Flexible Capacitive-Inductive Sensor for Multiphase Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic sensors require separate apparatus for measuring electrical conductivity and permittivity, leading to temporal and spatial lags, and lack sensitivity to distinguish between conductive and non-conductive phases in multiphase fluids.
Innovation Solution
A combined electromagnetic sensor with capacitive and inductive elements on a flexible substrate allows simultaneous measurement of conductivity, permeability, and permittivity, using a single apparatus to enhance accuracy and reduce complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate MIT apparatus and capacitive apparatus are used to measure electrical conductivity and permittivity, then both properties can be measured, but temporal and spatial lags occur between measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines MIT apparatus and capacitive apparatus into a single integrated sensor system where both inductive coils and capacitive elements are mounted on the same substrate. This merging allows simultaneous measurement of electrical conductivity and permittivity at the same spatial location and time, eliminating the temporal and spatial lags that occur when separate apparatus are used sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor substrate serves multiple functions: it supports both inductive coils for conductivity measurement and capacitive elements for permittivity measurement. This multi-functional design enables a single apparatus to perform measurements that previously required separate dedicated systems, achieving both properties simultaneously without temporal or spatial separation.
2Measurement precision
If separate MIT apparatus and capacitive apparatus are used, then both properties can be measured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging MIT and capacitive measurement capabilities onto a single substrate with shared mounting structures and integration architecture, the patent reduces the overall system complexity compared to using separate apparatus. The combined design eliminates redundant structural elements while maintaining full measurement functionality for both electrical conductivity and permittivity.
3Device complexity
If traditional sensors are used, then structure is simple, but sensitivity to distinguish conductive and non-conductive phases is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor employs a composite structure combining conductive materials for inductive coils and dielectric materials for capacitive elements on a shared substrate. This composite approach enables the sensor to detect both conductive and non-conductive phases with high sensitivity, as each material type responds to different electromagnetic properties, providing enhanced phase distinction capability.
4Measurement precision
If multiple separate apparatus are used for electromagnetic measurements, then comprehensive properties can be measured, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single manufactured unit, allowing both MIT and capacitive sensors to be produced together on the same substrate using compatible fabrication processes. This consolidation reduces manufacturing costs compared to producing separate apparatus, as shared materials, structures, and assembly steps eliminate redundant production expenses.
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
Accurately measures multiple electromagnetic properties at the same point in space and time, improving sensitivity and reducing costs for multiphase fluid analysis in industries like oil and gas.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor comprises a capacitive sensor configured to measure an electrical permittivity of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
The sensor comprises an inductive sensor configured to measure an electrical conductivity of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
The transmitting coil(s) are supplied with a varying current which transmits electromagnetic field into a multiphase flow within the pipe. The electromagnetic field induces eddy currents in an electrically conductive phase within the pipe resulting in a secondary electromagnetic field.
Implementation Method 4
The sensor comprises a magnetic sensor configured to measure a magnetic permeability of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic sensor for use in an apparatus for measuring electromagnetic properties of a fluid and/or a solid, the sensor comprising a substrate in the form of a plate, a plurality of first sensor elements on the substrate, the first sensor elements forming a first array of the first sensor elements on the substrate, a plurality of second sensor elements on the substrate, the second sensor elements forming a second array on the substrate, wherein the first and second arrays are regular arrays and are mutually aligned geometrically, a plurality of electrical connectors on the substrate, and a plurality of electrical terminals on the substrate, the electrical connectors electrically connecting the first and second sensor elements to electrical terminals, wherein the first sensor elements each comprise a first type of sensor selected from an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor and a magnetic sensor and the second sensor elements each comprise a second type of sensor selected from an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor and a magnetic sensor, wherein the first type of sensor and the second type of sensor are different.