SPR Optical Sensor for Hydrocarbon Phase Transition Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing phase changes in hydrocarbon-based analytes, such as wax appearance temperature, dew point, and asphaltene onset conditions, are limited by their inability to provide real-time, on-site measurements at high pressure and temperature conditions, leading to delays and inaccuracies due to sample handling and laboratory-based proxy measurements.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor that uses a monochromatic or polychromatic light source with a metallic film to detect phase transitions in hydrocarbon-based analytes by varying temperature and pressure conditions, allowing for real-time monitoring of phase changes without the need for sample collection and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory-based measurement methods are used for analyzing phase changes in hydrocarbon-based analytes, then measurement accuracy can be maintained through controlled conditions, but real-time on-site measurement capability is lost due to sample collection and transportation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary device that enables direct on-site measurement of phase changes in hydrocarbon-based analytes. The sensor uses surface plasmon resonance to detect phase transitions without requiring sample collection and transportation to laboratories, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining measurement accuracy through controlled optical detection conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical sample handling systems (collection, storage, transportation) with an optical detection system. By using surface plasmon resonance optical sensing, the system directly measures phase changes in the field without mechanical sample transfer, eliminating the time associated with sample logistics while preserving measurement precision through optical control.
2Productivity
If surface plasmon resonance optical sensing is implemented for real-time on-site measurement, then measurement speed and on-site capability are improved, but device complexity increases due to optical components and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical sensor system to perform multiple functions: detecting phase changes, measuring temperature, and monitoring pressure simultaneously. By integrating these functions into a single device, the system achieves high productivity through real-time on-site measurement while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (refractive index, surface plasmon resonance conditions) in response to phase changes in the hydrocarbon-based analyte. By monitoring these optical parameter changes, the system achieves rapid detection speed while the complexity is managed through the natural sensitivity of optical parameters to phase transitions, requiring minimal additional control mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If conventional sample handling procedures are used, then device complexity remains low with simple measurement setups, but measurement reliability decreases due to sample degradation and handling errors
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor acts as an intermediary that directly interfaces with the hydrocarbon-based analyte in its native environment. This eliminates the need for sample transfer to laboratory settings, preventing sample degradation and handling errors that would compromise reliability. The optical measurement process itself serves as the intermediary mechanism that maintains both simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service measurement by directly detecting phase changes in the analyte without requiring external sample handling procedures. The optical sensor automatically monitors phase transitions in real-time at the measurement location, eliminating manual sample collection, storage, and transportation steps that could introduce errors and reduce reliability.
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
Enables immediate, accurate, and on-site detection of phase transitions in hydrocarbon-based analytes, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods by providing real-time data on wax appearance temperature, dew point, and asphaltene onset conditions at high pressure and temperature conditions, improving the reliability and speed of oil field operations.
Implementation Method 1
A light source and optical element cooperate to direct light produced by the light source to the metallic film under conditions of surface plasmon resonance
Implementation Method 2
direct light reflected at the interface of the metallic film for output from the optical element
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor and corresponding method of operation can detect a phase transition and/or related property of a hydrocarbon-based analyte. The optical sensor includes an optical element with a metallic film coupled or integral thereto, with a sample chamber holds the hydrocarbon-based analyte such that the hydrocarbon-based analyte is disposed adjacent the metallic layer. The optical sensor further includes a light source configured to direct light through the optical element such that the light is reflected by the metallic layer under conditions of surface plasmon resonance. The optical sensor analyzes the reflected light to detect a phase transition and/or related property of a hydrocarbon-based analyte.