fluid conduit and tubing for a fluid

专利摘要:
FLUID DUCT, AND, PIPE FOR A FLUID. A fluid conduit (2) comprises a wall (4) defining a fluid flow path (6) and a containment functionality (24) within the wall (4) and being configured to confine energy within a cavity (26) , wherein at least a portion of the fluid flow path (6) extends through the cavity (26). The containment functionality (24) can be configured to confine electromagnetic energy. The fluid conduit (2) can comprise an oscillator defined by the cavity (26) and a positive return arrangement (34). The fluid conduit (2) can be configured to detect a property of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit (2) or for use in detecting a property of a fluid present in or flowing through the conduit of fluid (2). More specifically, the present invention deals with a microwave cavity sensor. wherein the cavity member (24) is embedded in the wall (4) of the fluid conduit (2), the wall (4) including a composite region (20).
公开号:BR112013028766B1
申请号:R112013028766-7
申请日:2012-05-10
公开日:2020-12-01
发明作者:Martin Peter William Jones；Charles Alexander Tavner；Alan David Parker；John Francis Gregg
申请人:Magma Global Limited E Salunda Limited；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

Field of the Invention
[001] The present invention relates to a fluid conduit for use in transmitting energy to a fluid present in or flowing through it, and in particular, although not exclusively, to detect a property of the fluid. Background of the Invention
[002] It is known to determine various characteristics of a fluid from the measurement of acoustic or electromagnetic properties of the fluid. For example, WO2009 / 118569 discloses a Robinson oscillating sensor apparatus comprising a cavity member which contains a fluid and defines a resonant cavity for an electromagnetic field that extends in the fluid. The sensor device can be used to identify the fluid and / or determine a fluid composition according to the Robinson principle in which knowledge of both a resonant frequency and an electromagnetic loss in the cavity can provide an indication of whether a property of a fluid present in the cavity is within a prescribed parameter range regardless of the amount of fluid present in the cavity. Knowledge of both the resonant frequency and the loss can provide an indication of the amount of fluid present in the cavity regardless of whether a property of a fluid present in the cavity is known to be within a prescribed range of parameters.
[003] In such known methods to determine the characteristics of the fluid, the cavity member and / or coupling elements for coupling signals between RF electronic components of the sensor and the magnetic field may not operate reliably or may have little robustness in a high-demand environment such as a rock bottom environment. For example, particulates or solids entrenched in the fluid can clog or damage the cavity member and / or the coupling elements, thereby transmitting measurement sensitivity. For hydrocarbon fluids, the deposition of contaminants or substances such as hydrates on the cavity member and / or the coupling elements can also transmit measurement sensitivity. Such problems can be exacerbated by high pressures and / or fluid temperatures. Cavity members and / or coupling elements that extend into the cavity may also be present an obstruction to the flow of fluid through the sensor. This can block or at least partially restrict movement in or through the cavity of particulates, solids and / or the like entrenched within the fluid. Additionally or alternatively, this can lead to an undesirable drop in fluid pressure. Summary of the Invention
[004] One aspect of the present invention relates to a fluid conduit for use in transmitting energy to a fluid present in or flowing through it, the fluid conduit comprising: a wall defining a fluid flow path and comprising a composite material formed of at least one matrix and one or more reinforcement elements incorporated within the matrix; and a confinement functionality within the wall and being configured to confine energy within a cavity, in which at least a portion of the fluid flow path extends through the cavity.
[005] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a fluid conduit for use in transmitting energy to a fluid present in or flowing through it, the fluid conduit comprising: a wall defining a fluid flow path ; and a confinement functionality within the wall and being configured to confine energy within a cavity, in which at least a portion of the fluid flow path extends through the cavity.
[006] The fluid conduit can be configured to provide energy for a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit to affect one or more properties of the fluid.
[007] The fluid conduit can be configured to concentrate and / or focus energy on a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit.
[008] The fluid conduit can be configured to transmit a change in the fluid and / or allow a change in the fluid to be measured.
[009] The fluid conduit can be configured to heat or agitate a fluid or to encourage the separation of components and / or phases of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit.
[0010] The fluid conduit can be configured to detect a property of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit or for use in detecting a property of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit.
[0011] The fluid conduit may comprise or be associated with a sensor array for detecting or for use in detecting a property of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit.
[0012] The fluid conduit may comprise or be associated with one or more sensors to detect a property of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit or for use in detecting a property of a fluid present in or which seeps through the fluid conduit.
[0013] The fluid conduit can be used to identify a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid flow path.
[0014] The fluid conduit can be used to determine a composition of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid flow path.
[0015] The fluid conduit may allow unrestricted fluid flow along the fluid flow path. This can serve to prevent a pressure change such as a drop within the fluid flow path that can occur if the fluid conduit comprises one or more projections that extend into the fluid flow path. The fluid conduit may also allow unrestricted movement of tools, equipment or the like along the fluid flow path. The fluid conduit can facilitate pig operations. Such operations can, for example, be used to inspect an interior of the fluid conduit, clean an interior of the fluid conduit, remove accumulated hydrate from an interior of the fluid conduit and the like.
[0016] Such a fluid conduit can ensure that the containment functionality is not exposed to the fluid in order to avoid damage or contamination of the containment functionality by the fluid. For example, the fluid conduit can ensure that contaminants, particulate matter, or deposits such as hydrates or the like will not come into contact with or stick to the containment functionality. The fluid conduit can ensure that the effects of the fluid on the containment functionality are eliminated or at least partially suppressed. For example, the fluid conduit can eliminate or at least partially suppress the effects of fluid pressure from acting on the containment functionality and / or can eliminate or reduce the heat transfer between the fluid and the containment functionality.
[0017] The containment functionality can be configured to confine electromagnetic energy. For example, the containment functionality can be configured to confine an electromagnetic field.
[0018] The containment functionality can be configured to confine electrical and / or magnetic energy.
[0019] The containment functionality can be configured to confine an electric field.
[0020] The containment functionality can be configured to confine a magnetic field.
[0021] The containment functionality can be configured to confine electromagnetic energy generated as a result of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid flow path.
[0022] The confinement functionality can be configured to confine radio frequency electromagnetic energy. For example, the confinement functionality can be configured to confine a radio frequency magnetic field.
[0023] The confinement functionality can be configured to confine electromagnetic energy of ultraviolet, optical frequency, wave in the millimeter range and / or microwave. For example, the confinement functionality can be configured to confine an electromagnetic field of an ultraviolet frequency, an optical frequency, a wave frequency in the millimeter range and / or a microwave frequency.
[0024] The confinement functionality can be configured to confine acoustic energy. For example, the containment functionality can be configured to confine a sound field.
[0025] The containment functionality can be configured to confine a radioactive emission. For example, the confinement functionality can be configured to confine alpha particles, beta particles and / or gamma rays or the like.
[0026] The containment functionality can be configured to partially confine energy within the cavity.
[0027] The containment functionality can be configured to substantially confine energy within the cavity.
[0028] The containment functionality can be configured to completely confine energy within the cavity.
[0029] The containment functionality can be configured to concentrate and / or focus the energy. The containment functionality may comprise a reflector or a mirror or the like.
[0030] The containment functionality can at least partially define the cavity.
[0031] The containment functionality can at least partially surround the fluid flow path.
[0032] The containment functionality can generally be arranged laterally to an axis of the fluid flow path.
[0033] The containment functionality can extend along a portion of an axis of the fluid flow path.
[0034] The containment functionality may comprise a metal. For example, the containment functionality may comprise steel, aluminum, copper or the like. The containment functionality may comprise a cavity member which is formed separately from the wall.
[0035] The cavity member can be closed or embedded within the wall.
[0036] The incorporation of a cavity member within the wall can serve to provide mechanical support for the cavity member and / or the wall. In addition, the incorporation of a cavity member within the wall can provide alignment between one or more features of the cavity member and one or more features of the wall.
[0037] The cavity member may comprise an outer portion that defines an inner region through which the fluid flow path extends.
[0038] The cavity member may comprise a projection portion that extends from the outer portion of the cavity member to the inner region towards the fluid flow path.
[0039] The projected portion of the cavity member may comprise a base portion that is connected to the outer portion of the cavity member and a distal end portion which is distal from the outer portion of the cavity member. The distal end portion can be enlarged relative to the base portion. Such an arrangement of the projected portion can provide an improvement of electric field strength in the vicinity of the base and distal end portions.
[0040] The projected portion of the cavity member can be formed as a coil. Such an arrangement of the projected portion can provide an improvement in magnetic field strength within the coil.
[0041] The cavity member can comprise a metal. For example, the cavity member may comprise steel, aluminum, copper or the like.
[0042] The cavity member may comprise a cavity member wall that defines the cavity.
[0043] The cavity member wall can be solid.
[0044] The cavity member wall may have one or more hollow regions formed therein.
[0045] The cavity member may comprise an inner cavity member wall and an outer cavity member wall, wherein the inner cavity member wall defines the cavity and the inner and outer walls of the cavity member define a region. hollow between them.
[0046] The containment functionality can be formed within the wall of the fluid conduit. The containment functionality may comprise a hollow region of the fluid conduit wall.
[0047] The containment functionality can comprise and / or define a waveguide. For example, the containment functionality may comprise and / or define a waveguide to guide energy to and / or from the cavity.
[0048] The cavity can be a resonant cavity.
[0049] The cavity can be configured to be resonant at a predetermined frequency or in a predetermined range of frequencies.
[0050] The cavity can be configured to be resonant at a predetermined frequency associative with a region of the electromagnetic spectrum such as a radio frequency, microwave., Wave in the millimeter range, infrared, optical, ultraviolet and / or gamma rays or the like.
[0051] The cavity can be configured to be resonant at a predetermined acoustic frequency.
[0052] The cavity can be configured to be resonant in a predetermined range of frequencies associated with a region of the electromagnetic spectrum such as a range of radio frequencies, microwaves., Waves in the millimeter, infrared, optical, ultraviolet range. and / or gamma rays or the like.
[0053] The cavity can be configured to be resonant over a predetermined range of acoustic frequencies.
[0054] The cavity can be configured to be resonant in a frequency or frequency range characteristic of a particular fluid present in or flowing through the fluid flow path. This can serve to transmit a greater amount of energy to the fluid present in or flowing through the fluid flow path. This can increase the sensitivity with which a fluid property can be determined from measurements of one or more properties associated with resonance in the cavity.
