Acoustic Sensor Distance Measurement in Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the distance between an acoustic sensor and an acoustic reflector in conduits, such as wellbores or pipelines, are limited in accuracy and efficiency, particularly in identifying leaks and blockages, as they rely on complex hardware deployments and signal processing.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that measure combined acoustic signals, including originating and echo signals, to determine the distance by analyzing frequency domain representations and using the velocity of sound in the conduit, allowing for the estimation of time delays and distances between sensors and reflectors, potentially reducing the need for multiple sensors and hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex hardware deployments and signal processing methods are used to determine distance between acoustic sensor and reflector, then measurement precision may be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the naturally occurring echo signal that bounces back from the reflector, separating it from the original acoustic signal through frequency domain analysis. This eliminates the need for complex multi-sensor hardware deployments by using only the reflected signal information that already exists in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency domain representation as an intermediary step between the raw acoustic signals and distance calculation. By transforming the time-domain signals into frequency domain and analyzing the spectral characteristics, the system can accurately determine distance without requiring complex hardware configurations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed to improve leak detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and resource expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the acoustic sensor multi-functional by enabling it to perform both leak detection and distance measurement to reflectors using the same hardware. The echo signal analysis provides additional information about the conduit environment without requiring separate sensing systems, thus improving overall detection capability while maintaining simple hardware deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the acoustic signals themselves to provide distance information - the echo signals that naturally bounce back from reflectors contain the information needed for distance calculation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional sensors or complex hardware, as the existing acoustic field provides all necessary measurement data.
3Reliability
If traditional signal processing methods are used to identify echo signals, then reliability may be improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the domain parameter from time-domain to frequency-domain analysis. By applying Fourier transform and examining the spectral characteristics of the signals, the system can rapidly and reliably identify echo signals through their distinct frequency patterns, reducing processing time while maintaining high reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy and efficiency of leak detection and blockage identification in conduits by simplifying the deployment of sensors and improving the estimation of distances, thereby reducing resource expenditure and improving diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an echo signal generated by the originating acoustic signal reflecting off the acoustic reflector
Implementation Method 2
measuring at the acoustic sensor a combined acoustic signal that comprises an originating acoustic signal propagating along the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for estimating a distance between an acoustic sensor and an acoustic reflector in a conduit are disclosed. One such method includes using the acoustic sensor to measure a combined acoustic signal that comprises an originating acoustic signal propagating along the conduit and an echo signal. The echo signal is generated by the originating acoustic signal reflecting off the acoustic reflector after propagating past the acoustic sensor. A frequency domain representation of the combined acoustic signal is determined and the echo signal is identified by identifying in the frequency domain representation periodic oscillations having a peak-to-peak difference between 0.75 Hz and 1500 Hz. The distance between the acoustic sensor and the acoustic reflector is determined from the velocity of the echo signal and a time required for the echo signal to propagate between the acoustic sensor and the acoustic reflector.