Fluid flow blockage device for process fluid flow measurement device

Abstract

A fluid flow obstruction device for a process fluid flow measurement device includes a first wall having a first side. A second wall having a proximal end is arranged proximal to the first side of the first wall. This arrangement forms a first vertex between the first wall and the second wall. At least one additional wall is arranged parallel to the second wall and a distance from the proximal end of the first side of the first wall. The arrangement of the at least one additional wall and the first wall forms a corresponding additional vertex.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to industrial process control and measurement devices. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for measuring the fluid flow of a process fluid. Background Art

[0002] Many industries use field devices (such as process variable transmitters) to remotely sense or control process variables. These process variables are often related to fluids (such as slurries, liquids, steam, gases, chemicals, pulp, oil, pharmaceuticals, food and other fluid processing plants). Process variables can include pressure, temperature, flow, turbidity, density, concentration, chemical compensation and other properties. Other examples of field devices include valves, actuators, heaters and controllers.

[0003] Industrial process fluid flow measurement devices typically require multiple components. For example, one type of process fluid flow transmitter includes a fluid blockage device disposed in a fluid flow within a conduit. The process flow transmitter then measures the differential pressure before and after the fluid blockage device (such as an orifice plate, v-cone, or regulating orifice plate) in the fluid conduit and calculates the mass flow rate or volume flow rate of the fluid passing therethrough. The fluid blockage device causes a differential pressure to be generated between the upstream and downstream sides of the blockage, which is related to the flow rate of the fluid. The process variable fluid flow transmitter then transmits the fluid flow information to a process controller, which can be a computer located in a control room or even another field device installed in the field.

[0004] Wedge flow meters are typically conduit flow meters that use a wedge-shaped fluid blockage to restrict the conduit and generate a differential pressure signal. The instrument branch typically transmits the differential pressure signal to a differential pressure transmitter through a remote seal. One advantage of wedge flow meters is that the wedge element wears much slower than an orifice plate. Wedges are often used to measure flow in viscous, corrosive, or particulate-laden fluids that are not suitable for orifice plates. The two most common wedge flow meter designs are external wedge elements and internal wedge elements.

[0005] The external wedge element is usually made of angle steel and welded into a V-shaped slot on the flow meter body. The advantage of an external wedge flow meter is that little specialized manufacturing equipment or tooling is required. The size of the external wedge element can be controlled by the size of the V-shaped slot and the size of the angle steel used. The disadvantage of an external wedge flow meter is that the accuracy of the flow measurement may be reduced due to the tolerances of the geometry involved and welding distortion. The external wedge must be calibrated to obtain reasonable measurement accuracy.

[0006] The internal wedge element slides into the meter body and is anchored in place therein. The outer diameter of the wedge element is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the wedge flow meter conduit body to allow the wedge element to slide in. The rounded wedge shape of the internal wedge does not lend itself to traditional machining methods, i.e., milling, computer numerical control (CNC), etc., due to the difficulty in securing / holding the wedge element. The internal wedge is typically manufactured by first turning the outer diameter of an angle steel on a lathe to match the inner diameter of the wedge flow meter, and then cutting the wedge from the angle steel blank using electrical discharge machining (EDM). The advantage of an internal wedge manufactured in this manner is that the accuracy of the internal wedge is higher than that of the external wedge due to improved manufacturing tolerances. The disadvantages of the internal wedge can include material waste, the wedge element is bulky, specialized EDM machining capabilities are required, and large angle steel blanks must be inventory and machined, creating material handling risks. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to some aspects of the present specification, a fluid flow obstruction device for a process fluid flow measurement device includes a first wall having a first side. A second wall having a proximal end is arranged at the proximal end of the first side of the first wall. This arrangement forms a first vertex between the first wall and the second wall. At least one additional wall is arranged parallel to the second wall and a distance from the proximal end of the first side of the first wall. The arrangement of the at least one additional wall and the first wall forms a corresponding additional vertex.

[0008] According to some aspects of the present specification, a method of manufacturing a fluid flow obstruction device for a process fluid flow measurement device includes: providing a first wall having a first side; and arranging a second wall proximal to the first side of the first wall to form a first vertex. In addition, arranging at least one additional wall parallel to the second wall and at a distance from the proximal end of the first side of the first wall to form a corresponding additional vertex.