[0055] The cavity can be configured to be resonant at a predetermined frequency or in a predetermined range of frequencies characteristic of a target component such as a contaminant within the fluid. For example, the cavity can be configured to be resonant at a predetermined frequency or a predetermined range of frequencies characteristic of a concentration or a range of concentrations of a target component such as contaminant within the fluid.
[0056] The fluid conduit may comprise a coupling element such as a coupler, antenna or the like for coupling energy to and / or from the cavity.
[0057] The fluid conduit may comprise a coupling element for coupling electromagnetic energy to and / or from the cavity.
[0058] The fluid conduit may comprise a coupling element for coupling electromagnetic energy to and / or from an electric field. For example, the fluid conduit may comprise a top coupler.
[0059] The fluid conduit may comprise a coupling element for coupling electromagnetic energy to and / or from a magnetic field. For example, the fluid conduit may comprise an inductance coupler such as a cycle coupler.
[0060] The fluid conduit may comprise a coupling element for coupling electromagnetic energy to and / or from an optical field.
[0061] The fluid conduit may comprise a coupling element for coupling acoustic energy to and / or from an acoustic field.
[0062] The fluid conduit may comprise a coupling element for coupling a radioactive emission to and / or from the cavity.
[0063] The coupling element can be recessed, closed or incorporated within the wall. Such an arrangement can ensure that the coupling element does not extend into the fluid flow. Such an arrangement can therefore allow unrestricted flow of fluid along the fluid flow path and prevent any pressure drop within the fluid flow path that may occur if the coupling element extends into the fluid flow path. . Such an arrangement can also allow unrestricted movement of tools, equipment or the like along the fluid flow path. Such an arrangement can facilitate pig operations. Such operations can, for example, be used to inspect an interior of the fluid conduit, clean an interior of the fluid conduit, remove accumulated hydrate from inside the fluid conduit and the like.
[0064] The incorporation or closure of the coupling element within the wall can ensure that the coupling element is not exposed to the fluid in order to avoid damage or contamination of the coupling element by the fluid. For example, such an arrangement can ensure that the coupling element does not become clogged with particulate matter that may be entrenched within the fluid. Such an arrangement can ensure that the effects of the fluid on the coupling element are eliminated or at least partially suppressed. For example, such an arrangement can prevent or at least partially reduce the effects of fluid pressure from acting on the coupling element and / or can eliminate or at least partially reduce the heat transfer between the fluid and the coupling element.
[0065] The incorporation of the coupling element within the wall can serve to provide mechanical support for the coupling element and / or the wall. In addition, the incorporation of the coupling element within the wall can provide alignment between one or more features of the coupling element and one or more features of the wall.
[0066] The coupling element can extend at least partially through a cavity member. For example, the coupling element can extend at least partially through a projected portion of the cavity member that extends from the outer portion of the cavity member towards the fluid flow path.
[0067] The fluid conduit may comprise an additional coupling element for coupling energy to and / or from the cavity.
[0068] The wall can be configured to transmit energy between the containment functionality and the fluid flow path.
[0069] The wall can be configured to have a negligible or relatively insignificant effect on the transmission of energy between the containment functionality and the fluid flow path.
[0070] The wall can be configured, in particular, to minimize interruption, distortion and / or the absorption of an energy field that extends between the containment functionality and the fluid flow path. The wall can be configured to have a negligible or relatively insignificant effect on measurements of one or more properties associated with resonance in the cavity.
[0071] The wall can be formed from a material having an electrical permittivity value that is less than a limit electrical permittivity value. The wall can be formed from a material having a complex electrical permittivity having real and imaginary components, where the real component is less than a real electrical permittivity component value and / or the imaginary component is less than an imaginary electrical permittivity component value.
[0072] The wall can be formed from a material having a magnetic susceptibility value that is less than a limit magnetic susceptibility value. The wall can be formed from a material having a complex magnetic susceptibility having real and imaginary components, where the real component is less than a limit value of real magnetic susceptibility component and / or the imaginary component is less than than an imaginary limit susceptibility component value.
[0073] The wall can be formed from a material having a refractive index value that is less than a limit refractive index value. The wall can be formed from a material having an optical absorption parameter value that is less than a limit optical absorption parameter value.
[0074] The wall can be formed from a material having a density that is less than a limit density. The wall can be formed from a material having an acoustic absorption parameter value that is less than a limit acoustic absorption parameter value.
[0075] The wall can be configured to affect an energy field in the cavity in a known or quantifiable way. Such a wall may allow one or more properties of a fluid present within or flowing through the fluid flow path to be developed from measurements of one or more properties of the energy field.
[0076] The wall can be substantially homogeneous at a microscopic level.
[0077] The wall can, in particular, be configured to have a known or quantifiable effect in the measurements of one or more properties associated with the resonance in the cavity. This can allow one or more properties of a fluid present within or flowing through the fluid flow path to be developed from measurements of one or more properties associated with resonance in the cavity.
[0078] The wall may, in particular, be configured to affect an electric and / or magnetic field in the cavity in a known or quantifiable manner to allow one or more properties of a fluid present within or flowing through the flow path fluid flow is developed from measurements of one or more properties of an electric and / or magnetic field such as one or more properties associated with resonance in the cavity.
[0079] The wall may comprise an unconventional tube material such as a non-metallic material. For example, the wall may comprise a polymer material, a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material, a polyaryl ether ketone, a polyaryl ketone, a polyether ketone (PEK), a polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polycarbonate, a polymeric resin , an epoxy resin and / or the like. The formation of the wall from one or more unconventional tube materials can provide several advantages for the transmission of energy to a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid flow path. For example, a wall formed from one or more unconventional pipe materials can have a negligible or relatively insignificant effect on the transmission of energy through it and / or it can be homogeneous at a microscopic level in order to affect an energy field. in the cavity in a known or quantifiable manner. In addition, such a wall may be less susceptible to degradation, deterioration and / or surface corrosion and / or to the deposition of substances such as hydrates or the like on it. Consequently such a wall may be less susceptible to degradation in the sensitivity of any measurements made on a fluid or fluids present in or flowing through the fluid flow path compared to a wall formed from a conventional tube material such as a material metallic. In addition, a wall formed from one or more unconventional tube materials may be less susceptible to degradation caused by any incidence of radioactive emission in the wall compared to a wall formed from a conventional tube material such as steel.
[0080] The wall may comprise a conventional tube material such as a metal or the like. For example, the wall may comprise steel, aluminum, copper or the like.
[0081] The wall can be configured to have a different effect on the transmission of energy through it to the effect provided by a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit.
[0082] The wall may comprise an outer region formed from a first material and an inner region formed from a second material different from the first material, where the containment functionality is arranged within the inner region or is arranged within the wall between the internal and external regions.
[0083] The wall may comprise an outer region formed from a conventional tube material such as a metal or the like and an inner region formed from polymer material, a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material, a polyaryl ether ketone, a polyaryl ketone, a polyether ketone (PEK), a polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polycarbonate, a polymeric resin, an epoxy resin and / or the like.
[0084] The wall may comprise an inert region that extends between the containment functionality and the fluid flow path, where the inert region is configured to have a relatively insignificant or negligible effect on the transmission of energy through it. The inert region can be configured, in particular, to minimize interruption, distortion and / or the absorption of an energy field that extends through it. The inert region can be configured to have a negligible or relatively insignificant effect on measurements of one or more properties associated with resonance in the cavity.
[0085] The inert region can comprise a material or materials that are substantially inert with respect to the transmission of energy through them.
[0086] The inert region can be formed from a material having an electrical permittivity value that is less than a limit electrical permittivity value. The inert region can be formed from a material having a complex electrical permittivity having real and imaginary components, where the real component is less than a real electrical permittivity component value and / or the imaginary component is less than than an imaginary electrical permittivity component value.
[0087] The inert region can be formed from a material having a magnetic susceptibility value that is less than a limit magnetic susceptibility value. The inert region can be formed from a material having a complex magnetic susceptibility having real and imaginary components, where the real component is less than a real magnetic susceptibility component and / or the imaginary component is less than than an imaginary limit susceptibility component value.
[0088] The inert region can be formed from a material having a refractive index value that is less than a limit refractive index value. The inert region can be formed from a material having an optical absorption parameter value that is less than a limit optical absorption parameter value.
[0089] The inert region can be formed from a material having a density that is less than a limit density. The inert region can be formed from a material having a sound absorption parameter value that is less than a limit sound absorption parameter value.
[0090] The inert region can define the fluid flow path.
[0091] The wall may comprise a homogeneous region that extends between the containment functionality and the fluid flow path, where the homogeneous region is substantially homogeneous at a microscopic level.
[0092] The homogeneous region can be configured to affect an energy field in the cavity in a known or quantifiable way. Such a homogeneous region can allow one or more properties of a fluid present within or flowing through the fluid flow path to be developed from measurements of one or more properties of the energy field.
[0093] The homogeneous region can, in particular, be configured to have a known or quantifiable effect in the measurements of one or more properties associated with the resonance in the cavity. This can allow one or more properties of a fluid present within or flowing through the fluid flow path to be developed from measurements of one or more properties associated with resonance in the cavity.
[0094] The homogeneous region can define the fluid flow path.
[0095] The homogeneous region can, in particular, be configured to affect an electric and / or magnetic field in the cavity in a known or quantifiable manner to allow one or more properties of a fluid present within or flowing through the path of fluid flow is developed from measurements of one or more properties of an electric and / or magnetic field such as one or more properties associated with resonance in the cavity.
[0096] The homogeneous region can be configured to have a negligible or relatively insignificant effect on the transmission of energy through it.
[0097] The wall may comprise a composite material formed from at least one matrix and one or more reinforcement elements incorporated within the matrix.
[0098] The matrix can define a monolithic structure. That is, the structure of the matrix material can be continuous.
[0099] The wall may comprise a composite material formed from at least one matrix and a plurality of reinforcement elements incorporated within the matrix. The distribution or concentration of the reinforcement elements may vary within the matrix.
