Multiphase Pipeline Water and pH Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing free water content and pH in multiphase fluid mixtures of water and crude oil are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and not suitable for rapid, in-situ measurements in offshore and onshore pipelines, posing challenges for corrosion monitoring and scale formation treatment.
Innovation Solution
A portable sensor system using an infrared light source and photodetector for water content measurement, combined with a pH sensor featuring an oleophobic coating and CMOS camera for pH determination, allowing for in-situ analysis of water content and pH levels in multiphase mixtures within pipelines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods such as gravitational settling, centrifugation, or thermal treatment are used to analyze free water content, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the analysis becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical separation methods (gravitational settling, centrifugation) with optical detection. An infrared light source transmits through the multiphase mixture, and a photodetector measures light absorption to directly determine water content, eliminating the need for mechanical separation equipment and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an infrared light beam as an intermediary to transfer information about water content from the multiphase mixture to the photodetector. The light acts as a mediator that interacts with the water molecules and carries measurement data without requiring physical contact or mechanical processing of the fluid.
2Measurement precision
If traditional pH measurement methods are used, then pH determination is possible, but the equipment required is bulky and not suitable for field applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrochemical pH electrodes with an optical system. A CMOS camera captures images of a pH-sensitive indicator that changes color according to pH level, and image processing algorithms convert the color information into pH values, enabling portable field measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the color-changing property of a pH-sensitive indicator in response to pH variations. The indicator undergoes visible color transitions that are captured by the CMOS camera, allowing pH determination through optical detection rather than electrical measurement.
3Measurement precision
If conventional water separation methods are applied, then free water content can be determined, but the process requires bulky equipment and is cumbersome for field use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical separation equipment with a compact optical measurement system. The infrared LED light source and photodetector assembly can be housed in a portable configuration, allowing rapid water content analysis directly in the field without requiring laboratory equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the water content information through light absorption measurements. Instead of physically separating and measuring water, the system captures optical information that replicates the water content data, enabling measurement without physical manipulation of the fluid phases.
4Measurement precision
If existing pH sensors are deployed in multiphase environments, then pH measurement is possible, but the sensors lack selectivity and are affected by oil interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pH-sensitive indicator as an intermediary between the multiphase mixture and the measurement system. The indicator selectively responds to pH changes in the aqueous phase while remaining unaffected by the crude oil, providing accurate pH measurements in multiphase environments where traditional electrodes fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the color-changing response of a pH-sensitive indicator that is selective to aqueous phase pH. The indicator undergoes distinct color transitions at different pH levels, and these color changes are captured by the CMOS camera, enabling accurate pH measurement that is insensitive to the presence of crude oil.
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 rapid, accurate measurement of water content and pH levels in multiphase mixtures along the entire pipeline length, improving corrosion monitoring and scale formation treatment by providing real-time data with high sensitivity and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a water sensor comprising a light source, such as an infrared (IR) light emitting diode (LED), and a photodetector capable of converting light into either electric current or voltage
Implementation Method 2
a pH sensitive indicator that includes a coating that imparts oleophobicity (repellency to oil)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method to measure water content and water pH of multiphase fluid mixtures of water and oil. The apparatus employs a water content sensor containing an infrared light source and a photodetector. The pH sensor includes a pH indicator that exhibits a color change in an oleophobic coating including an image recording device. The apparatus and method may be applied to measure water fraction and pH within oil/water pipelines.