[0009] According to some aspects of the present specification, a system for measuring process fluid flow includes a fluid flow conduit having an inlet and an outlet. A fluid flow blocking device is arranged in the body of the fluid flow conduit between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid flow blocking device includes a first wall having a first side. A second wall having a proximal end is arranged at the proximal end of the first side of the first wall. This arrangement forms a first vertex between the first wall and the second wall. At least one additional wall is arranged parallel to the second wall and a certain distance from the proximal end of the first side of the first wall. The arrangement of the at least one additional wall and the first wall forms corresponding additional vertices. A differential pressure sensor is configured to sense a process fluid differential pressure on either side of the fluid flow blocking device.

[0010] This summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form, which are further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all of the disadvantages noted in the background technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 A schematic embodiment of a pressure fluid flow measurement device is shown.

[0012] Figure 2A showing a cross-sectional view of a fluid flow conduit having an internal wedge-shaped element as a fluid flow obstruction device;

[0013] Figure 2B Show Figure 1 Implementation plan of differential pressure transmitter and control room;

[0014] Figure 2C Show Figure 1 Simplified block diagram of a differential pressure transmitter;

[0015] Figure 3A A schematic cross-sectional view showing a fluid flow conduit;

[0016] Figure 3B A schematic front cross-sectional view showing a fluid flow conduit;

[0017] Figure 3C A schematic cross-sectional view showing a fluid flow conduit;

[0018] Figure 3D A schematic cross-sectional view showing a fluid flow conduit;

[0019] Figure 4A An embodiment of a fluid flow obstruction device is shown;

[0020] Figure 4B An embodiment of a fluid flow obstruction device is shown;

[0021] Figure 5 showing a side view of a fluid flow obstruction device;

[0022] Figure 6 An embodiment of a rib of a fluid flow obstruction device is shown;

[0023] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a fluid flow obstruction device;

[0024] Figure 8 An embodiment of a fluid flow obstruction device is shown;

[0025] Fig. 9showing a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid flow obstruction device;

[0026] Fig.10 An embodiment showing modification of the fluid flow obstruction device to different h / D ratios;

[0027] Fig.11 An embodiment of a method of making a fluid flow obstruction device is shown;

[0028] Fig.12 An embodiment of a fluid flow obstruction device is shown;

[0029] Fig.13 An embodiment of an additive manufacturing system is shown; and

[0030] Fig.14 An embodiment of a method of making a fluid flow obstruction device for use with a fluid flow conduit is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a process control system 100 is shown having a flow meter 9 having a fluid flow conduit 10, such as a conduit having an inlet and an outlet and a differential pressure transmitter 70. A fluid flow obstruction device 1 is arranged in a body 2 of the fluid flow conduit 10, the fluid flow obstruction device being embodied as a wedge-shaped element. Figure 1 As shown, the fluid is shown flowing in a direction from the inlet 8A to the outlet 8B of the fluid flow conduit 10. The constriction caused by the fluid flow obstruction device 1 causes a differential pressure between each side of the fluid flow obstruction device 1. The differential pressure is related to the flow rate and is measured and converted to a flow rate measurement value by the differential pressure transmitter 70.

[0032] Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a fluid flow conduit 10 of a process control system 100 is shown having an internal wedge-shaped element as a fluid flow obstruction device 1. The flange 3 transmits a differential pressure signal (i.e., a high pressure signal) through the connector 7A and a low pressure signal through the connector 7B to a differential pressure transmitter 70. The sensor 75 (see Figure 2B ) is configured to sense high pressure signals (ie, pressure P1 ) and low pressure signals (ie, pressure P2 ) on either side of the fluid flow obstruction device 1 .

[0033] Figure 2BAn exemplary embodiment of a process control system 100 is shown, which includes a differential pressure (DP) transmitter 70 and a control room 72. The differential pressure transmitter 70 includes a sensor 75 that senses the pressure difference between pressure P1 and pressure P2 in the process fluid, and then relays an electronic signal to the control room 72 through a control loop 73. In this example, the control room 72 also provides power from a power supply 71 to the differential pressure transmitter 70 through the control loop 73. The control loop 73 also allows a communication system 76 to communicate between the control room 72 and the differential pressure transmitter 70. In multiple embodiments, the control loop 73 is a two-wire communication circuit, such as a 4-20mA current loop or a process control industry standard HART® or fieldbus loop. In other embodiments, the differential pressure transmitter 70 and the control room 72 communicate through a wireless network (such as WirelessHART®). In still other embodiments, the output of the differential pressure transmitter 70 is readable by a handheld device, which is connected to the differential pressure transmitter 70 by wire or wireless means.

[0034] The differential pressure transmitter 70 includes a transmitter circuit 77, a sensor 75, and an electronics housing 78. The transmitter circuit 77 is electronically connected to an electronics board 80 via lines 79 for communication with the control loop 73. The transmitter circuit 77 includes components for transmitting the electrical pressure signal generated by the pressure sensor 75 to the control room 72 or to a local display (such as an LCD screen 81), or both, via the control loop 73. The transmitter circuit 77 conditions the output of the sensor 75 to a format compatible with the control loop 73.

[0035] Sensor 75 is connected to the process fluid through connectors 7A and 7B. Process flange 83 includes passages 84A and 84B, and connectors 85A and 85B. Sensor module 86 includes isolation tubes 87A and 87B, and isolation diaphragms 88A and 88B. Isolation tubes 87A and 87B include passages coupled to sensor 75 at a first end and to isolation diaphragms 88A and 88B at a second end. Isolation diaphragms 88A and 88B are connected to process flange 83, which is typically bolted or fixed to the base of sensor module 86.

[0036] Figure 2Cis a simplified block diagram showing a DP transmitter 70. The DP transmitter 70 includes a sensor module 86 and an electronics board 80 coupled together by a data bus 66. The sensor module electronics 67 includes a sensor 75 that receives pressures P1 and P2 of the process fluid and provides an output 58 related to the differential pressure to an analog to digital converter 82. An optional temperature sensor 89 may be used for temperature compensation and is shown along with a sensor module memory 90. The electronics board 80 includes a microcomputer system or microprocessor 74, an electronics module memory 91, a digital to analog signal converter 92, and a digital communications block 95.

[0037] Figure 2C Also shown are capillary or "fill" tubes 87A and 87B, which are used to couple sensor 75 to the process fluid. Isolation diaphragms 88A and 88B receive pressures P1 and P2, respectively, from the process fluid, which responsively is applied to the fill fluid carried in capillary tubes 93 and 94. Through this fluid fill, the pressure of the process fluid is applied to sensor 75.

[0038] The size of the fluid flow obstruction device 1 formed as an internal wedge-shaped element produces different h / D ratios within the fluid flow conduit 10, resulting in different differential pressure signals for a given flow rate. Figures 3A-3D As shown, the h / D ratio refers to the ratio between the height h of the space between the inner wall of the fluid flow conduit 10 and the apex of the fluid flow obstruction device 1, or wedge-shaped element, and the inner diameter D of the body 2 of the fluid flow conduit 10. Most wedge flow meter manufacturers offer h / D ratios between 0.20 and 0.60 in increments of 0.05 or 0.10 to meet the needs of most variations while incorporating iterations into a finite value. Each flow application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine the optimal wedge element size. Factors that may be considered in determining the wedge element diameter D for a given internal fluid flow conduit 10 or given differential pressure within the conduit may include: minimum, normal and maximum Reynolds numbers, permanent pressure loss, accuracy of flow rate measurement, target differential pressure values ​​at normal / maximum flow rates, and transmitter differential pressure range.

[0039] Figures 3A-3D 1 shows a schematic cross section of a fluid flow conduit 10, in which a fluid flow obstruction device 1 is arranged in a body 2 of the fluid flow conduit 10. Specifically, Figures 3A-3D The h / D ratio is shown for the fluid flow conduit 10. The h / D ratio indicates how much of the conduit area is open to fluid flow compared to being closed at the wedge or restriction apex. Figure 3A The ratio in a wedge-shaped flow meter is shown to be approximately 0.5, wherein the height h of the available space in the body 2 of the fluid flow obstruction device 1 is approximately half the internal diameter D of the body 2 . Figure 3B The main body 2 of the fluid flow conduit 10 is shown. Figure 3A The fluid flow obstruction device 1 is shown as leaving approximately half of the fluid flow conduit 10 open to fluid flow.