The wall may comprise a matrix and a plurality of reinforcement elements incorporated within the matrix, wherein the concentration of the reinforcement elements within the wall varies radially, circumferentially and / or axially with respect to an axis of the fluid conduit.
[00101] The wall may comprise a matrix and a plurality of reinforcement elements incorporated within the matrix, wherein the concentration of the reinforcement elements increases with the distance of the fluid flow path.
[00102] The wall may comprise a matrix and a plurality of reinforcement elements incorporated within the matrix, wherein a region of the wall adjacent to the fluid flow path is substantially devoid of reinforcement elements.
[00103] The wall may comprise a matrix and a plurality of reinforcement elements incorporated within the matrix, wherein a region of the wall between the containment functionality and the fluid flow path is substantially devoid of reinforcement elements. Such a distribution of reinforcement elements can define a region of the wall between the containment functionality and the fluid flow path that has a negligible or relatively insignificant effect on an energy field that extends through it. Such a distribution of reinforcement elements can define a region of the wall between the containment functionality and the fluid flow path that is substantially homogeneous at a microscopic level.
[00104] The matrix can comprise a polymer material.
[00105] The matrix can comprise a thermoplastic material.
[00106] The matrix can comprise a thermoset material.
[00107] The matrix may comprise a polyaryl ether ketone, a polyaryl ketone, a polyether ketone (PEK), a polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polycarbonate and / or the like. The matrix can comprise a polymeric resin, such as an epoxy resin or the like.
[00108] The reinforcement elements may comprise continuous or elongated elements. The reinforcement elements may comprise polymeric fibers, for example aramid fibers. The reinforcement elements may comprise non-polymeric fibers, for example carbon, glass, basalt and / or the like. The reinforcement elements may comprise fibers, threads, filaments, nanotubes or the like. The reinforcing elements may comprise discontinuous elements.
[00109] The matrix and reinforcement elements may comprise similar or identical materials. For example, the reinforcement elements may comprise the same material as the matrix, albeit in an elongated, enlarged, fibrous or similar form.
[00110] The fluid conduit may comprise an arrangement for generating energy.
[00111] The fluid conduit may comprise an arrangement for generating an energy field in the cavity.
[00112] The fluid conduit may comprise a positive return arrangement.
[00113] The fluid conduit may comprise an arrangement for generating an electromagnetic field.
[00114] The fluid conduit may comprise a positive feedback arrangement to provide positive feedback of electromagnetic energy.
[00115] The positive feedback arrangement may comprise two terminals which are both coupled to the cavity.
[00116] One terminal of the positive return arrangement can be coupled to the coupling element and the other terminal of the positive return arrangement can be coupled both to the containment functionality and to an additional coupling element to couple energy to and / or from of the cavity.
[00117] The positive feedback arrangement may comprise a gain element, an amplifier, a negative resistance or the like.
[00118] The positive feedback arrangement may comprise a limiter. The limiter can be coupled in series with an amplifier.
[00119] The positive feedback arrangement may comprise an RF amplifier, a microwave amplifier. or a wave amplifier in the range of millimeters or the like.
[00120] The positive feedback arrangement may comprise an optical gain medium.
[00121] The positive feedback arrangement may comprise a transducer such as an acoustic transducer.
[00122] The fluid conduit may comprise an oscillator defined by the cavity and the positive return arrangement. For example, the fluid conduit may comprise a Robinson oscillator.
[00123] The fluid conduit may comprise an output arranged to provide a signal that varies according to a resonant frequency value and / or an oscillator loss.
[00124] The fluid conduit may comprise an output arranged to provide a signal that varies according to a value of a resonant frequency and / or an electromagnetic loss from the oscillator.
[00125] The fluid conduit can comprise or be associated with a processor arrangement which is configured to extract a value for an oscillator resonant frequency and / or extract a value for an electromagnetic loss of the oscillator from a signal that varies from according to a value of a resonant frequency and / or an electromagnetic loss from the oscillator.
[00126] The fluid conduit may comprise or be associated with a demodulator, mixer and / or the like for use in providing a signal which varies with a resonant frequency of the oscillator and / or a signal which varies with a loss of the oscillator.
[00127] Knowledge of both the resonant frequency and the loss can provide an indication of whether a fluid property present in one or which flows through a cavity is within a prescribed parameter range regardless of the amount of fluid present in or which seeps through the cavity. Knowledge of both resonant frequency and loss can provide an indication of the amount of fluid present in or flowing through the cavity regardless of whether a property of a fluid present in or flowing through the cavity is known to be within a range of prescribed parameter.
[00128] Measurements of resonant frequency and loss, therefore, can be used to identify the fluid present in or flowing through the fluid flow path.
[00129] Resonant frequency and loss measurements can be used to determine the composition of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid flow path.
[00130] Resonant frequency and loss measurements can be used to determine a proportion of gas and / or liquid in the fluid.
[00131] Resonant frequency and loss measurements can be used to determine a proportion of water and a proportion of a hydrocarbon fluid within the fluid.
[00132] Resonant frequency and loss measurements can be used to determine a type or property of crude oil or water present in or flowing through the fluid flow path.
[00133] Resonant frequency and loss measurements can be used to determine the proportion of oil such as crude oil, methanol, methane, natural gas or the like within the fluid.
[00134] Measurements of resonant frequency and loss can be used to determine the acid content of the oil present in or flowing through the fluid flow path.
[00135] Resonant frequency and loss measurements can be used to determine the salinity of the water present in or flowing through the fluid flow path.
[00136] Resonant frequency and loss measurements can be used to determine one or more physical characteristics of the fluid such as flow rate, viscosity, temperature, pressure and the like.
[00137] Such an arrangement can therefore allow a concentration of a target component such as a contaminant within the fluid to be determined from measurements of the resonant frequency and loss regardless of the fluid flow rate. Such an arrangement can allow a fluid flow rate to be determined from measurements of resonant frequency and loss regardless of the concentration of a target component such as a contaminant within the fluid.
[00138] The fluid conduit can comprise a source of energy.
[00139] The power source can be coupled to at least one of the coupling element, the additional coupling element and the containment functionality.
[00140] The fluid conduit may comprise a source of electromagnetic energy. The electromagnetic energy source can be coupled to at least one of the coupling element, the additional coupling element and the containment functionality.
[00141] The fluid conduit may comprise a source of acoustic energy.
[00142] The fluid conduit may comprise a radioactive source.
[00143] The fluid conduit may comprise an adjusting member. The adjusting member can be adjustable to vary a resonant frequency or a resonant frequency range of the cavity. For example, the adjusting member can be movable within the cavity.
[00144] The fluid conduit can comprise a sensor configured to measure the temperature. For example, the fluid conduit may comprise a resistance temperature detector (RTD), a thermistor, a thermocouple or the like. The temperature sensor can be recessed, closed, or incorporated within the fluid conduit wall. In use, such a temperature sensor can assist in resolving a fluid or a composition of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid flow path.
[00145] The fluid conduit may comprise a sensor configured to measure the pressure of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid flow path. For example, the fluid conduit may comprise a strain gauge, a piezoelectric sensor, a magnetic, optical or capacitive pressure sensor, a pressure gauge or a pressure sensor of any other type. The pressure sensor can be recessed, closed or incorporated into the fluid conduit wall. In use, such a pressure sensor can assist in resolving a fluid or a composition of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid flow path.
[00146] The pressure sensor can be configured to measure the pressure of a fluid in the fluid flow path directly or to measure the pressure of a fluid in the fluid flow path indirectly by measuring the effects of fluid pressure on the conduit wall of fluid.
[00147] The fluid conduit may comprise a sensor configured to detect the flow rate within the fluid flow path. For example, the fluid conduit may comprise a fluid flow control feature configured to affect fluid flow in the fluid flow path and one or more fluid flow sensors configured to detect an induced change in fluid flow by fluid flow control functionality.
[00148] The one or more fluid flow sensors can be configured to detect one or more fluid pressures in the fluid flow path.
[00149] The fluid flow control functionality can induce a temporal or spatial change in the fluid flow.
[00150] The fluid flow control functionality may comprise a restriction such as a Venturi in the fluid flow path. The one or more fluid flow sensors can be configured to detect fluid pressure upstream, downstream and / or within the constraint in the fluid flow path.
[00151] The fluid conduit may comprise a vortex-forming flow rate sensor.
[00152] The fluid conduit may comprise a plurality of containment functionalities. For example, the fluid conduit may comprise a plurality of containment features within the wall.
[00153] Each of the plurality of containment functionalities can confine energy within a corresponding cavity, in which at least a portion of the fluid flow path extends through each cavity. For example, a different portion of the fluid flow path may extend through each cavity.
[00154] Each of the plurality of containment functionalities can confine energy within a corresponding cavity, in which one or more of the cavities can be configured to be resonant.
[00155] Each of the plurality of confinement functionalities can confine energy within a corresponding cavity, in which one or more of the cavities can be resonant in a respective frequency or in a respective frequency range. For example, each cavity can be configured to be resonant at a different frequency or in a different frequency range.
[00156] Each of the plurality of containment features may be arranged in general laterally to an axis of the fluid flow path.
[00157] Each of the plurality of containment functionalities may extend along a portion of an axis of the fluid flow path.
[00158] Each of the plurality of containment features can have a different spatial arrangement.
[00159] Each of the plurality of containment features can be axially separated along an axis of the fluid flow path.
[00160] Each of the plurality of containment features may have a different angular orientation about an axis of the fluid flow path.
[00161] The fluid conduit may comprise two containment features, each containment feature being generally arranged laterally to an axis of the fluid flow path, each containment feature being axially separated along an axis of the fluid flow path. fluid and each containment feature having a 90 ° angular separation about the axis of the fluid flow path with respect to another containment feature.
[00162] The fluid conduit may comprise three containment features, each containment feature being generally arranged laterally to an axis of the fluid flow path, each containment feature being axially separated along an axis of the fluid flow path. fluid and each containment feature having an angular separation of 120 ° about the axis of the fluid flow path with respect to the other containment features.
[00163] The fluid conduit wall may comprise axial end portions formed from a first material and an axial middle portion comprising an outer region formed from the first material and an inner region formed from a second material other than first material, in which the containment functionality is arranged within the inner region of the axial middle portion or is arranged between the inner and outer regions of the middle axial portion. Each of the axial end portions can comprise a flange formed from the first material for connection to a respective length of pipe. Such an arrangement may allow the fluid conduit to be connected through the flanges of the axial end portions to a flange of a respective standard tube, while still accommodating the confinement functionality within the axial middle portion of the fluid conduit wall.
[00164] The fluid conduit can be configured to connect to one or more lengths of pipe.
[00165] The fluid conduit can be configured to connect two lengths of pipe.
[00166] The fluid conduit can comprise first and second ends, each of the first and second ends being configured to connect to a respective length of tube.
