EP0244033A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Methods and apparatus for time domain reflectometry determination of relative proportion, fluid inventory and turbulence
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1987-04-24
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2007-04-24
Abstract
Abstract Methods and apparatus for determining the relative proportions of intermixed constituents of a multiphase fluid system. The constituents for which relative proportions are being measured must have measurably different electrical permittivities. The systems use at least one electrically conductive probe (20) having two conductors (21, 22) which are spaced apart and capable of receiving the fluid system therebetween. Time domain reflectometers (40) present a stimulating time varying electrical signal to the probes and receive and measure reflected signals generated at impedance changes in the transmission line and probe. The probe transit time and/or associated average probe velocity provide a measure of the fluid system conditions which can be compared to predetermined values corresponding to various relative proportions of the intermixed constituents. A measure of the relative portions of the constituents is thus provided. The variability of individual probe transit velocity data can be measured, analyzed and used to measure fluid system turbulence. Relevant data can also be interpolated, extrapolated and integrated to provide profiling of the fluid system conditions and a means of total system inventory of the constituents.
Inventors
- 👤 Frederick R. Reich
- 👤 Charles L. Mohr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 14:43
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C17/00; G21C17/02; G21C17/035; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/22; G01F23/26; G01F23/263; G01F23/268; G01F23/28; G01F23/284; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 34
Claim 1
Independent Claim
191 words
A method for measuring the relative proportions of at least two variable proportioned, intermixed constituents having different electrical permittivities contained within an intermixed multiphase fluid system, comprising: placing at least one electrically conductive probe within relevant portions of the intermixed multiphase fluid system; generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; transmitting said stimulating electrical signals to a first point of reflection upon the probe; detecting first reflected electrical signals generated from the stimulating electrical signals at the first point of reflection by impedance changes thereat; transmitting said stimulating electrical signals to a second point of reflection upon the probe; detecting second reflected electrical signals generated from the stimulating electrical signal at the second point of reflection by impedance changes thereat; determining an approximate probe transit time period associated with the time differences between detecting said first reflected electrical signals and said second reflected electrical signals; comparing data indicative of probe transit time periods with predetermined data associating data derivable from probe transit time periods with relative proportions of intermixed constituents, to provide a measure of the approximate relative proportions of the intermixed variable constituents contained in the fluid system adjacent the probe.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
191 words
A method for measuring the relative proportions of at least two variable proportioned, intermixed constituents having different electrical permittivities contained within an intermixed multiphase fluid system, comprising: placing at least one electrically conductive probe within relevant portions of the intermixed multiphase fluid system; generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; transmitting said stimulating electrical signals to a first point of reflection upon the probe; detecting first reflected electrical signals generated from the stimulating electrical signals at the first point of reflection by impedance changes thereat; transmitting said stimulating electrical signals to a second point of reflection upon the probe; detecting second reflected electrical signals generated from the stimulating electrical signal at the second point of reflection by impedance changes thereat; determining an approximate probe transit time period associated with the time differences between detecting said first reflected electrical signals and said second reflected electrical signals; comparing data indicative of probe transit time periods with predetermined data associating data derivable from probe transit time periods with relative proportions of intermixed constituents, to provide a measure of the approximate relative proportions of the intermixed variable constituents contained in the fluid system adjacent the probe.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said first and second points of reflection upon the probe are located at proximate and distal ends thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the stimulating electrical signals are transmitted to a first end of a first conductor centrally positioned within a second conductor forming a coaxial sheath thereabout, and wherein the stimulating electrical signal is conducted along said first conductor to reach a second end thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the second reflected electrical signals are enhanced by selecting and connecting a fixed resistance between the second point of reflection upon the probe and a grounded element; the fixed resistance having a value chosen to optimize the second reflected electrical signals with the constituents present in the particular multiphase fluid system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 1 wherein there are a plurality of probes each producing associated first and second reflected electrical signals and associated probe transit time periods from which measurements of relative proportions of the intermixed variable constituents can be determined over a plurality of positions within the multiphase fluid system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 5 where said measurements of relative proportions are extrapolated to derive a composite profile approximating relative proportions over portions of the multiphase fluid system beyond the probes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: recording a plurality of propagation time difference periods occurring over time from the same probe; identifying variations in the propagation time difference periods over time; deriving a measure of the level of turbulence from the identified variations in the propagation time difference periods.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the multiphase fluid system is a nuclear reactor having water and water vapor therein, and wherein the method is applied to a plurality of probes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
241 words