[0040] Figure 3C and 3D shows different h / D ratios Figure 3A variants. Figure 3C A smaller h / D ratio of 0.2 is shown, wherein the fluid flow obstruction device 1 leaves a space within the fluid flow conduit 10 of height h, which is less than half the diameter D of the body 2 . Figure 3D A larger h / D ratio of 0.6 is shown, where the fluid flow obstruction device 1 leaves a space within the body 2 of a height h greater than half the diameter D of the body 2 of the fluid flow conduit 10 .

[0041] Figure 4A and 4B An embodiment of a fluid flow obstruction device 1 is shown having multiple walls arranged in place, or specific h / D ratio points associated with discrete h / D ratios. The specific h / D ratio can be achieved by cutting along the cutting side of the wall having the specific h / D ratio, and removing additional wall and rib material of the fluid flow obstruction device 1 outside the specific h / D ratio. Material is minimized to only the necessary locations for anchoring, structural robustness, and associated h / D ratio walls. This reduces the amount of material, making the internal wedge-shaped element lighter and less dense.

[0042] Figure 4A A fluid flow obstruction device 1 is shown, which is embodied as an internal wedge-shaped element having multiple walls. Each wall provides structural rigidity in all directions. The fluid flow obstruction device 1 includes a first wall 11 or upstream wall, and a second wall 15 or downstream wall. The first wall proximal end 13 is arranged at an angle α to the second wall proximal end 16 at the first vertex 60. At least one additional wall, such as a third wall 18, is arranged parallel to the second wall 15 having a second vertex 61, and the third wall proximal end 21 is arranged on the first side 12 of the first wall 11, at a certain distance 19 from the first wall proximal end 13. In a non-limiting embodiment, the interior of each vertex 60, 61 includes a larger fillet 41 or thicker portion to prevent vertex wear, that is, to prevent fluid flow from compromising the integrity of the fluid flow obstruction device 1 for corrosive applications.

[0043] In another embodiment, at least one structural rib 22 is arranged linearly from the first wall distal end 14 to the second wall distal end 17, intersecting the third wall distal end 20. Although only one rib is shown, more ribs may be included. The rib 22 is arranged perpendicular to the first wall 11 and the second wall 15, intersecting the third wall 18. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rib 22 extends along the first side 12 of the first wall 11. Figure 4A In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the ribs 22 extend along the length of the first side 12 of the first wall 11. The ribs 22 also extend along the length of the inner side 23 of the second wall.

[0044] In another embodiment, the rib 22 includes at least one notch 30 or saw guide disposed along the third wall cut side 32. The notch 30 may be an area of ​​the rib 22 such that the rib 22 does not extend all the way along the third wall cut side 32 to the third wall distal end 20.

[0045] The above arrangement of the fluid flow obstruction device 1 advantageously allows the fluid flow obstruction device 1 to be modified to accommodate different h / D ratio requirements. A band saw or equivalent can cut through the rib 22 along the third wall cutting side 32, maintaining the specified h / D ratio, i.e., the third wall 18, and cut off a portion of the rib 22 and the entire second wall 15. The remaining wedge, including the first wall 11 and the third wall 18, can be ground and honed along the third wall cutting side 32.

[0046] Figure 4B include Figure 4A The feature of the embodiment of the present invention is that the embodiment of the present invention further comprises at least one additional wall 24 arranged parallel to the second wall 15 and the third wall 18 and between the second wall and the third wall, at a distance 25 from the proximal end 13 of the first wall, and having a corresponding additional vertex 62. Figure 4B Only the additional wall 24 is shown, but further iterations of walls may be included. The ribs 22, like the third wall 18, are arranged to intersect the additional wall 24 at a perpendicular angle.

