Antenna Positioning for Multiphase Fluid Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face interference issues when combining resonance and transmission measurements in multiphase fluid flows, particularly in situations where the medium is neither clearly high-loss nor low-loss, leading to reduced measurement quality due to resonance interference with transmission signals.
Innovation Solution
The strategic positioning of antennas to minimize interference by utilizing amplitude minima of higher resonance frequencies, allowing for separate and interference-free measurement of resonance and transmission properties using the same or different antennas, depending on the configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If resonance measurements are performed using electromagnetic signals in a multiphase fluid flow, then the measurement of fluid characteristics (salinity, composition) is improved, but resonance interference affects transmission measurements and reduces measurement quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement function into separate resonance measuring means and transmission measuring means, allowing each to operate independently without interference. The resonance measurements and transmission measurements are performed as separate functions rather than simultaneously competing for the same measurement channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs antennas that can serve multiple functions - they can be used for both resonance measurements and transmission measurements depending on the configuration. The same antenna system can perform different measurement types by adjusting operational parameters, reducing the need for separate dedicated hardware for each measurement type.
2Device complexity
If a single antenna system is used for both resonance and transmission measurements, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement quality deteriorates due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measurement system dynamically configurable by allowing the antenna system to switch between different measurement modes (resonance or transmission) based on operational requirements. The system can adapt its configuration and operational parameters to perform different measurement types using the same hardware infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters such as signal frequency, power level, and measurement mode to enable the same antenna system to perform different measurement types. By adjusting these parameters, the system can optimize for either resonance measurements or transmission measurements depending on the fluid conditions and measurement objectives.
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 quality of measurements by reducing resonance interference, enabling accurate determination of fluid characteristics like salinity and composition in multiphase flows, even under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic (e.g. microwave) resonator sensor, when the fluid is a low-loss fluid, and using transmission measurement, when the fluid is a high-loss fluid
Implementation Method 2
measuring the transmission properties through the fluid, or by the resonance conditions in a cavity containing the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a system for measuring electrical characteristics of a multiphase fluid flow in a pipe, the system comprising an essentially coaxial insert in said flow defining an annular space between a chosen part of said insert and the pipe wall. The system including resonance measuring means including at least one first antenna, the resonance measuring means being adapted to transmit an electromagnetic signal into said volume within a frequency range comprising at least one predetermined resonance in said volume, the resonance measuring means also being adapted to measure the resonance properties in said volume, said resonance having an amplitude minimum in at least one known position in said volume and said first antenna positioned outside said known position of amplitude minimum. The system also comprising transmission measuring means including a second antenna positioned at, or close to, said known position of amplitude minimum, and being adapted to measure a transmission property between said second antenna and at least one of said first antennas in said resonance measuring means. Based on these measurements the system is adapted to calculate said electrical characteristics.