Non-Magnetic NMR Pipe System for Fluid Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipes with magnetic components interfere with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements by damaging the homogeneity of the magnetic field, making it difficult to accurately measure the composition of fluids in high-pressure and high-temperature environments, such as those found in oil and gas production.
Innovation Solution
A pipe system with a non-magnetic design, featuring an inner non-magnetic layer supporting an NMR coil and an outer non-magnetic layer, which includes a copper shield to constrain the magnetic field and improve the signal-to-noise ratio, and a thermoplastic or metallic outer layer for structural support and heat resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional magnetic pipes are used, then structural strength and pressure resistance are improved, but NMR measurement accuracy deteriorates due to magnetic field interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes magnetic materials from the pipe construction entirely, extracting the harmful magnetic component while retaining the pipe's structural function through non-magnetic materials like stainless steel or aluminum alloys
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite pipe structures combining non-magnetic materials with appropriate mechanical properties, integrating multiple material layers or combinations to achieve both structural strength and magnetic field compatibility for NMR measurements
2Measurement precision
If non-magnetic pipe materials are used, then NMR measurement accuracy is improved, but structural strength and heat resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite structures combining non-magnetic materials with high strength-to-weight ratios, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloys, that provide both the required structural integrity and heat resistance while maintaining magnetic field compatibility
3Reliability
If robust piping systems are engineered for high temperature and pressure, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation for continuous monitoring deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the NMR measurement capability directly into the pipe structure itself, making the pipe multi-functional by combining fluid transport with in-situ composition analysis, thereby enabling continuous monitoring without additional external equipment
4Measurement precision
If magnetic shielding is added to constrain magnetic field, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates magnetic shielding layers as part of the composite pipe structure, integrating the shielding function into the existing multi-layer construction rather than adding separate shielding components, thereby minimizing additional complexity
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
The non-magnetic pipe system enhances the accuracy and sensitivity of NMR measurements by maintaining a uniform magnetic field and reducing acquisition time, while withstanding high pressures and temperatures, and allowing for continuous monitoring of fluid compositions.
Implementation Method 1
nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology can accurately and quickly measure the relative amounts of oil, water and gas in an encapsulated sample of fluid
Implementation Method 2
NMR systems function by applying an external static magnetic and a pulsating electromagnetic field to a sample
Implementation Method 3
which includes a copper shield to constrain the magnetic field and improve the signal-to-noise ratio
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for sampling fluids using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Specifically the system is related to a robust field oriented piping system having an improved pipe design for use at oil and gas well heads. The piping system includes integral coils for transmitting an NMR pulse sequence and detecting NMR signals and can be used as a component of an NMR instrument. The systems and methods described herein enable obtaining and analyzing NMR spectra of multi-phase in stationary and flowing states.