Integrated Electrical Stability Probe for In-Situ Temperature and Cleaning

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical stability probes require separate implements for temperature measurement and probe cleaning, leading to inefficiencies and increased chances of inaccurate measurements due to time-consuming processes and multiple tool usage.

Innovation Solution

An integrated electrical stability probe with a built-in temperature sensor and cleaner, allowing for simultaneous temperature measurement and electrode cleaning, reducing the need for separate tools and improving measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate implements (thermometer, electrical stability probe, cleaner) are used for temperature measurement and probe cleaning, then each function can be performed by a specialized tool, but the measurement process becomes time-consuming and more prone to inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime for temperature verification and probe cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the temperature sensor, electrical stability probe, and cleaner into a single integrated device. The temperature sensor is positioned within the probe housing to measure fluid temperature directly at the measurement location, eliminating the need for separate thermometer verification. The cleaner is integrated into the probe assembly, allowing immediate cleaning between measurements without removing the probe from the fluid sample.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated probe serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures electrical stability, monitors temperature, and provides cleaning capability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate implements and enables all required operations to be performed by a single device, reducing both time and potential sources of error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple separate implements are used for temperature measurement and probe cleaning, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the complexity of the measurement process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of temperature verificationVSAvoidnumber of separate implements required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the temperature sensor, electrical stability probe, and cleaner into a single integrated device. The temperature sensor is positioned within the probe housing to measure fluid temperature directly at the measurement location, eliminating the need for separate thermometer verification. The cleaner is integrated into the probe assembly, allowing immediate cleaning between measurements without removing the probe from the fluid sample.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated probe serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures electrical stability, monitors temperature, and provides cleaning capability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate implements and enables all required operations to be performed by a single device, reducing both time and potential sources of error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If probe cleaning is performed between measurements using separate implements, then electrode contamination can be removed, but the cleaning process becomes less efficient and more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement consistencyVSAvoidspeed of probe cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the temperature sensor, electrical stability probe, and cleaner into a single integrated device. The temperature sensor is positioned within the probe housing to measure fluid temperature directly at the measurement location, eliminating the need for separate thermometer verification. The cleaner is integrated into the probe assembly, allowing immediate cleaning between measurements without removing the probe from the fluid sample.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaner is positioned within the probe housing in readiness, allowing immediate deployment between measurements. This preliminary positioning ensures that cleaning can be performed instantly when needed, maintaining electrode cleanliness without interrupting the measurement workflow or requiring retrieval of separate cleaning implements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates efficient and accurate electrical stability measurements by integrating a temperature sensor and cleaner into a single probe, ensuring compliance with standards like API 13B-2 by minimizing temperature deviations during multiple readings.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor disposed in the gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermocouple

Implementation Method 2

The cleaner is extendable into the gap to clean the electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cleaning: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS12535475B2Electrical stability probe with temperature sensor

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A fluid electrical probe includes a body portion housing a cleaner, a head portion forming a gap, an electrode disposed in the gap, and a temperature sensor disposed in the gap. The cleaner is extendable into the gap to clean the electrode and the temperature sensor. The body portion comprises a handle configured to be gripped by an operator.