Leaf Cell Resonator Sensor for Fluid Density and Sound Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors for measuring rheological properties of wellbore fluids in the petrochemical industry, particularly in oil fields, face challenges in accurately determining fluid properties like density and sound speed in situ, especially for multiphase fluids, due to the need for a priori knowledge of phase densities and the inability to perform simultaneous and congruent measurements.
Innovation Solution
A leaf cell resonator sensor utilizing Rhodonea conformal contours and a self-formed Helmholtz acoustic cavity, which measures fluid density and sound speed independently of deployment method by analyzing changes in electrical admittance spectra, allowing for real-time, in-situ measurement of fluid properties without extraneous reflecting structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are used to measure fluid properties, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because simultaneous and congruent measurement of density and sound speed cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (density measurement and sound speed measurement) into a single integrated sensor device. The sensor simultaneously measures both fluid density and sound speed through a unified structure containing piezoelectric elements, eliminating the need for separate conventional sensors and achieving congruent measurements from the same measurement point.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a density sensor and a sound speed sensor through its piezoelectric elements. The same structural components serve dual purposes, enabling the device to extract multiple fluid properties from a single measurement setup without requiring additional specialized hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a priori knowledge of phase densities is required, then measurement process is simplified, but adaptability deteriorates because the sensor cannot accurately measure multiphase fluids with unknown composition
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor utilizes feedback from simultaneous measurements of both density and sound speed to dynamically determine fluid properties. By measuring both parameters concurrently and using their relationship, the system can infer fluid composition and phase characteristics without requiring prior knowledge, adapting to unknown multiphase conditions through the interplay of measured variables.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement approach from relying on single-parameter assumptions (requiring a priori knowledge) to utilizing multiple independent parameters (density and sound speed) simultaneously. This parameter-based approach allows the sensor to determine fluid properties empirically from the measurements themselves, eliminating the need for pre-programmed phase density information.
3Productivity
If separate measurements of density and sound speed are performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates because simultaneous measurement cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges density measurement and sound speed measurement into a single simultaneous operation within one sensor device. The piezoelectric elements generate and detect acoustic waves while measuring fluid density through the same structural interaction, enabling both parameters to be obtained at the same time from the same fluid sample without sequential measurement steps.
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 accurate and simultaneous measurement of fluid density and sound speed, facilitating real-time multi-phase fluid analysis and composition determination, even in varying environmental conditions, with high precision and without the need for additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
a leaf cell having one or more piezoelectric radial components connected to a circumferential component
Implementation Method 2
A leaf cell resonator sensor may utilize a self-formed Helmholtz acoustic cavity response of fluid circumferentially enclosed by the leaf cell resonator boundary
Implementation Method 3
A leaf cell resonator sensor may provide simultaneous and congruent measurement of fluid density and sound speed based on interaction of the leaf cell dynamics with self-formed Helmholtz cavity dilatational response of the fluid, and the associated changes in electrical admittance spectra in the sensor resulting from changes in fluid acoustic properties
Data Source
AI summary
This specification describes a leaf cell resonator sensor based on a geometry of Rhodonea conformal contours joined circumferentially in an eight-fold symmetry by central spoke electrode members. The resonator sensor may provide simultaneous and congruent measurement of fluid density and sound speed based on interaction of the leaf cell dynamics with self-formed Helmholtz cavity dilatational response of the fluid, and the associated changes in electrical admittance spectra in the sensor resulting from changes in fluid acoustic properties. A leaf cell resonator sensor may be capable of retrieving a density and sound speed measurement from fluid independent of the method of deployment, resulting from the principle of the self-formed Helmholtz resonant cavity feature that develops a standing acoustic wave pattern in the fluid without extraneous reflecting structure/hardware.