Acoustic transducer for pipeline transmission

Abstract

The application relates to an acoustic wave transducer for pipeline transmission, comprising: a pipeline for conducting acoustic waves; a piezoelectric ceramic assembly sleeved on the outer wall of the pipeline; the piezoelectric ceramic assembly comprises a plurality of piezoelectric ceramic rings and a plurality of electrode sheets, the piezoelectric ceramic rings and the electrode sheets are alternately and layerwisely arranged along the axial direction of the pipeline, and the plurality of piezoelectric ceramic rings and the plurality of electrode sheets are integrally formed, and are used for exciting and receiving the acoustic waves propagating along the axial direction of the pipeline; and an end cover is sleeved on the pipeline and is adjacent to the piezoelectric ceramic assembly. Through cooperation of the pipeline, the integrated conformal piezoelectric ceramic assembly as a high-efficiency energy converter and the end cover as mechanical guarantee, optimal matching of acoustic impedance is realized in the structure, not only the propagation efficiency of the acoustic waves generated by the piezoelectric ceramic assembly to the pipeline is enhanced when the acoustic waves are emitted, but also the acoustic wave energy on the pipeline can be efficiently coupled and transmitted to the piezoelectric ceramic assembly when the acoustic waves are received, so that high-sensitivity reception and high-transmission efficiency of the acoustic waves are finally achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of acoustic transducer technology, and more particularly to an acoustic transducer for pipeline transmission. Background Technology

[0002] An ultrasonic transducer is a device that uses the inverse piezoelectric effect of a ceramic plate to generate mechanical vibration under the action of high-frequency alternating current, thereby emitting ultrasonic waves.

[0003] Existing split-type transducers cannot achieve good conformal integration with water injection pipes, resulting in mechanical impedance mismatch. This leads to significant acoustic energy reflection and loss at the contact interface, resulting in weak acoustic signal transmission and low coupling efficiency. These problems are particularly pronounced in applications with circular pipe structures such as water injection pipes. Ordinary transducers, with their planar or point-like contact surfaces, cannot achieve good resonant coupling with the curved surface of the pipe. This results in impure acoustic modes and dispersed energy, leading to weak acoustic signals transmitted along the pipe axis and a low signal-to-noise ratio, severely limiting detection accuracy and communication distance. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides an acoustic transducer for pipeline transmission, which adopts an integrated conformal design with the pipeline. The piezoelectric ceramic ring can better couple and excite with the pipeline, obtain more accurate acoustic transmission data, and has low signal attenuation, which is beneficial to the transmission of acoustic signals.

[0005] Therefore, this application provides an acoustic transducer for pipeline transmission, comprising:

[0006] Pipes are used to conduct sound waves;

[0007] A piezoelectric ceramic assembly is sleeved on the outer wall of the pipe; the piezoelectric ceramic assembly includes multiple piezoelectric ceramic rings and multiple electrode plates, the piezoelectric ceramic rings and the electrode plates are alternately stacked along the axial direction of the pipe, and the multiple piezoelectric ceramic rings and the multiple electrode plates are integrally formed, used to excite and receive the sound waves propagating along the axial direction of the pipe;

[0008] An end cap is fitted onto the pipe and adjacent to the piezoelectric ceramic assembly.

[0009] In some embodiments, a first insulating gasket is provided between the end cap and the piezoelectric ceramic assembly.

[0010] In some embodiments, a positioning ring is provided on the outer wall of the pipe to define the axial installation position of the piezoelectric ceramic assembly.

[0011] In some embodiments, a clamping ring is fitted around the outer periphery of the positioning ring, and the clamping ring abuts against the end of the piezoelectric ceramic assembly away from the end cap.

[0012] In some embodiments, a mass block is provided between the piezoelectric ceramic assembly and the clamping ring.

[0013] In some embodiments, a second insulating pad is provided between the mass block and the piezoelectric ceramic assembly.

[0014] In some embodiments, the end cap is stepped and includes a first diameter segment and a second diameter segment coaxially arranged, wherein the outer diameter of the first diameter segment is smaller than the outer diameter of the second diameter segment, and the inner diameter of the first diameter segment is adapted to the outer diameter of the pipe.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first diameter section is provided with an assembly hole, through which the pipe passes and is fixed to the end cap by welding, bonding or threaded connection.

[0016] In some embodiments, a bottom cover plate integrated with the piezoelectric ceramic assembly is also included, the bottom cover plate being sleeved on the conduit and located between the first diameter section and the piezoelectric ceramic assembly.

