Optical Pipe Wall Dirt Detection via Light Quanta Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing measurement technologies for miscible fluids in oil and gas fields are hindered by the deposition of inorganic salts on pipe walls, which reduces pipeline throat diameters, increases fluid resistance, and affects the accuracy of flow measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize light quanta to detect pipe wall dirt by measuring the difference in light reception over time, calculating the increased dirt thickness, and determining the mixing density and current medium flux of the flowing medium.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If differential pressure type flowmeters are used to measure miscible fluid flow, then flow measurement can be performed, but measurement precision deteriorates due to pipe wall dirt deposition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow measurement accuracyVSAvoidpipe wall dirt deposition

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical differential pressure measurement system with an optical detection system. Instead of using flowmeters that are physically blocked by dirt, the system uses light quanta to detect dirt thickness through the pipe wall, substituting mechanical measurement with optical detection to avoid direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light quanta as an intermediary to detect dirt thickness. The light quanta pass through the pipe wall and flowing medium, and their absorption characteristics provide information about dirt accumulation, serving as a non-contact intermediary that enables measurement without direct mechanical interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If pipe wall dirt accumulates over time, then fluid resistance increases, but detecting the accumulation requires complex measurement systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirt detection capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the flowing medium itself as part of the detection mechanism. The light quanta interact with both the pipe wall and the flowing medium, and the absorption characteristics provide simultaneous information about dirt thickness and fluid properties, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The optical detection system serves multiple functions: it measures dirt thickness, detects fluid flow characteristics, and monitors changes over time. By using light quanta that interact with both the pipe wall and flowing medium, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate specialized instruments for each measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If light quanta absorption method is used to detect dirt, then measurement precision improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirt thickness detection accuracyVSAvoidlight quanta energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic emission of light quanta rather than continuous illumination. By sending light pulses through the pipe wall and measuring absorption at different time points, the system achieves precise dirt thickness measurement while minimizing energy consumption through intermittent operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system varies parameters such as light quanta energy levels and detection thresholds to optimize the balance between measurement precision and energy consumption. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can achieve accurate dirt detection while minimizing the total energy required for measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach allows for accurate detection of pipe wall dirt, enabling real-time monitoring of fluid flow and reducing operational costs by preventing scaling-related issues.

Implementation Method 1

acquiring a first receiving amount of a target pipeline for first light quanta currently; acquiring a second receiving amount of the target pipeline for the first light quanta at a reference moment; obtaining an increased dirt thickness of the target pipeline in a target time period according to the first receiving amount and the second receiving amount

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250027806A1Method, device, storage medium, and electronic equipment for detecting pipe wall dirt

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 WUXI SEA PIONEERS TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method, a device, a storage medium, and electronic equipment for detecting pipe wall dirt are provided. In the above, the electronic equipment acquires a first receiving amount of a target pipeline for first light quanta currently; acquires a second receiving amount of the target pipeline for the first light quanta at a reference moment; and obtains an increased dirt thickness of the target pipeline in a target time period according to the first receiving amount and the second receiving amount, wherein the target time period represents a time length from a current moment to the reference moment.