Apparatus and method for measuring concentrations of scale-forming ions
US9034651B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 19, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/255
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for determination of ion concentrations, particularly in downhole water from hydrocarbon wells, aquifers etc. It is useful in a wide range of applications, including predicting the formation of scale and fingerprinting waters from different sources. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of ligands whose electronic configuration is altered by the binding of the scaling ions within a water sample. These alterations are detected electrochemically by applying varying potential to electrodes and measuring current flow as potential is varied, from which is derived the concentration of scaling ions in the fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.