Multiphase Fluid Particle Detection via Convective Ridge Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring particle size and distribution in multiphase fluids within pipes are inaccurate and inefficient, particularly in stratified flows, leading to potential pipe blockages and increased energy consumption due to operating at higher velocities to prevent deposition.

Innovation Solution

An industrial meter and method that measure mixture density, flow rate, and dispersion within the fluid, using a processing device to generate data on particle size and distribution by analyzing frequency ranges and convective ridges, allowing for the determination of nominal velocities and dispersion levels, thereby optimizing flow conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pipeline operates at higher velocities to prevent solids deposition, then the risk of pipe blockage is reduced, but energy consumption increases due to higher friction losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of pipe blockageVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors particle size distribution and flow characteristics using sensors, then feeds this information back to a control system that adjusts flow velocity dynamically. This allows the pipeline to operate at optimal velocities that prevent blockages while minimizing energy consumption, rather than maintaining constantly high velocities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters by measuring and monitoring particle size distribution and flow velocity in real-time, allowing dynamic adjustment of flow conditions. This enables the system to operate at lower velocities when particle sizes are small and maintain higher velocities only when necessary to prevent deposition, optimizing the energy-reliability tradeoff.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the pipeline operates at higher velocities to prevent solids deposition, then the risk of pipe blockage is reduced, but pipe wear increases due to abrasion between solids and the inner surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of pipe blockageVSAvoidpipe wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to continuously monitor particle size distribution and flow characteristics, providing feedback to a control system that adjusts flow velocity dynamically. This allows the pipeline to operate at optimal velocities that prevent blockages while minimizing pipe wear from abrasion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention dynamically adjusts flow velocity parameters based on real-time particle size measurements, allowing the system to operate at lower velocities when particle sizes are small (reducing abrasion) and maintain higher velocities only when necessary to prevent deposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If existing measurement technologies are used for stratified flows, then the measurement system is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate particle size and distribution detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement system complexityVSAvoidparticle size measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is segmented into multiple functional components: sensors for detecting particle size and distribution, a processing system for analyzing the data, and a display interface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide accurate measurements in stratified flows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary processing system that receives raw sensor data and transforms it into meaningful particle size distribution information. This intermediary layer compensates for the complexities of stratified flow, enabling accurate measurement without requiring overly complex sensor arrays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 particle size and distribution, reducing the risk of pipe blockages and energy consumption by allowing operation at lower velocities, improving system efficiency and reducing wear on pipes.

Implementation Method 1

identifying a convective ridge within the fluid for the first frequency range and calculating a nominal velocity of the fluid for the first frequency range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS7657392B2Method and apparatus for detecting and characterizing particles in a multiphase fluid

Publication Date: 2010.02.02 CIDRA CORP SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for measuring the size and distribution of particles within a multiphase fluid flowing within a pipe is provided, wherein the apparatus includes at least one metering device for determining at least one of the mixture density of the fluid, the flow rate of the fluid and the dispersion of the fluid, wherein the at least one metering device generates meter data responsive to at least one of the mixture density of the fluid, the flow rate of the fluid and the dispersion of the fluid and a processing device communicated with the at least one metering device, wherein the processing device receives and processes the meter data to generate fluid information responsive to the size and distribution of the particles within the fluid.