Non-invasive process fluid flow indication using temperature difference

Abstract

A process fluid flow system includes a first pipe skin sensor and a second pipe skin sensor. The first pipe skin sensor is disposed to measure an external temperature of a process fluid conduit at a first location on the process fluid conduit. The second pipe skin sensor is disposed to measure an external temperature of a process fluid conduit at a second location on the process fluid conduit. Measurement circuitry is coupled to the first and second pipe skin sensors. A controller is coupled to the measurement circuitry and is configured to identify a process fluid flow condition based on signals from the first and second pipe skin sensors and to output an indication of the process fluid flow condition.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates to a process fluid flow system. Background technique [0002] Many industrial processes convey process fluids through pipes or other conduits. Such process fluids may include liquids, gases, and sometimes entrained solids. These process fluid streams can be found in a variety of industries including, but not limited to, hygienic food and beverage production, water treatment, high-purity pharmaceuticals, chemical processing, hydrocarbon fuel industries, including hydrocarbon extraction and processing, and utilizing abrasive and corrosive Hydraulic fracturing of mud. [0003] Measuring process fluid properties (eg, pressure, flow, or temperature) often requires the use of measurement instruments that extend into the process fluid. This extension of the measuring instrument to the process fluid is an invasive measurement because it requires the process fluid conduit to have a hole through which the measuring instrument pa...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In addition, measuring instruments exposed to process fluids can be worn out or damaged by high velocity process fluids, which in some cases can be very abrasive

Images