[0047] In another embodiment, the fluid flow obstruction device 1 further comprises an anchor boss 31 disposed on the structural rib 22 between the first wall 11 and the third wall 18. The anchor boss 31 may optionally include a plurality of activation holes 63, 64, 65 for the anchor 35 (e.g., Figures 4A-4B 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 63, 64, 65. The anchor boss 31 includes a plurality of actuation holes 63, 64, 65, such as studs, bolts, etc. Each actuation hole 63, 64, 65 corresponds to a vertex 60, 61, 62. The anchor 35 connects the fluid flow obstruction device 1 to the body 2 of the fluid flow conduit 10. In an alternative embodiment, the anchor boss 31 includes a single actuation hole 63. In this configuration, the actuation hole 63 may not be aligned with the vertex of the appropriate h / D ratio wall.

[0048] In one embodiment, the length of the first wall 11 is substantially equal to the length of the second wall 15. The height of the additional walls, such as the third wall 18 and the additional wall 24, is substantially equal to the length of the first wall 11 minus the distance from the wall to the first wall proximal end 13. In this embodiment, the second wall 15 is taller than the third wall 18 and the additional wall 24.

[0049] Figure 5A side view of an embodiment of the fluid flow obstruction device 1 is shown, which also shows the notches 30 or saw guides adjacent to the second wall 15 and the additional wall 24, respectively. Figure 4A As discussed, the notch 30 is disposed adjacent to the cuttable side of the given h / D ratio wall, or third wall 18 and / or additional wall 24. The notch 30 may be formed in a variety of shapes. Figure 5 The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 shows a notch 30 with a blunt end. Other embodiments may include a notch 30 with a pointed end. The notch 30 allows a band saw or other cutting element to naturally begin to approach the third wall cutting side 32 or the additional wall cutting side 33. The blunt end arrangement of the notch 30 further guides the cutting element, thereby improving the cuttability of the fluid flow obstruction device 1. With this arrangement, the rib 22 is directed to the cutting element 55 (such as Figure 6 1 ) leads to and through the first wall 11 of the fluid flow obstruction device 1 as the cutting element 55 passes along the wall through the ribs 22. Additionally or alternatively, the cutting guide includes or is embodied as a perforation 38 or another material reduction that can be introduced into the ribs 22 at a predetermined cutting point.

[0050] Figure 6 An alternative or additional embodiment of the fluid flow obstruction device 1 is shown in which the rib 22 has a conical piece 28 as a cutting guide on at least one side of the rib 22 along the length of the third wall cutting side 32 and / or the additional wall cutting side 33, thereby providing a cutting guide for the cutting element 55. The conical piece 28 is arranged adjacent to the h / D ratio wedge wall, namely the third wall cutting side 32 and the additional wall cutting side 33. This configuration uses the rib material thickness and the wall material thickness to keep the cutting element 55 on a path, which is indicated by arrow 56, directly flush with the wall edge. The excess material on each side of the cutting element 55, namely the wall and rib material outside the conical piece 28, pushes the cutting element 55 to the desired path 56, thereby opposing the blade travel portion.

[0051] The above-described embodiment advantageously allows multiple h / D ratios to be manufactured using only a few fluid flow obstruction devices, since multiple h / D ratios are manufactured in a single fluid flow obstruction device. When a specific h / D ratio is desired, a fluid flow obstruction device 1 having the required h / D ratio can be provided as part of a post-customization or modification of the fluid flow obstruction device 1 after manufacture.

[0052] Figure 7 Also shown in FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the fluid flow blocking device 1, similar to FIG. Figure 4B, which shows a cross section of the fluid flow obstruction device 1 through the anchor boss 31. The cross section of the anchor boss 31 includes a start hole 63, 64, 65 for the anchor 35 at a location on the corresponding vertex 60, 61, 62 of each h / D ratio wall (i.e., the second wall 15, the third wall 18 and / or the additional wall 24). Part of the later customization is to use the anchor 35 internal thread to tap the appropriate start hole. The diameter of the start hole 63, 64, 65 is such that when the anchor hole is drilled and tapped into the appropriate start hole, the other unused start holes will not interfere with the thread of the tapped anchor hole. Figure 7 A first vertex 60 is shown, which corresponds to the vertex of the first wall 11 and the second wall 15, and is aligned with the first start hole 63. A second vertex 61, which corresponds to the vertex of the first wall 11 and the third wall 18, is in line with the second start hole 64. A third vertex 62, which corresponds to the vertex of the first wall 11 and the additional wall 24, is aligned with the third start hole 65.