[0017] In some embodiments, the surface of each electrode sheet is coated with an insulating coating.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0019] The acoustic transducer for pipeline transmission includes a pipeline, a piezoelectric ceramic assembly, and an end cap. The pipeline is used to conduct acoustic waves. The piezoelectric ceramic assembly is fitted onto the outer wall of the pipeline. The piezoelectric ceramic assembly includes multiple piezoelectric ceramic rings and multiple electrode plates, which are alternately stacked along the axial direction of the pipeline. The multiple piezoelectric ceramic rings and multiple electrode plates are integrally formed to excite and receive the acoustic waves propagating along the axial direction of the pipeline. The end cap is fitted onto the pipeline and adjacent to the piezoelectric ceramic assembly.

[0020] The system employs a three-in-one approach: using the pipeline as a waveguide, the integrated conformal piezoelectric ceramic assembly as a high-efficiency energy converter, and the end cap as a mechanical safeguard. This approach optimizes acoustic impedance matching and enables efficient acoustic wave coupling and transmission between the piezoelectric ceramic assembly and the downhole tubing. This not only enhances the propagation efficiency of the acoustic waves generated by the piezoelectric ceramic assembly to the pipeline when transmitting acoustic waves, but also efficiently couples the acoustic wave energy from the tubing to the piezoelectric ceramic assembly when receiving acoustic waves. This achieves high-throughput, low-loss bidirectional transmission of acoustic waves between the electrical and mechanical domains (pipeline acoustic waves), ultimately resulting in high-sensitivity reception and high transmission efficiency of acoustic waves. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an acoustic transducer for pipeline transmission provided in this application;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an acoustic transducer used for pipeline transmission.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 1. Pipe; 11. Positioning ring; 2. Clamping ring; 3. Mass block; 4. Piezoelectric ceramic assembly; 41. Piezoelectric ceramic ring; 42. Electrode plate; 5. Bottom cover plate; 6. End cover; 61. First diameter section; 62. Second diameter section. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 2This application provides an acoustic transducer for pipeline transmission, comprising a pipeline 1, a piezoelectric ceramic assembly 4, and an end cap 6. The pipeline 1 is used to conduct acoustic waves. The piezoelectric ceramic assembly 4 is sleeved on the outer wall of the pipeline 1. The piezoelectric ceramic assembly 4 includes multiple piezoelectric ceramic rings 41 and multiple electrode plates 42, which are alternately stacked along the axial direction of the pipeline 1, and the multiple piezoelectric ceramic rings 41 and multiple electrode plates 42 are integrally formed, used to excite and receive the acoustic waves propagating along the axial direction of the pipeline 1. The end cap 6 is sleeved on the pipeline 1 and adjacent to the piezoelectric ceramic assembly 4. The end cap 6, adjacent to the piezoelectric ceramic assembly 4 and fixed to the pipeline 1, provides a stable preload force, ensuring that the piezoelectric ceramic assembly 4 maintains tight contact with the pipeline wall under various operating conditions (such as temperature changes and vibration), maintaining long-term stable coupling performance, and preventing signal attenuation due to loosening.

[0029] In this system, pipe 1, acting as a sound wave guide, serves not only as a transmission channel for fluids or substances but also as the core medium for sound wave signal propagation. The piezoelectric ceramic component 4 is annularly fitted around pipe 1, ensuring uniform excitation / reception of the sound wave energy and electrical energy conversion within pipe 1. Specifically, through the coordinated work of multiple piezoelectric ceramic rings 41 and electrode plates 42, a greater overall driving force (emission) can be generated under voltage drive, or a higher charge collection capability (reception) for weak vibrations can be achieved, thus improving the transducer's power and sensitivity. Furthermore, the integrated conformal design of multiple piezoelectric ceramic rings 41 and electrode plates 42 eliminates the acoustic impedance mismatch problem caused by adhesive layers or air gaps in traditional assembly. When sound waves propagate at the interface between two media (ceramic and metal), better impedance matching results in higher energy transmittance and lower reflection loss, maximizing the bidirectional transmission efficiency of energy between the ceramic and pipe 1.

[0030] Specifically, the external circuit applies a high-frequency alternating voltage to multiple piezoelectric ceramic rings 41 via electrode plates 42. Under the drive of the alternating electric field, each piezoelectric ceramic ring 41 generates periodic micron-level stretching and contraction vibrations in the radial direction (thickness direction). Since these piezoelectric ceramic rings 41 are integrally formed and conformally and tightly attached to the outer wall of the pipe 1, their collective vibrations are efficiently coupled to the pipe wall of the pipe 1. Under the action of these periodic stresses, the pipe wall of the pipe 1 is excited to generate elastic waves (i.e., sound waves) that propagate along its axial direction. In other words, the annularly stacked piezoelectric ceramic rings 41 and electrode plates 42 are equivalent to a surface sound source of the same length as the pipe 1, with a large effective area and more uniform and direct energy injection. Thus, the integrated conformal design minimizes the energy reflection and absorption losses caused by traditional adhesive layers, allowing more mechanical energy generated by the piezoelectric ceramics to enter the pipe 1 and be converted into sound wave energy.

