Piezoelectric Leaf Cell Array for Multiphase Flow Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring fluid properties in downhole environments are inefficient due to inaccessibility, contamination, and the need for multiple specialized tools, leading to increased costs and slower operations.
Innovation Solution
A fluid analysis tool with a piezoelectric leaf cell sensor array that provides simultaneous and congruent measurements of fluid mass density and sound speed using a Helmholtz cavity response, coupled with an external acoustic field, and a passive deployment mechanism for downhole applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized tools are deployed to measure different fluid properties, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid property measurement capabilities into a single integrated sensor device. The sensor simultaneously measures density, sound speed, and flow velocity by integrating a piezoelectric element, Helmholtz cavity, and acoustic field generation capability into one unified tool, eliminating the need for multiple separate specialized tools
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various fluid property measurements using a single tool. The acoustic resonance-based measurement technique enables the device to determine multiple fluid properties (density, sound speed, velocity) through different measurement modes, making it universally applicable for characterizing multiphase fluids in wellbores
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized tools are installed along the drill string, then measurement capability is improved, but productivity decreases due to slower drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single sensor package that can be installed once on the drill or wireline string. This eliminates the need to repeatedly trip multiple separate tools in and out of the well, thereby maintaining measurement capability while significantly improving drilling productivity by reducing non-productive time
3Ease of operation
If conventional measurement tools are used in downhole environments, then operational simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to fluid contamination and mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical measurement approaches with an acoustic resonance-based measurement system. The piezoelectric element generates acoustic waves that interact with the fluid in the Helmholtz cavity, allowing non-contact, contamination-resistant measurement of fluid properties. This acoustic field-based technique is immune to fluid contamination and mixing issues that plague conventional mechanical sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The Helmholtz cavity acts as an intermediary between the piezoelectric sensor element and the flowing fluid. The cavity resonates in response to the acoustic field, and its resonance characteristics provide information about fluid density and sound speed without requiring direct contact between the sensor and the contaminated or multiphase fluid, thereby maintaining measurement precision
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, real-time measurement of fluid properties in multiphase fluids, reducing the need for multiple tools and minimizing operational costs while maintaining measurement sensitivity across varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric structure acting on a subdomain of the fluid that flows through the piezoelectric structure
Implementation Method 2
a Helmholtz cavity wall that couples the intrinsic Helmholtz cavity response with an external acoustic field of the leaf sensor to increase a measurement sensitivity
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sensor device for measuring properties of a fluid is disclosed. The fluid sensor device includes a leaf cell sensor having a piezoelectric structure acting on a subdomain of the fluid that flows through the piezoelectric structure to create an intrinsic Helmholtz cavity response, and an enclosure enclosing the leaf cell sensor and including (i) a flowthrough shroud having an inlet that allows the fluid to enter the enclosure and pass across the leaf cell sensor, and a Helmholtz cavity wall that couples the intrinsic Helmholtz cavity response with an external acoustic field of the leaf sensor to increase a measurement sensitivity, (ii) a cylindrical housing having an outlet that allows the fluid to exit the enclosure, and (iii) a pressure feedthrough connector that transmits an electrical signal induced by the intrinsic Helmholtz cavity response to represent the properties of the fluid.