US 12,241,827 B2
Device and method for detecting the presence of gas hydrate crystals
Didier Frot, Rueil-Malmaison (FR); and Nicolas Gautreau, Rueil-Malmaison (FR)
Assigned to IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES, Rueil-Malmaison (FR)
Appl. No. 18/034,816
Filed by IFP Energies nouvelles, Rueil-Malmaison (FR)
PCT Filed Oct. 21, 2021, PCT No. PCT/EP2021/079289
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date May 1, 2023,
PCT Pub. No. WO2022/096285, PCT Pub. Date May 12, 2022.
Claims priority of application No. 2011248 (FR), filed on Nov. 3, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2023/0400407 A1, Dec. 14, 2023
Int. Cl. G01N 21/31 (2006.01)
CPC G01N 21/31 (2013.01) [G01N 2201/06113 (2013.01)] 12 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A device for detecting at least the presence of gas hydrate crystals formed from a fluid likely to form gas hydrate crystals, characterized in that said device comprises:
A. a polychromatic light source likely to emit a radiation at least in the visible spectrum;
B. a body whereof at least a portion is in contact with said fluid, said portion of said body comprising a reflecting surface having a predefined color, said predefined color being associated with a wavelength range in the visible spectrum;
C. means for measuring a light intensity as a function of wavelength, so arranged as to detect a radiation re-emitted in a non-specular manner by said reflecting surface of said portion of said body having a predefined color when said reflecting surface of said portion of said body having a predefined color is illuminated by said polychromatic light source;
D. means for detecting at least said presence of hydrate crystals from said light intensity measured as a function of wavelength and at least one predefined threshold.