[00167] The fluid conduit may comprise a first flange located at a first end and a second flange located at a second end, each of the first and second flanges being configured to connect to a respective pipe length.
[00168] The fluid conduit may comprise one or more through holes extending along a length of the fluid conduit, the through holes being configured for attaching the fluid conduit to a respective length of pipe located at both ends of the fluid conduit through fasteners or the like that extend through the through holes.
[00169] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a fluid conduit, comprising: a wall defining a fluid flow path and comprising a composite material formed from at least one matrix and one or more reinforcement elements incorporated within the matrix; and
[00170] a component at least partially embedded within the wall and configured to transmit energy to and / or receive energy from the flow path, wherein a region of the wall between the component and the fluid flow path is substantially devoid of reinforcement elements to define a transmission path for energy between the fluid flow path and the component.
[00171] The material matrix can define a monolithic structure. In such an arrangement the matrix material may extend continuously between that portion of the wall that includes reinforcement elements and that portion of the wall that is substantially devoid of reinforcement elements.
[00172] The component can be configured for use in determining a property of a fluid contained within or flowing through the flow path defined by the conduit. For example, the component can receive or detect energy from the fluid conduit, wherein a feature of said energy can be used to determine a property of the fluid contained within or flowing through the flow path.
[00173] The component can be configured for use in the transmission of energy to a fluid contained within or flowing through the flow path. For example, the transmitted energy can be selected to affect a fluid property, for example to heat the fluid or the like. The transmitted energy can be detected and used to determine a fluid property. The energy can be detected by the same component. The energy can be detected by a different component. The different component can also be at least partially incorporated within the fluid conduit wall.
[00174] The component can comprise at least one of a transducer, a sensor, a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, an antenna and containment functionality.
[00175] The fluid conduit may comprise multiple components at least partially incorporated within the wall.
[00176] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a pipe for a fluid comprising one or more lengths of tube and a fluid conduit according to any other aspect.
[00177] The pipe may comprise a plurality of pipe lengths.
[00178] The pipeline may comprise a plurality of fluid conduits.
[00179] Adjacent pipe lengths can be joined by a fluid conduit.
[00180] Each fluid conduit can be configured to identify a different fluid present in or flowing through the fluid flow path.
[00181] Each fluid conduit can be configured to identify a different fluid component present in or flowing through the fluid flow path.
[00182] Each fluid conduit can be configured to be resonant at a different predetermined frequency or in a different range of predetermined frequencies.
[00183] It should be understood that any functionality described in relation to one aspect of the present invention can be applied alone or in any combination with respect to any other aspect. Brief Description of Drawings
[00184] The present invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example only with reference to the following drawings which: Figure 1 (a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fluid conduit constituting a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1 (b) is an end elevation of the fluid conduit of Figure 1 (a); Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view in AA of the fluid conduit of Figure 1 (a); Figure 3 shows a field coupling region of the lateral cross section of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a detailed lateral cross-section of a field coupling region of a wall of a second fluid conduit modality; Figure 5 is a detailed lateral cross section of a field coupling region of a wall of a third fluid conduit modality; Figure 6 is a detailed lateral cross section of a field coupling region of a wall of a fourth fluid conduit modality; Figure 7 is a detailed lateral cross section of a field coupling region of a wall of a fifth fluid conduit modality; Figure 8 is a detailed lateral cross section of a field coupling region of a wall of a sixth fluid conduit modality; Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fluid conduit constituting a seventh fluid conduit modality; Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fluid conduit constituting an eighth embodiment of fluid conduit; Figure 11 (a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fluid conduit constituting a ninth fluid conduit modality; Figure 11 (b) is an end elevation of the fluid conduit of Figure 11 (a); Figure 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a pipe comprising two lengths of pipe having enlarged flanges and a plurality of fluid conduits; Figure 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a pipe comprising two lengths of pipe having widened flanges and a fluid conduit having through holes extending along the length of the fluid conduit for attachment to the widened flanges of the lengths tube; Figure 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a pipe comprising two lengths of standard pipe and a fluid conduit having axial end portions comprising flanges, each configured for attachment to a corresponding flange of a standard pipe length. ; Figure 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a pipe comprising two lengths of pipe having enlarged flanges and a fluid conduit; and Figures 6 (a) to (d) are side cross-sectional views of various embodiments of a fluid conduit according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Detailed Description of Drawings
[00185] Referring initially to Figures 1 (a) and 1 (b) there is shown a fluid conduit in general designated 2 having a wall 4 that defines a hole 6 for fluid flow. Hole 6 is arranged along an axis 7 of the fluid conduit 2. Hole 6 extends between a first end 8 of the fluid conduit 2 to a second end 10 of the fluid conduit 2. The fluid conduit 2 comprises a first flange portion 12 formed at the first end 8 and a second flange portion 14 formed at the second end 10. The flange portions 12, 14 comprise release holes 16 to allow the connection of each flange portion 12, 14 to a corresponding one flange portion at one end of a pipe length or additional fluid conduit (not shown) using fasteners such as screws (not shown). Embedded within the wall 4 is a confinement functionality for an electromagnetic field in the form of a steel cavity member 24 that extends axially part of the way along the length of the fluid conduit 2 between the first and the second ends 8, 10.
[00186] As shown in the cross section in Figure 2, wall 4 comprises a composite region 20 and a homogeneous region 22 that defines hole 6. The composite region 20 comprises a matrix of a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and a plurality of reinforcement elements in the form of carbon fibers (not shown explicitly) incorporated within the PEEK. Homogeneous region 22 comprises PEEK and is devoid or at least substantially devoid of any reinforcing elements at a microscopic level. PEEK material from regions 20 and 22 defines a monolithic structure and extends continuously between said regions. Appropriately, it can be considered that the entire wall 4 is of a construction composed of a matrix and reinforcement elements, in which the inner region 22 is substantially devoid of reinforcement elements.
[00187] The cavity member 24 is completely incorporated within the homogeneous region 22 of the wall 4 of the fluid conduit 2 in order to seal the cavity member 24 with respect to hole 6 and prevent the exposure of the cavity member 24 to any fluid present in or flowing through hole 6. The cavity member 24 is configured to confine an electromagnetic field within a cavity 26 that contains a portion of hole 6 and a portion of the homogeneous region 22 between hole 6 and the cavity member 24. The PEEK material constituting the homogeneous region 22 is relatively inert with respect to magnetic fields at RF frequencies. More explicitly, PEEK has relatively low real and imaginary dielectric permissiveness components and relatively low real and imaginary magnetic susceptibility components in order to minimize any distortion of the magnetic field between the cavity member 24 and the hole 6.
[00188] As shown in greater detail in Figure 3, the cavity member 24 comprises an outer portion 28 and a generally cylindrical projection portion 30 that extends radially inward from outer portion 28 to cavity 26. The member cavity 24 additionally comprises a hollow portion 32 in the vicinity of the projected portion 30. The hollow portion 32 houses a positive feedback arrangement designated 34 comprising an RF amplifier 36 electrically coupled in series with a limiter 38. An input terminal 40 of the RF amplifier 36 is coupled via a waveguide 41 to an input top coupler 42 to couple energy from the electric field component of an electromagnetic field within cavity 26. An output terminal 44 of RF amplifier 26 is coupled to an input terminal 46 of the limiter 38. An output terminal 48 of the limiter 38 is coupled via a waveguide 49 to an output top coupler 50 to couple power to an electric field component of an electromagnetic field within cavity 26. Inlet and outlet top couplers 42, 50 and waveguides 41, 49 are electrically isolated from cavity member 24.
[00189] The inlet top coupler 42 generally extends laterally from a cylindrical surface 51 of the projection portion 30 in a position 52 that is adjacent to a distal end 54 of the projection portion 30. The top coupler of outlet 50 generally extends laterally from cylindrical surface 5 from a position 56 adjacent to the distal end 54. position 56 from which the top end coupler 50 extends is diametrically opposed to position 52 from the which the input top coupler 42 extends. The direction in which the top-end coupler 50 extends is generally opposite to the direction in which the top-end coupler 42 extends.
[00190] Together the RF amplifier 36, the limiter 38, the top input and output couplers 42, 50 and the cavity 26, constitute a Robinson oscillator. The output terminal 44 of the RF amplifier 26 and the input terminal of the limiter 38 are coupled to a demodulator 60 located externally to the fluid conduit 2 via an isolated waveguide 61. Demodulator 60 is configured to provide a signal of output 62 representative of a resonant frequency of the oscillator and an output signal 64 representative of an electromagnetic loss from the oscillator as described in more detail below. Demodulator 60 is configured to communicate output signals 62, 64 to a processor 66.
[00191] In use, energy is supplied to amplifier 36 which acts, together with limiter 38, to generate an electromagnetic field in cavity 26 having a resonant frequency that depends on the configuration and contents of cavity 26. Cavity 26 is configured as such that the magnetic field extends into hole 6 such that a resonant frequency from cavity 26 depends on the properties of any fluid that is present in or flows through hole 6. Processor 66 receives output signals 62 and 64 and uses the outlet signals 62 and 64 to identify the fluid present in or flowing through hole 6 according to the Robinson principle as defined in WO2009 / 118569 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[00192] Fluid conduit 2 can be configured to determine the composition of a fluid present in or flowing through hole 6. For example, fluid conduit 2 can be configured to determine a proportion of gas and / or liquid in the fluid present in or flowing through hole 6. Fluid conduit 2 can be configured to determine a water component and / or a hydrocarbon fluid component such as a crude oil component within the fluid present in or flowing through of hole 6.
[00193] Figure 4 shows a detailed lateral cross section of a field coupling region of a wall 104 of a fluid conduit in general designated 102 constituting a second embodiment of the present invention. The fluid conduit 102 of Figure 4 shares many similar features with the fluid conduit 2 of the first embodiment already described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In this way, the functionalities of fluid conduit 102 are identified with the same reference numerals used. for the corresponding features of fluid conduit 2 but increased by "100". Like fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3, fluid conduit 102 of Figure 4 comprises a wall 104 having a homogeneous region 122 (for example, a material matrix devoid of reinforcement fibers) that defines a hole 106 for flow of fluid. The fluid conduit 102 also comprises a cavity member 124 incorporated in the homogeneous region 122 in order to define a cavity 26 for an electromagnetic field. The fluid conduit 102 of Figure 4 differs from the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3 only in the coupling arrangement between a positive return arrangement 134 and an electric field in cavity 126. In particular, an input terminal 140 of an amplifier 136 is coupled to the cavity member 124 as indicated in 70, while an output top coupler 150 is coupled to a terminal output 148 of a limiter 138 via a waveguide 149 and extends from a position in a surface of a distal end 154 in a generally radial direction with respect to an axis of the bore 106 of the fluid conduit 102. The waveguide 149 and the outlet top coupler 150 are electrically isolated from the cavity member 124 Such a coupling arrangement can provide an improvement in coupling with an electromagnetic field in cavity 126 and therefore improves the measurement sensitivity for particular cavity configurations, particular fluids and / or conditions s of particular fluid flow in bore 106 when compared to the coupling arrangement of the first embodiment shown in Figure 3.
