Weight-based phase composition ratio determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring void fraction in geothermal systems disrupt energy production and lack real-time feedback, requiring temporary shutdowns or additional lab work.
Innovation Solution
A phase composition monitor using load cells to measure fluctuations in the weight of transportation units, allowing for real-time estimation of void or dryness fraction without disrupting production, and calculating enthalpy based on weight changes and flow characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement techniques are used to measure void fraction, then measurement accuracy is improved, but production continuity deteriorates due to temporary shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical measurement systems (separator/silencer assemblies, pressure-controlled pipes requiring shutdowns) with a non-intrusive weight-based measurement system using load cells that can operate continuously without disrupting production flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces weight fluctuations as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure void fraction. Instead of directly measuring phase composition which requires shutdowns, the system measures weight changes caused by varying proportions of steam and water, providing continuous indirect measurement
2Productivity
If tracer injection technique is used to measure void fraction, then production disruption is avoided, but real-time feedback capability deteriorates due to lab work requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex tracer injection and lab analysis system with a simple weight measurement system using load cells, eliminating the need for chemical tracers and laboratory processing while providing immediate digital output
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system uses the existing two-phase flow itself to generate the measurement signal through weight fluctuations, eliminating the need for external tracers or additional substances. The flow's own characteristics are exploited for self-measurement
3Measurement precision
If separator/silencer assembly is used to measure phase ratio, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and production disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the complex separator/silencer assembly and places it on simple support structures with load cells. The measurement capability is separated from the complex flow separation equipment, allowing independent operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex separator/silencer assemblies with inexpensive load cell sensors mounted on simple supports. The measurement system uses economical components that can be easily installed and replaced without major infrastructure
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
Enables continuous, non-disruptive monitoring of void or dryness fraction and enthalpy in geothermal systems, providing real-time data for improved energy output estimation and operational control.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the fluctuations in weight of transportation units (e.g., pipes) conveying the two-phase mixture
Implementation Method 2
The load cells can include transducers that are used to convert the change in downward force into weight values
Implementation Method 3
the load cells are padded with dampeners to prevent damages due to large fluctuations in total weight or slug flow vibrations/oscillations
Data Source
AI summary
Several embodiments include a method of computing a phase composition ratio of a two-phase mixture in a pipe. For example, the phase composition ratio is a void fraction or a dryness fraction. The two-phase mixture can have one or more material substances that do not travel as a whole (e.g., at least two of solid phase, liquid phase, and gaseous phase or two liquid materials of different densities that do not mix). A load cell can measure, continuously, weight of the pipe and content of the pipe. Then, a computing system or a circuit can compute, continuously, a moving average of the continuously measured weight. The computing system or the circuit can compute a change in the phase composition ratio of the two-phase mixture based on the computed moving average.