An electrical proportion measuring apparatus for determining relative proportions of variable, intermixed constituents having different electrical permittivities contained in a multiphase fluid system, comprising: means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; at least one electrically conductive probe means having a first end with a first point of reflection and a second point of reflection electrically spaced from said first point of reflection; said first end being adapted to be electrically connected to said means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; said probe means having a first conductor and a second conductor spaced from said first conductor; said probe means being adapted for mounting at least partially within said multiphase fluid system; means for detecting and measuring reflected electrical signals generated from said stimulating electrical signals at impedance changes along said probe means; means for measuring approximate probe transit time periods associated with time differences between receipt of first reflected electrical signals generated as stimulating electrical signals pass through the first point of reflection, and receipt of second reflected electrical signals generated as stimulating electrical signals pass through the second point of reflection; means for comparing data derived from probe transit time periods against predetermined data associating data derivable from probe transit time periods with relative proportions of variable, intermixed constituents to derive a measure of relative proportions; output means for providing an indication of the measure of relative proportions of the variable, intermixed constituents of the multiphase fluid system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
241 words
An electrical proportion measuring apparatus for determining relative proportions of variable, intermixed constituents having different electrical permittivities contained in a multiphase fluid system, comprising: means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; at least one electrically conductive probe means having a first end with a first point of reflection and a second point of reflection electrically spaced from said first point of reflection; said first end being adapted to be electrically connected to said means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; said probe means having a first conductor and a second conductor spaced from said first conductor; said probe means being adapted for mounting at least partially within said multiphase fluid system; means for detecting and measuring reflected electrical signals generated from said stimulating electrical signals at impedance changes along said probe means; means for measuring approximate probe transit time periods associated with time differences between receipt of first reflected electrical signals generated as stimulating electrical signals pass through the first point of reflection, and receipt of second reflected electrical signals generated as stimulating electrical signals pass through the second point of reflection; means for comparing data derived from probe transit time periods against predetermined data associating data derivable from probe transit time periods with relative proportions of variable, intermixed constituents to derive a measure of relative proportions; output means for providing an indication of the measure of relative proportions of the variable, intermixed constituents of the multiphase fluid system.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein there are a plurality of probe means arranged with at least portions thereof in a spatial array within the multiphase fluid system to provide information of the relative proportions of the variable, intermixed constituents over a desired range of locations within the fluid system.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said probe means includes a central conductor arranged coaxially within a conductive cylindrical sheath, the cylindrical sheath being provided with a plurality of transverse openings through which fluid of the multiphase fluid system can communicate.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein there are a plurality of probe means mounted within the multiphase fluid system.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said probe means each include a central conductor arranged coaxially within a conductive cylindrical sheath, the cylindrical sheath being provided with a plurality of transverse openings through which fluid of the multiphase fluid system can communicate, and wherein the first and second points of reflection are at the first and second ends of the probe means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising means for integrating measurements of relative proportions into a fluid system profile.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising: means for recording a plurality of probe transit time periods occurring over time from the same probe; means for identifying variations in the probe transit time periods over time; and means for deriving a measure of the variability of probe transit time periods over time to produce a measure of the level of turbulence experienced by the probe.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising means for comparing said measure of the variability of probe transit time periods against predetermined data associating measures of variability with turbulence of the multiphase fluid system.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
215 words
A system for measuring fluid inventory of a vessel containing variable proportions of intermixed constituents having different electrical permittivities, comprising: means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; a plurality of electrically conductive probe means having first ends and second ends electrically spaced from the first ends; said first ends being adapted to be electrically connected to said means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; said probe means having first conductors and second conductors spaced from said first conductors; said probe means being adapted for mounting substantially within said vessel at spaced locations therein; means for receiving and measuring reflected electrical signals generated from said stimulating electrical signals at impedance changes along said probe means; means for measuring approximate probe transit time periods indicating the period of time required for an electrical signal to traverse along a given distance of said probe; means for comparing data derived from probe transit time periods for each individual probe against predetermined data associating data derivable from probe transit time periods with relative proportion of said intermixed constituents; means for interpreting and extrapolating information derived from said probe transit periods to provide an approximate indication of the total proportions of said intermixed constituents contained in the vessel; and output means for displaying said indication of the total proportions.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
215 words