[0031] The sound waves transmitted from the far end of pipe 1 cause slight vibrations in the wall of pipe 1. Since the piezoelectric ceramic component 4 is tightly coupled to the wall of pipe 1, the vibration of the pipe wall directly squeezes or stretches the piezoelectric ceramic ring 41. The piezoelectric ceramic ring 41 generates weak charges due to deformation, and these charges are collected by the adjacent electrode plates 42. The electrical signals generated by multiple piezoelectric ceramic rings 41 are superimposed in parallel or series through the electrode plates 42 to form a stronger electrical signal that can be processed by the back-end circuit. Thus, through the integrated conformal arrangement, the weak sound wave vibration energy on pipe 1 can be transmitted to the piezoelectric ceramic ring 41 with almost no loss. The stacked arrangement allows multiple ceramic rings to work simultaneously, capturing sound wave energy over a large area, which significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio and receiving sensitivity.

[0032] The system employs a three-in-one approach: using pipe 1 as a waveguide, integrated conformal piezoelectric ceramic component 4 as a high-efficiency energy converter, and end cap 6 as a mechanical safeguard. This approach optimizes acoustic impedance matching and enables efficient acoustic coupling and transmission between the piezoelectric ceramic component 4 and the downhole tubing. This not only enhances the propagation efficiency of the acoustic waves generated by the piezoelectric ceramic component 4 to pipe 1 when transmitting acoustic waves, but also efficiently couples and transmits the acoustic energy from the tubing to the piezoelectric ceramic component 4 when receiving acoustic waves. This achieves high-throughput, low-loss bidirectional transmission of acoustic waves between the electrical and mechanical domains (acoustic waves in pipe 1), ultimately resulting in high-sensitivity reception and high transmission efficiency of acoustic waves.

[0033] In this embodiment, a first insulating gasket is provided between the end cap 6 and the piezoelectric ceramic assembly 4. Preferably, the first insulating gasket is an insulating coupling layer, which serves as a buffer and electrical isolation layer to prevent the transducer from failing to excite or receive sound waves due to a short circuit, and to prevent the end cap 6 from causing a short circuit.

[0034] In this embodiment, a positioning ring 11 is provided on the outer wall of the pipe 1 to limit the axial installation position of the piezoelectric ceramic component 4, effectively preventing the piezoelectric ceramic component 4 from accidentally moving or sliding along the axial direction of the pipe 1; at the same time, the positioning ring 11 ensures that the component is always in the preset optimal coupling range, providing a structural reference for efficient sound wave transmission.

[0035] In this embodiment, a clamping ring 2 is sleeved around the outer periphery of the positioning ring 11, and the clamping ring 2 abuts against the end of the piezoelectric ceramic assembly 4 away from the end cap 6. Preferably, the clamping ring 2 is a clamping nut, and a PCBA is mounted on the top of the clamping nut; wherein, by applying pre-compression stress to the integrally formed piezoelectric ceramic sheet and electrode sheet 42 through the clamping nut, the piezoelectric ceramic sheet and electrode sheet 42 can generate sound waves more effectively when deformed, and can generate more charge when receiving charging sound waves. Furthermore, by pre-compressing the piezoelectric ceramic sheet, excessive elongation deformation of the piezoelectric ceramic stack can be avoided, which could lead to damage or even breakage. This not only improves the efficiency and control accuracy of sound wave transmission and reception, but also significantly improves the efficiency of electroacoustic conversion, and also enhances the reliability of the sound wave transducer.

[0036] In this embodiment, a mass block 3 is provided between the piezoelectric ceramic component 4 and the clamping ring 2. The mass block 3, through its own inertial mass, can adjust the natural frequency of the vibration system consisting of the piezoelectric ceramic component 4, the mass block 3, and the pipe 1, so that the vibration of the piezoelectric ceramic component 4 must match the axial natural frequency of the pipe 1 in order to efficiently excite or receive sound waves propagating along the pipe 1.

