Integral Sensor Carrier Welded Pressure Boundary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subterranean resource extraction systems face challenges with potential leak paths due to separate seal elements in pressure-containing components, which can compromise the integrity and efficiency of fluid containment and monitoring.
Innovation Solution
Integration of sensing devices with sensors into pressure-containing components like valves, pipes, and wellheads through carriers that are welded to form fully integrated pressure barriers, eliminating the need for elastomeric gaskets and reducing leak paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate seal elements (elastomeric gaskets) are used in pressure-containing components, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential leak paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor carrier with the pressure-containing component by welding them together to form an integral structure. This eliminates the need for separate seal elements like elastomeric gaskets, thereby removing potential leak paths while maintaining assembly feasibility through the welding process.
2Ease of operation
If separate seal elements are used at sensor interfaces, then ease of installation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor carrier is welded directly to the pressure-containing component, merging two previously separate elements into one integral structure. This reduces the total number of components by eliminating separate seal elements and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining installation capability.
3Reliability
If welded integral pressure barriers are used, then reliability is improved by eliminating leak paths, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier and pressure-containing component are welded together to form an integral pressure barrier, eliminating the need for separate seal elements. This welding process requires precise manufacturing to ensure proper alignment and weld quality, but achieves superior reliability by removing potential leak paths associated with gaskets.
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
Enhances the reliability and efficiency of fluid containment and monitoring by eliminating leak paths and reducing the size and weight of apparatus, while allowing for robust and reliable operation in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
carriers that are welded into valves, pipes, Christmas trees, casings, and wellheads
Data Source
AI summary
An integral sensor system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a sensor installed in a carrier and a component having a body for receiving a fluid. The carrier is integrated into the component to enable the sensor to detect one or more characteristics of the fluid, and the carrier is integrated into the component such that an interface between the carrier and the component is a fully integral pressure boundary without a seal connection between the carrier and the component. The carrier can be welded to the component to form the integral pressure boundary. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.