Optical Black Powder Detection in Gas Pipelines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting black powder in natural gas or oil pipelines are inadequate due to the complexity of the wavelength spectrum and the inability to effectively measure sub-micrometer-sized particles, especially in dynamic fluid conditions, leading to pipeline shutdowns and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive optical-based device using NIR, MIR, and Raman spectroscopy to continuously monitor black powder concentrations through reflected, transmitted, and refracted light beams, employing multivariate techniques like PCR and PLSR for accurate analysis, and a ring of optical sensors distributed across the pipeline to detect light absorption and reflection patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional optical-based techniques (NIR, MIR, Raman spectroscopy) are used to monitor black powder, then the measurement can be performed online and continuously, but the complexity of the wavelength spectrum makes it difficult to accurately measure sub-micrometer-sized particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wavelength spectrum into multiple discrete wavelength channels, measuring the absorption coefficient at each wavelength separately. This segmentation allows the complex spectrum to be analyzed in manageable portions, with each wavelength providing specific information about different black powder constituents, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining online continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from simple light intensity to absorption coefficient calculated from intensity ratios at different wavelengths. By computing the absorption coefficient using the formula involving intensities at multiple wavelengths, the system can accurately characterize sub-micrometer particles despite the complexity of the overall spectrum
2Measurement precision
If a ring of optical sensors is distributed across the pipeline to detect light patterns, then the measurement coverage is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical detection system multi-functional by using a single optical sensor to perform multiple measurements at different wavelengths and positions. The sensor measures light intensity at multiple wavelengths simultaneously, and the system calculates absorption coefficients and identifies particle characteristics from these multi-parameter measurements, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial distribution of sensors to spectral distribution of measurements. Instead of placing multiple sensors at different locations, the system uses a single sensor to measure light at multiple wavelengths, adding the spectral dimension to the measurement. This dimensional change reduces device complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage
3Measurement precision
If multiple wavelengths are scanned to analyze black powder composition, then the analysis accuracy improves, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of light intensity at multiple wavelengths before calculating the absorption coefficient. By pre-measuring the intensities at different wavelengths and storing them for processing, the system can quickly compute the absorption coefficient and identify particle characteristics without time-consuming real-time spectral scanning, thus improving accuracy while reducing measurement time
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 early detection of black powder accumulation, reducing the risk of pressure drops and pipeline shutdowns by providing a precise, continuous, and non-invasive measurement of sub-micrometer-sized particles, allowing for timely preventive actions.
Implementation Method 1
A non-destructive optical-based device using NIR, MIR, and Raman spectroscopy to continuously monitor black powder concentrations through reflected, transmitted, and refracted light beams
Implementation Method 2
A non-destructive optical-based device using NIR, MIR, and Raman spectroscopy to continuously monitor black powder concentrations through reflected, transmitted, and refracted light beams
Implementation Method 3
A non-destructive optical-based device using NIR, MIR, and Raman spectroscopy to continuously monitor black powder concentrations through reflected, transmitted, and refracted light beams
Implementation Method 4
providing a precise, continuous, and non-invasive measurement of sub-micrometer-sized particles
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determination of contaminants, such as black powder, in a flowing fluid, such as natural gas, is disclosed. The method comprises transmitting a plurality of light beams over a spectrum of wavelengths through the flowing fluid and receiving a plurality of measurements relating to transmitted and scattered light beams over the spectrum of wavelengths. The received plurality of measurements are compared with a plurality of stored patterns and a result indicative of the determination of the contaminants is output.