[00194] Figure 5 shows a detailed lateral cross section of a field coupling region of a wall 204 of a fluid conduit in general designated 202 constituting a third embodiment of the present invention. The fluid conduit 202 of Figure 5 shares many similar features with the fluid conduit 2 of the first embodiment already described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In this way, the functionalities of fluid conduit 202 are identified with the same reference numerals used. for the corresponding functionalities of fluid conduit 2 but increased by "200". Like the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3, the fluid conduit 202 of Figure 5 comprises a wall 204 having a homogeneous region 222 (for example, a material matrix devoid of reinforcement fibers) that defines a hole 206 for flow of fluid. The fluid conduit 202 also comprises a cavity member 224 incorporated in the homogeneous region 222 in order to define a cavity 226 for an electromagnetic field. The fluid conduit 202 of Figure 5 differs from the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3 only in the coupling arrangement between a positive return arrangement 234 and the magnetic field in cavity 226. In particular, an input terminal 240 of an amplifier 236 is coupled to a cylindrical surface 251 of a projection portion 230 of the cavity member 224 through an inductive loop coupler 276 located towards a base portion 278 of the projection portion 230, while a top coupler 250 it is coupled to a terminal outlet 248 of a limiter 238 through a waveguide 249 and extends from a position on the cylindrical surface 251 adjacent to a distal end 254 of the projection portion 230 in a generally lateral direction with respect to the projection portion 230. The waveguide 249 and the output top coupler 250 are electrically isolated from the cavity member 224. The use of such an inductive cycle coupler 276 can provide coupling improved with a magnetic field component of an induced electromagnetic field within the projection portion 230 of cavity member 224. This can provide improved measurement sensitivity for particular cavity configurations, particular fluids and / or particular fluid flow conditions in the hole 206 when compared to the coupling arrangement of the first embodiment shown in Figure 3.
[00195] Figure 6 shows a detailed lateral cross section of a field coupling region of a wall 304 of a fluid conduit in general designated 302 constituting a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fluid conduit 302 of Figure 6 shares many similar functionalities with the fluid conduit 2 of the first embodiment already described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In this way, the functionalities of the fluid conduit 302 are identified with the same reference numerals used. for the corresponding functionalities of fluid conduit 2 but increased by "300". Like the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3, the fluid conduit 302 of Figure 6 comprises a wall 304 having a homogeneous region 322 (for example, a material matrix devoid of reinforcement fibers) that defines a hole 306 for flow of fluid. The fluid conduit 302 also comprises a cavity member 324 incorporated in the homogeneous region 322 in order to define a cavity 326 for an electromagnetic field. The fluid conduit 302 of Figure 6 differs from the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3 only in the form of a projected portion 330 of the cavity member 324. As shown in Figure 6, the projected portion 330 is generally recessed so as to have an enlarged distal end 354 with respect to a base 378 by which the projected portion 330 is attached to an outer portion 328 of the cavity member 324. Such a configuration of the projected portion 330 may provide an electric field component improved magnetic field within cavity 326 in the vicinity of distal end 354 and base 378 when compared to the electric field component of the magnetic field within cavity 26 in the vicinity of the top couplers 42, 50 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 3. This can provide improved measurement sensitivity for particular cavity configurations, particular fluids and / or particular fluid flow conditions at bore 306 when compared to the coupling of the first embodiment shown in Figure 3. As will be seen by a person skilled in the art, other configurations of the projected portion 330 are also possible in which the distal end 354 is widened in relation to the base 378.
[00196] Figure 7 shows a detailed lateral cross section of a field coupling region of a wall 404 of a fluid conduit in general designated 402 constituting a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fluid conduit 402 of Figure 7 shares many similar functionalities with the fluid conduit 2 of the first embodiment already described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In this way, the functionalities of the fluid conduit 402 are identified with the same reference numerals used. for the corresponding functionalities of fluid conduit 2 but increased by "400". Like the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3, the fluid conduit 402 of Figure 7 comprises a wall 404 having a homogeneous region 422 (for example, a material matrix devoid of reinforcement fibers) that defines a hole 406 for flow of fluid. The fluid conduit 402 also comprises an optically reflective cavity member 424 incorporated in the homogeneous region 422 in order to define an optical cavity 426 which generally extends diametrically through bore 406. The fluid conduit 402 of Figure 7 differs from the conduit fluid 2 of Figures 1 to 3 in that the cavity member 424 has no projected portion and the fluid conduit 402 comprises a positive return arrangement 434 defined by an optical gain means 480 located within the conduit wall 404 fluid 402 and a portion 482 of the cavity member 424 in the vicinity of the optical gain means 480. Also located within the hollow portion 432 is a lens 442 for collimating and / or conditioning an optical beam. The cavity member 424, the optical gain medium 480 and the lens 442 together define a laser. The portion 482 of the cavity member 424 in the vicinity of the optical gain means 480 is configured to be only partially reflective such that a fraction of the light circulating in the cavity 426 escapes from the cavity 426 in the region of the portion 482 of the cavity member 424 Light escaping from cavity 426 is transmitted to an optical spectrum analyzer device 460 either as a beam or through an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber (not shown). The optical spectrum analyzer device 460 provides an output signal 462 representative of a resonant frequency of the optical cavity 426 and an output signal 464 representative of an electromagnetic loss in the optical cavity 426. This can provide improved measurement sensitivity for particular cavity configurations , particular fluids and / or particular fluid flow conditions at bore 406 when compared to the first embodiment coupling arrangement shown in Figure 3.
[00197] Figure 8 shows a detailed lateral cross section of a field coupling region of a wall 504 of a fluid conduit in general designated 502 constituting a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The fluid conduit 502 of Figure 8 shares many similar features with the fluid conduit 2 of the first embodiment already described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In this way, the features of the fluid conduit 502 are identified with the same reference numerals used. for the corresponding functionalities of fluid conduit 2 but increased by "500". Like the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3, the fluid conduit 502 of Figure 8 comprises a wall 504 having a homogeneous region 522 (for example, a material matrix devoid of reinforcement fibers) that defines a hole 506 for flow of fluid. The fluid conduit 502 also comprises a cavity member 524 incorporated in the homogeneous region 522 in order to define a cavity 526 for an electromagnetic field. The fluid conduit 502 of Figure 8 differs from the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3 in that instead of comprising a positive return arrangement, the fluid conduit 502 comprises an electromagnetic source 584 housed within a portion hollow 532 of fluid conduit wall 504 502. An output from the F source is coupled via a waveguide 549 to an output top coupler 550 to couple electromagnetic energy from the electromagnetic source to an electric field component of the field magnetic inside the cavity 526. The waveguide 549 and the output top coupler 550 are electrically insulated from the cavity member 524. Unlike the cavity 26 of the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3, however, the cavity 526 is not resonant and energy return from the magnetic field to the electromagnetic source 584 through the output top coupler 550 and the waveguide 549 is minimized. Put another way, cavity member 524 works to contain energy from the magnetic field instead of feeding energy from the magnetic field back to the electromagnetic source 584. The fluid conduit 502 in Figure 8 can be used to create an electromagnetic field in cavity 526 and thereby expose the fluid to the magnetic field. Such an arrangement can be used to transfer energy to the fluid, for example, by heating the fluid.
[00198] Figure 9 shows a longitudinal cross section of a fluid conduit in general designated 602 constituting a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The fluid conduit 602 of Figure 9 shares many similar features with the fluid conduit 2 of the first embodiment already described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In this way, the functionalities of fluid conduit 602 are identified with the same reference numerals used. for the corresponding functionalities of fluid conduit 2 but increased by "600". Like the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3, the fluid conduit 602 of Figure 9 comprises a wall 604 that defines a hole 606 for fluid flow. Fluid conduit 602 also comprises a cavity member 624 embedded in wall 604 in order to define a cavity 626 for an electromagnetic field. The fluid conduit 602 of Figure 9 differs from the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3 in that the fluid conduit 602 also comprises a Venturi effect flow rate sensor generally designated 685 comprising a portion 686 from hole 606 and one or more pressure sensors (not shown). Each of the pressure sensors (not shown) can comprise a strain gauge, a piezoelectric sensor, a magnetic, optical or capacitive pressure sensor, a pressure meter or a pressure sensor of any other type. Pressure sensors can be configured to measure the pressure of a fluid in bore 606 directly or to measure the pressure of a fluid in bore 606 indirectly by measuring the effects of fluid pressure on wall 604 of fluid conduit 602.
[00199] Figure 10 shows a longitudinal cross section of a fluid conduit in general designated 702 constituting an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The fluid conduit 702 of Figure 10 shares many similar features with the fluid conduit 2 of the first embodiment already described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In this way, the functionalities of fluid conduit 702 are identified with the same reference numerals used. for the corresponding functionalities of fluid conduit 2 but increased by "700". Like the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3, the fluid conduit 702 of Figure 10 comprises a wall 704 that defines a hole 706 for fluid flow. The fluid conduit 702 also comprises a cavity member 724 embedded in the wall 704 in order to define a cavity 726 for an electromagnetic field. The fluid conduit 702 of Figure 10 differs from the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3 in that the fluid conduit 702 also comprises a temperature sensor 787 embedded within wall 704 and a pressure sensor 788 embedded within wall 704. The temperature sensor 787 may comprise a resistance temperature detector (RTD), a thermistor, a thermocouple or the like. The 788 pressure sensor may comprise a strain gauge, a piezoelectric sensor, a magnetic, optical or capacitive pressure sensor, a pressure gauge or a pressure sensor of any other type. The pressure sensor 788 can be configured to measure the pressure of a fluid in hole 706 directly or to measure the pressure of a fluid in hole 706 indirectly by measuring the effects of fluid pressure on wall 704 of fluid conduit 702. In use, such temperature and pressure sensors 787, 788 can assist in resolving a fluid or composition of a fluid present in or flowing through bore 706.
[00200] Figure 11 (a) shows a longitudinal cross section of a fluid conduit in general designated 802 constituting a ninth embodiment of the present invention. Fluid conduit 802 in Figure 1 shares many similar features with fluid conduit 2 of the first embodiment already described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In this way, the functionalities of fluid conduit 802 are identified with the same reference numerals used for the corresponding functionalities of fluid conduit 2 but increased by "800". Like the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3, the fluid conduit 802 of Figure 11 (a) comprises a wall 804 that defines a bore 806 for fluid flow. Fluid conduit 802 also comprises a cavity member 824 embedded in wall 804 in order to define a cavity 826 for an electromagnetic field. The fluid conduit 802 of Figure 11 (a) differs from the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3 in that the fluid conduit 802 comprises two additional cavity members 889 and 890 embedded in the wall 804. The members of cavity 824, 889 and 890 are axially separated along hole 806. As shown in Figure 11 (b), each of the cavity members 824, 889 and 890 is oriented about an axis 807 of hole 806 in order to have a uniform angular distribution in which each cavity member 824, 889, 890 is separated from adjacent cavity members 824, 889, 890 by an angle of 120 °. Such an arrangement of the cavity member 824, 889, 890 can improve the sensitivity with which a fluid or fluid composition present in or flowing through hole 706 can be resolved.
