Double-Sided Microstrip Circuit for Water Content Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting water content and mineralization degree in materials, particularly in the petroleum industry, fail to provide full-range accurate detection and are influenced by high mineralization levels, resulting in low precision.
Innovation Solution
A detection system utilizing a double-sided microstrip circuit with a shielding ground layer, a measurement side circuit, and a reference side circuit, which uses a signal generator to output variable-frequency signals and an amplitude and phase discriminator to calculate phase and amplitude differences, allowing for precise water content and conductivity measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods (impedance method, capacitance method, radio frequency attenuation method) are used, then detection can be performed, but full-range accurate detection for water content and mineralization degree cannot be realized, especially under high water content conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple functional modules: signal generator, power divider, amplitude and phase discriminator, and microprocessor. The measurement circuit is divided into measurement side circuit and reference side circuit with uniform structures. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for specific functions, enabling full-range accurate detection from 0-100% water content while maintaining high precision through specialized signal processing paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameters by using variable-frequency signals (200-960 MHz) generated by the signal generator. The power divider splits the signal into two equal signals that travel through different paths (measurement side circuit with water sample and reference side circuit with air or low-dielectric constant material). By analyzing the phase and amplitude differences between these signals across different frequencies, the system achieves accurate detection across the full water content range including high water content conditions.
2Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then detection can be performed, but detection under high mineralization degree condition is not possible due to great influence by mineralization degree
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference side circuit that contacts air or low-dielectric constant material. This reference circuit acts as a mediator that does not interact with the mineralized sample, providing a stable baseline for comparison. By comparing the measurement side circuit (with water sample) against this stable reference, the system eliminates the harmful influence of mineralization degree on the detection accuracy, enabling precise detection even under high mineralization conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces conventional direct measurement approaches with an electromagnetic field-based comparison method. Instead of directly measuring the sample properties which are heavily influenced by mineralization, the system substitutes a indirect measurement approach using microwave signals that propagate through both the sample and reference circuits, allowing separation of the effects of water content from mineralization interference.
3Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then detection can be performed, but overall detection precision is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is designed with multi-functionality to achieve both high precision and comprehensive detection capability. The same measurement circuit structure can detect water content across the full range (0-100%) and determine conductivity/mineralization degree. The uniform measurement side circuit and reference side circuit with matching insulating layers and wire dimensions create a universal detection platform that maintains high precision across different measurement scenarios without requiring separate specialized systems for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the microprocessor that receives signals from the amplitude and phase discriminator and processes the detection data. The microprocessor compares the signals from the measurement side and reference side circuits, calculates the phase and amplitude differences, and determines the water content and conductivity values. This feedback mechanism ensures high detection precision by continuously monitoring and adjusting the measurement process, while the modular design keeps the overall system complexity manageable.
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 full-range accurate detection of water content and mineralization degree, minimizing errors due to temperature changes and ensuring reliable results across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the signal generator outputs a variable-frequency signal of 200-960 MHz; the power divider divides the signal into two signals with a proportion of 1:1, and respectively output to the measurement side circuit and the reference side circuit
Implementation Method 2
if the measured medium, which the measurement side circuit contacts, contains water, a transmission speed of a microwave signal on the measurement wire is reduced, and the microwave signal on the measurement wire produces a phase shift with a microwave signal on the reference wire
Implementation Method 3
if the measured medium, which the measurement side circuit contacts, contains water or minerals, a conductivity of the measured medium is increased, and an amplitude of the microwave signal of the measurement wire is attenuated relative to an amplitude of the microwave signal on the reference wire
Implementation Method 4
through comparing phases of the microwave signals outputted by the measurement wire and the reference wire, outputting a phase difference signal by the amplitude and phase discriminator
Implementation Method 5
through comparing the amplitudes of the microwave signals outputted by the measurement wire and the reference wire, outputting an amplitude difference signal by the amplitude and phase discriminator
Implementation Method 6
the double-sided microstrip circuit comprises a shielding ground layer; a measurement side circuit is arranged at one side of the shielding ground layer, and a reference side circuit is arranged at the other side of the shielding ground layer
Implementation Method 7
the power divider divides the signal into two signals with a proportion of 1:1, and respectively output to the measurement side circuit and the reference side circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system and a detection method for water content and conductivity are provided. The detection system includes a double-sided microstrip circuit and a detection circuit; the double-sided microstrip circuit includes a shielding ground layer; a measurement side circuit and a reference side circuit are respectively arranged at two sides of the shielding ground layer and both include an insulating layer and a wire; the detection circuit includes a signal generator connected to a microprocessor and a power divider; two output ends and a ground end of the power divider are respectively electrically connected to first ends of a reference wire, a measurement wire, and the shielding ground layer; a second end of the reference wire is connected to an amplitude and phase discriminator through a phase shifter; second ends of the measurement wire and the shielding ground layer are directly connected to the amplitude and phase discriminator.