Add-on ICE Enhances Optical Sensor Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors in the oil and gas exploration and production industry lose accuracy and sensitivity due to mechanical changes and variations in sampling conditions, requiring frequent re-calibration and eventual replacement, leading to time delays and costly expenses.
Innovation Solution
An additional Integrated Computational Element (ICE) is added to optical computing devices, enhancing their performance by using multilayered interference elements that interact with substances across various electromagnetic spectra, and employing multivariate regression modeling to improve predictive accuracy and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing sensors are used for sample characterization, then the basic measurement function is provided, but accuracy and sensitivity are lost due to mechanical changes and sampling condition variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring sensor performance parameters and automatically adjusting calibration values. The system compares current sensor readings against reference values and modifies the calibration curve to compensate for drift and degradation, thereby maintaining accuracy and sensitivity without manual intervention or sensor replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the sensor system by dynamically adjusting calibration values, detection thresholds, and measurement ranges based on monitored performance degradation. This allows the sensor to adapt to mechanical changes and sampling condition variations, preserving measurement precision and sensitivity throughout the sensor's operational life.
2Measurement precision
If re-calibration procedures are followed to correct sensor accuracy loss, then measurement accuracy is restored, but time delays and expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the sensor system to perform self-calibration by automatically detecting performance degradation and adjusting its own calibration parameters. The system uses built-in reference sensors and processing circuits to monitor and correct its own measurements, eliminating the need for external re-calibration procedures and reducing both time delay and operational expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously monitoring sensor performance and performing small calibration adjustments in advance before significant accuracy loss occurs. This proactive approach prevents major calibration drift and avoids the need for time-consuming re-calibration procedures, maintaining measurement accuracy throughout the sensor's operational cycle.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are replaced due to accuracy loss, then fresh sensor performance is achieved, but substantial re-testing is required causing long time delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor and adjust sensor performance, extending the operational life of existing sensors before replacement becomes necessary. By detecting and compensating for degradation trends, the system delays sensor replacement and eliminates the time-consuming re-testing process associated with installing and validating new sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary maintenance actions by performing gradual calibration adjustments and performance optimizations before sensor replacement becomes necessary. This extends the functional lifespan of existing sensors and avoids the productivity loss associated with sensor replacement and re-testing, maintaining continuous operational capability.
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
The solution provides superior sensitivity and accuracy in measuring sample characteristics, reducing the need for frequent re-calibration and replacement, thereby minimizing delays and expenses while maintaining precise measurements.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of sensing elements includes a respective integrated computational element (ICE), such as a multilayered interference element
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided, including: forming an optical computing device having a first plurality of sensing elements selected to measure a characteristic of a sample, generating a transmission function from a first add-on integrated computational element (ICE), and evaluating, with a merit-function and the transmission function of the add-on ICE, a predictive performance of a modified optical computing device that includes the add-on ICE in addition to the first plurality of sensing elements. Also, modifying the first add-on ICE to improve the predictive performance of the modified optical computing device according to the merit-function and a modified transmission function of the add-on ICE.