Ultrasonic Position Sensor for Subsea Actuator Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Position monitoring of linearly actuated components in subsea environments is challenging due to harsh conditions and existing electromechanical solutions being prone to common-mode failure and requiring costly redesigns of existing equipment.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic position sensing system that uses an ultrasonic position sensor and ranging logic to determine the position of components by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic pulses, accounting for velocity and transit time to calculate the distance of linearly actuated devices, thereby providing accurate position monitoring without the need for extensive equipment redesign.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromechanical position sensing devices (LVDTs) are used for position monitoring, then position measurement capability is provided, but the system becomes prone to common-mode failure and requires costly redesign of existing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical position sensing devices (LVDTs) with an ultrasonic sensing system that uses acoustic waves to measure position. The ultrasonic transducer emits sound waves that reflect off the moving component, and the time-of-flight measurement provides position information without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating the common-mode failure between the sensor and the component being monitored.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an ultrasonic wave as an intermediary medium to transfer position information. Instead of direct mechanical coupling between the sensor and the component, the ultrasonic pulse serves as a mediator that carries position data through the hydraulic fluid, allowing the sensor to measure position without being mechanically coupled to the moving part.
2Measurement precision
If electromechanical position sensing devices are integrated into existing subsea equipment, then position monitoring is achieved, but equipment redesign and modification are required which is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the position sensing function into a separate, standalone ultrasonic sensor system that can be independently installed on existing equipment. Rather than integrating the sensor into the moving component itself, the system separates the transducer (mounted on the BOP) from the target component (piston), allowing the sensor to be added without modifying the original equipment design.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic position sensing system is designed to be universally applicable to existing subsea equipment without requiring custom integration for each specific application. The system can monitor the position of linearly actuated components in various subsea devices (BOPs, valves, connectors) using the same basic ultrasonic transducer and timing circuitry, eliminating the need for application-specific redesign.
3Reliability
If ultrasonic pulses are transmitted through hydraulic fluid for position measurement, then non-contact position monitoring is achieved, but velocity variations due to temperature and pressure must be accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the ultrasonic wave's travel time and adjusts for velocity variations caused by temperature and pressure changes in the hydraulic fluid. By measuring the actual speed of sound under current conditions and using this information to correct position calculations, the system maintains measurement precision despite environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent accounts for velocity variations by dynamically adjusting the measurement parameters based on temperature and pressure conditions. Instead of using a fixed velocity assumption, the system modifies the velocity parameter according to the actual state of the hydraulic fluid, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy across different operating conditions.
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 ultrasonic position sensing system offers accurate and reliable position monitoring of subsea components, reducing the risk of common-mode failures and integrating seamlessly with existing subsea equipment, thus enhancing condition monitoring and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
transmit an ultrasonic pulse from an ultrasonic transducer to a piston of a blowout preventer
Implementation Method 2
When the pulse is reflected, a corresponding echo is received by the sensor
Implementation Method 3
The ranging logic determines several parameters to compute the position of the component, including the velocity of the pulse as a function of temperature and pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic position sensing system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an ultrasonic sensor configured to monitor the position of a device. The system also includes ranging logic. The sensor is controlled by the logic to direct an ultrasonic pulse toward the device. The logic is configured to compute the transit time and the velocity of the ultrasonic pulse. Based on these parameters, the logic computes the path length between the sensor and the device, which corresponds to the location of the device relative to the location of the sensor. In further embodiments, the ultrasonic positioning system may include multiple sensors in communication with the ranging logic for monitoring multiple devices.