Resonant Transducer for Multi-Phase Fluid Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level sensor systems for multi-phase fluid compositions are costly, unreliable, and lack accuracy, particularly in measuring low concentration fluids, and are susceptible to fouling and noise, failing to provide a combination of low cost, high sensitivity, favorable signal-to-noise ratio, high selectivity, high accuracy, and high data acquisition speeds.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional resonant transducer system with an LCR circuit and impedance analyzer, capable of determining the composition of oil and water mixtures by measuring complex impedance spectra, providing high sensitivity and selectivity, and resistant to fouling, allowing for accurate quantification of fluids at low concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional level sensors (gamma-ray, guided wave, magnetostrictive, microwave, ultrasonic, capacitance, inductive, computed tomography) are used, then measurement capability is provided, but cost is prohibitively expensive, reliability is reduced due to fouling and shorting, and accuracy is insufficient for low concentration fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and electronic sensor systems with a purely electromagnetic resonant circuit-based sensor. The resonant circuit uses electromagnetic fields to detect fluid levels and composition without mechanical moving parts, complex electronics, or fragile components, thereby improving reliability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from complex multi-parameter measurements (requiring multiple sensors) to a single resonant frequency parameter. By measuring only the resonant frequency of the LC circuit, which changes with fluid level and composition, the system achieves high reliability with simplified hardware and reduced complexity.
2Measurement precision
If capacitance methods with separate electrodes are used, then capacitance measurements are obtained, but device complexity increases due to needing separate electrodes for capacitance and conductivity measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capacitance measurement function and conductivity measurement function into a single resonant circuit system. The LC circuit simultaneously provides both measurement capabilities through its resonant frequency response, eliminating the need for separate electrode systems and reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Speed
If inductor capacitor circuits with electromagnetic resonators are used, then fluid level monitoring is achieved, but measurement accuracy decreases by one order of magnitude when conducting liquid fills the resonator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dielectric barrier or coating on the resonator surfaces as an intermediary layer. This barrier prevents direct contact between the conducting liquid and the resonator, eliminating the shorting effect and noise while allowing the electromagnetic field to still interact with the fluid for accurate level and composition measurements.
4Productivity
If existing sensor systems are used, then fluid level measurement is provided, but the combination of low cost, high sensitivity, favorable signal-to-noise ratio, high selectivity, high accuracy, and high data acquisition speeds is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic excitation of the resonant circuit at its resonant frequency to generate a strong, clean signal. By sweeping through a frequency range and identifying the peak resonant response, the system achieves high signal-to-noise ratio and high selectivity, enabling both high data acquisition speeds and high measurement precision for fluid composition analysis.
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
The system achieves accurate and reliable measurement of fluid levels and compositions, including low concentration fluids, with improved signal-to-noise ratio and resistance to fouling, enabling efficient operation in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a signal from the sensor system at a plurality of locations in the vessel; converting each signal to values of the complex impedance spectrum
Implementation Method 2
a three-dimensional resonant transducer system with an LCR circuit and impedance analyzer, capable of determining the composition of oil and water mixtures by measuring complex impedance spectra
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor includes a resonant transducer, the resonant transducer being configured to determine the composition of an emulsion or other dispersion. The resonant transducer has a sampling cell, a bottom winding disposed around the sampling cell, and a top winding disposed around the bottom winding. The composition of the dispersion is determined by measuring the complex impedance spectrum values of the mixture of the dispersion and applying multivariate data analysis to the values.