Vessel Suitability Evaluation via Laser Plasma Silicon Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the oil/gas and petrochemical industries, vessels used to store or transport corrosive fluids often experience corrosion, leading to premature damage and operational disruptions, necessitating a method to evaluate vessel suitability for containing fluids based on silicon content to prevent such issues.
Innovation Solution
A portable laser device is used to form plasma on a polished surface of the vessel, with the silicon content determined by analyzing light emitted from the plasma, allowing for the assessment of whether the vessel meets the required silicon threshold for safe fluid containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional corrosion evaluation methods are used, then vessels may be evaluated for suitability, but the evaluation process is time-consuming and may not provide timely identification of suitable vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sampling and laboratory analysis methods with a portable laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) device that directly analyzes silicon content on vessel surfaces in-field. The laser ablates a small portion of the vessel surface, creating plasma that emits characteristic spectral lines, allowing rapid determination of silicon content without mechanical sample removal or lengthy laboratory procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel surface itself serves as the analysis target, eliminating the need for separate sampling procedures. The portable LIBS device performs direct in-field analysis on the vessel surface, allowing the vessel to be evaluated in its own environment without requiring sample extraction, transportation, or preparation in external laboratories.
2Measurement precision
If vessels are evaluated using conventional methods, then corrosion resistance can be assessed, but the process requires extensive sample preparation and laboratory analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of silicon content determination from complex laboratory metallurgical analysis procedures. By using laser-induced plasma spectroscopy, the system isolates the key measurement need (silicon content) and achieves it through a simplified direct optical analysis method, eliminating unnecessary sample preparation, chemical reagents, and complex laboratory equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from indirect mechanical or chemical tests to direct optical spectroscopy. By measuring the characteristic emission spectrum of silicon atoms in laser-induced plasma, the system determines silicon content through optical parameter analysis rather than mechanical sampling or chemical dissolution methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vessels in hard-to-reach locations are to be evaluated, then comprehensive inspection is possible, but traditional evaluation methods cannot access remote or confined areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky laboratory equipment with a portable handheld LIBS device that can be easily transported to and operated in hard-to-reach locations. The device's compact design and battery operation enable field evaluation in confined spaces, on elevated structures, or in areas where traditional laboratory-based evaluation methods cannot physically access the vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable LIBS device acts as an intermediary between the vessel in hard-to-reach locations and the evaluator. It enables indirect assessment of vessel suitability by performing remote analysis without requiring direct physical access to laboratory facilities or complex sampling infrastructure at the evaluation site.
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 method enables the evaluation of vessel suitability for containing corrosive fluids, preventing premature damage and operational disruptions by accurately determining the silicon content, facilitating timely replacement of vessels and ensuring safe operations.
Implementation Method 1
applying a focused laser to the polished surface portion to form plasma on the polished surface portion
Data Source
AI summary
A method for evaluating a vessel for suitability to contain a fluid includes providing a vessel and forming a polished surface portion of the vessel by removing oxidation and/or contaminants from a portion of the vessel. The method further includes applying a focused laser to the polished surface portion to form plasma on the polished surface portion, and determining whether the vessel is suitable for containing a fluid based on silicon content of the polished surface portion. The silicon content is estimated based on light emitted from the plasma.