an inner surface of the conduit 602. The electromagnetic sensor 604 may be configured to emit electromagnetic waves over a range of frequencies.

[0043] In accordance with one embodiment, a plurality of electrodes 606 disposed about the circumference of the conduit 602 represent a first type of non-intrusive signal reflector. In accordance with yet another embodiment, dielectric liner 608 represents yet another non- intrusive signal reflector. The dielectric liner 608 may be disposed along a length of the conduit 602 so as to provide a material discontinuity within the conduit 602. Accordingly, the dielectric liner 608 may form a reflection boundary of the resonator 600. In the example of FIG. 6, the plurality of electrodes 606 are disposed about the dielectric liner 608. In one example, the resonance may be set up between the electromagnetic sensor 604 and the dielectric liner 608. Although FIG. 6 illustrates the dielectric liner 608 along with the plurality of electrodes 606, the resonator 600 does not require that both be used. More particularly, either one or both of the dielectric liner 608 and the plurality of electrodes 606 may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. [0044] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatical representation of an axial section 700 of another embodiment of a resonator as used in the exemplary system of FIG. 1. As with resonator 400, the resonator 700 includes a conduit 402 having an inner surface 406 and an outer surface 408. The resonator 700 further includes a non-intrusive signal reflector in the form of at least one liner 702. In one embodiment, the liners 702 are dielectric liners which provide a material discontinuity in the conduit 402. The liners 702 provide a reflection boundary and may be disposed on the inner surface 406 of the conduit 402. Although in the illustrated embodiment two liners 702 are shown, resonator 700 may also include a single liner 702. The liners 702 may extend along the length of the conduit 402 when compared to distribution of other non-intrusive signal reflectors on the conduit 402. Moreover, in one example, resonance is set up between the electromagnetic sensor 410 and one or more of the liners 702. In another example, the two liners 702 are spaced apart at a determined distance along the conduit 402 such that a resonance is set up between the two liners 702. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the liner 702 does not protrude into flow space 416 of the conduit 402 and therefore does not obstruct the flow of the multiphase mixture.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 8, a diagrammatical representation of an axial section 800 of yet another embodiment of a resonator as used in the exemplary system of FIG. 1, is represented. As with resonator 400, the resonator 800 includes a conduit 402 having an inner surface 406 and an outer surface 408. The resonator 800 includes a non-intrusive signal reflector in the form of a coating 802. In one embodiment, the coating 802 is a dielectric coating. The coating 802 may be disposed on the inner surface 406 of the conduit 402. Further, the coating 802 provides material discontinuity and therefore provides a reflection boundary. In FIG. 8, resonance is set up between the electromagnetic sensor 410 and the coating 802. The thickness of the coating 802 is thinner when compared to the thickness of the liner 702 of FIG. 7. Moreover, in one example, the coating 802 may be more localized when compared to the liner 702. In one embodiment, the coating 802 may be coated in a localized cross-section about a circumference of the conduit 402. As with the liner 702, the coating 802 also does not protrude into the flow space 416 of the conduit 402 thereby allowing an undisturbed flow of the multiphase mixture through the conduit 402.

[0046] Turning now to FIG. 9, a diagrammatical representation of an axial section 900 of yet another embodiment of a resonator as used in the exemplary system of FIG. 1, is presented. Also, FIG. 10 is a diagrammatical representation of cross-sectional view 1000 of the resonator of FIG. 9. As with resonator 400, the resonator 900 may include a conduit having an inner surface 406 and an outer surface 408. Furthermore, the resonator 900 includes a non-intrusive signal reflector in the form of a ring 902 disposed about an inner circumference of the conduit 402. In particular, an inner surface of the ring 902 is non-intrusive with respect to the inner surface 406 of the conduit 402. In one non-limiting example, the ring 902 is a dielectric ring. As indicated in FIG. 10, the ring 902 does not protrude into a flow space 416 of the conduit 402. Accordingly, the ring 902 is non-intrusive thereby preventing erosion of the ring 902. In one example, the ring 902 provides material discontinuity, thereby providing a reflection boundary of the resonator 900. Another reflection boundary of the resonator 900 is provided by the electromagnetic sensor 410. In one example, the ring 902 is more localized as compared to the liner 702 of FIG. 7.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1 1, a diagrammatical representation of an axial section 1 100 of yet another embodiment of a resonator as used in the exemplary system of FIG. 1, is depicted. The resonator 1 100 includes a conduit 1102 having conduit walls 1 104, an inner surface 1106, and an outer surface 1108. Furthermore, the resonator 1 100 includes an electromagnetic sensor 11 10 non-intrusive with respect to the inner surface 1 106 of the conduit 1102. Moreover, the resonator 1100 includes a non-intrusive signal reflector in the form of a change in cross section 1112. The change in cross section 1 1 12 may be a non-abrupt change of cross section thereby not obstructing the flow of the multiphase mixture through the conduit 1102. Resonance may be set up between the change in cross section 1 112 and the electromagnetic sensor 11 10. Although, the examples of FIGs. 1-11 represent use of a single electromagnetic sensor, use of more than one electromagnetic sensor in a resonator is also contemplated.