[0053] Figure 8 An embodiment of a fluid flow obstruction device 1 is shown, similar to Figure 4B . The fluid flow obstruction device 1 includes at least one drainage hole 45 arranged on each side of each rib 22, intersecting the rib 22 and each vertex 60, 61, 62. In one embodiment, the drainage holes 45 do not connect the high pressure side and the low pressure side, but are connected to the area on either side of the rib 22. Each drainage hole 45 allows condensate or liquid to drain out of the fluid flow obstruction device 1. This configuration helps prevent water from freezing and expanding within the fluid flow obstruction device 1.

[0054] Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a fluid flow conduit 10 is shown with a fluid flow obstruction device 1 attached to a body 2 of the fluid flow conduit 10, wherein the profile of the outer diameter 34 of the fluid flow obstruction device 1 may be flush with or slightly lower than the inner diameter 29 of the body 2, curving with the inner diameter of the body 2, wherein at least the distal end 14 of the first wall 11 and the distal end 17 of the second wall 15, and at least one of the distal ends 20, 26 of the inner diameter 29 of at least one additional wall 18, 24 of the body 2. The fluid flow obstruction device 1 can be inserted into the fluid flow conduit 10 and fixed in place using an anchor 35. Fluid flows in the direction of arrow 40, wherein the first wall 11 is arranged on the upstream side of the fluid flow obstruction device 1 and the second wall 15, and the third wall 18 and any additional wall 24 are arranged on the downstream side of the fluid flow obstruction device 1. Anchor bosses 31 hold at least one anchor 35 fixed and attach the fluid flow obstruction device 1 to the fluid flow conduit 10.

[0055] Fig.10An embodiment is shown in which the fluid flow obstruction device 1 is modified to a different h / D ratio when a specific h / D ratio is required or desired. The fluid flow obstruction device 1 is constructed to be customized later, which means that one or two easily modified parts can be stored to accommodate different fluid flow conduit sizes, rather than five to ten separate h / D ratio parts. Once a specific h / D ratio is required to achieve the sequence placed, the fluid flow obstruction device 1 can be modified to the required h / D ratio. The residue 50 on the third wall 18, the additional wall 24 and / or the first wall 11 can be ground or washed or smoothed.

[0056] In one non-limiting example, if the required h / D ratio is the default manufactured fluid obstruction device, in other words, at the second wall 15, no post-custom cutting and grinding operations are required. By way of non-limiting example, if the fluid flow obstruction device 1 is manufactured using a default h / D ratio of 0.2, and a 0.2 h / D fluid flow obstruction device is required in the order, no sawing or grinding operations are required to modify the fluid flow obstruction device 1 to the required h / D ratio of 0.2. In this example, the fluid flow obstruction device 1 remains unmodified and can be attached within the fluid flow conduit 10 and includes the second wall 15 and at least one additional wall 18, 24.

[0057] Alternatively, if the required h / D ratio is not the default h / D ratio, but a different ratio, i.e. an h / D ratio of 0.3 at the additional wall 24, then as a later customization at the notch 30 arranged in the rib 22, the second wall 15 and the rib 22 are cut from the fluid flow obstruction device 1 along the additional wall cutting side 33. The fluid flow obstruction device 1 retains the third wall 18 and the additional wall 24, while the second wall 15 is removed.

[0058] As another non-limiting example, if the required h / D ratio, i.e., the h / D ratio of the third wall 18, is 0.4, then as a post-customization at the notch 30 arranged in the rib 22, the second wall 15 and the additional wall 24 are cut from the fluid flow obstruction device 1 along the third wall cut side 32. The fluid flow obstruction device 1 retains the third wall 18, while the second wall 15 and the additional wall 24 (if present) are removed.

