Single Electrode Pair Fluid Measurement Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity in multiphase fluids, such as those found in oil wells, are bulky, prone to measurement errors, and lack precision due to the need for multiple electrodes and complex connections, which is problematic in space-constrained environments like oil wells.
Innovation Solution
A compact device using a single pair of electrodes with alternating connection to both dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity measurement circuits, employing a selector system and a four-wire method to minimize errors and increase precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two pairs of electrodes are used to measure both dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity simultaneously, then measurement precision is improved, but device size and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity measurements into a single electrode pair system. The same two electrodes that measure dielectric permittivity are also used to measure electrical conductivity by applying a DC voltage and measuring current flow, eliminating the need for separate electrode pairs and reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode pair is designed to perform multiple measurement functions: dielectric permittivity measurement through AC voltage application and capacitance detection, and electrical conductivity measurement through DC voltage application and current measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining accurate measurements for both parameters
2Measurement precision
If two pairs of electrodes are used for simultaneous measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the number of connections and potential failure points double
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges both measurement functions into a single electrode pair system with shared connections. The same two electrodes and their connections are used for both dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity measurements, reducing the total number of connections from four to two, thereby reducing potential failure points while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used to determine fluid speed through cross-correlation algorithms, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode pair is designed to perform multiple measurement functions: dielectric permittivity measurement through AC voltage application and capacitance detection, and electrical conductivity measurement through DC voltage application and current measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining accurate measurements for both parameters
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 solution provides precise and instantaneous measurements of fluid concentrations, reducing the risk of breakdowns and improving the accuracy of fluid flow rate calculations, thus enhancing the evaluation of well profitability.
Implementation Method 1
the dielectric permittivity, which varies as a function of the percentages of the different phases in the mixture
Implementation Method 2
the electrical conductivity of the fluid. Each pair of electrodes is connected to a corresponding measurement circuit which is optimised for giving the measure of the respective electric quantity
Data Source
AI summary
Device (2) for measuring electric parameters of a fluid (F), comprising: two measurement circuits (8, 10) for measuring, respectively, the dielectric permittivity and the electrical conductivity of the fluid (F); two electrodes (5, 5′) facing each other from opposite sides of the fluid (F); a selector system (11) for alternatively connecting the two measurement circuits (8, 10) to the electrodes (5, 5′). Each electrode (5, 5′) comprises two sectors (5a, 5b) suited to establish mutually separate electrical contact with the fluid (F) and the electrical conductivity measurement circuit (10) comprises two measurement sections (V, A) of different impedance, each one of which being connectable to a corresponding sector (5a, 5b) of each electrode (5, 5′).