A system for measuring fluid inventory of a vessel containing variable proportions of intermixed constituents having different electrical permittivities, comprising: means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; a plurality of electrically conductive probe means having first ends and second ends electrically spaced from the first ends; said first ends being adapted to be electrically connected to said means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; said probe means having first conductors and second conductors spaced from said first conductors; said probe means being adapted for mounting substantially within said vessel at spaced locations therein; means for receiving and measuring reflected electrical signals generated from said stimulating electrical signals at impedance changes along said probe means; means for measuring approximate probe transit time periods indicating the period of time required for an electrical signal to traverse along a given distance of said probe; means for comparing data derived from probe transit time periods for each individual probe against predetermined data associating data derivable from probe transit time periods with relative proportion of said intermixed constituents; means for interpreting and extrapolating information derived from said probe transit periods to provide an approximate indication of the total proportions of said intermixed constituents contained in the vessel; and output means for displaying said indication of the total proportions.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
16 words
The system of claim17 wherein the probe means are arranged in an array within the vessel.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
68 words
The system of claim 17 wherein the probe means are constructed with said first conductors thereof forming a central conductor surrounded by a cylindrical sheath formed by said second conductors; said second conductors having apertures extending therethrough to allow communication of the intermixed constituents between the first and second conductors; and wherein the probe means are arranged into an array extending through a substantial portion of the vessel.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 17 wherein the intermixed constituents are water and water vapor.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
183 words
A method for measuring fluid inventory of a vessel containing variable proportions of intermixed constituents having different electrical permittivities, comprising: placing a plurality of electrically conductive probes within relevant portions of the vessel; generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; transmitting said stimulating electrical signals to first ends of the probes; detecting first reflected electrical signals generated from the stimulating electrical signals at first points of reflection of the probe by impedance changes thereat; detecting second reflected electrical signals generated from the stimulating electrical signals at second points of reflection of the probe by impedance changes thereat; determining approximate probe transit time periods associated with the time differences between detecting said first reflected electrical signals and said second reflected electrical signals; comparing data indicative of probe transit time periods with predetermined data associating data derivable from probe transit time periods with relative proportions of intermixed constituents, to prove approximate measures of relative proportions of the intermixed variable constituents adjacent to each probe; integrating information of the measures of relative proportion from the plurality of probes to produce a measure of total vessel fluid inventory.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
183 words
A method for measuring fluid inventory of a vessel containing variable proportions of intermixed constituents having different electrical permittivities, comprising: placing a plurality of electrically conductive probes within relevant portions of the vessel; generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; transmitting said stimulating electrical signals to first ends of the probes; detecting first reflected electrical signals generated from the stimulating electrical signals at first points of reflection of the probe by impedance changes thereat; detecting second reflected electrical signals generated from the stimulating electrical signals at second points of reflection of the probe by impedance changes thereat; determining approximate probe transit time periods associated with the time differences between detecting said first reflected electrical signals and said second reflected electrical signals; comparing data indicative of probe transit time periods with predetermined data associating data derivable from probe transit time periods with relative proportions of intermixed constituents, to prove approximate measures of relative proportions of the intermixed variable constituents adjacent to each probe; integrating information of the measures of relative proportion from the plurality of probes to produce a measure of total vessel fluid inventory.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
220 words
An apparatus for measuring turbulence of a multiphase fluid system containing intermixed constituents having different electrical permittivities, comprising: means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; at least one electrically conductive probe means having a first end with a first point of reflection and a second point of reflection electrically spaced from said first point of reflection; said first end being adapted to be electrically connected to said means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; said probe means having a first conductor and a second conductor spaced from said first conductor; means for receiving and measuring reflected electrical signals generated from said stimulating electrical signals at impedance changes along said probe means; means for measuring approximate probe transit time periods associated with time differences between receipt of first reflected electrical signals generated as stimulating electrical signals pass through the first point of reflection, and receipt of second reflected electrical signals generated as stimulating electrical signals pass through the second point of reflection; means for recording a plurality of probe propagation time difference periods over time; means for identifying variations in the duration of probe transit time periods over time; and means for deriving a measure of the variability of probe propagation time difference periods over time to produce a measure of the level of turbulence experienced about the probe.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
220 words
An apparatus for measuring turbulence of a multiphase fluid system containing intermixed constituents having different electrical permittivities, comprising: means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; at least one electrically conductive probe means having a first end with a first point of reflection and a second point of reflection electrically spaced from said first point of reflection; said first end being adapted to be electrically connected to said means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; said probe means having a first conductor and a second conductor spaced from said first conductor; means for receiving and measuring reflected electrical signals generated from said stimulating electrical signals at impedance changes along said probe means; means for measuring approximate probe transit time periods associated with time differences between receipt of first reflected electrical signals generated as stimulating electrical signals pass through the first point of reflection, and receipt of second reflected electrical signals generated as stimulating electrical signals pass through the second point of reflection; means for recording a plurality of probe propagation time difference periods over time; means for identifying variations in the duration of probe transit time periods over time; and means for deriving a measure of the variability of probe propagation time difference periods over time to produce a measure of the level of turbulence experienced about the probe.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein there are a plurality of probe means.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim23 further comprising means for integrating measures of the level of turbulence experiences about the plurality of probes to provide a turbulence profile.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
