Patch Antenna Fluid Sensor for Multiphase Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiphase meters used in harsh environments like subsea or downhole settings face challenges with structural strength, environmental integrity, and electrical insulation due to the use of monopole and loop antennas, which compromise these aspects.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sensor design featuring a patch antenna located between the fluid flow path and a confinement member, which confines an electromagnetic field, allowing for improved structural strength, environmental integrity, and electrical insulation, and simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for passages and potable compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If monopole or loop antennas are used in conventional multiphase meters, then electromagnetic energy coupling is achieved, but structural strength, environmental integrity, and electrical insulation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is extracted from the conventional monopole/loop configuration and replaced with a patch antenna that is formed directly on the confinement member. This eliminates the need for separate antenna components that protrude into the annular region and require sealing compounds, thereby maintaining electromagnetic coupling functionality while improving structural integrity and environmental sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna function is merged with the confinement member by forming the patch antenna directly on the outer surface of the confinement member. This integration eliminates the need for separate antenna components and sealing compounds, resolving the contradiction between electromagnetic energy coupling and structural/environmental reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If passages are formed in the core to accommodate monopole or loop antennas, then antenna installation is enabled, but structural strength and environmental integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The passages that would be required in the core for antenna installation are eliminated by using a patch antenna configuration that is formed on the external surface of the confinement member. This extraction of the antenna from the internal core structure preserves the core's structural integrity and environmental sealing while still enabling antenna functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional monopole or loop antennas are used, then electromagnetic coupling is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to the need for passages and sealing compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna and confinement member are merged into a single integrated structure, where the patch antenna is formed directly on the confinement member surface. This eliminates the need for separate antenna components, passages, and sealing compounds, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining electromagnetic coupling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The confinement member serves dual purposes: it confines the electromagnetic field and simultaneously hosts the patch antenna on its outer surface. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate antenna installation procedures and sealing operations, reducing manufacturing complexity.
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 patch antenna configuration enhances the fluid sensor's performance by providing improved structural strength, environmental integrity, and electrical insulation, while simplifying manufacturing and reducing complexity and costs, allowing for accurate measurement of fluid composition and flow rate in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
a confinement member (16) located externally of the core (11) and configured to confine an electromagnetic field which extends through the core (11) into the fluid flow path (14)
Implementation Method 2
a patch antenna (20) located between the fluid flow path (14) and the confinement member (16) and configured to couple an electrical signal to and/or from the electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sensor includes a core defining a fluid flow path, a confinement member located externally of the core, and a patch antenna located between the fluid flow path and the confinement member. The confinement member is configured to confine an electromagnetic field which extends into the fluid flow path. The patch antenna is configured to couple an electrical signal to and/or from the electromagnetic field. The fluid sensor may be configured for measuring the composition and/or flow rate of a fluid and, in particular but not exclusively, for measuring the composition and/or flow rate of mixtures of oil, water and gas.