Optical Sensor Aperture Design for Multiphase Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensors for determining the relative proportions of oil and gas in multiphase fluids are inefficient and bulky due to the use of beam splitters, which split radiation and reduce the intensity of the signal received by the detector.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical sensor design where the radiation source and detector are positioned to direct the radiation beam through an aperture to a sensing element, allowing most of the radiation to be conveyed to the sensing element and the reflected radiation to be conveyed efficiently to the detector, with a semiconductor laser diode and photodiode used to measure properties like the cut of the multiphase fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beam splitters are used to split radiation in optical sensors, then the sensor can detect multiphase fluid properties, but the signal intensity received by the detector is reduced and the device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the beam splitter component from the optical sensor system. Instead of splitting the radiation beam into multiple paths, the design uses a single optical path where the radiation source directs radiation through an aperture to the sensing element, and the reflected radiation is detected directly. This extraction of the beam splitter eliminates the complexity and bulkiness while maintaining measurement capability through the aperture-based detection approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector is segmented with an aperture that selectively receives radiation. The aperture acts as a spatial filter that divides the detection function, allowing only radiation from specific directions or with specific properties to reach the sensing element. This segmentation approach replaces the need for beam splitters by using the aperture's geometric properties to achieve the desired radiation control and detection.
2Measurement precision
If beam splitters are used to split radiation, then the sensor can function, but most of the radiation is lost and signal intensity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the beam splitter from the system, the patent eliminates the inherent energy loss associated with splitting radiation into multiple beams. The single optical path design ensures that most of the radiation emitted by the source reaches the sensing element through the aperture, maximizing signal intensity and minimizing energy loss while still enabling accurate detection of multiphase fluid properties.
3Productivity
If a compact sensor design is implemented without beam splitters, then radiation efficiency is improved, but precise measurement of multiphase fluid properties becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture serves as an intermediary element that bridges the simplified optical path and the measurement function. By carefully designing the aperture's size, shape, and position, it selectively transmits radiation that carries information about the multiphase fluid properties while blocking unwanted radiation. This intermediary approach maintains measurement precision despite the removal of complex beam splitting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters such as aperture diameter, radiation source wavelength, and detector positioning to achieve both compactness and measurement precision. By adjusting these parameters, the system maximizes radiation efficiency through the aperture while ensuring that the detected signal contains sufficient information for accurate determination of multiphase fluid properties like gas cut and holdup.
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 design results in a more efficient and compact sensor that can accurately determine the relative proportions of oil and gas, with improved signal resolution and resistance to abrasion and high pressures, suitable for use in oil and gas wells.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing element operable to receive radiation and to reflect at least a portion of the radiation so as to form a reflected radiation beam, one or more properties of the reflected radiation beam being dependent on one or more properties to be measured
Implementation Method 2
the radiation source and the sensing element are disposed on opposite sides of the detector such that the radiation source is arranged to direct the radiation beam through the aperture to the sensing element
Implementation Method 3
a detector provided with a detecting surface for receiving radiation and outputting a signal in dependence on the received radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A sensor for measuring a property comprises: a radiation source, a detector and a sensing element. The radiation source is operable to produce a radiation beam. The detector is provided with a detecting surface for receiving radiation and outputting a signal in dependence on the received radiation. An aperture extends through the detector from the detecting surface to an opposed surface. The sensing element is operable to receive radiation and to reflect at least a portion of the radiation so as to form a reflected radiation beam, one or more properties of the reflected radiation beam being dependent on one or more properties to be measured. The radiation source and the sensing element are disposed on opposite sides of the detector such that the radiation source is arranged to direct the radiation beam through the aperture to the sensing element and the sensing element is arranged to direct the reflected radiation beam to the detecting surface of the detector.