Optical Black Powder Detection in Flow Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Black powder formation and accumulation in pipelines during natural gas liquid transportation pose issues such as product contamination, equipment erosion, and maintenance challenges due to the lack of effective detection methods.
Innovation Solution
A black powder detector system that includes a flow cell or flow-line bypass with optical signal sources and detectors to measure transmitted and scattered light intensities, allowing for the determination of black powder concentration and accurate contamination level assessment, thereby preventing false readings and enabling timely maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional detection methods are used, then the system is simple, but black powder accumulation cannot be detected leading to product contamination and equipment erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical detection methods with an optical detection system. An optical source emits light through the flow cell containing the liquid stream, and optical detectors measure transmitted and scattered light intensities. This substitution enables accurate black powder concentration detection without mechanical contact, resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flow cell as an intermediary component between the pipeline and detection system. The flow cell receives a portion of the liquid stream and allows optical measurement without direct contact with the high-velocity pipeline flow. This intermediary enables reliable detection while maintaining system integration, addressing the contradiction between detection accuracy and system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If single detector configuration is used, then the device is simple, but false readings occur and measurement precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two separate optical detectors with distinct measurement roles. The first detector measures transmitted light intensity to determine overall attenuation, while the second detector measures scattered light intensity at a specific angle to detect particle concentration. This segmentation enables precise black powder concentration measurement by combining multiple measurement perspectives, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If no flow cell is used, then the system is simpler, but direct pipeline measurement causes operational disruptions and maintenance challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell serves as an intermediary that enables indirect measurement of black powder levels. It receives a portion of the liquid stream from the pipeline and allows optical measurement in a controlled environment. This approach maintains operational continuity by not disrupting pipeline flow, while still providing accurate black powder concentration detection through the mediated measurement process.
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 system effectively monitors black powder levels, preventing contamination and equipment damage by accurately detecting changes in black powder concentration, reducing maintenance risks and operational issues.
Implementation Method 1
A second optical detector is positioned at a third side of the flow cell. The third side is different than the first side and the second side. The second optical detector is capable of detecting a scattered-light intensity of a scattered optical signal transmitted through the third side of the flow cell or the flow-line bypass.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical signal source is positioned at a first side of the flow cell or the flow-line bypass. The optical signal source is capable of emitting an optical signal through the first side of the flow cell or the flow-line bypass. A first optical detector is positioned at a second side of the flow cell. The second side is opposite the first side. The first optical detector is capable of detecting a transmitted-light intensity of the optical signal transmitted through the second side of the flow cell or the flow-line bypass. A second optical detector is positioned at a third side of the flow cell. The third side is different than the first side and the second side. The second optical detector is capable of detecting a scattered-light intensity of a scattered optical signal transmitted through the third side of the flow cell or the flow-line bypass.