[0037] In this embodiment, a second insulating pad is provided between the mass block 3 and the piezoelectric ceramic component 4. Preferably, the second insulating pad is an insulating coupling layer, which can physically isolate the mass block 3 from the electrode plate 42 of the piezoelectric ceramic component 4, block unexpected electrical conduction paths, and ensure that the electrical signal of the electrode plate 42 is transmitted only through a preset circuit.

[0038] In this embodiment, the end cap 6 is stepped, comprising a first diameter section 61 and a second diameter section 62 coaxially arranged, wherein the outer diameter of the first diameter section 61 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second diameter section 62. Preferably, the second diameter section 62 has an internal thread on the side opposite to the first diameter section 61 for fixed connection with the downhole tubing string, which is used to achieve efficient acoustic coupling between the piezoelectric ceramic component 4 and the downhole tubing string. The inner diameter of the first diameter section 61 is adapted to the outer diameter of the pipe 1, so that the end cap 6 can be tightly fitted onto the outer wall of the pipe 1 through the first diameter section 61 to form a clear radial positioning reference.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first diameter section 61 is provided with an assembly hole. The pipe 1 passes through the assembly hole and is fixed to the end cap 6 by welding, bonding or threaded connection. This ensures that the vibration of the piezoelectric ceramic component 4 is efficiently transmitted to the pipe 1, providing a basic structural guarantee for the efficient transmission and reception of signals by the transducer.

[0040] In this embodiment, a bottom cover plate 5 integrated with the piezoelectric ceramic component 4 is also included. The bottom cover plate 5 is sleeved on the pipe 1 and located between the first diameter section 61 and the piezoelectric ceramic component 4. The integrated bottom cover plate 5 can serve as a rigid base for the piezoelectric component, firmly fixing the multilayer ceramic ring and electrode sheet 42 to the end face of the bottom cover plate 5. This ensures that the entire component is aligned along the axial direction of the pipe 1, and that each layer expands and contracts synchronously during vibration without relative displacement loss. This provides a structural reference for the efficient transmission of sound waves along the axial direction of the pipe 1 and ensures the stability of each signal transmission.

[0041] In this embodiment, the surface of each electrode sheet 42 is coated with an insulating coating. Preferably, the insulating coating is epoxy resin adhesive, which physically isolates adjacent electrode sheets 42 (even if there is slight contact when they are stacked), ensuring that each electrode sheet 42 is connected to the external circuit only through a preset wire, maintaining a clear alternation of positive and negative polarities. This is crucial for the sound wave emission and weak signal reception in the water injection pipe, which rely on precise electric field control.

[0042] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0043] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0044] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification should not be construed as necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0046] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Since these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

[0047] The above description describes specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An acoustic transducer for pipeline transmission, characterized in that, include: Pipes are used to conduct sound waves; A piezoelectric ceramic assembly is sleeved on the outer wall of the pipe; the piezoelectric ceramic assembly includes multiple piezoelectric ceramic rings and multiple electrode plates, the piezoelectric ceramic rings and the electrode plates are alternately stacked along the axial direction of the pipe, and the multiple piezoelectric ceramic rings and the multiple electrode plates are integrally formed, used to excite and receive the sound waves propagating along the axial direction of the pipe; An end cap is fitted onto the pipe and adjacent to the piezoelectric ceramic assembly.

2. The acoustic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first insulating gasket is provided between the end cap and the piezoelectric ceramic assembly.

3. The acoustic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the pipe is provided with a positioning ring to limit the axial installation position of the piezoelectric ceramic assembly.

4. The acoustic transducer according to claim 3, characterized in that, A clamping ring is fitted around the outer periphery of the positioning ring, and the clamping ring abuts against the end of the piezoelectric ceramic assembly away from the end cap.

5. The acoustic transducer according to claim 4, characterized in that, A mass block is provided between the piezoelectric ceramic component and the clamping ring.

6. The acoustic transducer according to claim 5, characterized in that, A second insulating pad is provided between the mass block and the piezoelectric ceramic component.

7. The acoustic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end cap is stepped and includes a first diameter section and a second diameter section arranged coaxially. The outer diameter of the first diameter section is smaller than the outer diameter of the second diameter section, and the inner diameter of the first diameter section is adapted to the outer diameter of the pipe.

8. The acoustic transducer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first diameter section is provided with an assembly hole, through which the pipe passes and is fixed to the end cap by welding, bonding or threaded connection.

9. The acoustic transducer according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a bottom cover plate integrated with the piezoelectric ceramic component, the bottom cover plate being sleeved on the pipe and located between the first diameter section and the piezoelectric ceramic component.

10. The acoustic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the electrode sheets is coated with an insulating coating.

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