Optical Fluid Flow Sensing for Real-Time Multiphase Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting characteristics of single-phase and multi-phase solid, liquid, and gaseous matter suffer from physical interaction requirements, electromagnetic signal interference, and the need for physical sampling, which are costly and complex, especially in dynamic industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly of sensing elements using LEDs or lasers for non-invasive, on-line characterization of fluid flows, capable of detecting fluorescence without physical interaction and signal interference, applicable in various orientations and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical characterization techniques are used to detect fluid characteristics, then physical interaction with the fluid is achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires physical sampling infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical characterization techniques with optical detection methods. Sensors detect fluid characteristics (composition, flow rate, phase) through optical signals that pass through or interact with the fluid without requiring mechanical contact or physical sampling infrastructure, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary between the detection system and the fluid. Instead of direct mechanical interaction, optical signals serve as a mediator to transfer information about fluid characteristics to sensors, eliminating the need for physical sampling systems and reducing overall system complexity
2Ease of operation
If optical characterization techniques are used to detect fluid characteristics, then non-contact detection is achieved, but electromagnetic signal interference occurs due to bubbles, droplets, and particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using multiple sensors positioned at different locations and orientations around the fluid flow. Each sensor detects local optical properties, and the system processes these distributed measurements to compensate for interference effects, maintaining non-contact detection while reducing signal interference problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the detection system continuously monitors optical signals and uses this information to adjust measurement parameters or compensate for interference effects in real-time, thereby maintaining accurate non-contact detection despite the presence of bubbles, droplets, and particles
3Measurement precision
If physical sampling is used for off-line analysis of fluid composition, then accurate composition measurement is achieved, but cost and complexity increase due to centralized sampling infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical sampling and off-line analysis with in-line optical detection. Sensors mounted on pipes continuously measure fluid composition, flow rate, and phase distribution directly at the measurement location, eliminating the need for centralized sampling infrastructure while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the fluid flow system to perform its own characterization by using optical sensors that detect fluid properties in-situ. The system serves itself by providing continuous real-time measurement of composition and flow characteristics without requiring external sampling infrastructure or off-line analysis facilities
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 accurate, label-free, and real-time detection of fluid composition and flow rates without physical sampling, providing high sensitivity and spatial resolution.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing elements consist of one or more sensors and one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or laser(s) that can be configured in different orientations (i.e., array, matrix, ring or any other known orientation) to investigate the fluorescence of a material under investigation
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising an assembly of sensing elements that could be attached to, mounted upon, or installed into pipes for on-line, in-line or off-line characterization of fluid flows. The system may be hand-held by a human operator or implemented in benchtop instrumentation. The sensing elements comprise one or more sensors and one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or lasers that can be configured in a variety of different orientations to investigate the fluorescence of the subject material by illuminating or exciting the subject material with the LEDs or lasers and collecting the electromagnetic signal returned from the subject material with the sensors. The architecture of the system is applicable to characterize both static and dynamic samples. Samples of the subject material include single-component solid, liquid, or gaseous materials or may also include single-phase, two-phase or multi-phase mixtures of solids, liquids and gases.