[0059] like Figure 4A As shown, as a non-limiting example, the fluid flow obstruction device 1 can be configured such that the default manufacturing h / D ratio of the fluid flow obstruction device 1 is 0.5. The third wall 18 can be arranged with an h / D ratio of 0.6. By way of non-limiting example, Figure 4B The fluid flow obstruction device 1 may be configured such that the default manufactured h / D ratio is 0.2, and may be modified to have h / D wedges of 0.3 and 0.4.

[0060] Fig.11An embodiment of a method 200 for manufacturing a fluid flow obstruction device 1 is shown. The first step 205 is to provide a first wall 11. The second step 210 is to arrange the second wall 15 at the proximal end 13 of the first wall and form a first vertex 60. The third step 215 is to arrange at least one additional wall 18, 24 parallel to the second wall 15, a certain distance from the proximal end 13 of the first wall along the first side 12 of the first wall 11, and have a corresponding at least one additional vertex, namely the second vertex 61 and / or the third vertex 62. The fourth step 220 is to arrange the second wall 15 and each of the additional walls, namely the third wall 18 and / or the additional wall 24, along the first side 12 of the first wall 11 at a predetermined h / D ratio. The fifth step 225 is to make each of the at least one additional wall 18, 24 intersect with the rib 22, which extends from the distal end 14 of the first wall to the distal end 17 of the second wall.

[0061] For a self-supporting design, in one embodiment, each feature of the fluid flow obstruction device is fabricated at a 60 degree angle from horizontal 36 . Fig.12 The fluid flow obstruction device 1 is shown with a horizontal line 36 that is in one plane with the first wall 11. Each feature is arranged at least 60 degrees relative to the horizontal line 36. In one embodiment, the ribs 22, the second wall 15, and the at least one additional wall 18, 24 are manufactured at 90 degrees to the horizontal line 36, or along the longitudinal direction 37. The second wall 15 and the additional walls 18, 24 are manufactured perpendicular to the first wall 11, and the ribs 22 are perpendicular to each of the first wall 11, the second wall 15, and the at least one additional wall 18, 24, which helps provide structural integrity from induced forces or pressures from any direction.

[0062] The described fluid flow obstruction device 1 is formed as a single self-supporting structure. There are several methods available, including casting and additive manufacturing (AM) methods for metal 250. A non-limiting example of an AM method is laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), sometimes also referred to as direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). Fig.13 A general DMLS process schematic 400 is shown. The basic principle of the process is that in a 3D printer, very dense metal powder 408 is fused by a laser 402 (such as a CO2 laser) in thin layers on a build platform 405, and then the thickness of a layer is reduced until the final part 404 is completely melted together. The 3D printer consists of a dispenser platform 407 for the metal powder 408 and a sintering / melting unit. Fig.13In the case of, includes a laser unit 402, an optical fiber 401 and a scanning head 403. The laser unit 402 selectively sintered / melted the powder 408 relative to the layer geometry of the fluid flow blocking device 1. After the sintering / melting of the layer, the powder dispenser platform 407 moves upward and / or the construction platform 405 moves downward by a distance equal to the thickness of the layer to provide the powder 408 required for printing a new layer, and the recoater blade 409 on the recoater 410 transfers the powder 408 to the sintering / melting zone by moving from the right position to the left position. Excess material falls onto the collector platform 406. The same process is continued until the manufacture of the last layer of the fluid flow blocking device 1 is completed.

[0063] The self-supporting design of the fluid flow obstruction device 1 means that no lattice or support structure is required during the printing process, making the wedge-shaped element or the fluid flow obstruction device 1 an economical and practical candidate for AM. In addition, the cost of the AM component involves a reduction in the volume and amount of material for the fluid flow obstruction device 1, resulting in a reduction in the cost of the fluid flow obstruction device 1.

