US4429273A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Oil-water monitor
Assignee: Texaco Inc
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Filing: 1981-03-20
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Granted: 1984-01-31
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Expires: 2001-03-20
Abstract
Abstract An oil-water monitor includes a test cell having a production stream passing through it, thereby allowing the dielectric properties of the production stream to be monitored. An analyzer connected to the measuring cell provides an indication of the water content of the production stream in accordance with the dielectric properties of the production stream.
Inventors
- 👤 Roy P. Mazzagatti
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 15:32
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/02; G01N27/22; G01N27/221; G01N33/00; G01N33/26; G01N33/28; G01N33/2823; G01R; G01R27/00; G01R27/02; G01R27/26; G01R27/2617; G01R27/2635
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
An oil-water monitor which monitors a production stream comprising cell means for having the production stream pass through it in such a manner that the dielectric properties of the production stream may be monitored, regardless of whether the production stream is in a water-in-oil condition, an oil-in-water condition or a combination of the two conditions, and means connected to said cell means for providing an indication of the water content of the production stream in accordance with the dielectric properties of the production stream.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
84 words
An oil-water monitor which monitors a production stream comprising cell means for having the production stream pass through it in such a manner that the dielectric properties of the production stream may be monitored, regardless of whether the production stream is in a water-in-oil condition, an oil-in-water condition or a combination of the two conditions, and means connected to said cell means for providing an indication of the water content of the production stream in accordance with the dielectric properties of the production stream.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
A monitor as described in claim 1 in which the cell means is coaxial conductive means having an inner conductive means and an outer conductive means, and the dielectric material separating the two conductive means is the production stream.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
71 words
A monitor as described in claim 2 in which the outer conductive means is a metallic pipe through which the production stream flows, and the inner conductive means is a wire conductor; and further comprising means for supporting said inner conductor along the long longitudinal axis of the pipe, and at least one connector means for providing external electric coaxial connection for the conductor and the pipe to the indicating means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
A monitor as described in claim 3 in which said indicator means includes a signal source providing an electrical signal to one connection means, and monitor means connected to another connection means for monitoring the electrical signal after transmission through the cell means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
A monitor as described in claim 4 in which the electrical signal is a continuous wave signal having a predetermined frequency in the range of 100 kilohertz to 500 megahertz.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
A monitor as described in claim 4 in which the electrical signal is a pulse signal in which each pulse has a predetermined duration greater than 1 nanosecond.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
A monitor as described in claim 3 in which said indicating means is an impedance analyzer connected to the connector means which measures the impedance of the cell means with the production stream flowing through said cell means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-01-30 | 1987-08-01 | 1988-01-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-01-30 | 1991-08-01 | 1992-01-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-01-30 | 1995-08-01 | 1996-01-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |