Capacitance Water Measurement via Solvent Dilution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring water content in hydrocarbons above saturation levels are inaccurate, as capacitance-based techniques fail when water concentration exceeds the saturation point, leading to inefficiencies in hydrocarbon processing and refining.
Innovation Solution
A method involving mixing a liquid hydrocarbon sample with a low-dielectric solvent, such as dry xylene, to bring the water concentration below the saturation level, allowing for accurate water cut measurement using capacitance-based techniques, and implementing a system for continuous, real-time monitoring and alerting operators of changes in water content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitance-based techniques are used to measure water content in hydrocarbons, then measurement is simple and rapid, but measurement precision deteriorates when water concentration exceeds saturation level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dielectric properties of the hydrocarbon medium by mixing with a solvent having different dielectric characteristics. This parameter change allows the capacitance sensor to accurately measure water content across the full 0-100% range, including concentrations above saturation levels where traditional methods fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a solvent as an intermediary substance that modifies the electrical properties of the hydrocarbon-water mixture. This intermediary enables the capacitance-based measurement technique to function accurately in conditions (above saturation) where it would otherwise be ineffective.
2Productivity
If water content is not monitored accurately, then processing operations continue without interruption, but loss of substance increases due to inefficient processing and contaminated water handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time water content monitoring with feedback to processing operations. This allows operators to adjust processing parameters based on actual water content measurements, optimizing efficiency and minimizing losses from improper handling of water-contaminated hydrocarbons.
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
Enables accurate water cut data across the 0% to 100% range, particularly in the 0% to 1% range, and allows for real-time adjustments in processing operations, reducing processing costs and handling of contaminated water by ensuring water content is below the specified threshold.
Implementation Method 1
mixing the liquid hydrocarbon sample with a solvent having a low dielectric constant, such as dry xylene
Implementation Method 2
a water cut of the mixture of the liquid hydrocarbon sample and the solvent is measured
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
To measure above-saturation water content of hydrocarbons, a liquid hydrocarbon sample is received from a flowline carrying the liquid hydrocarbon. The liquid hydrocarbon sample includes liquid hydrocarbon and liquid water at a concentration greater than a water saturation level. The liquid hydrocarbon sample is mixed with a solvent. The concentration of liquid water in a mixture of the solvent and the liquid hydrocarbon sample is below the water saturation level. After mixing the liquid hydrocarbon sample with the solvent, a water content in the liquid hydrocarbon sample is determined.