Piezoelectric Sensor Density Measurement Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to determine fluid parameters such as density and composition in production systems to optimize fluid flow from reservoirs, which is challenging due to variations in fluid properties like viscosity and chemical composition.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a piezoelectric sensor submerged in the fluid, applying a stimulation pulse at a selected frequency to induce oscillations, and using temperature and pressure measurements to determine fluid parameters by analyzing the oscillation parameters, with a processor interpreting the data through look-up tables or calculations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a piezoelectric sensor is used to measure fluid density, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensor may be affected by temperature and pressure variations causing measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid density measurementVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy under varying conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces temperature and pressure sensors as intermediary measurement devices that capture environmental conditions affecting the piezoelectric sensor. These intermediary measurements are then used to compensate for the effects of temperature and pressure variations on the density measurement, thereby maintaining measurement reliability under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters being measured by adding temperature and pressure measurements to the system. By measuring these additional parameters, the system can compensate for their effects on the piezoelectric sensor's resonant frequency,从而 improving the reliability of density measurements under varying temperature and pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors (piezoelectric, temperature, pressure) are used to determine fluid parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid parameter determinationVSAvoidsensor system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processor is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes signals from the piezoelectric sensor to determine density, processes temperature sensor signals to determine temperature, and processes pressure sensor signals to determine pressure. This multi-functionality consolidates the data processing role into a single component, reducing overall system complexity despite having multiple sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the data processing and compensation functions into a single processor unit. Instead of having separate processing units for each sensor type, the system combines all signal processing, temperature compensation, and pressure compensation operations into one integrated processor, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If temperature and pressure measurements are taken to compensate for environmental effects, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of measurements (and thus data processing) increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid density measurementVSAvoiddata processing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the temperature and pressure measurements to self-compensate for environmental effects on the density measurement. The processor automatically adjusts the density calculation based on the measured temperature and pressure values, eliminating the need for external calibration or manual correction factors. This self-service approach streamlines the data processing while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 determination of fluid parameters, allowing for real-time adjustments in production processes, such as altering pump speed or chemical additive delivery, to improve fluid flow and processing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor including a piezoelectric material. The actuator may apply the stimulation pulse to the piezoelectric material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10018034B2Density measurement using a piezoelectric sensor in a non-compressible medium

Publication Date: 2018.07.10 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A system, method and apparatus for determining a parameter of a fluid is disclosed. Measurements are obtained of a temperature of the fluid and a pressure of the fluid. A material is disposed in the fluid, and an actuator applies a stimulation pulse at a selected frequency to the material to generate an oscillation in the material. A measurement device measures a parameter of oscillation of the material in response to the stimulation pulse, the parameter of oscillation being affected by the fluid in which the material is disposed. A processor determines the parameter of the fluid from the measured parameter of the oscillation, the temperature measurement and the pressure measurement.