[0064] Fig.14 An embodiment of a method 300 for preparing a liquid flow obstruction device 1 is shown. Fig.11 The fluid flow blocking device described in is manufactured for installation in a process control system 100. In a first step 305, a request for a specified predetermined h / D ratio is received. In a second step, there are two alternative steps depending on the h / D ratio of the required step 305: in a first alternative step 310, the specified or required predetermined ratio is at one of the additional walls (i.e., the third wall 18 or the additional wall 24). In this option, a third step 315 of cutting through the first wall 11 along the cutting side of the additional wall is performed corresponding to the required predetermined h / D ratio. The second alternative step 320 occurs at the specified predetermined ratio at the second wall 15, or the default manufacturing ratio. In this case, no cutting is performed. In a fourth step 323, start holes 63, 64, 65 corresponding to the vertices 60, 61, 62 of the required h / D ratio are optionally prepared for the anchor 35. The preparation may include tapping the start hole. The final step 325 is to use the anchor 35 through the anchor boss 31 in the process control system 100 and attach the fluid flow obstruction device to the body 2 of the fluid flow conduit 10 to install the fluid flow obstruction device at the specified predetermined h / D ratio.

[0065] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the description.

Claims

1. A fluid flow obstruction device for a process fluid flow measurement device, the fluid flow obstruction device comprising: a first wall having a first side; a second wall having a proximal end disposed at a proximal end of the first side of the first wall to form a first apex; at least one additional wall arranged parallel to the second wall and spaced a distance from the proximal end of the first side of the first wall to form a corresponding additional vertex; and a rib contacting the first side of the first wall and extending to the second wall to intersect the at least one additional wall; wherein at least one of the distal end of the first wall and the distal end of the second wall and at least one additional wall distal end are configured to contact an inner wall of a flow meter conduit, Wherein the rib is arranged perpendicular to the first wall, the second wall and the at least one additional wall.

2. The fluid flow obstruction device of claim 1, wherein the rib extends linearly from the distal end of the first wall along the first side to the second wall.

3. The fluid flow blocking device of claim 1, further comprising an anchor boss disposed on the rib, wherein the anchor boss further comprises at least one hole for an anchor.

4. A fluid flow obstruction device as described in claim 1, wherein the at least one additional wall includes a third wall and an additional wall.

5. A fluid flow obstruction device as described in claim 3, wherein each hole is aligned with a corresponding apex.

6. The fluid flow obstruction device of claim 1, further comprising a notch in the rib, the rib being arranged on a cut side of the at least one additional wall, wherein the notch is adjacent to the at least one additional wall.

7. A fluid flow obstruction device as described in claim 1, wherein each side of the rib adjacent to the cutting side of the at least one additional wall includes a cutting guide.

8. A fluid flow blocking device as described in claim 1, wherein each of the second wall and the at least one additional wall is arranged at a specific h / D ratio point, and the specific h / D ratio point increases in increments of 0.05 or 0.10 between 0.20 and 0.

60.

9. A method of manufacturing a fluid flow obstruction device for a process fluid flow measurement device, the method comprising: providing a first wall having a first side, disposing a second wall proximal to the first side of the first wall and forming a first vertex, At least one additional wall is arranged parallel to the second wall, a certain distance from the proximal end of the first side of the first wall, and forms a corresponding additional vertex, and each of the at least one additional wall intersects a rib extending linearly from the first wall to the second wall.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising cutting through the rib and the first wall along a cutting side of the at least one additional wall at a specified h / D ratio.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising forming the fluid flow obstruction device as a single self-supporting structure.

12. A system for measuring process fluid flow, the system comprising: a fluid flow conduit having an inlet and an outlet; The fluid flow obstruction device of claim 1; as well as A differential pressure sensor is configured to sense a differential pressure of the process fluid on either side of the fluid flow obstruction.

13. The system for measuring process fluid flow of claim 12, further comprising an anchor boss disposed on the rib, wherein the anchor boss further comprises at least one hole for an anchor.

14. The system for measuring process fluid flow of claim 13, wherein each aperture is aligned with a corresponding apex.

15. The system for measuring process fluid flow of claim 13, wherein the fluid flow obstruction device is secured to the fluid flow conduit by the anchor.

16. The system for measuring process fluid flow of claim 15, wherein the first wall is disposed on the inlet side or the outlet side of the fluid flow conduit, and the second wall and / or the at least one additional wall are disposed on an opposite side of the fluid flow conduit.

17. The system for measuring process fluid flow of claim 12, wherein the second wall and / or the at least one additional wall are respectively arranged at specific h / D ratio points, and the specific h / D ratio points increase in increments of 0.05 or 0.10 between 0.20 and 0.60.

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