Sensing element and sensor system for monitoring hydrocarbon fluid leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors for monitoring hydrocarbon leakage in the oil and gas industry face challenges with accuracy, applicability, and high temperature stability, particularly due to the degradation of conductive nanoparticle compositions at continuous high temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A sensing element comprising an electrically conductive curable composition with polyorganosiloxane, carbon nanostructures, and a curing catalyst, which provides good adhesion, flexibility, and high temperature stability, allowing for accurate detection of hydrocarbon leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high load of conductive nanoparticles is used in the composition, then electrical conductivity is improved, but the cured composition lacks flexibility and good mechanical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of conductive nanoparticles within a specific range (0.1-10 wt%) to achieve the desired electrical conductivity while maintaining mechanical properties. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal balance point rather than using excessive amounts of nanoparticles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining conductive nanoparticles with a polymer matrix and optional filler particles. This composite structure allows the polymer to provide mechanical strength and flexibility while the nanoparticles provide electrical conductivity, resolving the contradiction between electrical performance and mechanical properties.
2Reliability
If a high load of conductive nanoparticles is used in the composition, then electrical conductivity is improved, but the composition can degrade at continuous high temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the nanoparticle loading parameter to a moderate range (0.1-10 wt%) rather than using high concentrations, which reduces thermal degradation while maintaining sufficient conductivity. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between electrical performance and thermal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material structure with polymer matrix and controlled nanoparticle dispersion provides thermal stability while maintaining electrical conductivity. The polymer matrix protects the nanoparticles from thermal degradation, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and high temperature stability.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor composition is made more conductive, then detection accuracy is improved, but the sensor loses flexibility and adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the conductive nanoparticle concentration parameter to achieve sufficient electrical conductivity for accurate detection while maintaining the composition's flexibility. This balanced parameter selection resolves the contradiction between detection accuracy and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material combines conductive nanoparticles with a flexible polymer matrix, allowing the sensor to maintain both electrical conductivity for accurate detection and mechanical flexibility for ease of operation and installation.
4Measurement precision
If the sensor composition is made more conductive, then detection accuracy is improved, but the sensor adhesion to surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the nanoparticle concentration parameter to achieve adequate conductivity without compromising adhesion. This balanced parameter selection ensures both detection accuracy and strong surface adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material structure with polymer matrix and controlled nanoparticle content maintains strong adhesion to surfaces while providing sufficient electrical conductivity for accurate hydrocarbon detection.
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 sensing element offers enhanced adhesion, flexibility, and thermal resistance, enabling precise detection of hydrocarbon leaks even at high temperatures, with a sensor system capable of identifying leak location and extent.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive curable composition which has a good adhesion, flexibility, mechanical properties and an excellent stability at a high temperature
Implementation Method 2
The term 'curable composition' is understood to be a substance or mixture of multiple substances, which is curable by physical or chemical measures
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensing element for monitoring and/or detecting hydrocarbon fluid leakage, the sensing element comprising an electrically conductive curable composition. The invention further relates to a sensor system comprising at least one sensing element and a method for monitoring and/or detecting hydrocarbon leakage using the sensing elements.