Probe Unit Cleaning via Membrane Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning systems for optical measuring probes in high-pressure environments, such as those used in multiphase flows like water, oil, and gas, become less efficient at higher pressures and require frequent maintenance due to fouling and erosion, making them impractical for continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A system that isolates the probe window from the flow, reducing pressure within a defined chamber between the probe and its housing, allowing for efficient cleaning using acoustic or flushing methods without relying on external valves, which reduces mechanical wear and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated cleaning systems (flushing or acoustic cleaning) are used to clean the probe window in situ, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but at higher pressures (10-500 barg) these methods become less efficient and require frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical valve systems with a membrane-based pressure control mechanism. The flexible membrane (314) responds to pressure differential across it, automatically controlling access to the cleaning chamber without requiring mechanical valves that are subject to fouling and erosion. This substitution of mechanical components with a flexible membrane resolves the reliability issue under high pressure while maintaining cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane (314) acts as an intermediary between the high-pressure process environment and the cleaning chamber. It mediates the pressure control function, allowing the cleaning system to operate effectively at reduced pressure while the process continues at high pressure. This intermediary protects the cleaning system from direct exposure to high-pressure process fluids that would cause fouling and erosion.
2Stress or pressure
If valves are used to control pressure in high pressure environments, then pressure control is achieved, but fouling and erosion cause mechanical tear and wear, leading to costly and difficult maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical valve systems with a membrane-based pressure control mechanism. The flexible membrane (314) responds to pressure differential across it, automatically controlling access to the cleaning chamber without requiring mechanical valves that are subject to fouling and erosion. This substitution of mechanical components with a flexible membrane resolves the reliability issue under high pressure while maintaining cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane system operates automatically based on pressure differential across the membrane. When process pressure exceeds cleaning chamber pressure, the membrane closes off access to the cleaning chamber, protecting it from high-pressure process fluids. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for externally controlled valves and reduces maintenance requirements.
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 effective and low-maintenance cleaning of probe surfaces under high pressures by creating a controlled, reduced-pressure environment for cleaning, improving efficiency and reducing maintenance costs by shielding additional valves from process fluids.
Implementation Method 1
a) an acoustic transducer ( 302, 304) exiting said window ( 3) with vibrations having a chosen frequency
Implementation Method 2
The acoustic transducer may be coupled directly to the probe window through the probe, as discussed in WO 2009/134145 or by transmitting acoustic signals through the fluid inside the space toward the window
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a probe unit comprising a probe (2) having a probe window (3) having a contact surface for facing a high pressure fluid flow, the probe unit comprising a probe housing (1) containing the probe including the probe window, the probe being moveable relative to the probe housing between a first position wherein the window is exposed to the fluid flow and a second position wherein the probe is enclosed by said housing and a space (11) is defined between said housing and said probe, said housing having an outer part into said fluid flow, said probe unit comprising sealing means (4, 5, 7) adapted to seal said defined space from said fluid flow when the probe is in said second position. The probe unit also comprises pressure adjustment means for reducing the pressure within said space and cleaning means (6, 9) for cleaning said probe when within said space.