Non-intrusive Fluidic Channel Deposit Detection via Pressure Pulse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the integrity of fluidic channels, such as pipelines and wellbores, are often intrusive and costly, requiring significant time and resources for inspection.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive method using pressure pulse technology to generate a measured pressure profile, which is then used to iteratively improve an estimation of deposits in a fluidic channel by updating a forward model until the error between the measured and simulated pressure profiles is within a predetermined threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intrusive methods (pigs, drones, airplanes) are used to monitor fluidic channels, then inspection reliability is improved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical inspection methods (pigs, drones, airplanes) with a non-intrusive acoustic measurement system. Pressure waves are generated and detected in the fluid without physical contact with the channel interior, eliminating the need for mechanical inspection tools while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure waves as an intermediary medium to transfer information about deposits in the fluidic channel. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the acoustic waves interact with deposits and carry signature information back to sensors, enabling indirect but reliable detection without intrusive tools.
2Ease of operation
If pressure wave interaction signals are used to detect deposits, then non-intrusive monitoring is achieved, but measurement precision and resolution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs iterative inversion modeling that uses measured pressure wave signals to update and refine deposit estimates. The system continuously compares simulated pressure profiles with actual measurements, adjusting the deposit model until convergence is achieved, thereby progressively improving measurement precision through feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes acoustic vibrations and pressure waves to interact with deposits in the fluidic channel. By analyzing the scattering and reflection of these acoustic waves off deposit interfaces, the system extracts precise information about deposit location, size, and characteristics with high measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If existing pressure wave methods are used, then non-intrusive detection is achieved, but processing time remains excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-computes and stores pressure wave propagation models and scattering characteristics for various deposit configurations before actual inspection. This preliminary preparation of lookup tables and reference data enables rapid matching during real-time inspection, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining non-intrusive detection capability.
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
This method allows for accurate, non-invasive detection and modeling of deposits in fluidic channels, reducing processing time by a factor of over 100 and achieving higher resolution, from kilometers to meters.
Implementation Method 1
Duan et al. ('Experimental Investigation of Wave Scattering Effect of Pipe Blockages on Transient Analysis') investigates experimentally the wave scattering effect of rough blockages in the pipeline and its impacts on the transient analysis for pipe systems.
Implementation Method 2
US 2003/0185100 A1 discloses tube waves used to locate and characterize a solids deposit inside a fluid-filled pipe. An acoustic tube wave pulse is transmitted along the pipe. On encountering a solids deposit, the tube wave pulse is perturbed and partially reflected by changes in the boundary conditions between the fluid and the pipe to produce two deposit-modified acoustic waves.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided for non-intrusively determining deposits in a fluidic channel. The method includes obtaining,from one or more sensors, a measured pressure profile based on at least one pressure pulse induced in a fluidic channel; generating a forward model of deposits in the fluidic channel; and generating, using the forward model, a simulated pressure profile. An error is calculated using the measured pressure profile and the simulated pressure profile, and when the error is outside a predetermined threshold, the forward model is updated. The updated forward model is adjusted based on the error.