[00201] Figure 12 shows a longitudinal cross section of a portion of a pipe comprising two lengths of pipe 991 and 992 having widened flanges 995 and 996 respectively, a fluid conduit in general designated 902 and two additional fluid conduits in general designated 993 and 994. Fluid conduit 902 of Figure 12 shares many similar features with fluid conduit 2 of the first embodiment already described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In this way, the functionalities of fluid conduit 902 are identified with the same reference numerals used for the corresponding functionalities of fluid conduit 2 but increased by "900". Like the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3, the fluid conduit 902 of Figure 12 comprises a wall 904 that defines a hole 906 for fluid flow. Fluid conduit 902 also comprises a cavity member 924 embedded in wall 904 in order to define a cavity 926 for an electromagnetic field. Fluid ducts 902, 993 and 994 are separately axially along bore 906 and have the same general orientation around an axis 907 of bore 906. Fluid ducts 902, 993 and 994 differ from each other only in that each fluid conduit 902, 993 and 994 is adjusted to be resonant at a different frequency or a range of different frequencies. This can be achieved by providing each fluid conduit 902, 993 and 994 with a cavity member configured differently or by providing each fluid conduit 902, 993 and 994 with a wall of a different composition or configuration. Such tubing can improve the sensitivity with which a fluid or fluid composition present in or flowing through bore 906 can be resolved. Additionally or alternatively, such tubing can assist in the detection, determination and / or measurement of one or more additional fluid components in a fluid present in or flowing through hole 906 when compared to a tubing comprising only a single fluid conduit. such as fluid conduit 902.
[00202] Figure 13 shows a longitudinal cross section of a portion of a pipe comprising two lengths of pipe 1091 and 1092 having widened flanges 1095 and 1096 respectively and a fluid conduit in general designated 1002 having through holes 097 extending along the length of the fluid conduit 1002 for attachment to the extended flanges 1095, 1096 of the pipe lengths 1091 and 1092. Such an arrangement of through holes 1097 can be advantageous since it avoids the need to form flanges at the ends of the fluid conduit 1002 for attachment tube lengths 1091 and 1092.
[00203] Figure 14 shows a longitudinal cross section of a portion of a pipe comprising two lengths of standard size 1191 and 1192 having standard size flanges 1195 and 1196 respectively and a generally designated fluid conduit 1102 having size flanges. standard 1112 and 1114 for attachment to standard size flanges 1195 and 1196 of tube lengths 1191 and 192. Fluid conduit 1102 of Figure 14 shares many similar features with fluid conduit 2 of the first embodiment already described with reference to Figures 1 a 3. In this way, the features of the fluid conduit 1102 are identified with the same reference numerals used for the corresponding features of the fluid conduit 2 but incremented by "1100". Like the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3, the fluid conduit 1102 of Figure 14 comprises a wall 1104 that defines a hole 1106 for fluid flow. The fluid conduit 1102 also comprises a cavity member 1124 embedded in the wall 104 in order to define a cavity 1126 for an electromagnetic field. In contrast to the fluid conduit 2 of Figures 1 to 3, however, the fluid conduit 1102 of Figure 14 comprises two axial end portions generally designated 1198 adjacent to flanges 112 and 1114, and an axial middle portion generally designated 1199 between the axial end portions 1998. In the middle axial portion 1199, wall 1104 comprises a composite region 1120 and a homogeneous region 1122 that defines bore 1106. Composite region 1120 comprises a matrix of a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and a plurality of reinforcement elements in the form of carbon fibers (not shown explicitly) incorporated within the PEEK. The homogeneous region 1122 comprises PEEK and is devoid or at least substantially devoid of any reinforcing elements at a microscopic level. PEEK material from regions 1120 and 1122 defines a monolithic structure and extends continuously between said regions. Appropriately, it can be considered that the entire wall 1104 is of a construction composed of a matrix and reinforcement elements, in which region 1122 is substantially devoid of reinforcement elements.
[00204] In the axial end portions 1998 the wall comprises only a composite region 1120. In the middle axial portion 1199, the wall 1104 has an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the wall 1104 in the axial end portions 1998 so that the axial middle portion 1199 can accommodate the homogeneous region 1122 and the cavity member 1124 incorporated therein. Such fluid conduit 102 can be advantageous since it can be connected between standard lengths of pipe size having standard size flanges and therefore avoids any need to adapt the pipe lengths to allow connection of the fluid conduit 1102.
[00205] Figure 15 shows a longitudinal cross section of a portion of a pipe comprising two lengths of standard size pipe 1291 and 1292 having enlarged flanges 1295 and 1296 respectively and a fluid conduit generally designated 1202 having flanges 1212 and 1214 for attachment to the extended flanges 1295 and 1296 of the tube lengths 1291 and 1292. The fluid conduit 1202 of Figure 15 differs from the fluid conduit 1102 of Figure 1 in that the fluid conduit 1202 of Figure 15 requires that the flanges 1295 and 1296 of tube lengths 1291 and 1292 are extended to allow connection to the wider diameter of the fluid conduit 1202. The extended flanges 1295 and 1296 of tube lengths 1291 and 1292 can, for example, be formed by welding flange components oversized at the ends of tube lengths 1291 and 1292.
[00206] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 16 (a) in which a cross-sectional view of a fluid conduit, generally identified by reference numeral 1200, is shown. Duct 1200 includes a wall 202 that defines a flow path 1203. Wall 1202 is formed of an outer region 1202a formed of a composite material that includes reinforcement elements embedded within a matrix, and an inner region 1202b of a construction in homogeneous general structure that is substantially devoid of reinforcement elements. The homogeneous region 1202b can be formed from the matrix material that is included in the outer composite region 1202a, such that said matrix can be considered to define a monolithic structure through the wall 1202.
[00207] A component 1204 is incorporated within the wall 1202 of the conduit 1200 in a location such that the homogeneous region 1202b extends between the component 1204 and the flow path 1203. The component can be arranged to transmit energy to and / or receive energy from flow path 1203, where homogeneous region 1202b defines a transmission path. That is, the absence of reinforcement fibers within region 1202b can allow energy to be transmitted with minimal interference.
[00208] In the illustrated mode, component 1204 defines a transceiver and is arranged both to transmit and to receive energy. For example, energy can be transmitted to flow path 1203 and pass through a fluid contained within or flowing through it, and then be received by component 1204. The energy received can be used to determine a fluid property, such as its composition, its type, its flow rate, its mass flow rate or the like. For example, a feature or a component of energy, such as an amplitude, frequency, wavelength or the like can be modified by the fluid, with such modification being indicative of a fluid property.
[00209] Alternatively, component 1204 may be arranged only to transmit energy to intentionally alter a fluid property, such as to encourage the separation of different components, to heat the fluid or the like.
[00210] In a modified mode, as illustrated in Figure 16 (b), component 1204 can be configured to both transmit and receive energy, in which an internal tool 1206 is located within flow path 1203 for both receiving and stopping. transmit energy.
[00211] In yet another modified modality, as illustrated in Figure 16 (c), conduit 1200 may comprise multiple components 1204a, 1204b for the appropriate transmission and reception of energy. To illustrate a possible modification, a component (1204b in this example) can be incorporated entirely within the internal homogeneous region 1202b.
[00212] In the modalities shown in Figures 16 (a) to (c) the duct wall is composed of internal and external regions. However, an alternative to this is illustrated in Figure 16 (d), a reference to which is now made. A conduit, generally identified by reference numeral 1300 includes a wall 1302 that defines a flow path 1303, and a component 1304 incorporated within said wall 1302. Wall 1302 is constructed to include a composite region 1302a that includes reinforcement elements embedded within a matrix. The wall 1302 additionally includes a homogeneous region or homogeneous segment 1302b that is substantially devoid of reinforcement elements and that extends only in general between component 1304 and flow path 1303. The homogeneous region 1302b can be formed from the matrix material that it is included in the composite region 1302a, such that said matrix can be considered to define a monolithic structure through the wall 1302.
[00213] In the various modalities shown in Figures 16 (a) to (d) the component can comprise at least one of a transducer, a sensor, a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, an antenna and confinement functionality. The component can be configured for the transmission and / or reception of acoustic energy, electromagnetic energy or the like.
[00214] One skilled in the art will understand that various modifications to the previous embodiments of the fluid conduit are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, instead of extending axially in part of the path along the length of the fluid conduit 2 between the first and second ends 8, 10, the cavity member 24 can extend axially along the entire conduit path. of fluid 2.
[00215] The projection portion 30 of the cavity member 24 of Figures 1 to 3 may have a geometry which is different from cylindrical. For example, the projected portion 30 can have a uniform cross section as shown in Figure 3 and extend axially.
[00216] The positive feedback arrangement may comprise a negative resistance in place of the serial arrangement of an RF amplifier and a limiter from the first to the fourth modalities of Figures 1 to 6.
[00217] In a variant of the second embodiment of Figure 5, the input terminal 240 of the RF amplifier 236 can be coupled to the top coupler 250 and the output terminal 248 of the limiter 238 can be coupled to the inductive cycle coupler 276.
[00218] In an additional embodiment, a confinement functionality such as a cavity member can be incorporated into a homogeneous region of the wall of a fluid conduit in order to define a cavity for an acoustic field. Additionally or alternatively, the containment functionality may comprise a hollow portion formed in the homogeneous region of the wall. A positive feedback arrangement may comprise an electronic amplifier arrangement for amplifying an electronic signal at an acoustic frequency and an acoustic transducer for transforming the electronic signal into an acoustic signal for coupling to an acoustic field within the hole for interaction with fluid present in or that seeps through the hole. The electronic signal can be input to a demodulator to provide an output signal representative of a resonant frequency of the acoustic cavity and an output signal representative of a loss in the acoustic cavity.
[00219] In other embodiments, a confinement functionality such as a cavity member or hollow portion can be incorporated into a homogeneous region of a fluid duct wall in order to define a cavity for an acoustic field. Additionally or alternatively, the containment functionality may comprise a hollow portion formed in the homogeneous region of the wall. An acoustic source can be coupled to the sound field within the hole for interaction with fluid in the hole. Such an embodiment can be used to provide acoustic energy for the fluid present in or flowing through the bore and can, in particular, be useful for agitating the fluid. This can be advantageous for mixing the fluid, breaking up any solids entrenched in the fluid and / or for removing any build-up or contaminants deposited within the fluid conduit bore.
[00220] In a variant of the ninth embodiment of Figure 11 (a) and (b), instead of comprising three cavity members 824, 889 and 890, the fluid conduit 802 may comprise more or less cavity members. For example, the fluid conduit 802 may comprise two cavity members which are axially separated from each other. The two cavity members can be oriented about the 807 axis at an angle to each other. For example, the two cavity members can be oriented about the 807 axis at an angle of 90 ° to each other.

