Acoustic Sensor for Steam Quality Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for characterizing multiphase fluids, particularly under high pressure and temperature conditions, are inadequate for accurately determining steam quality and flow rates in industrial applications such as oil and gas production, as they require invasive and inefficient techniques.
Innovation Solution
The development of an acoustic sensor device and system that uses swept-frequency acoustic interferometry (SFAI) with piezoelectric transducers and machine learning algorithms to measure acoustic properties of multiphase fluids, enabling non-invasive characterization of steam quality through principal component analysis and support vector machine regression models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional invasive methods are used to characterize multiphase fluids, then measurement accuracy may be maintained, but the complexity and cost of the system increases and the fluid flow is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/invasive measurement methods with acoustic wave-based measurement. Acoustic transducers emit sound waves through the pipe wall into the multiphase fluid, and receivers detect the transmitted waves. The acoustic properties (velocity, attenuation) of the fluid are derived from these measurements, enabling non-invasive determination of steam quality and flow characteristics without mechanical contact with the fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic waves as an intermediary to transfer information about the fluid properties from the interior of the pipe to external sensors. The acoustic transducers and receivers act as intermediaries that couple the external measurement system with the internal fluid environment through the pipe wall, enabling indirect but accurate measurement of fluid characteristics without direct intrusion.
2Reliability
If traditional measurement techniques are used for high pressure and temperature fluids, then reliable data can be obtained, but the measurement process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems designed for high pressure and temperature environments with acoustic measurement technology. Acoustic waves can propagate through the fluid under these extreme conditions, and the transducers are positioned externally, avoiding direct exposure to the harshest environmental conditions while still obtaining reliable fluid property data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures changes in acoustic parameters (velocity, attenuation, frequency content) of sound waves as they pass through the multiphase fluid. These acoustic parameters change in response to the fluid's physical state, composition, and flow characteristics, providing a sensitive indicator of steam quality and flow regime without requiring direct contact with the high pressure and temperature medium.
3Measurement precision
If invasive probes are inserted into the pipe to measure fluid properties, then direct contact with the fluid is achieved, but the fluid flow is disrupted and the measurement system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical probe insertion with acoustic wave transmission. Acoustic waves pass through the pipe wall and into the fluid without physical obstruction, maintaining uninterrupted fluid flow. The measurement process occurs in the acoustic domain rather than the mechanical domain, eliminating flow disruption while preserving measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic waves serve as an intermediary that penetrates the pipe wall and interacts with the fluid without requiring physical intrusion. This allows the measurement system to obtain fluid property information while the fluid flows freely through the pipe, maintaining production efficiency without the need for flow interruption or probe insertion.
4Ease of operation
If conventional acoustic measurement methods are used, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but accuracy under high pressure and temperature conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs comprehensive analysis of multiple acoustic parameters including wave velocity, attenuation coefficient, frequency content, and time-of-flight measurements. By measuring changes in these parameters under high pressure and temperature conditions and correlating them with fluid properties through calibration, the system achieves accurate steam quality measurement while maintaining non-invasive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the received acoustic signals to adjust and refine measurements. The received waveforms are analyzed to determine fluid properties, and this information can be used to optimize subsequent measurements. The feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to varying operating conditions and maintain measurement accuracy across different pressure and temperature regimes.
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 solution allows for accurate and efficient characterization of steam quality and flow rates in multiphase fluids, even under high pressure and temperature conditions, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs in industrial processes.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic transmitter that includes a transmitter piezoelectric transducer (PZT)
Implementation Method 2
swept-frequency acoustic interferometry (SFAI) with piezoelectric transducers to measure acoustic properties of multiphase fluids
Implementation Method 3
an acoustic receiver that includes a receiver PZT
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement system and a method for determining steam quality (i.e. vapor mass fraction) measurements of multiphase fluid flowing through pipes are described. An acoustic sensor device consists of an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver that are designed to be attached to a pipe. The acoustic transmitter and the acoustic receiver are exposed to an interior space of the pipe through openings in a wall of the pipe. Acoustic waves generated by the transmitter and captured by the receiver traverse the multiphase fluid flowing into the pipe. Swept-frequency acoustic interferometry (SFAI) technique is used to measure ultrasonic acoustic properties of a fluid. Machine-learning techniques based on principal component analysis, support vector machine regression and support vector machine classification are used for determining steam quality.