Resonating sensor for high-pressure and high-temperature environments
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsDidier Pohl, Florian Risser, Jacques Sellin, Patrice Ligneul, Kamran Danaie, Mihir Patel, Boris Valkov
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Abstract
Resonating sensors for use in high-pressure and high-temperature environments are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a sensor with a double-ended tuning fork piezoelectric resonator that includes a first tine and a second tine. These tines are spaced apart from one another so as to form a slot between the first and second tines. The width of the slot from the first tine to the second tine varies along the lengths of the first and second tines. Various other resonators, devices, systems, and methods are also disclosed.
Claims19
An apparatus comprising:
- a sensor element including a double-ended tuning fork piezoelectric resonator having a first tine and a second tine, wherein:
- the first tine and the second tine are spaced apart from one another so as to form a slot between the first tine and the second tine;
- a width of the slot from the first tine to the second tine, the width of the slot measured orthogonally to lengths of the first and second tines, varies along the lengths of the first tine and the second tine;
- opposite sides of the first tine are inwardly tapered continuously toward a middle of the first tine;
- opposite sides of the second tine are inwardly tapered continuously toward a middle of the second tine;
- an outer edge of the first tine is inwardly tapered continuously toward the middle of the first tine at a first taper angle;
- and
- an inner edge of the first tine is inwardly tapered continuously toward the middle of the first tine at a second taper angle different from the first taper angle;
- and
- a body including caps coupled to the sensor element, wherein the double-ended tuning fork piezoelectric resonator is enclosed within a cavity of the body.
A method comprising:
- measuring pressure of a fluid in a well using a double-ended tuning fork piezoelectric resonator having a first tine and a second tine, wherein:
- the first tine and the second tine are spaced apart from one another so as to form a slot between the first tine and the second tine;
- a width of the slot from the first tine to the second tine, the width of the slot measured orthogonally to lengths of the first and second tines, varies along the lengths of the first tine and the second tine;
- opposite sides of the first tine are inwardly tapered continuously toward a middle of the first tine;
- and
- opposite sides of the second tine are inwardly tapered continuously toward a middle of the second tine;
- and
- using the measured pressure to control the well.
A double-ended tuning fork piezoelectric resonator comprising:
- a first tine, wherein opposite sides of the first tine are inwardly tapered continuously toward a middle of the first tine at a first taper angle, wherein an outer edge of the first tine is tapered at a different tapering angle than an inner edge of the first tine;
- and
- a second tine, wherein:
- opposite sides of the second tine are inwardly tapered continuously toward a middle of the second tine;
- an outer edge of the second tine is tapered at a different tapering angle than an inner edge of the second tine;
- the first tine and the second tine are spaced apart from one another so as to form a slot between the first tine and the second tine;
- and
- a width of the slot from the first tine to the second tine, the width of the slot measured orthogonally to lengths of the first and second tines, varies along the lengths of the first tine and the second tine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.