Capacitive Fluid Composition Sensing for Crude Oil Drainage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor-based technologies for fluid composition analysis in crude oil tanks are prone to degradation due to direct contact with chemically aggressive and viscous crude oil, leading to inaccurate measurements and frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive sensing system with electrodes positioned proximal to the fluid mixture, using capacitive sensing techniques to determine fluid composition without direct contact, thereby reducing sensor damage and extending operational lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed in direct contact with crude oil mixture for composition analysis, then measurement accuracy is improved, but sensor reliability deteriorates due to chemical degradation and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is segmented into two distinct parts: electrodes that remain outside the crude oil mixture and a measurement zone where the electric field interacts with the fluid. This segmentation allows the electrodes to avoid direct contact with degrading substances while still enabling accurate composition analysis through capacitive measurements of the fluid mixture between the electrodes.
2Ease of operation
If manual drainage operations are performed in crude oil storage tanks, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity decreases due to labor intensity and frequent intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback control where capacitive sensors continuously monitor the composition of the crude oil mixture, and this information is fed back to automatically control the drainage valve. This eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining optimal drainage operations, thereby increasing productivity without sacrificing operational control.
3Measurement precision
If frequent sensor maintenance is performed to ensure measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases due to maintenance interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
An electric field is introduced as an intermediary between the electrodes and the crude oil mixture. The electrodes generate and detect changes in this electric field caused by variations in fluid composition, allowing measurement without physical contact. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for frequent maintenance while preserving measurement precision.
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
Accurate fluid composition analysis is achieved while minimizing sensor degradation, ensuring reliable and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive sensing system with electrodes positioned proximal to the fluid mixture, using capacitive sensing techniques to determine fluid composition without direct contact
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with some embodiments herein, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a conduit, a first electrode, a second electrode, a power source, a valve, and a controller. The conduit is configured to conduct a mixture along a flow path. The first electrode is placed proximal the flow path defined by the conduit. The second electrode is placed proximal the flow path defined by the conduit. The power source is configured to apply a voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode. The valve is coupled to the conduit and configured to control flow of the mixture through the flow path defined by the conduit. The controller is configured to determine a first capacitance of a first capacitor established by the first electrode, the second electrode, and the mixture flowing along the flow path. The controller controls the valve based upon the first capacitance.