Composite Fluid Sensor Acoustic Transducer Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Acoustic fluid sensors used in the oil and gas industry face challenges with low transmission of acoustic energy through steel pipes, leading to inaccurate measurements, and issues with pressure integrity and contamination at windows, which affect sensor performance.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sensor with a composite region between the acoustic transducer and the fluid flow path, comprising a polymer matrix material and reinforcing elements, enhancing acoustic coupling and structural strength while minimizing contamination and improving pressure integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel pipe is used to provide structural strength for pressure integrity, then pressure integrity is improved, but acoustic energy transmission is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a polymer matrix material with reinforcing elements (such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, or aramid fibers) to create a wall structure that provides both structural strength for pressure integrity and acoustic transparency for energy transmission. The polymer matrix acts as an acoustic window while the reinforcing elements provide mechanical strength, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a composite region with specific properties in the wall area where acoustic transmission is needed, while maintaining different properties in other areas for structural support. The composite region is strategically positioned to enhance acoustic coupling between the transducer and fluid while the overall structure maintains pressure integrity through the polymer matrix and reinforcing elements.
2Loss of energy
If a window is formed in the steel pipe wall for acoustic wave transmission, then acoustic wave transmission is improved, but pressure integrity is degraded and contamination accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional steel pipe with a composite structure where the polymer matrix material provides a continuous, sealable wall that maintains pressure integrity while allowing acoustic wave transmission. The reinforcing elements are embedded within the polymer matrix to provide structural strength without creating weak points or seams that would compromise pressure integrity or facilitate contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the window function from the steel pipe structure and integrates it into the polymer matrix material itself. The polymer matrix acts as the acoustic window, eliminating the need for separate window components that would create sealing issues and contamination pathways in traditional steel pipes.
3Loss of energy
If a window is located within a recess in the steel pipe wall, then acoustic wave transmission is improved, but contamination accumulation increases and sensor performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a composite region with enhanced acoustic properties in the specific area where the transducer interfaces with the fluid, while the surrounding polymer matrix material provides a smooth, contamination-resistant surface. This localized composite structure enhances acoustic transmission without creating recesses or surfaces where contamination could accumulate.
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 allows for more sensitive and accurate acoustic measurements with improved pressure integrity and reduced contamination, enabling better fluid property detection in high-pressure environments.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic transducer located externally of the fluid flow path... the transmission of acoustic energy through the steel pipe into a fluid flow path
Implementation Method 2
enhanced coupling of an acoustic wave between the acoustic transducer and a fluid present in the fluid flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sensor comprises a fluid conduit having a wall defining a fluid flow path and an acoustic transducer located externally of the fluid flow path. The wall of the fluid conduit comprises a composite region between the acoustic transducer and the fluid flow path, the composite region comprising a composite material including a polymer matrix material and one or more reinforcing elements embedded within the polymer matrix material. Such a fluid sensor may be used for sensing a property of a fluid and, in particular though not exclusively for sensing a property of a fluid produced from or injected into an oil or gas well.