GB2474881A

GB2474881A - Transducer with multiple coupling regions.

Info

Publication number: GB2474881A
Application number: GB0919011A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wayne Rudd
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-10-30
Filing date: 2009-10-30
Publication date: 2011-05-04
Also published as: GB0919011D0

Abstract

A transducer 100 for communicating a signal with a medium 110 has at least two coupling regions 100a-e, for example two or more layers of material fig 1a, or two separate apparatus (490a, 590a, fig 3d) on a common transducer (420, fig 3d), providing a communicable path for a signal between the medium 110 and transducer 100. Each coupling region 100a-e is of a different impedance and can be configured to allow for communicating signals from a transducer to mediums of different impedances.

Description

Transducer apparatus and associated methods

Technical Field

The invention relates to transducer apparatus, modules, arrays and devices and associated methods. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to transducer apparatus, modules, arrays and devices for use in communicating signals, such as acoustic signals, between a medium and a transducer, and associated methods.

Background

In many industrial applications, not least of all in the oil and gas industry, it can be useful to communicate signals. Transducers, such as acoustic transducers, can be used to communicate signals to and from mediums. For a signal to pass to or from a transducer and a medium without any loss of that signal, it is helpful if the impedance of the transducer is matched, or closely matched, with the medium in question.

However, this is often not the case in known transducer arrangements. Also, transducers that are configured to have an impedance that matches a particular medium, may have a very limited use in alternative applications.

Summary

According to a first aspect there is provided transducer apparatus for communicating a signal with a medium, the apparatus comprising at least two coupling regions, the coupling regions providing a communicable path for a signal between a medium and a transducer, each coupling region being of a different impedance.

Such an apparatus may be configured to allow for communicating signals from a transducer to mediums of different impedances.

The coupling regions may be configured such that a signal communicated through at least one coupling region is first communicated through at least one other coupling region.

The apparatus may be configured for use with a single transducer.

The coupling regions may be configured such that a signal is communicable through some or all of the coupling regions in order to be communicated between a transducer and a medium. The coupling regions may comprise two or more layers.

Each layer may define a coupling region.

The apparatus may be configured such that a signal communicated between a transducer and a medium is communicated to and/or from a medium substantially using one particular coupling region. That particular coupling region may have a similar, or the same, impedance (e.g. matched impedance) as a medium. That particular coupling region may have the closest matched impedance to a medium.

The apparatus may be configured such that a signal is communicable to a medium via at least two coupling regions. The apparatus may be configured such that a signal is communicable from a medium to a transducer via at least two coupling regions.

The coupling regions may be configured to provide a graded, or gradual, changed in impedance across some or all of the apparatus. The impedance of the coupling regions may be hierarchical. The impedance of a coupling region configured to be further, or furthest, from a transducer may be less than that of a coupling region configured to be closer, or closest, to a transducer. The impedance of a coupling region configured to be further, or furthest, from a transducer may be greater than that of a coupling region configured to be closer, or closest, to a transducer.

The coupling regions and/or apparatus may be configured with impedances to be used with a particular medium. For example, the coupling regions and/or apparatus may be configured for use with air. The coupling regions and/or apparatus may be configured for use with different mediums, such as oil, water, or the like. Each coupling region may provide for communication of a signal between a transducer and a medium of different densities, temperatures, or the like.

The apparatus may be configured for use with acoustic signals, such as ultrasonic acoustics.

The coupling regions may be formed from deposition, such as layered deposition.

An outer region of the apparatus may be partially or fully covered with a piezoelectric.

The apparatus may be comprised with a transducer, such an acoustic transducer.

The apparatus may be configured to attach with a transducer. The apparatus may be mountable/demountable with a transducer. The apparatus may be configured to be retro-f it with a transducer.

According to a second aspect there is provided a transducer module comprising two or more apparatus according to any of the features of the first aspect. The two or more apparatus may be configured for use with different mediums (e.g. gas and liquid). For example, one apparatus may be configured for use with air, with the other apparatus may be configured for use with water or oil.

