Magnetic Traps for NMR Fluid Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
NMR apparatus used for examining fluid flows in pipelines is at risk of being obstructed by magnetizable particulate material, which can accumulate and affect fluid flow and measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a magnetic trapping system upstream of the NMR apparatus to attract and remove solid magnetizable material using magnetic fields, with options for temporary pipeline disconnection or branch pipe removal to clear accumulated particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If NMR apparatus uses magnetic fields to examine fluid flow, then measurement capability is improved, but magnetizable particulates accumulate in the magnetic field causing flow obstruction and measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by placing traps upstream of the NMR apparatus to remove magnetizable particulates before they can accumulate in the magnetic field. This preventive measure ensures that particles are intercepted and removed in advance, preventing the harmful accumulation that would otherwise occur during NMR measurement operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces traps as intermediary devices between the fluid source and the NMR apparatus. These traps act as mediators that selectively remove magnetizable particulates from the fluid stream using magnetic fields, allowing the NMR apparatus to operate without direct exposure to harmful particles while maintaining measurement capability
2Measurement precision
If magnetizable particulates are trapped upstream using magnetic fields, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional trapping components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing traps that serve multiple functions: they generate magnetic fields to attract magnetizable particulates, provide collection chambers for accumulated particles, and offer removable components for easy maintenance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the trapping system into modular components including trap bodies, removable collections chambers, and separate magnetic field generation elements. This segmentation allows for easier installation, maintenance, and operation while achieving the required measurement accuracy, thus managing device complexity through modular design
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
Effectively prevents magnetizable material from interfering with the NMR measurement process, ensuring accurate fluid flow monitoring and reducing the risk of equipment malfunction.
Implementation Method 1
one or more traps having a magnetic field to attract and hold solid magnetizable material
Implementation Method 2
means for inducing and observing magnetic resonance within the fluid stream as it passes through a said magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus for measuring properties of a fluid stream flowing within a pipeline has one or more magnet systems for applying magnetic field to the fluid stream and also has means for inducing and observing magnetic resonance within the fluid stream as it passes through a said magnetic field. The apparatus may also include a polarizing magnetic field upstream of the magnetic field in which resonance is observed. The fluid stream may be hydrocarbon from an underground reservoir. In order to guard against accumulation of magnetisable iron debris particles entrained in the fluid flow, the apparatus comprises one or more upstream traps having a magnetic field to attract and hold solid magnetizable material and an exit path for the removal of the solid magnetizable material so that it does not continue towards any polarizing field and the field where resonance is observed.