Integrated KF-UPD for Hydrocarbon Water Sediment Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining sediment and water content in hydrocarbon fluid samples, such as the API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards and other techniques, lack accuracy, especially in custody transfer measurements, necessitating the development of a more precise analytical method.
Innovation Solution
An integrated Karl Fischer-ultrasonic particle detector device (KF-UPD) that combines a weigh scale, a Karl Fischer titration device, and an ultrasonic particle detector to determine water and sediment content in hydrocarbon fluid samples, utilizing a titration vessel with specific apertures and probe seals for electrode and detector insertion, and a housing support unit to house these components, allowing for accurate measurement of water content via Karl Fischer titration and sediment content via ultrasonic detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If API centrifuge method or sight glass method is used, then both sediment and water volume analyses are provided in one test, but measurement accuracy is insufficient for custody transfer requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a Karl Fischer titration device for water content analysis and an ultrasonic particle detector for sediment content analysis into a single integrated system. The Karl Fischer device includes a titration vessel with electrodes and an ultrasonic detector positioned within the same vessel, allowing simultaneous or sequential measurement of both water and sediment content in crude oil samples, thereby achieving high measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions within a single system: water content determination via Karl Fischer titration, sediment content determination via ultrasonic detection, and both measurements are conducted using the same titration vessel and sample handling system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate analytical devices while maintaining high accuracy for both parameters
2Ease of operation
If Karl Fischer titration and ultrasonic detection are performed separately, then high measurement accuracy is achieved, but operational efficiency and ease of use are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the Karl Fischer titration system and ultrasonic particle detection system into a single integrated device sharing common components including the titration vessel, sample injection system, and control unit. The ultrasonic detector is positioned within the titration vessel to detect sediment particles during or after titration, allowing both measurements to be performed on the same sample without requiring separate operational procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic particle detector is positioned and configured within the titration vessel before sample analysis begins. The detector is pre-calibrated and ready to measure sediment content as soon as the sample is introduced, eliminating the need for separate sediment analysis procedures and enabling immediate concurrent measurement with the Karl Fischer titration
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 KF-UPD device provides enhanced accuracy in determining water and sediment content, meeting the requirements for higher accuracy needed in custody transfer measurements by integrating precise water content analysis through Karl Fischer titration and sediment detection using ultrasonic methods, improving the reliability of hydrocarbon fluid analysis.
Implementation Method 1
performing, by the Karl Fischer titration device, the Karl Fischer titration method on the hydrocarbon fluid sample to determine the water content in the hydrocarbon fluid sample
Implementation Method 2
identifying, by the ultrasonic particle detector, the sediment content in the hydrocarbon fluid sample
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided herein are methods and devices for determining water and sediment content in a hydrocarbon fluid sample. The methods and devices for determining water and sediment content in a hydrocarbon fluid sample include a Karl Fischer titration device and a titration vessel configured to implement a Karl Fischer titration and an ultrasonic particle detector configured to identify sediment in the hydrocarbon fluid sample.