The module may comprise a dampening region. The dampening region may be provided between the two or more apparatus. The dampening region may extend between the two or more apparatus. The dampening region may be configured to inhibit, or reduce, the chance of cross talk between the two or more apparatus.

According to a third aspect there is provided a measurement device, the device comprising an apparatus according to any of the features of the first aspect or a module according to any of the features of the second aspect.

The device may be an oil and gas measurement device. The device may be for use with a flow meter. The device may be a flow meter. The device may be a multi-phase measurement device, such as a multi-phase flow meter.

According to a fourth aspect there is a method for communicating signals with a medium, the method comprising: providing apparatus comprising at least two coupling regions, the coupling regions providing a communicable path for a signal between a medium and a transducer, each coupling region being of a different impedance to allow for a signal to be communicated from a transducer to mediums of different impedances; communicating a signal through one or more of the coupling regions between a medium and a transducer.

The method may comprise communicating a signal through hierarchical coupling regions.

According to a fifth aspect there is provided a method for providing transducer apparatus for communicating signals with a medium, the method comprising providing a first coupling region, the first coupling region providing a communicable path for a signal between a medium and a transducer; providing a second coupling region, the second coupling region providing a communicable path for a signal between a medium and the first coupling region; and wherein each coupling region has a different impedance such that the apparatus is configured to allow for communicating signals from a transducer to mediums of different impedances.

The coupling regions may be provided as layers. The coupling regions may be deposited (e.g. by layered deposition). The first coupling region may have a higher impedance than the second coupling region.

The method may comprise covering an outer region of the apparatus, either partially or fully, with a piezoelectric.

The method may comprise comprising the apparatus with a transducer.

According to a sixth aspect there is provided a method for providing transducer apparatus for communicating signals with a medium, the method comprising providing a first coupling region, the first coupling region providing a communicable path for a signal between a medium and a transducer; providing a second coupling region, the second coupling region providing a communicable path for a signal between a medium and a transducer; and wherein each coupling region has a different impedance such that the apparatus is configured to allow for communicating signals from a transducer to mediums of different impedances.

According to a seventh aspect there is provided a transducer module for communicating signals with a medium, the module comprising at least two apparatus, each apparatus having a coupling region, each coupling region providing a communicable path for a signal between a medium and a transducer, each coupling region being of a different impedance and configured to allow for communicating signals from a transducer to mediums of different impedances.

One apparatus may be configured for use with gas (e.g. air), while the other apparatus may be configured for liquid (e.g. oil, water, etc.).

Each apparatus may be configured to communicate with the same transducer (i.e. use a common transducer). Each apparatus may be configured to communicate with different transducers (e.g. their own transducer). The module may be comprised with one or more transducers.

At least one of the apparatus may comprise at least two coupling regions. The coupling regions may be provide a communicable path for a signal between a medium and a transducer. Each coupling region may be of a different impedance and configured to allow for communicating signals from a transducer to mediums of different impedances.

The coupling regions may be configured such that a signal communicated through at least one of the coupling regions, is first communicated through one of the other coupling regions.

According to an eighth aspect there is provided a measurement device, the device comprising a module according to any of the features of the sixth aspect.

According to a ninth aspect there is provided an array comprising apparatus according to any of the features of the first aspect.

The invention includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. For example, it will readily be appreciated that features of the first, second or third aspects may be used with features of the fourth, fifth, or sixth aspects and vice versa, without the need to recite every possible permutation here.

Corresponding means for performing one or more of the discussed functions are also within the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments/aspects may be useful in communicating signals.

The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

Brief description of the figures

These and other aspects will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an example of transducer apparatus comprises a plurality of coupling regions in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of transducer apparatus comprising a plurality of coupling regions; Figure 3 shows embodiments of a transducer module; Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a transducer array; Figure 5 shows a method of providing apparatus similar to that shown in Figure 1; and Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of transducer apparatus.

