Optical Computing Device for Custody Transfer Fluid Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the quality of oil or natural gas in pipelines are logistically difficult, costly, and imprecise, often requiring hazardous chemicals and introducing time-delays, making it challenging to correlate measured characteristics in real-time with actual values.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical computing devices equipped with integrated computational elements (ICEs) that analyze electromagnetic radiation from fluids in real-time, allowing for rapid and precise measurement of characteristics like water content, gas-oil ratio, and contaminant levels without sampling, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of fluid properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct sampling and chemical analysis methods are used to determine fluid quality, then measurement precision can be achieved, but measurement time increases and real-time monitoring is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical sampling systems with an optical measurement system. The optical computing device uses electromagnetic radiation to directly measure fluid properties in-line without physical sampling, eliminating the time delay inherent in collecting, transporting, and analyzing samples while maintaining measurement precision through advanced optical detection and computational algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary between the measurement system and the fluid. Instead of direct contact sampling, the optical system uses light interaction (absorption, scattering, fluorescence) as a mediator to extract fluid composition information, enabling rapid real-time measurements without the time-consuming sample preparation and analysis steps of traditional chemical methods.
2Loss of information
If chemical analysis methods are used to determine fluid characteristics, then detailed composition information can be obtained, but the complexity of the system increases and real-time correlation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex chemical analysis instrumentation with an optical measurement system. The optical computing device captures detailed fluid composition information through electromagnetic radiation interactions and uses computational algorithms to interpret the data, simplifying the physical measurement system while maintaining or enhancing the information obtained about fluid characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures multiple optical parameters (absorbance at different wavelengths, scattering intensity, fluorescence characteristics) simultaneously to capture comprehensive fluid composition information. By monitoring changes in these optical parameters in real-time, the system obtains detailed composition data without the complexity of sequential chemical analysis steps.
3Reliability
If traditional measurement methods are used to ensure quality standards, then product quality can be maintained, but throughput decreases due to recycling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time monitoring of fluid quality parameters as the fluid flows through the pipeline. This continuous measurement allows for immediate detection of quality deviations and instant adjustment of processing parameters, eliminating the need to stop flow or recycle fluid for reprocessing, thereby maintaining product quality while maximizing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where real-time optical measurements of fluid quality are continuously fed back to the control system. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of processing conditions to maintain quality standards, allowing the system to respond instantly to quality variations without interrupting flow or requiring recycling, thus preserving both quality and productivity.
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 solution provides accurate, real-time analysis of fluid characteristics, reducing costs, hazards, and maintenance, while increasing the value of transported hydrocarbons and improving pipeline efficiency by enabling intelligent adjustments to fluid properties.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated computational element (ICE) positioned to optically interact with electromagnetic radiation from a fluid and to thereby generate optically interacted radiation corresponding to a characteristic of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a detector positioned to receive the optically interacted radiation and to generate an output signal proportional to an intensity of the optically interacted radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A device including an integrated computational element (ICE) positioned to optically interact with electromagnetic radiation from a fluid and to thereby generate optically interacted radiation corresponding to a characteristic of the fluid, and a method for using the system are provided. The device includes a detector positioned to receive the optically interacted radiation and to generate an output signal proportional to an intensity of the optically interacted radiation. And the device further includes a processor positioned to receive the output signal and to determine the characteristic of the fluid. The device is coupled to a controller configured to provide instructions to a transfer system for storage and readout.