Piezoelectric Graphene Circuits for Harsh-Environment Fluid Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid system components in harsh environments, such as subterranean reservoirs, face challenges in accurately sensing pressure, stress, and degradation due to factors like scaling and mechanical forces, leading to inefficiencies in monitoring and control operations.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a piezoelectric and graphene region in fluid system components, where graphene is formed from polymers like polyimide using laser conversion, creating a composite piezoelectric coating (CPC) that senses changes in pressure and strain through electrical signals, enabling real-time monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fluid system components are used in harsh environments, then the component structure remains simple, but the sensing precision of pressure, stress, and degradation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by integrating piezoelectric material with graphene formed from polymer substrates (polyimide or PEEK). This composite structure combines the pressure-sensing capabilities of piezoelectric material with the mechanical strength and environmental resistance of graphene-polymer composites, enabling accurate sensing in harsh subterranean environments while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by converting polymer materials into graphene through laser irradiation, fundamentally changing the physical and electrical parameters of the substrate. This transformation enables the material to exhibit both mechanical properties suitable for structural applications and electrical properties necessary for sensing operations in harsh environments
2Ease of manufacture
If component complexity is reduced for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing becomes simpler, but the capability to detect degradation and mechanical stress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional component where the same integrated structure performs both structural support and multiple sensing functions simultaneously. The piezoelectric-graphene composite serves as both the mechanical framework and the sensing element for pressure, stress, and degradation detection, eliminating the need for separate sensing components and simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate functions into a single integrated component. The piezoelectric material, graphene layer, and polymer substrate are combined into one unified structure that simultaneously provides mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and multi-parameter sensing capabilities, reducing manufacturing complexity while enhancing detection capabilities
3Reliability
If scaling and mechanical forces are present in harsh environments, then the operational reliability deteriorates, but the sensing capability should be enhanced to compensate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the piezoelectric-graphene composite to continuously monitor pressure, stress, and degradation conditions in real-time. The generated electrical signals provide feedback about the component's operational state and environmental conditions, enabling detection of scaling and mechanical forces that would otherwise go unnoticed, allowing for timely intervention to maintain reliability
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 integration provides enhanced sensing capabilities, allowing for real-time monitoring of fracturing operations and detecting degradation, scale formation, and mechanical stress, improving operational efficiency and reliability in fluid system components.
Implementation Method 1
the piezoelectric material may cause an electrical change in the graphene circuitry
Implementation Method 2
graphene is formed from polymers like polyimide using laser conversion
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid system component can include a support body that includes a surface; and an electrical circuit supported at least in part by the surface, where the electrical circuit includes graphene adjacent to a composite material that includes a polymer convertible to graphene, and where the electrical circuit generates a signal responsive to deformation of at least a portion of the electrical circuit.