Flow meter coupling system

Abstract

A flow meter coupling system (300) is provided to reduce axial stress on a flow meter (302) including a first flow meter flange (314a) and a second flow meter flange (314b). The flow meter coupling system (300) includes a first process fluid member (304) configured to couple to the first flow meter flange (314a) of the flow meter (302), a second process fluid member (306), and a second connector member (310) configured to rigidly couple to at least one of the second flow meter flange (314b) or the second process fluid member (306) and to couple to the other of the second flow meter flange (314b) or the second process fluid member (306) in a manner that does not substantially provide axial stress.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to flow meter measurement systems, and more particularly, to flow meter coupling systems. BACKGROUND

[0002] Coriolis flow meters can be used to measure flow meter variables such as mass flow, density, and volume flow of a fluid. The fluid can include liquids, gases, mixed liquids and gases, solids suspended in a liquid, and liquids including gases and suspended solids.

[0003] Figure 1 An example flow meter 100 is depicted. The flow meter 100 includes a meter assembly 10 and meter electronics 20. The meter assembly 10 responds to changes in a fluid flow. The meter electronics 20 receive raw data from the meter assembly 10 via leads 102 and determine flow meter variables of the fluid being tested, as well as other information.

[0004] The meter assembly 10 includes a manifold 150, flanges 103 and 103', a pair of parallel flow tubes 130 and 130', a driver 180, and a pair of velocity pickoff sensors 170L and 170R. The flow tubes 130 and 130' are bent at two symmetric locations along their lengths and are substantially parallel throughout their lengths. Struts 140 and 140' serve to define an axis about which each flow tube oscillates.

[0005] When the flanges 103 and 103' are connected via inlet end 104 and outlet end 104' into a process line (not shown) carrying the process material to be measured, material entering the inlet end 104 of the meter through the flange 103 is directed by the manifold 150 to the flow tube mounting block 120. Within the manifold 150, the material is split and routed through the flow tubes 130 and 130'. Upon exiting the flow tubes 130 and 130', the process material is recombined into a single stream within the manifold 150 and then routed to the outlet end 104' connected to the process line (not shown) via the flange 103'.

[0006] The two flow tubes 130 and 130' are driven in opposite directions by the driver 180 and are in a so-called first out-of-phase bending mode of the flow meter. The driver 180 can include any of a number of well-known devices, such as a magnet mounted to the flow tube 130' and an opposing coil mounted to the flow tube 130 through which alternating current is passed to cause the two flow tubes to vibrate. Appropriate driver voltages are applied to the driver 180 by the meter electronics 20.

[0007] The meter electronics 20 provide drive signals to the driver 180 to vibrate the flow tubes 130 and 130'. The meter electronics 20 receive left and right velocity signals from the velocity pick-off sensors 170L and 170R to calculate mass flow, volume flow, and / or density information of the flow through the meter assembly 10.

[0008] The flow meter 100 also includes a housing (not shown) that protects the vibrating flow tubes. In the example of the flow meter 100, the housing is coupled to the flow tube mounting blocks 120, 120'. However, in other implementations, the housing can be coupled to other portions of the flow meter 100. For example, the housing can be coupled to any other portion of the manifold 150, or to the flanges 103, 103'.

[0009] While the example of the flow meter 100 includes two curved flow tubes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations of the flow meter 100 are possible. For example, the flow meter 100 can include one or any number of flow tubes in a straight or curved flow tube configuration.

[0010] Mounting the flow meter 100 by attaching the flanges 103, 103' to the process piping can exert a clamping force on the flow tubes in the axial direction. The flow tubes 130, 130' are sensitive to axial stress, which can change the natural frequency of the flow tubes 130, 130'. Changing the natural frequency of the flow tubes 130, 130' interferes with the measurement of the flow meter 100, thereby creating errors in the flow meter data.

[0011] In previous implementations, the spacing between the inlet and outlet of a Coriolis flow meter was typically maintained by positioning spacers between the manifolds as needed. For example, Figure 2A A flow meter 200A is depicted. The flow meter 200A includes a housing 202 within which flow tubes (not shown) are positioned. A stainless steel spacer 206 is positioned between flanges 204, 204' to maintain the spacing of the flanges, thereby preventing clamping forces from the flanges 204, 204' from affecting the flow tubes within the housing 202, which would increase sensor errors.