Detailed description of the figures

Figure la shows a transducer apparatus 100 for communicating signals with a medium 110, which in this example is air. The apparatus 100 comprises five coupling regions lOOa-lOOe (first lOOa, second bOb, third bOOc, etc.) Here, each coupling region lOOa-lOOe is provided as a layer. That is to say that the second coupling region lOOb is provided on the first coupling region lOOa, the third lOOc on the second bOb, and so on.

The first coupling region lOOa is in communication with a transducer 120. In this example, the transducer 120 is an acoustic transducer, such as an ultrasonic transducer. The transducer 120 is configured to receive and transmit signals through the first coupling region 1 OOa.

The transducer 120 is in communication with a controller 130, comprising a processor 1 30a and a memory 1 30b configured in a known manner (e.g. using a field programmable gate array, application specific integrated circuit, or the like). The controller 130 is configured to send and/or receive signals to and/or from the transducer 120 to allow communication with the medium 110. The controller may also power the transducer 120. Furthermore, the controller 130 may provide further functional roles such as signal generation, analogue-digital conversion, digital analogue conversion, and the like, as will be well understood.

Each coupling region lOOa-lOOe is configured such that it has a different acoustic impedance. In this example, the acoustic impedance of the first coupling region 1 OOa is higher (eg. slightly higher) than the acoustic impedance of the second coupling region bOb. Similarly, the second coupling region lOOb has an acoustic impedance that is higher (e.g. slightly higher) than the acoustic impedance of the third coupling region lOOc, and so on. That is to say that the fifth coupling region lOOe has the lowest acoustic impedance, and the first coupling region lOOa has the highest acoustic impedance. The apparatus 100 may be considered to provide a gradual impedance change over the coupling regions lOOa-lOOe. Similarly, the apparatus may be considered to provide a hierarchical change in impedance.

Of course, in further embodiments the fifth coupling region lOOe may have the highest acoustic impedance, and the first coupling region lOOa may have the lowest acoustic impedance.

During communication from the transducer 120 to the medium 100, a signal is provided from the controller 130 to the transducer 120. The signal is emitted acoustically from transducer 120 into the first coupling region lOOa. When the impedance of the medium 110 is similar to, or the same as, the impedance of the first coupling region lOOa, the signal will be emitted into the medium 100 using that first coupling region lOOa.

However, when the impedance of the medium 110 is dissimilar (or at least too dissimilar when compared to the impedance of the second coupling region bOb), the signal will be communicated into the second coupling region bOb. In a similar manner, when the impedance of the medium 110 is similar to, or the same as, the impedance of the second coupling region bOb, the signal will be emitted into the medium 110 using the second coupling region bOb. Otherwise, the signal will continue to the third coupling region lOOc, and so on, until it is emitting into the medium 110.

It will be appreciated that the same is true for communicating signals from the medium 110 to the transducer 120. That is to say that a signal being communicated from the medium 110 will couple with the coupling region lOOa-lOOe most closely matched in impedance.

Figure ba shows an example of the signal S being emitted using the third coupling region 1 OOc of the apparatus 100.

It will be appreciated that if only a single coupling region bOOa-bOOe is provided, then such an apparatus 100 may not be well suited to communicating signals to and from the medium 110 when the impedance of the medium 110 varies (e.g. varies over time, and/or varies as the medium 110 moves, etc.). The impedance of the medium may vary for several reasons. For example, the temperature, and/or density of the medium 110 may vary. The emission or receipt of signals themselves may cause localised variations in the impedance of the medium (e.g. compressing the medium, and/or heating the medium).

Furthermore, the impedance of the medium 110 depends upon the frequency of the signals being communicated. The apparatus 100 of Figure la allows for signals over a broader range of frequencies to be readily communicated to and from the medium 110, when compared to apparatus 100 comprising one or no coupling regions lOOa-lOOe.

