Fluidic Channel Irregularity Detection via Pressure Pulse Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for monitoring the integrity of fluidic channels, such as pipelines, are often intrusive and costly, requiring significant time and resources to detect irregularities like leaks, blockages, and structural damage.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive system that induces pressure pulses within the fluidic channel, using sensors and mathematical algorithms to measure and model pressure profiles, allowing for remote detection and quantification of irregularities by calculating errors between baseline and measured profiles, thereby identifying the location and effect of anomalies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If intrusive methods (pigs, drones, airplanes) are used to monitor fluidic channel integrity, then detection capability is improved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirregularity detection capabilityVSAvoidinspection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces intrusive mechanical inspection methods (pigs, drones, airplanes) with acoustic wave-based detection. Pressure pulses generate acoustic waves that travel through the fluidic channel, and irregularities are detected by analyzing reflected or transmitted wave characteristics, eliminating the need for physical intrusion while maintaining detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to detect irregularities. Instead of directly inserting inspection devices into the channel, acoustic waves serve as a mediator that carries information about channel integrity, allowing remote and non-intrusive detection of leaks, blockages, and structural issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If intrusive methods are used to detect irregularities, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirregularity detection accuracyVSAvoidinspection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes complex mechanical inspection systems with a simplified acoustic wave-based system. By using pressure pulses and analyzing the resulting acoustic wave behavior, the system achieves accurate irregularity detection without requiring complex intrusive devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from physical presence (intrusive devices) to acoustic wave characteristics (pressure, frequency, reflection). By monitoring changes in acoustic wave parameters as they interact with irregularities, the system achieves accurate detection with simpler equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If intrusive inspection methods are deployed, then irregularity location precision is improved, but operational disruption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirregularity location precisionVSAvoidoperational continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces intrusive mechanical inspection that requires stopping fluid flow with acoustic wave-based detection that can operate continuously. Pressure pulses are introduced into the flowing fluid, allowing irregularity detection without interrupting the operational flow, thus maintaining ease of operation and operational continuity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous monitoring by introducing acoustic waves into the flowing fluid without stopping the flow. The detection process occurs continuously as the fluid moves through the channel, maintaining uninterrupted operation while providing ongoing irregularity detection and location precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables efficient and cost-effective remote monitoring of fluidic channels, reducing the need for invasive methods by accurately locating and quantifying irregularities, such as leaks, without disrupting the fluid flow.

Implementation Method 1

inducing a pressure pulse within a fluidic channel, the pressure pulse resulting in a pressure fluctuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure pulse propagation: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11435256B2Method and system for detecting and quantifying irregularities in a fluidic channel

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method for detecting an irregularity within a fluidic channel, the method including inducing a pressure pulse within a fluidic channel, the pressure pulse resulting in a pressure fluctuation; detecting the pressure fluctuation at a predetermined location within the fluidic channel; determining a measured pressure profile based on the detected pressure fluctuation; providing a baseline pressure profile relating to a pressure within an unaltered fluidic channel; applying an algorithm to the baseline pressure profile and the measured pressure profile; and outputting an irregularity location and an irregularity effect based on the algorithm.