[0048] FIG. 12 is a flow chart 1200 representing an exemplary method for determining a phase composition of a multiphase mixture flowing through a conduit, according to embodiments of the present invention. The method of FIG. 12 will be explained with respect to elements of FIG. 1. The method begins at block 1202, where an electromagnetic sensor 108 disposed on the conduit 102 is excited over a range of frequencies using an excitation circuitry 116. As previously noted, the electromagnetic sensor 108 may include a patch antenna.

[0049] At block 1204, an electromagnetic wave 114 is generated over a range of frequencies based on the excitation of the electromagnetic sensor 108. The range of frequencies may include a range of radio frequencies or a range of microwave frequencies. At an instance of time, an electromagnetic wave having a single frequency is emitted. [0050] Moreover, at block 1206, a resonance is generated due to reflection of the electromagnetic wave 1 14 between a non-intrusive signal reflector 124 and the electromagnetic sensor 108. In one example, the resonance is generated due to reflection of the electromagnetic wave 114 between two reflectors. Based on the reflection of the electromagnetic waves 114, a resonance is set up.

[0051] At block 1208, resonance characteristic corresponding to the resonance is determined. That is, once the resonance is set up, the resonance characteristic are determined. In one embodiment, the resonance characteristic may be a resonant frequency, a quality factor, a resonant response amplitude, a resonant response phase, a group delay, or combinations thereof.

[0052] Further, at block 1210, the phase composition of the multiphase mixture flowing through the conduit 102 is estimated based on the resonance characteristic determined at block 1208. Particularly, a complex permittivity of the multiphase mixture is determined based on the resonance characteristic. Further, the phase composition is determined based on the complex permittivity of the multiphase mixture. The method of determining a phase composition of a multiphase mixture flowing through a conduit is similar to the explanation provided with respect to FIG. 1.

[0053] Furthermore, the foregoing examples, demonstrations, and process steps such as those that may be performed by a system, such as controller 1 18 for example, may be implemented through the execution of tailored code on a processor-based system, such as a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. It should also be noted that different implementations of the present disclosure may perform some or all of the steps described herein in different orders or substantially concurrently, that is, in parallel. Furthermore, the functions may be implemented in a variety of programming languages, including but not limited to C++ or Java. Such code may be stored or adapted for storage on one or more tangible, machine readable media, such as on data repository chips, local or remote hard disks, optical disks (that is, CDs or DVDs), memory or other media, which may be accessed by a processor-based system to execute the stored code.

[0054] The systems and methods for the measurement of a phase composition of a multiphase mixture employing a resonator described hereinabove aids in providing non-intrusive and a non- contact system. In particular, the resonator includes non-intrusive signal reflectors and electromagnetic sensors which are preferably flush with conduit walls and do not protrude into a flow space of the conduit, thereby preventing erosion of the non-intrusive signal reflectors and the electromagnetic sensors. Therefore, the frequency of replacement of the non-intrusive signal reflectors and the electromagnetic sensors is considerably reduced. Also, the systems and methods for the measurement of a phase composition of a multiphase mixture aids in measurement of the phase composition for a volume of multiphase mixture. Accordingly, the measurement is not localized. The measurement of the phase composition for the volume of multiphase mixture aids in averaging out the measurement and thereby avoiding any major deviation in the measurement.

[0055] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.