Figure lb shows the apparatus 100 of Figure la further comprising a piezoelectric covering 140. In this example, the covering 140 fully covers the coupling regions lOOa-lOOe that would have been in direct communication with the medium 110. Of course, in further examples, the covering 140 may only partially cover the coupling regions 1 OOa-l OOe.

The covering 140 is configured such that signals communicated between the medium 110 and the transducer 120 pass through the covering 140. Due to the associated compression of the covering 120, energy may be retrieved from the apparatus 100.

In some examples, the piezoelectric covering is provided such that the impedance is matched, or is similar, to that of the adjacent or proximate coupling region bOa-lOOe.

Of course, it will readily be appreciated that although only five coupling regions 1 OOa- 1 OOe have been described, the apparatus may comprise a different number of lb coupling regions lOOa-lOOe, such as two, three, four, five, ten, twenty, fifty, one hundred, or the like.

Similarly, although the coupling regions lOOa-lOOe have been described as being layered such that a signal is communicated through one coupling region and then the next, that need not always be the case. Consider an example of apparatus 200 shown in Figure 2 in which the apparatus 200 again by way of an example comprises five coupling regions 200a-200e (first 200a, second 200b, third 200c, etc.). However, in this example, each coupling region is configured to be in direct communication with the transducer 120 and the medium 110.

Of course, some apparatus 100, 200 may comprise coupling regions lOOa-lOOe, 200a-200e having features of the configuration of Figure 1 and Figure 2.

It will be appreciated that such apparatus 100, 200 can be useful in many industrial applications, not least of all in industries in which the impedance of the medium 11 0 varies. One such example is the oil and gas industry. Such apparatus 100, 200 may be used with measurement devices, such as flow meters (e.g. multiphase flow meters) or the like. With such devices it is not uncommon to have varying properties or characteristics of the medium 110 through which signals are being communicated.

For example, the device may be configured for use with gases, liquids and/or solids (e.g. oil, gas, water, etc.).

Therefore, the above-described apparatus 100, 200 may allow for signals to be communicated efficiently, when compared to other transducer configuration. By comparison, other transducer configurations may be considered to have a limited, or narrow, bandwidth. Other transducers that are configured to have an impedance that matches a particular medium would have a very limited use in alternative applications, or with alternative mediums.

Figure 3a shows an embodiment of a transducer module 300. In this example, the module 300 comprises a first apparatus 400 and a second apparatus 500. Both the first and second apparatus 400, 500 are in communication with respective transducers 320. The first and second apparatus 400, 500 both have respective coupling regions 400a-400e, 500a-500e, in a similar manner to the apparatus 100, described in relation to Figures 1 and 2.

However, here the coupling regions 400a-400e of the first apparatus 400 are configured for communication with gas (e.g. air), while the coupling regions 500a- 500e of the second apparatus 500 are configured for communication with liquid (e.g. oil, water, or the like).

In use, the module 300 can be used to communicate signals with a medium 310 comprising multiple phases of liquid and gas. In some examples, the same signal may be communicated to both apparatus 400, 500 for communication to the medium 310. In further examples, the module 300 may provide different signals to different apparatus 400, 500 for communication with the medium 310. Irrespectively, signals can be communicated with the module 500 regardless of whether the medium 310 is gas or liquid.

Although exemplified with two transducers 320 communicating with two apparatus 400, 500, in some further embodiments a common transducer may be used. That is to say that a common transducer can be used to communicate with the medium through both apparatus 400, 500.

Figure 3b shows an embodiment of the module 300 in which a dampening region 350 has been provided between the first apparatus 400 and the second apparatus 500.

Here, the dampening region 350 is configured to inhibit, or at least reduce, the chance of cross talk between the first and second apparatus 400, 500. This may be achieved by provided a dampening region 310 having an impedance different from the first and second apparatus 400, 500 and the anticipated medium 310. For example, the impedance of the dampening region 350 may be far greater than that of the first and second apparatus 400, 500 and the anticipated medium 310.

Figure 3c shows a further embodiment of a transducer module 390. Here, the module 390 again comprises apparatus 490, 590 for communicating with a medium 310.

