Lehreinheit Technische Kybernetik in Zusammenarbeit mit dem SFB412 - Rechnergestützte Modellierung und Simulation zur Analyse, Synthese und Führung verfahrenstechnischer Prozesse

Einladung zum Vortrag im Kolloquium Technische Kybernetik

Observer Design for Multiphase Flow in Vertical Pipes with Gas-Lift
- Theory and Experiments -

Prof. Bjarne A. Foss
Department of Engineering Cybernetics
Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway

    Zeit: Donnerstag · 9. 12. 2004 · 14:00 Uhr
    Ort: Raum V 9.41 · Pfaffenwaldring 9 · Campus Stuttgart-Vaihingen

Abstract

Unstable regimes occuring for multiphase flow in vertical risers have successfully been stabilized using conventional linear control techniques. However, these control systems rely on downhole measurements which are at best unreliable, if at all available. In this paper, we design a nonlinear observer for the states of the multiphase flow that relies on topside measurements only, and apply it to estimate downhole pressure for feedback control. A key feature of the design is that it exploits the structure of the model to obtain robustness with respect to the internal flows in the system. Combining the nonlinear observer with conventional PI control of the downhole pressure, we demonstrate in laboratory experiments the potential for increasing production from gas-lift wells by stabilizing the multiphase flow.

Biographical Information

Professor at The Norwegian Institute of Technology (later The Norwegian University of Science and Technology) since 1989. 110 refereed journal papers, conference publications and book-chapters. Co-author of one book. Supervised 14 completed dr.ing. degrees. Research interests are in optimization-based control, estimation and modeling in particular related to the process industries, and the oil and gas sector.