Lined Pipe Sensor Integration for Acoustic Impedance Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard techniques for measuring flow rate and pipe wall thickness in lined pipes are inadequate due to acoustic impedance mismatch and the presence of a soft compliant layer, making it difficult to predict when pipes need replacement, which can lead to ruptures and downtime.
Innovation Solution
Integration of measurement instrumentation, such as piezo-polymer sensors and sonar array flow meters, between the inner core and outer pipe wall, allowing for direct measurement of flow rate, pipe wall thickness, and other process variables without impacting the pipe's shape or form, and overcoming acoustic impedance issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a piezo polymer is arranged on a pipe wall to measure flow rate and wall thickness, then measurement capability is provided, but the ultrasonic pulse reflects off the rubber intermediate layer with little or no energy reflected back off the liner due to acoustic impedance mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling layer or modifies the interface between the piezo polymer sensor and the pipe wall to improve acoustic coupling. This intermediary element facilitates better transmission of ultrasonic pulses through the rubber intermediate layer, reducing energy loss and enabling effective measurement of flow rate and wall thickness in lined pipes.
2Reliability
If a soft compliant layer is used between the outer metal and inner core of the pipe to improve wear resistance, then pipe durability is improved, but standard wall thickness measurement techniques become inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a specialized coupling medium or interface layer that bridges the acoustic impedance gap created by the soft compliant layer. This intermediary enables ultrasonic waves to penetrate through the compliant layer and the liner material, allowing accurate wall thickness measurements while preserving the wear-resistant properties of the lined pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies measurement parameters such as ultrasonic frequency, pulse duration, or sensor characteristics to optimize penetration through the soft compliant layer and liner. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves reliable wall thickness measurements despite the presence of the compliant layer that provides wear resistance.
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 measurement of flow rate and pipe wall thickness, along with other process variables, effectively predicting when pipes need replacement, reducing the risk of ruptures and downtime by providing reliable data for maintenance scheduling.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo polymer may be arranged on a pipe wall. However, in operation when a voltage signal causes a piezo polymer pulse
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic pulse does not couple well to the inner lining because of the acoustic impedance mismatch
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a pipe featuring an inner core; an outer pipe wall; and measurement instrumentation configured or arranged between the inner core and outer pipe wall, and also configured to respond to one or more process variables related to media flowing in the pipe and to provide a signal containing information about the one or more process variables. The pipe may include a pipe liner configured inside the outer pipe wall, where the measurement instrumentation in configured on the inside of the pipe liner.