Non-Invasive Pipe Fluid Density Detection via Acoustic Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing density sensing systems in industrial processes are often invasive, costly, and pose safety hazards due to the need for device insertion and radioactive materials, while non-invasive methods are limited by high costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, non-invasive system that generates a mechanical vibration spectrum of a pipe-fluid system by exciting the pipe's outer surface, using a mechanical model to determine physical parameters like density without mounting devices on the piping, allowing for accurate estimation of fluid type and density changes using a handheld device with sensors and lookup tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive density sensing devices are inserted into the process piping, then measurement accuracy is improved, but installation complexity and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acoustic waves as an intermediary to measure fluid density without direct contact. The acoustic sensor transmits sound waves through the pipe wall and fluid, and the interaction of these waves with the fluid provides density information, eliminating the need for invasive device insertion while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive measurement systems with acoustic field-based measurement. Instead of physically inserting sensors into the fluid, the system uses acoustic wave propagation characteristics (velocity, attenuation) to infer density, substituting mechanical contact with acoustic field interaction
2Reliability
If nuclear radiation-based densitometers are used for non-invasive measurements, then measurement robustness is improved, but cost and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, hazardous nuclear radiation sources with inexpensive acoustic sensors and signal processing systems. The acoustic measurement system uses standard electronic components and software algorithms to achieve density measurement without requiring costly radioactive materials or specialized shielding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of radiation exposure into a beneficial acoustic measurement system. By using acoustic wave propagation through the pipe wall and fluid, the system achieves reliable non-invasive measurement without the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, while still providing robust measurements under harsh industrial conditions
3Ease of operation
If clamp-on devices are mounted on piping for non-invasive density sensing, then invasive measurement is avoided, but device complexity and calibration effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibration through acoustic reference measurements. The system automatically performs calibration by measuring acoustic wave propagation characteristics and comparing them against known fluid properties or reference states, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures and probe extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can determine multiple fluid properties (density, composition, phase) using a single acoustic sensor setup. The system analyzes different characteristics of acoustic wave propagation to extract various fluid parameters without requiring separate sensors or calibration procedures for each property
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 cost-effective, safe, and efficient determination of fluid properties, including density and composition changes, with high accuracy and reliability, reducing installation time and avoiding the need for invasive measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical vibration spectrum of a pipe-fluid system is generated by a mechanical excitation impacting an outer surface of the pipe-fluid system
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining a physical parameter of a pipe-fluid system includes providing a mechanical vibration spectrum of the pipe-fluid system, which is generated by a mechanical excitation impacting an outer surface of the pipe-fluid system, providing characteristic data of a pipe of the pipe-fluid system, providing process-fluid data of the pipe-fluid system, determining a mechanical model vibration spectrum based on a provided theoretical model for the pipe-fluid system and the provided characteristic data of the pipe and the provided process-fluid data, and comparing the mechanical vibration spectrum and the model vibration spectrum for determining the physical parameter of the pipe-fluid system for determining the physical parameter of the pipe-fluid system.