Single Source Dual Beam Photon Emitter for Fluid Phase Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring phase fractions of polyphase fluids in hydrocarbon exploitation pipes face challenges in reliably generating both high-energy and lower-energy photon beams using a single radioactive source, which is difficult to manufacture and cumbersome to use, especially in oil installations.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a single radioactive source, a target that interacts with high-energy photons to create lower-energy photons, and a collimator that orients and guides both beams through a polyphase fluid, ensuring close beam intensities and precise measurement of phase fractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single radioactive source is used to generate both high-energy and lower-energy photon beams, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of generating both beam energies is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The single radioactive source is segmented into two functional pathways: one pathway directs high-energy photons through the fluid for measurement, while the other pathway uses a converter material to transform high-energy photons into lower-energy photons. This segmentation allows a single source to reliably produce both energy types without requiring multiple sources or complex manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
A converter material (intermediary substance) is introduced between the radioactive source and the detector. This intermediary transforms high-energy photons into lower-energy photons through physical interaction, enabling the system to generate both beam energies from a single source without directly requiring the source to emit both energies simultaneously.
2Reliability
If several radioactive sources are used to generate high-energy and lower-energy photon beams, then the reliability of beam generation is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple source functions are merged into a single radioactive source by combining the direct emission pathway with a conversion pathway. The single source serves dual purposes: emitting high-energy photons directly and generating lower-energy photons through interaction with the converter material, thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The single radioactive source is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a direct high-energy photon source and an indirect lower-energy photon source through the converter material. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining the reliability of generating both beam energies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a target is introduced to create lower-energy photons through interaction with high-energy photons, then the ability to generate both beam energies from a single source is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The converter material is positioned locally between the source and detector, creating a localized interaction zone. This local conversion process allows the system to generate lower-energy photons only where needed, maintaining simplicity in other parts of the device while achieving the required adaptability to produce both beam energies.
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 allows for precise measurement of phase fractions with good precision by generating both high-energy and lower-energy photon beams using a single source, simplifying the device and improving operational safety and efficiency in oil installations.
Implementation Method 1
a target placed opposite the source, the target being capable of creating the second beam through interaction with a first portion of the high-energy photons of the incident beam
Implementation Method 2
a target placed opposite the source, the target being capable of creating the second beam through interaction with a first portion of the high-energy photons of the incident beam
Data Source
AI summary
This device comprises a single radioactive source (44), capable of creating an incident beam (120), and a target (48) placed opposite the source (44).The target (48) is capable of creating the second beam (130) by interacting with a first part of the incident beam (120), a second part of the incident beam (120) passing through the target (48) to form the first beam (124).