Microwave Water Cut Measurement Using Filled Waveguides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Accurate measurement of water cut in hydrocarbon fluid is challenging due to limited penetration of coaxial probes and interference from multiple propagating modes in waveguides with smaller diameters, leading to inaccurate results.

Innovation Solution

The use of waveguides with filling materials like quartz and sapphire, matched in size to the production pipe, to transmit and measure microwaves, determining water cut by analyzing S parameters, and replacing waveguides based on water cut ranges to maintain accuracy across varying water cut levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If waveguides with smaller diameters are used, then device size is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from multiple propagating modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaveguide sizeVSAvoidwater cut measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of the microwave to a specific range (15-40 GHz) where only the fundamental propagating mode exists in the waveguide. This frequency selection eliminates multiple propagating modes and their associated interference, maintaining measurement precision while allowing use of compact waveguide structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If traditional measurement methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates at water cut levels beyond 15%

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement system complexityVSAvoidwater cut measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs microwave frequency parameter changes and utilizes the interaction between microwave and dielectric materials (oil and water) to create measurement signals that remain sensitive across the full water cut range (0-100%). The system measures changes in microwave propagation characteristics (phase, amplitude, velocity) that occur as water content varies, maintaining precision even at high water cut levels where traditional methods fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If microwave transmission through waveguide is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to waveguide filling material requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater cut measurement accuracyVSAvoidwaveguide structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects microwave frequency parameters (15-40 GHz) that optimize the interaction with hydrocarbon fluids while minimizing the impact of waveguide filling material variations. This frequency range provides robust measurements that are less sensitive to temperature-induced material property changes, reducing the complexity of thermal management requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This method provides accurate water cut measurements by minimizing interference and temperature effects, ensuring precise determination of water cut levels within specific ranges, even beyond 15% water cut, where traditional methods become less sensitive.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting a microwave through a first waveguide attached to a production pipe, wherein the microwave is directed to the hydrocarbon fluid in the production pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

obtaining measurement results based on reflection or propagation of the microwave, wherein the measurement results are used to determine a water cut of the hydrocarbon fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

the first waveguide uses a first filling material... the second waveguide uses a second filling material that is different than the first filling material... minimizing interference and temperature effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric properties: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS11709141B2Measuring a water cut of hydrocarbon fluid in a production pipe

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

The present disclosure describes methods and systems, including computer-implemented methods, computer program products, and computer systems, for measuring a water cut for hydrocarbon fluid in a production pipe. One method includes transmitting a microwave through a first waveguide attached to a production pipe, wherein the microwave is directed to the hydrocarbon fluid in the production pipe; and obtaining, measurement results based on reflection or propagation of the microwave, wherein the measurement results are used to determine a water cut of the hydrocarbon fluid.