However, in this example, each apparatus 490, 590 are provided such that each only has a single coupling region 490a, 590a. However, in this example, the coupling regions again have a different impedance. Here, the impedance of one apparatus (e.g. 490) is configured for communication with gas, such as air or hydrocarbon gas, while the other apparatus (e.g. 590) is configured for communication with liquid, such as water and/or oil, or the like.

Figure 3d shows a further embodiment, in which a dampening region 350 has been provided between both apparatus 490, 590, in a similar manner to that described above. In addition, each apparatus 490, 590 is in communication with a common transducer 420. This may be considered to be a common transducer 420.

Of course, it will readily be appreciated that the modules 300, 390 may comprise more than two apparatus 400, 490, 500, 590, or combination of apparatus having two or more coupling regions, and apparatus having only one coupling region. Similar, any of the described modules 300 may use one or more common transducers 420 for use with two or more apparatus 400, 490, 500, 590.

In some examples, the module 300, 390 may comprise an array of apparatus, some or all of which have coupling regions for use with different mediums (or different impedance of mediums). For example, each apparatus of the array may be unique.

Figure 4 provides an exemplary array 800 comprising such apparatus 700. In some embodiments, two or more apparatus 700 may be in communication with the same transducer.

Figure 5a-c shows an example of a process of providing, or manufacturing, transducer apparatus 600, similar to the transducer apparatus 100, 200, 400, 500, 700 described above. In this example, the transducer apparatus 600 is provided by deposition. That is so say that material is deposited on a substrate or the like. Here, the material for the first coupling region 600a is deposited onto a transducer 620.

Further coupling regions 600b-600d are deposited onto existing coupling regions 600a.

In further examples, material may be deposited onto a different substrate, which may be removable or usable to provide for attachment of the apparatus 600 with the transducer 620.

It will be appreciated that in some examples, the coupling regions 600a-600d provide a gradual change over the apparatus 600. That is to say that in some examples, one coupling region 600a-600d need not have a defined boundary with a further coupling region 600a-600d. Figure 6 provides an example of such apparatus 600.

Nonetheless, the impedance of a region at an upper portion 630 of the apparatus will be different from a coupling region at a lower portion 640 of the apparatus 600.

These may still be considered to be coupling regions 630, 640.

It will be appreciated that any of the aforementioned apparatus 100, 200, 400, 490, 500, 590, 600 or module 300, 390 may have other functions in addition to the described functions, and that these functions may be performed by the same apparatus or modules.

The applicant discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features.

