Pipe-Mounted Pressure Sensors for Acoustic Gas Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate real-time measurement of gas composition in industrial settings is challenging due to the presence of multiple gases in varying amounts, affecting gas quality monitoring, equipment impact prediction, and custody transfer accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a plurality of pressure sensors with diaphragms aligned with the pipe inner wall to measure pressure signals, determining the speed of sound and sound intensity attenuation, and applying a computational model to infer gas composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional gas composition measurement methods are used, then measurement accuracy may be maintained, but cost and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chromatographic separation methods with an acoustic wave-based measurement system. Pressure sensors detect acoustic waves transmitted through the gas, and computational models infer composition from acoustic properties (speed of sound, attenuation), eliminating the need for physical separation and analysis equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures changes in acoustic parameters (speed of sound, attenuation coefficient) of the gas under different frequencies and pressures. By monitoring how these acoustic parameters vary with composition, the system determines gas composition without traditional separation methods, achieving both accuracy and speed.
2Reliability
If multiple pressure sensors are deployed along the pipe, then gas composition determination reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensors serve multiple functions: detecting acoustic wave pressure variations, determining speed of sound through signal timing, measuring attenuation through amplitude comparison, and providing data for compositional analysis. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement devices for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational models as intermediaries that process raw pressure sensor signals and convert them into meaningful acoustic parameters (speed of sound, attenuation). These models act as mediators between the physical sensors and the final composition determination, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Measurement precision
If flush-mounted pressure sensors with diaphragms aligned with pipe inner wall are used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the diaphragm of each pressure sensor to be locally aligned with the pipe's inner wall, creating an optimal measurement interface at the specific location where acoustic waves enter the sensor. This localized alignment ensures maximum acoustic coupling and signal quality without requiring complex overall sensor assembly structures.
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, time-efficient, and reliable determination of gas composition, ensuring operational safety and quality monitoring in pipelines and grids.
Implementation Method 1
determining, using the plurality of pressure signals, a speed of sound of the gas
Implementation Method 2
determining, using the plurality of pressure signals, an attenuation of sound intensity of the gas
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for determining a composition of a gas in a pipe using a plurality of pressure sensors disposed along the pipe. Each pressure sensor in the plurality of pressure sensors may include a diaphragm for sensing pressure that is aligned with an inner wall of the pipe, and the location of each pressure sensor in the plurality of pressure sensors may be known. The method generally includes obtaining a plurality of pressure signals from the plurality of pressure sensors, determining, using the plurality of pressure signals, a speed of sound of the gas, and determining, using the plurality of pressure signals, an attenuation of sound intensity of the gas. The method further includes determining, with a computational model, the composition of the gas, based on the determined speed of sound of the gas and the attenuation of sound intensity of the gas.