Vibrating Piezoelectric Sensor for Downhole Fluid Density Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole flow monitoring systems for oil and gas are complex, fragile, and expensive, with electromagnetic methods facing challenges in high-frequency antenna designs and gamma ray systems being radioactive, making them difficult to implement effectively in downhole environments.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter system utilizing a vibrating piezoelectric sensor that changes frequency based on fluid density, allowing for accurate density measurement and fluid characterization, with a robust and simple design suitable for high-pressure, high-temperature environments, and eliminating the need for radioactive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic methods (microwaves, SONAR, gamma ray densitometry) are used for downhole flow monitoring, then fluid characterization capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electromagnetic sensing systems with a simple mechanical vibration-based measurement principle. The sensor head vibrates at a frequency that changes with fluid density, converting a complex electromagnetic measurement problem into a simple mechanical oscillation problem that can be solved with basic circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from electromagnetic properties (requiring complex antennas and signal processing) to mechanical vibration frequency. By measuring the frequency of vibration of a sensor head in contact with fluid, the system obtains density information without needing complex electromagnetic components.
2Measurement precision
If high-frequency antenna designs are used for electromagnetic measurements, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for high-frequency antenna designs by replacing electromagnetic measurement with mechanical vibration measurement. The sensor head is simply vibrated at a frequency that varies with fluid density, avoiding all the manufacturing and deployment complexities of high-frequency antennas.
3Measurement precision
If gamma ray systems are used for density measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but safety and complexity worsen due to radioactive materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely eliminates radioactive materials by replacing gamma ray densitometry with a mechanical vibration-based measurement system. The sensor head vibrates in contact with the fluid, and the frequency change indicates density, providing a non-radioactive alternative that is safer and simpler.
4Measurement precision
If complicated characterization techniques are used for downhole monitoring, then measurement accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile electromagnetic and gamma ray systems with a robust mechanical vibration-based system. The sensor head is simply vibrated and contacted with the fluid, a much simpler and more reliable configuration that is less susceptible to damage in harsh downhole environments.
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 system provides accurate and reliable fluid density measurements and characterization in challenging downhole conditions, reducing complexity and costs while ensuring robustness and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor head is configured to vibrate at a frequency upon introduction of electrical power while in contact with a fluid. The sensor head also detects the vibration frequency of the sensor head
Implementation Method 2
A flow meter system utilizing a vibrating piezoelectric sensor that changes frequency based on fluid density
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a device for measuring fluid density. The device is a flow meter including a housing with one side configured to mount to a flow conduit and define an outlet flow orifice near one end of the housing. The other side defines an inlet flow orifice near another end of the housing. The housing permits fluid to be introduced into the inlet flow orifice, flow through a flow cavity, and pass from the outlet flow orifice. The flow meter also includes a sensor head near the outlet flow orifice. The sensor head vibrates at a frequency upon introduction of electrical power while in contact with a fluid, detects the vibration frequency of the sensor head, and transmits the detected vibration frequency, which is associated with a density of the fluid. A system and method for determining a fluid density of a fluid using the described device is also disclosed.