High Pressure Vibrating Tube Densitometer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nuclear densitometers used in oil field operations for determining fluid density are hindered by regulatory challenges, safety concerns, and handling difficulties, necessitating a non-radioactive alternative capable of operating at high pressures above 1500 psi with robustness and compactness.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure vibrating tube densitometer system comprising twin straight flow tubes within an outer shell, equipped with a driver for resonant vibration, sensors for vibration and pressure/temperature measurement, and a controller for calculating fluid density, featuring portals for internal component installation and a ruggedized design to withstand high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nuclear densitometers are used for fluid density measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but safety concerns and regulatory challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the nuclear measurement system with a mechanical vibration-based system. A vibrating tube densitometer uses the resonant frequency of a tube to measure fluid density, eliminating all radioactive components while maintaining measurement capability through physical principles (frequency-density relationship).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional copy of the density measurement capability using non-radioactive means. The vibrating tube system replicates the density sensing function of nuclear densitometers through a different physical mechanism, achieving the same measurement objective without radioactive hazards.
2Measurement precision
If nuclear densitometers are used for fluid density measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of transport and handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex nuclear measurement system with a simple mechanical vibrating tube system. This substitution eliminates licensing requirements, special transport regulations, and certification needs, making the device as easy to handle as conventional flow meters while maintaining density measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If high pressure rating is increased for densitometer operation, then reliability at high pressure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the vibrating tube, using high-strength materials that inherently withstand high pressures. By selecting materials with appropriate mechanical properties (strength, modulus of elasticity), the device achieves 1500 psi operating reliability without complex pressure containment structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining the vibrating tube element with pressure-containing manifolding. The tube itself is designed as a pressure-resistant component using high-strength materials, creating an integrated structure that handles both vibration and pressure functions simultaneously.
4Reliability
If ruggedized design is implemented for high pressure operation, then reliability is improved, but weight and compactness may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the vibrating tube, optimizing wall thickness and material strength to achieve the minimum required pressure resistance. This allows the device to withstand 1500 psi while maintaining lightweight construction, as the tube is designed for the specific pressure requirement rather than being overly robust.
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 fluid density measurement at pressures up to 1500 psi or higher, is compact, lightweight, and resistant to erosion, eliminating the need for radioactive materials while ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
Implementation Method 1
a driver positioned adjacent the twin flow tubes for initiating and maintaining resonant vibration of the twin flow tubes
Implementation Method 2
at least one pickup positioned adjacent the twin flow tubes for sensing the motion of at least one twin flow tube and transmitting a signal indicative of the response of the vibration
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a high pressure vibrating tube densitometer comprising enclosing twin flow tubes within an outer shell, wherein the outer shell comprises portals for the installation or replacement of internal components. A vibrating tube densitometer system for determining the density of a high pressure fluid in a pipeline, the system comprising a densitometer in communication with a controller, the densitometer comprising twin straight flow tubes spaced parallel apart within an outer shell comprising one or more portals for the placement of internal components, wherein the controller is in signal communication with a signal pickup, a tube driver, and the at least one temperature or pressure sensor and calculating the density of a fluid having a pressure of greater than 1500 psi.