Optical Computing Device for Real-Time Air Contaminant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of contaminants in flowing atmospheric air used in oil and gas operations can compromise the effectiveness of processes such as cement hydration, leading to structural integrity issues and costly remedial measures, as conventional methods require time-consuming sample processing and are not suitable for real-time monitoring in field environments.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical computing devices with integrated computational elements that analyze electromagnetic radiation to rapidly detect and quantify contaminants in flowing air, providing real-time data on contaminant presence and concentration without the need for extensive sample preparation, and can be integrated into existing equipment for field use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sample processing methods are used to detect contaminants in flowing air, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the analysis time is excessively long and real-time monitoring is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical sample processing systems with an optical computing system that uses electromagnetic radiation to detect contaminants. The optical computing device analyzes the electromagnetic radiation signature of contaminants in flowing air without requiring physical sample collection, preparation, or laboratory analysis, thereby eliminating time-consuming mechanical processing steps while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary to transfer information about contaminants from the flowing air to the detector. By using electromagnetic radiation (such as infrared or microwave radiation) that interacts with specific molecular signatures of contaminants, the system can identify and quantify contaminants remotely and rapidly without direct physical contact or sample handling
2Measurement precision
If conventional contaminant detection methods are used, then accurate analysis can be performed, but the device complexity and requirement for extensive sample preparation increase operational difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The optical computing device performs self-service by automatically detecting and analyzing contaminants in flowing air without requiring external sample collection, preparation, or handling. The system directly analyzes the air stream as it flows through the device, using electromagnetic radiation to identify contaminants based on their unique spectral signatures, thereby eliminating complex operational steps and making the system easy to deploy in field environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sample preparation systems with a simplified optical detection system. Instead of requiring physical sampling equipment, filtration systems, and laboratory analysis apparatus, the invention uses electromagnetic radiation to directly probe the contaminant molecules in flowing air, dramatically reducing device complexity and operational difficulty
3Productivity
If real-time contaminant monitoring is implemented, then operational downtime is reduced, but the device complexity and cost of advanced detection systems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical computing device is designed with multi-functionality to perform real-time contaminant monitoring while maintaining relatively simple architecture. The same electromagnetic radiation source and detector system can identify multiple types of contaminants simultaneously by analyzing their unique spectral signatures, eliminating the need for multiple specialized detection devices and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary that enables real-time monitoring without complex mechanical systems. The radiation passes through or interacts with the flowing air and contaminants, carrying information back to the detector instantaneously, thereby enabling continuous monitoring with minimal device complexity and no operational interruption
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 approach enables rapid, accurate, and cost-effective detection of contaminants, minimizing downtime and operational costs by allowing for immediate corrective actions and optimizing subsequent operations, while being rugged and suitable for field deployment.
Implementation Method 1
optically interacting electromagnetic radiation with a flowing atmospheric air composition; optically interacting the electromagnetic radiation with an integrated computational element ("ICE"), the ICE being configured to analyze for a contaminant in the flowing atmospheric air
Data Source
AI summary
Optically interacting electromagnetic radiation with a flowing atmospheric air composition and optically interacting the electromagnetic radiation with an integrated computational element (“ICE”), the ICE being configured to analyze for a contaminant in the flowing atmospheric air. A detector receives the electromagnetic radiation that has optically interacted with the flowing atmospheric air and the ICE and generates an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the contaminant in the flowing atmospheric air.