权利要求:
Claims (27)
[0001]
1. Fluid conduit (2) for use in transmitting energy to a fluid present in or flowing through it for use in detecting a fluid property, the fluid conduit (2) characterized by the fact that it comprises: a wall (4) defining a fluid flow path (6) and comprising a composite material formed from at least one matrix and one or more reinforcement elements incorporated within the matrix; and a containment functionality (24) within the wall and is configured to confine electromagnetic energy having a radio frequency within the cavity (26), wherein at least a portion of the fluid flow path (6) extends through the cavity (26), in which a region of the wall (4) between the containment functionality (24) and the fluid flow path (6) is devoid of reinforcement elements.
[0002]
2. Fluid duct (2) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the matrix material defines a monolithic structure and / or in which the distribution or concentration of the reinforcement elements varies within the matrix and / or in that the concentration of the reinforcing elements increases with the distance of the fluid flow path (6).
[0003]
Fluid duct (2) according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the region (22) of the wall (4) adjacent to the fluid flow path is devoid of reinforcement elements and / or wherein the wall (4) comprises an inert region (22) that extends between the containment functionality (24) and the fluid flow path (6), the inert region (22) configured to transmit energy through it and / or where the wall (4) comprises a homogeneous region (22) that extends between the containment functionality (24) and the fluid flow path (6), the homogeneous region (22) being homogeneous at a microscopic level .
[0004]
Fluid duct (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the containment functionality (24) is at least partially closed or incorporated within the composite material of the wall (4).
[0005]
Fluid duct (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the containment functionality (24) is configured to confine electromagnetic energy, electrical energy, magnetic energy, an electromagnetic field, a field electric, a magnetic field, acoustic energy, an acoustic field, a radioactive emission and / or gamma radiation.
[0006]
Fluid duct (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the containment functionality (24) is configured to confine an electromagnetic energy with at least one of an ultraviolet frequency, an optical frequency , a wave frequency in the millimeter range and a microwave frequency and / or a radio frequency, an ultraviolet frequency, an optical frequency, a wave frequency in the millimeter range and a microwave frequency.
[0007]
Fluid duct (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the containment functionality (24) is configured to partially or completely confine energy within the cavity, in which the containment functionality at least partially defines the cavity, where the containment functionality at least partially surrounds the fluid flow path (6), where the containment functionality (24) comprises a cavity member which is formed separately from the wall and / or wherein the containment functionality (24) comprises a metal.
[0008]
Fluid duct (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cavity is configured to be resonant at a predetermined frequency or a predetermined range of frequencies.
[0009]
Fluid duct (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a coupling element (42, 50) for coupling energy to and / or from the cavity (26) and, optionally , wherein the coupling element (42, 50) is at least partially recessed, closed or embedded within the wall (4) and, optionally, the coupling element comprises an antenna.
[0010]
Fluid duct (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the wall (4) is configured to transmit energy between the containment functionality (24) and the fluid flow path ( 6).
[0011]
Fluid duct (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the wall (24) is configured to have a negligible or relatively insignificant effect on the transmission of energy between the containment functionality (24 ) and the fluid flow path (6).
[0012]
Fluid duct (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the wall (4) is configured to affect an energy field in the cavity (26) in a known or quantifiable manner.
[0013]
Fluid duct (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the matrix comprises at least one of a polymer material, a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material, a polyaryl ether ketone, a polyaryl ketone, a polyether ketone (PEK), a polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polycarbonate, a polymeric resin, and / or an epoxy resin and / or in which the reinforcing elements comprise continuous elements, discontinuous elements, yarns, filaments , nanotubes, fibers, polymeric fibers, aramid fibers, non-polymeric fibers, carbon fibers, glass fibers and / or basalt fibers.
[0014]
Fluid duct (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises an oscillator defined by the cavity (26) and a positive return arrangement (34) and, optionally, comprises an outlet (61 ) arranged to provide a signal that varies according to a resonant frequency value and / or an oscillator loss.
[0015]
Fluid duct (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises an energy source, an electromagnetic energy source, an acoustic energy source and / or a radioactive source.
[0016]
Fluid line (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises at least one of a temperature sensor (787) and a pressure sensor (788) at least partially in recess, closed or incorporated within the wall (4) of the fluid conduit (2) and optionally comprise a sensor (685) configured to detect the flow rate within the fluid flow path (6).
[0017]
Fluid duct (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of containment features (824, 889, 890) within the wall (4), each containment feature (824,889,890 ) configured to confine energy within a corresponding cavity, where each cavity is configured to be resonant at a different frequency or in a different frequency range.
[0018]
18. Fluid duct (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: a component (1204) comprising at least one of a transducer, a sensor, a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, and an antenna, wherein the component is at least partially embedded within the wall (4) and configured to transmit energy to and / or receive energy from the flow path (6), wherein a region of the wall (4) between the component (1204 ) and the fluid flow path (6) is devoid of reinforcement elements to define a transmission path for energy between the fluid flow path (6) and the component (1204).
[0019]
19. Fluid duct (2) according to claim 18, characterized in that the matrix material defines a monolithic structure.
[0020]
Fluid duct (2) according to claim 18, characterized in that the component (1204) comprises a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid flow path ( 6) and optionally, where the pressure sensor comprises at least one of a strain gauge, a piezoelectric sensor, a magnetic, optical or capacitive pressure sensor and a pressure meter.
[0021]
21. Fluid duct (2) according to claim 20, characterized in that the pressure sensor is configured to measure the pressure of a fluid in the fluid flow path (6) directly.
[0022]
22. Fluid duct (2) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the pressure sensor is configured to measure the pressure of a fluid in the fluid flow path (6) indirectly by measuring the effects of fluid pressure in the wall (4) of the fluid conduit (2).
[0023]
23. Fluid duct (2) according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that it comprises a sensor configured to measure the flow rate within the fluid flow path (6).
[0024]
24. Fluid duct (2) according to any of claims 18 to 23, characterized in that the fluid duct comprises a fluid flow control feature configured to affect the fluid flow in the fluid flow path (6) and one or more fluid flow sensors configured to detect an induced change in fluid flow by the fluid flow control functionality and, optionally, in which one or more fluid flow sensors can be configured to detect one or more fluid pressures in the fluid flow path (6) and, optionally, in which the fluid flow control functionality is configured to induce a temporal or spatial change in the fluid flow and, optionally, in which the functionality fluid flow control system comprises a constraint or venturi (686) in the fluid flow path (6) and, optionally, each of the one or more fluid flow sensors is configured to detect connect the fluid pressure upstream, downstream and / or within the constraint or Venturi (686) in the fluid flow path (6).
[0025]
25. Fluid duct (2) according to any one of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that it comprises multiple components at least partially incorporated within the wall (4).
[0026]
26. Fluid duct (2) according to claim 25, characterized in that a component is arranged to transmit energy and a component is arranged to receive energy.
[0027]
27. Tubing for a fluid, characterized by the fact that it comprises: one or more lengths of tube; and a fluid conduit (2) as defined in any of the preceding claims 1 to 26.