185 words
A method for determining turbulence of a multiphase fluid system containing constituents having different electrical permittivities, comprising: placing at least one electrically conductive probe within relevant portions of the multiphase fluid system; said probe having a first end and a second end; generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; transmitting said stimulating electrical signals to a first point of reflection upon the probe; detecting first reflected electrical signals generated from the stimulating electrical signals at the first point of reflection due to impedance changes thereat; transmitting said stimulating electrical signals to a second point of reflection upon the probe; detecting second reflected electrical signals generated from the stimulating electrical signals at the second point of reflection due to impedance changes thereat; determining approximate probe transit time periods associated with the difference in time between detecting said first and second reflected electrical signals; recording a plurality of data indicative of probe transit time periods over time; identifying variations in the data indicative of probe transit time periods over time; deriving a measure of the level of turbulence from the identified variations in the probe transit time periods.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
185 words
A method for determining turbulence of a multiphase fluid system containing constituents having different electrical permittivities, comprising: placing at least one electrically conductive probe within relevant portions of the multiphase fluid system; said probe having a first end and a second end; generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; transmitting said stimulating electrical signals to a first point of reflection upon the probe; detecting first reflected electrical signals generated from the stimulating electrical signals at the first point of reflection due to impedance changes thereat; transmitting said stimulating electrical signals to a second point of reflection upon the probe; detecting second reflected electrical signals generated from the stimulating electrical signals at the second point of reflection due to impedance changes thereat; determining approximate probe transit time periods associated with the difference in time between detecting said first and second reflected electrical signals; recording a plurality of data indicative of probe transit time periods over time; identifying variations in the data indicative of probe transit time periods over time; deriving a measure of the level of turbulence from the identified variations in the probe transit time periods.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 25 wherein identifying variations in the probe transit time periods involves performing a Fourier transform of probe transit time periods over time to determine spectral power density thereof.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
269 words
A system for monitoring and measuring fluid inventory and fluid turbulence in a boiling water reactor, comprising: means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; a plurality of electrically conductive probe means having first ends and second ends electrically spaced from the first ends; said first ends being adapted to be electrically connected to said means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; said probe means having first conductors and second conductors spaced from said first conductors; said probe means being adapted for mounting substantially within said vessel at spaced locations therein; means for receiving and measuring reflected electrical signals generated from said stimulating electrical signals at impedance changes along said probe means; means for measuring approximate probe transit time periods indicating the period of time required for an electrical signal to traverse along a given distance of said probe; means for comparing data derived from probe transit time periods for each individual probe against predetermined data associating data derivable from probe transit time periods with relative proportion of said intermixed constituents; means for interpreting and extrapolating information derived from said probe transit time periods to provide an approximate indication of the total proportions of said intermixed constituents contained in the vessel; output means for displaying said indication of the total proportions. means for recording a plurality of probe propagation time difference periods over time; means for identifying variations in the duration of probe transit time periods over time; and means for deriving a measure of the variability of probe propagation time difference periods over time to produce a measure of the level of turbulence experienced about the probe.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
269 words
A system for monitoring and measuring fluid inventory and fluid turbulence in a boiling water reactor, comprising: means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; a plurality of electrically conductive probe means having first ends and second ends electrically spaced from the first ends; said first ends being adapted to be electrically connected to said means for generating time varying stimulating electrical signals; said probe means having first conductors and second conductors spaced from said first conductors; said probe means being adapted for mounting substantially within said vessel at spaced locations therein; means for receiving and measuring reflected electrical signals generated from said stimulating electrical signals at impedance changes along said probe means; means for measuring approximate probe transit time periods indicating the period of time required for an electrical signal to traverse along a given distance of said probe; means for comparing data derived from probe transit time periods for each individual probe against predetermined data associating data derivable from probe transit time periods with relative proportion of said intermixed constituents; means for interpreting and extrapolating information derived from said probe transit time periods to provide an approximate indication of the total proportions of said intermixed constituents contained in the vessel; output means for displaying said indication of the total proportions. means for recording a plurality of probe propagation time difference periods over time; means for identifying variations in the duration of probe transit time periods over time; and means for deriving a measure of the variability of probe propagation time difference periods over time to produce a measure of the level of turbulence experienced about the probe.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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