Double-Ended Tuning Fork Resonator for HPHT Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors for measuring pressure and temperature in oil and gas wells face limitations, particularly at high temperatures, due to materials like α-Quartz which lose piezoelectric properties above their Curie temperature, and existing solutions struggle with precision and stability over time.
Innovation Solution
The use of double-ended tuning fork piezoelectric resonators made from materials with no Curie point or high Curie point (above 1000°C), such as Langasite-family crystals, combined with devitrifying glass for sealing, allows for accurate pressure measurement and temperature compensation, enhancing sensitivity and reducing drift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If α-Quartz piezoelectric materials are used in sensors, then the sensors can operate at moderate temperatures, but they lose piezoelectric properties above their Curie temperature (573°C)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter (Curie temperature) by substituting α-Quartz with Langasite-family crystals that have no Curie point or Curie points above 1000°C, thereby extending the operational temperature range while maintaining piezoelectric properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures combining Langasite-family crystal resonators with devitrifying glass sealing materials, creating a composite system that maintains piezoelectric functionality at high temperatures through the synergistic properties of both materials
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors operate in high-temperature environments, then they can measure downhole properties in oil and gas wells, but measurement precision and stability deteriorate due to material limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal stability parameter by using Langasite-family crystals with elevated Curie points, enabling the sensor to maintain measurement precision in high-temperature downhole environments where conventional materials fail
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical resonance-based measurement system using α-Quartz with an acoustic resonance system using Langasite-family crystals, which provides superior temperature stability and measurement precision in high-temperature environments
3Device complexity
If conventional piezoelectric materials are used, then the sensor structure can be simple, but drift increases over time in high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials including Langasite-family crystals and devitrifying glass that work together to reduce temporal drift, with the devitrifying glass providing thermal stability and the Langasite crystal maintaining piezoelectric properties, thereby improving overall sensor stability without significantly increasing complexity
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
This configuration enables sensors to operate reliably in high-pressure, high-temperature environments with improved precision, accuracy, and reduced drift, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor with a sensing element that has a double-ended tuning fork piezoelectric resonator
Implementation Method 2
double-ended tuning fork piezoelectric resonator... for exciting a standing wave in the second piezoelectric resonator
Data Source
AI summary
Resonating sensors for use in high-pressure and high-temperature environments are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a sensor with a double-ended tuning fork piezoelectric resonator that includes a first tine and a second tine. These tines are spaced apart from one another so as to form a slot between the first and second tines. The width of the slot from the first tine to the second tine varies along the lengths of the first and second tines. Various other resonators, devices, systems, and methods are also disclosed.