In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. Transducer apparatus for communicating a signal with a medium, the apparatus comprising at least two coupling regions, the coupling regions providing a communicable path for a signal between a medium and a transducer, each coupling region being of a different impedance.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coupling regions are configured such that a signal is communicable through some or all of the coupling regions in order to be communicated between a transducer and a medium.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the coupling regions are configured such that a signal communicated through at least one coupling region is first communicated through at least one other coupling region.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2, or 3 wherein the apparatus is configured for use with a single transducer.
5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling regions comprise two or more layers, each layer defining a coupling region.
6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a signal communicated between a transducer and a medium is communicated to and/or from a medium substantially using one particular coupling region.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein that particular coupling region has similar, or the same, impedance as a medium.
8. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein that particular coupling region has the closest matched impedance to a medium.
9. Apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a signal is communicable to a medium via at least two coupling regions.
10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling regions are configured to provide a graded, or gradual, changed in impedance across some or all of the apparatus.
11. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the impedance of the coupling regions is considered to be hierarchical, such that the impedance of a coupling region configured to be further from a transducer is less than that of a coupling region configured to be closer to a transducer.
12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the coupling regions and/or apparatus is configured with impedances to be used with a particular medium.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each coupling region provides for communication of a signal between a transducer and a medium of different densities and/or temperatures.
14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim configured for use with acoustic signals, such as ultrasonic acoustic signals.
15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein an outer region of the apparatus is partially or fully covered with a piezoelectric.
16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprised with a transducer.
17. Apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 15, wherein the apparatus is configured to attach with a transducer.
18. A transducer module comprising two or more apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 17.
19. A module according to claim 18, wherein the two or more apparatus are configured for use with different mediums.
20. A module according to claim 18, wherein at least one apparatus is configured for use with a gas, and at least one different apparatus is configured for use with a liquid.
21. A module according to any of the claims 18 to 20, comprising a dampening region, the dampening region provided between the two or more apparatus and configured to inhibit, or reduce, the chance of cross talk between the two or more apparatus.
22. A measurement device, the device comprising an apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 17, or a module according to any of the claims 18 to 21.
23. The device according to claim 22, wherein the device is an oil and gas measurement device.
24. The device according to claim 23, wherein the device is a multi-phase measurement device, such as a multi-phase flow meter.
25. A method for communicating signals with a medium, the method comprising: providing apparatus comprising at least two coupling regions, the coupling regions providing a communicable path for a signal between a medium and a transducer, each coupling region being of a different impedance to allow for a signal to be communicated from a transducer to mediums of different impedances; communicating a signal through one or more of the coupling regions between a medium and a transducer.
26. The method according to claim 25, comprising communicating a signal through hierarchical coupling regions.
27. A method for providing transducer apparatus for communicating signals with a medium, the method comprising providing a first coupling region, the first coupling region providing a communicable path for a signal between a medium and a transducer; providing a second coupling region, the second coupling region providing a communicable path for a signal between a medium and the first coupling region; and wherein each coupling region has a different impedance such that the apparatus is configured to allow for communicating signals between a transducer and mediums of different impedances.
28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the coupling regions are provided as layers.
29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the coupling regions are deposited, such as by layered deposition.
30. The method according to any of the claims 27 to 29, wherein the first coupling region has a higher impedance than the second coupling region.
31. The method according to any of the claims 27 to 30, wherein the method comprises covering an outer region of the apparatus, either partially or fully, with a piezoelectric.
32. A method for providing transducer apparatus for communicating signals with a medium, the method comprising providing a first coupling region, the first coupling region providing a communicable path for a signal between a medium and a transducer; providing a second coupling region, the second coupling region providing a communicable path for a signal between a medium and a transducer; and wherein each coupling region has a different impedance such that the apparatus is configured to allow for communicating signals between a transducer and mediums of different impedances.
33. A transducer module for communicating signals with a medium, the module comprising at least two apparatus, each apparatus having a coupling region, each coupling region providing a communicable path for a signal between a medium and a transducer, each coupling region being of a different impedance and configured to allow for communicating signals between a transducer and mediums of different impedances.
34. A module according to claim 33, wherein one apparatus configured for use with gas, while the other apparatus is configured for liquid.
35. A module according to claim 33 or 34, wherein each apparatus is configured to communicate with the same transducer, or each apparatus is configured to communicate with different transducers.
36. A module according to any of the claims 33 to 35, wherein at least one of the apparatus comprises at least two coupling regions, the coupling regions providing a communicable path for a signal between a medium and a transducer, and each coupling region being of a different impedance.
37. A module according to claim 36, wherein the coupling regions of a particular apparatus are configured such that a signal communicated through at least one of the coupling regions, is first communicated through one of the other coupling regions.
38. A module according to any of the claims 33 to 37, wherein the apparatus comprises a dampening region, the dampening region provided between the two or more apparatus and configured to inhibit, or reduce, the chance of cross talk between the two or more apparatus.
39. A measurement device, the device comprising a module according to any of the claims 33 to 38.
40. The device according to claim 39, wherein the devices is at least one of the following: an oil and gas measurement device; a device for use with a flow meter; a flow meter; a multi-phase measurement device; a multi-phase flow meter.
41. An array comprising apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 17.
42. Apparatus, module or device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.
43. Methods substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.