Flexible Sleeve Pressure Sensor Array for Pipe Vibration Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing technologies for fluid parameters in industrial flow processes, such as those in the oil and gas, chemical, and water treatment industries, face limitations in accuracy and sensitivity, particularly when measuring multi-phase fluids and detecting unsteady pressures within pipes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a spatial array of pressure sensors disposed between a sleeve and the inner surface of a pipe, utilizing piezocable sensors to capture unsteady pressures and a signal processor to determine fluid parameters like density, flow rate, and composition, offering increased sensitivity and accuracy by decoupling sensors from pipe vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted directly on the pipe, then the measurement structure is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to pipe vibrations interfering with the sensors
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sleeve is introduced as an intermediary element between the rigid pipe and the pressure sensors. The sleeve absorbs mechanical vibrations from the pipe while allowing the sensors to accurately detect pressure variations in the fluid, thus improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible sleeve that conforms to the pipe's inner surface. This flexible structure isolates the sensors from rigid pipe vibrations while maintaining intimate contact with the fluid for accurate pressure measurement, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
2Measurement precision
If existing sensing technologies are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates for multi-phase fluids and unsteady pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible, dynamic sleeve structure that can adapt to varying flow conditions and pipe movements. This dynamic design enables accurate measurement of unsteady pressures and multi-phase fluids while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from rigid, traditional sensor mounting to a flexible, conformal arrangement that wraps around the pipe interior. This dimensional change allows sensors to follow the pipe's contours and capture complex flow patterns, improving measurement precision for multi-phase fluids
3Measurement precision
If sensors are placed inside the pipe, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to difficulty in installing sensors within the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors into a single integrated flexible sleeve assembly. This merged structure can be installed as one unit within the pipe, significantly easing manufacturing and installation while maintaining high measurement precision through the array of sensors working together
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 apparatus enhances measurement accuracy and sensitivity for fluid parameters, improving the detection of unsteady pressures and flow characteristics, especially in multi-phase fluids, by effectively capturing acoustic waves and pressure disturbances within the pipe.
Implementation Method 1
each sensor may be formed from a piezocable wrapped around the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring a parameter of a fluid passing through a pipe comprises a spatial array of pressure sensors disposed at different axial locations along the pipe between a sleeve within the pipe and an inside surface of the pipe. Each of the pressure sensors provides a pressure signal indicative of unsteady pressure within the pipe at a corresponding axial location of the pipe. A signal processor is configured to receive the pressure signals from each of the pressure sensors, and determine the parameter of the fluid using the pressure signals from the pressure sensors. The sleeve and the sensors may be disposed within a pipe spool piece having flanges disposed on opposing ends. The pipe may be formed from a material relatively more rigid than the sleeve, and the sensors may be compressed between the pipe and the sleeve. The sleeve may have grooves formed therein for receiving the sensors, and each sensor may be formed from a piezocable wrapped around the sleeve.