Low-Cost Electromagnetic Split-Ring Resonator Sensor System for the Petroleum Industry

Area of Science:

• Applied Physics
• Chemical Engineering
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Accurate characterization of hydrocarbon fluid properties is crucial for the oil and gas industry.
• Existing methods for permittivity characterization can be complex, costly, or unsuitable for harsh environments.
• Need for a robust, real-time, and cost-effective sensor solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a low-cost split-ring resonator (SRR) passive sensor.
• To demonstrate the sensor's capability for real-time permittivity characterization of hydrocarbon fluids.
• To assess the sensor's performance in discriminating crude oil types and estimating key properties.

Main Methods:

• Sensor characterization using full-wave electromagnetic simulation.
• Experimental validation through measurements on various crude oil samples.
• Testing under diverse conditions, including high pressure (up to 970 bar) and high temperature (up to 200 °C).

Main Results:

• Successful real-time permittivity characterization of hydrocarbon fluids.
• Demonstrated ability to discriminate between different crude oil types.
• Accurate estimation of sulfur, aromatic hydrocarbon, and salt-water concentrations.
• Sensor maintained performance in high-pressure and high-temperature environments.

Conclusions:

• The developed low-cost SRR passive sensor is effective for real-time hydrocarbon fluid characterization.
• The sensor offers a viable solution for estimating critical properties like sulfur and salt content.
• The technology is suitable for demanding operational conditions in the oil and gas sector.