Multi-layer Ultrasonic Flow Meter for Fluid Boundary Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring fluid type, level, and flow in fluid containment vessels are complex and expensive, requiring multiple sensors, and are inadequate for handling multi-layered fluids and parallel gas and liquid streams in the hydrocarbon industry.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multi-sensor pairs with ultrasonic sensors stacked at consecutive heights along the fluid containment vessel, measuring transit times to determine fluid boundaries, types, and flow rates, with a single transmitter assembly combining readings for accurate and universal fluid parameter measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple types of sensors are used to determine fluid type, level, and flow, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic sensor system performs multiple measurement functions (fluid type identification, level measurement, and flow measurement) using a single sensor type. The same ultrasonic sensors stacked at different heights can identify fluid boundaries by comparing transit times, measure liquid levels, and calculate flow rates, eliminating the need for separate electromagnetic flow meters, level sensors, and fluid identification devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate measurement functions into a unified ultrasonic sensor system. Multiple ultrasonic sensors are stacked vertically and work together to perform fluid type identification, level detection, and flow measurement simultaneously, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor types are deployed to handle multi-layered fluids and parallel streams, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple ultrasonic sensor pairs stacked at different vertical heights within the pipeline. Each sensor pair independently measures transit time across the pipe diameter at its specific height, allowing the system to identify fluid boundaries between layers and measure flow in parallel streams by comparing measurements from different vertical positions
Solution Approach 2:
The same ultrasonic sensor technology is applied universally to handle diverse fluid configurations including multi-layered fluids and parallel gas-liquid streams. The system adapts to different fluid arrangements by processing transit time data from sensors at various heights, eliminating the need for specialized sensors for each fluid configuration
3Reliability
If multiple sensor assemblies are installed to provide standalone measurements for different fluids, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single integrated ultrasonic sensor assembly. The stacked ultrasonic sensors work together as one system to provide reliable measurements for both liquid and gas phases, eliminating the need for separate electromagnetic flow meters and other specialized sensors while maintaining measurement reliability through cross-validation of transit time data
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 approach provides a cost-effective and accurate method for determining fluid types, levels, and flow rates in complex fluid environments, such as multi-layered tanks and pipelines, without the need for multiple sensor types, enhancing measurement precision and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
each of the two or more multi-sensor pairs having a first ultrasonic sensor and an opposite second ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 2
A transit time for the signal to pass between the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor is measures
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for measuring a fluid parameter of a fluid within a fluid containment vessel includes mounting a first multi-sensor assembly to a fluid containment vessel, the first multi-sensor assembly having two or more multi-sensor pairs located at consecutive heights of the fluid containment vessel, each of the two or more multi-sensor pairs having a first multi- sensor and an opposite second multi-sensor, each of the two or more multi-sensor pairs being in communication with a single transmitter assembly. A signal is sent from the first multi-sensor towards the second multi-sensor of the two or more multi-sensor pairs. A transit time for the signal to pass between the first multi-sensor and the second multi-sensor is measured. The transit time of adjacent multi-sensor pairs is compared to identify a fluid boundary within the fluid containment vessel.