Asphaltene Flocculation Threshold Detection Without Signal Saturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the flocculation threshold of asphaltenes in hydrocarbon products are not sufficiently simple, fast, and accurate for continuous control of processing units, and do not allow direct analysis of a wide range of products according to their asphaltene content, often requiring operator intervention and leading to signal oscillations and prolonged measurement times.
Innovation Solution
A device for measuring the flocculation threshold using a fixed optical path with a control system that modulates light intensity and selects appropriate signal ranges, allowing direct optical transmission without saturation, and enabling automation through a management system that controls light emitters and receivers, facilitating continuous measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed optical path is used for measurement, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but signal saturation occurs for samples with high asphaltene content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical path length variable rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts the optical path length based on the sample's properties (asphaltene content) to optimize measurement conditions. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain ease of operation with automated adjustment while avoiding signal saturation through dynamic path length modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual operator intervention is used to adjust measurement parameters, then adaptability to different samples is improved, but productivity is reduced and measurement time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated control system that independently adjusts measurement parameters based on sample characteristics. The system automatically determines the appropriate optical path length and measurement conditions without operator intervention, maintaining adaptability while significantly improving productivity by eliminating manual adjustment time.
3Device complexity
If a single optical path length is used for all samples, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates for samples with varying asphaltene content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a variable optical path length system that automatically adapts to different sample types. Rather than using a single fixed path length, the system dynamically adjusts the path length based on the sample's asphaltene content, maintaining measurement precision across varying conditions while keeping the device structure relatively simple through automated control.
4Measurement precision
If multiple optical paths are provided for different sample types, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated system that selects and adjusts the appropriate optical path length based on sample characteristics. Rather than requiring manual selection among multiple fixed paths, the system automatically determines the optimal path length, maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation through automated control.
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 device enables rapid and accurate measurement of flocculation thresholds across various hydrocarbon samples, eliminating the need for operator intervention and reducing measurement time to a few microseconds, while maintaining precision and adaptability to different sample densities.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter emitting a light beam entering the measuring chamber in an emission direction, a photoelectric light receiver directly receiving the light beam leaving the measuring chamber
Implementation Method 2
a photoelectric light receiver directly receiving the light beam leaving the measuring chamber, the receiver being capable of delivering a current when it receives a luminous flux
Implementation Method 3
a system for controlling the light emitter configured to vary the luminous intensity of the emitted light beam between a minimum value and a maximum value
Implementation Method 4
a current-voltage converter receiving the current delivered by the light receiver and delivering a voltage
Implementation Method 5
a variable gain amplifier receiving the voltage delivered by the current-voltage converter and delivering a voltage
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for measuring the flocculation threshold of a colloidal medium, in particular a colloidal medium containing asphaltenes, by addition of aliphatic solvent, comprising: - a measurement cell (10) operating by direct optical transmission and comprising a measurement chamber (101) for receiving the medium, a light emitter (12) for emitting a light beam entering into the measurement chamber in an emission direction and a photoelectric light receiver (14) for directly receiving the light beam exiting the measurement chamber and delivering a current when it receives a light flux; - a control system comprising a system (17) for driving the light emitter, configured to vary the luminous intensity of the emitted light beam between a minimum value and a maximum value, and a measurement system (18) for measuring the current delivered by the light receiver (14), comprising a current-voltage converter (19) configured to receive the current delivered by the light receiver (14) and to deliver a voltage, the converter (19) comprising a controlled switch (190) configured to distribute the current in a circuit chosen from at least two impedance circuits (191, 192) having different impedances, a variable gain amplifier (20) configured to receive the voltage delivered by the current-voltage converter (19) and to deliver a voltage equal or proportional to the incoming voltage and an analogue-to-digital converter (21) configured to receive the voltage delivered by the variable gain amplifier (20) and to deliver a digital signal (S) representative of the quantity of current delivered by the light receiver; and a management system (22) of the control system (16) configured to control the driving system (17), the switch (190) and the variable gain amplifier (20).