Pipe Pressure Measurement With Angular Optical Force Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-intrusive measurement methods for pipe pressure and longitudinal forces fail to account for the interdependence between pressure variations and longitudinal forces, leading to significant measurement errors, especially under conditions of embedding and temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A measuring method that determines variations in mechanical components independent of thermal deformation, using Brillouin and Rayleigh sensors to calculate pressure and longitudinal force variations by measuring specific angles relative to the pipe's central axis, decoupling pressure measurements from longitudinal force influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-intrusive measurement methods are used to measure pipe pressure, then measurement accessibility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interdependence between pressure variations and longitudinal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement problem by using multiple optical fibers oriented at different angles (at least two different angles relative to the pipe axis) to independently measure deformations in different directions. This allows the measurement system to separate the effects of pressure variations from longitudinal forces, maintaining precision while preserving non-intrusive accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular dimensionality by measuring deformations at multiple angles around the pipe circumference. By adding this dimensional aspect to the measurement, the system can mathematically decouple pressure effects from longitudinal force effects, resolving the precision problem while maintaining non-intrusive measurement capability.
2Device complexity
If conventional deformation measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to significant errors from longitudinal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical fiber measurement system multi-functional by using the same type of sensor (optical fiber with Brillouin scattering) for both pressure measurement and longitudinal force measurement. The system achieves both measurement goals simultaneously through proper angular arrangement, avoiding the need for additional specialized sensors and maintaining relative simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical strain gauges with optical fiber-based Brillouin scattering sensors. This substitution eliminates the interdependence problem between pressure and longitudinal force measurements while maintaining device simplicity, as the optical system requires no physical contact or mechanical attachment to the pipe.
3Ease of manufacture
If optical fibers are arranged at standard orientations, then installation ease is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to decouple pressure and force measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of fiber orientation angle from standard/conventional angles to specific engineered angles (at least two different angles). This parameter change enables the mathematical decoupling of pressure and longitudinal force effects, achieving measurement precision while the fibers remain externally attached in a relatively simple manner.
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
Accurately measures pressure and longitudinal forces independently, reducing measurement errors to negligible levels, even under conditions of embedding and temperature variations.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a power and a frequency of a Brillouin line of backscattered radiation to determine a variation of a mechanical component, along a measurement direction associated with said measurement zone, of a corresponding local deformation of the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a measurement method comprising, for at least one measurement zone of a portion of a pipe, the following steps: measuring a variation in a mechanical component of a corresponding local deformation of the pipe; concomitantly determining a variation in a first pressure from an internal pressure of the pipe and an external pressure applied to the pipe from the outside; and calculating a variation in a second pressure separate from the first pressure solely from the variation in the mechanical component of the measured deformation and the variation in the first determined pressure and/or from a variation in a longitudinal force exerted on the pipe. The invention furthermore relates to a device and an apparatus allowing such a method to be carried out.