Optical Imaging Fluid Measurement for Particle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid measurement systems in subsurface formations struggle to accurately detect and measure particle concentrations, sizes, and velocities in injection fluids, leading to potential environmental violations and equipment clogging due to excessive particle concentrations.
Innovation Solution
An imaging-based measurement apparatus with a light source and image sensor is deployed in a flow conduit, using high-speed imaging and fluorescence techniques to determine particle characteristics in real-time, integrated with a self-cleaning mechanism and remote monitoring capabilities to ensure reliable and long-term operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement systems are used to detect particle concentrations, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient for accurate particle detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical particle measurement systems with an optical imaging system. The imaging-based measurement apparatus uses light sources and image sensors to detect and measure particle characteristics, substituting mechanical measurement methods with optical fields to achieve higher precision in particle concentration, size, and velocity measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from traditional mechanical detection to optical parameter detection. By using light absorption, scattering, and fluorescence properties of particles, the system measures particle characteristics through optical parameter changes, enabling more accurate and comprehensive particle analysis.
2Productivity
If real-time particle measurement is implemented, then the productivity of fluid monitoring is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional imaging components
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging-based measurement apparatus serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures particle concentration, particle size, and particle velocity all through a single integrated optical imaging system. This multi-functionality achieves high productivity in real-time fluid monitoring without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous real-time measurement of particle characteristics through uninterrupted optical imaging. The light sources and image sensors operate continuously to provide ongoing particle detection and measurement, ensuring continuous monitoring productivity without significant additional complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the measurement system operates in remote locations, then the adaptability to subsurface formations is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging-based measurement apparatus is designed to operate autonomously in remote subsurface locations. The system includes self-diagnostic and self-maintaining capabilities, allowing it to function without frequent human intervention or easy access for repairs, thus adapting to remote operational environments while maintaining measurement functionality.
4Measurement precision
If transparent tubular inserts are used to allow light passage, then the measurement precision is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors increase due to potential light scattering or absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using transparent tubular inserts specifically at the measurement section of the flow conduit where light passage is required. The transparent material is localized only where optical measurement occurs, while other portions of the conduit can be opaque. This localized transparency enables precise light transmission for measurement without requiring the entire system to be transparent, thereby reducing overall light scattering and absorption.
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 provides accurate, real-time measurement of particle characteristics, enabling timely actions to prevent environmental violations and equipment clogging, while ensuring reliability and ease of maintenance in remote locations.
Implementation Method 1
A light source emits lights that passes through the transparent tubular insert, and an image sensor receives light passed through the transparent tubular insert and through a portion of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor receives light passed through the transparent tubular insert and through a portion of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
light along the light path passes through a portion of fluid flowing in the flow conduit
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging-based measurement apparatus includes a light source, and at least one optical element for positioning in a flow conduit, the at least one optical element being part of a light path for light emitted by the light source, where light along the light path passes through a portion of fluid flowing in the flow conduit. An image sensor detects the light and measures content of the portion of the fluid.