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同族专利:

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GB2490685A|2012-11-14|

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EP2937688A1|2015-10-28|

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EP2942620A1|2015-11-11|

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HK1219128A1|2017-03-24|

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EA201391661A1|2014-04-30|

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EP2707703B1|2020-09-16|

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EP2707703A2|2014-03-19|

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WO2012153090A3|2013-01-03|

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WO2012153090A8|2013-11-28|

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AU2012252216A1|2013-11-28|

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US20160161029A1|2016-06-09|

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EA028877B1|2018-01-31|

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AU2012252216B2|2016-02-18|

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BR112013028766A2|2017-01-24|

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CN103703358B|2017-08-04|

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MX349126B|2017-07-13|

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GB2490685B|2017-05-24|

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MX2013012987A|2014-05-28|

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US20140182737A1|2014-07-03|

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GB201107751D0|2011-06-22|

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US9752705B2|2017-09-05|

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EA030602B1|2018-08-31|

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CN103703358A|2014-04-02|

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CA2835266C|2021-03-16|

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CA2835266A1|2012-11-15|

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MY181608A|2020-12-29|

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WO2012153090A2|2012-11-15|

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法律状态:
2018-12-11| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2019-09-17| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2020-03-24| B06A| Patent application procedure suspended [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|

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2020-08-25| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2020-12-01| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 10/05/2012, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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GB1107751.8A|GB2490685B|2011-05-10|2011-05-10|Fluid conduit|

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GB1107751.8|2011-05-10|

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PCT/GB2012/000424|WO2012153090A2|2011-05-10|2012-05-10|Fluid conduit|

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