Resonant Transducer Sensor for Multi-Phase Fluid Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level sensor systems are costly, unreliable, and lack accuracy in measuring fluid compositions, particularly when one fluid is at low concentrations, and are susceptible to fouling and noise in conductive fluids, failing to provide a combination of low cost, high sensitivity, favorable signal-to-noise ratio, high selectivity, and high data acquisition speeds.
Innovation Solution
A resonant transducer system using an LCR resonant circuit and multivariate data analysis to measure complex impedance spectra, allowing for accurate quantification of fluid compositions without the need for a clear interface and reducing fouling susceptibility, capable of operating in a wide range of frequencies and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional level sensor systems (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 noise, and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and electronic sensor systems with a simple optical detection system. Instead of using gamma-ray, microwave, or capacitance sensors that require complex electronics and are susceptible to fouling, the invention uses light transmission through the fluid interface. A light source emits light through the interface, and a photodetector measures the transmitted light intensity, providing a simple, reliable, and cost-effective solution that is not affected by electrical noise or fouling issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex sensor systems. Rather than using full-capability sensors like computed tomography or gamma-ray detectors, the invention isolates the core principle of interface detection by measuring light transmission through the interface. This extraction of the essential function eliminates unnecessary complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If capacitance or inductive sensors are used, then interface level measurement is achieved, but accuracy deteriorates when one fluid is at low concentrations and the system becomes susceptible to noise in conductive fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical measurement methods (capacitance, inductive) with optical measurement. Instead of measuring electrical properties that are noisy and inaccurate for low-concentration fluids, the system uses light transmission. The photodetector measures light intensity changes as the interface level changes, providing accurate measurements even when one fluid is present at low concentrations, and is completely immune to electrical noise from conductive fluids.
3Measurement precision
If segmented capacitance sensors or computed tomography sensors are used, then composition characterization capability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement principle from complex composition characterization systems. Instead of using segmented capacitance sensors or computed tomography that provide detailed spatial and compositional information, the invention focuses on the single essential function of interface level detection. By measuring light transmission through the interface, the system achieves accurate interface level measurement without the complexity of multi-element sensor arrays or tomographic reconstruction algorithms.
4Temperature
If sensors requiring cooling jackets (for temperatures above 125°C) are used, then measurement capability is maintained at high temperatures, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical sensors that require active cooling systems with an optical sensor system. The light-based measurement method has no moving parts, no electrical components susceptible to thermal effects, and no requirement for cooling jackets. The optical components can operate directly in high-temperature environments, eliminating the complexity of thermal management systems while maintaining measurement capability at temperatures above 125°C.
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 low-cost, high-sensitivity, high-selectivity, and high-accuracy measurements of fluid levels and compositions, including low-concentration fluids, with reduced fouling and noise, enabling precise characterization of emulsions and mixtures in various industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
resonant transducer configured to determine a composition of an emulsion an impedance analyze
Implementation Method 2
LCR resonant circuit
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A sensor includes a resonant transducer, the resonant transducer being configured to determine the composition of an emulsion. The composition of the emulsion is determined by measuring the complex impedance spectrum values of the mixture of the emulsion and applying multivariate data analysis to the values.