Composite Fluid Conduit Wall for Embedded Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid conduit systems for sensing fluid properties in demanding environments, such as downhole conditions, face reliability issues due to clogging and obstruction from entrained solids and contaminants, leading to impaired measurement sensitivity and fluid flow restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A fluid conduit with a composite wall structure featuring a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) matrix and carbon fiber reinforcing elements, embedding a steel cavity member to confine an electromagnetic field, and incorporating a Robinson oscillator with RF amplifier and limiter for enhanced signal coupling and sensitivity, minimizing field distortion and obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cavity member is used to confine electromagnetic field for fluid sensing, then measurement capability is improved, but the cavity member may be clogged or damaged by entrained solids and particulates impairing measurement sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cavity member from direct contact with the fluid by embedding it within the wall structure. The electromagnetic field extends through the wall material rather than requiring a separate cavity chamber, eliminating the component that was susceptible to clogging while maintaining the sensing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity member is nested within the wall of the fluid conduit, with the wall material surrounding and protecting it. This nested configuration allows the electromagnetic field to interact with the fluid through the wall while the cavity member remains shielded from direct fluid contact and potential contaminants.
2Measurement precision
If coupling elements are used to couple signals between RF electronic components and electromagnetic field, then sensing function is improved, but the coupling elements may be clogged or damaged by entrained solids and particulates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates separate coupling elements by integrating the electromagnetic field generation and coupling function directly into the wall structure. The wall material itself serves as the coupling medium between the RF components and the fluid, removing vulnerable intermediate components.
3Measurement precision
If cavity members and coupling elements extend into the fluid cavity, then electromagnetic field coupling is improved, but this presents obstruction to fluid flow and blocks movement of particulates and solids
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic field confining structure is nested within the wall rather than extending into the fluid cavity. This allows unobstructed fluid flow through the conduit while the electromagnetic field couples through the wall material to interact with the passing fluid.
4Measurement precision
If contaminants or hydrates deposit on cavity members and coupling elements, then measurement sensitivity is impaired, but deposition is exacerbated by high fluid pressures and temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable cavity member and coupling elements from the fluid environment, eliminating the surfaces on which contaminants and hydrates could deposit. The sensing function is maintained through electromagnetic field coupling through the wall without requiring exposed components.
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 robust and reliable fluid property sensing by maintaining measurement sensitivity and preventing clogging, while ensuring unobstructed fluid flow and minimizing electromagnetic field distortion, even in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a steel cavity member embedded within the wall so as to confine an electromagnetic field within a cavity
Implementation Method 2
a Robinson oscillator sensor apparatus comprising a cavity member which contains a fluid and defines a resonant cavity for an electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 3
determining a composition of the fluid according to the Robinson principle in which knowledge of both a resonant frequency and an electromagnetic loss in the cavity may provide an indication of whether a property of a fluid
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fluid conduit (1200) comprises a wall (1202) defining a fluid flow path (103). The wall (1202) comprises a composite material (1202a) formed of at least a matrix and one or more reinforcing elements embedded within the matrix. The fluid conduit (1200) comprises a component (1204) at least partially embedded within the wall (1202) and configured to transmit energy to and/or receive energy from the flow path (1203). The component (1204) is a sensor measuring the pressure or the flow rate of the fluid in the conduit (1200.) A region (1202b) of the wall (1202) between the component (1204) and the fluid flow path (1203) is substantially devoid of reinforcing elements to define a transmission path for energy between the fluid flow path (1203) and the component (1204).