[0012] Figure 2B Another existing flow meter 200B is depicted. The flow meter 200B includes a housing 232 that surrounds flow tubes (not shown) and a shell 236 that provides an integrated manifold and spacer component between flanges 234, 234'. The shell 236 maintains the spacing between the flanges 234, 234', thereby preventing clamping strain from affecting the spacing of the flow tubes.

[0013] Recently, in an effort to reduce costs and complexity, the spacer function has been incorporated into some flow meter housings. For example,Figure 2C A flowmeter 200C corresponding to a high-accuracy CMFS model flowmeter is depicted. The flowmeter 200C includes a housing 262 that performs a spacer function between flanges 264, 264'. However, in some cases, the housing 262 can transmit just enough axial clamping force to the flow tube to interfere with sensitive activities, such as meter calibration activities. Thus, to verify the accuracy of the flowmeter, it is desirable to remove the axial clamping force on the flow tube prior to flowmeter testing, or prior to using the flowmeter.

[0014] What is needed is a method of coupling a flowmeter to a process line or test set-up without transmitting clamping force to the flowmeter flow tube. SUMMARY

[0015] In an embodiment, a flowmeter coupling system is provided to reduce axial stress on a flowmeter including a first flowmeter flange and a second flowmeter flange. The flowmeter coupling system includes a first process fluid member configured to couple to the first flowmeter flange of the flowmeter, a second process fluid member, and a second connector member configured to rigidly couple to at least one of the second flowmeter flange or the second process fluid member and to couple to the other of the second flowmeter flange or the second process fluid member in a manner that does not substantially provide axial stress.

[0016] In an embodiment, a method for reducing axial stress when coupling a flowmeter to a flowmeter coupling system is provided. The flowmeter includes a flowmeter housing, a first flowmeter flange, and a second flowmeter flange. The flowmeter coupling system includes a flowmeter alignment device, a first process fluid member, a second process fluid member, a first connector member, and a second connector member. The method includes positioning the flowmeter housing in the flowmeter alignment device of the flowmeter coupling system. The method also includes using the second connector member to rigidly couple the second connector member to at least one of the second flowmeter flange or the second process fluid member. The method also includes using the second connector member to couple the second connector member to the other of the second flowmeter flange or the second process fluid member in a manner that does not substantially provide axial stress.

[0017] ASPECTS

[0018] In an embodiment, the flowmeter coupling system can also include a first connector member rigidly coupled to the first process fluid member and the first flowmeter flange.

[0019] In an embodiment, the first process fluid member can be an inlet for a fluid and the second process fluid member can be an outlet for the fluid.

[0020] In embodiments, the flow meter coupling system can further include a flow meter alignment apparatus including at least one hanger for suspending the flow meter through the flow meter housing.

[0021] In embodiments, the first connector member can further include a first connector process fluid member collar configured to couple to the first process fluid member at a first process fluid member end of the first connector member, and a first connector flow meter engagement member configured to couple to the first flow meter flange at a flow meter end of the first connector member.

[0022] In embodiments, the first connector member can further include a flow reducer / increaser coupled to the first connector process fluid member collar at an end opposite the process fluid member end, and coupled to the first connector flow meter engagement member at an end opposite the flow meter end.

[0023] In embodiments, the second connector member can further include a second connector rigid engagement member, a second connector conduit member, and a second connector slidable coupling configured to sealably couple the second connector conduit member to the second process fluid member.

[0024] In embodiments, the second connector slidable coupling can further include a seal seat and an inflatable seal configured to be positioned within the seal seat to provide radial pressure to the second connector slidable coupling.

[0025] In embodiments, the second connector rigid engagement member can be coupled to the second flow meter flange, and the second connector slidable coupling can be coupled to the second process fluid member.

[0026] In embodiments, the method can further include rigidly coupling the first process fluid member to the first flow meter flange via the first connector member.

[0027] In embodiments, the first process fluid member can be an inlet for fluid, and the second process fluid member can be an outlet for fluid.

[0028] In embodiments, rigidly coupling the first process fluid member to the first flow meter flange via the first connector member can further include coupling a first connector process fluid member collar to the first process fluid member at a first process fluid member end of the first connector member, and coupling a first connector flow meter engagement member to the first flow meter flange at a flow meter end of the first connector member.

[0029] In embodiments, rigidly coupling the first process fluid member to the first flow meter flange with the first connector member can further include coupling a flow reducer / increaser to the first connector process fluid member collar at an end opposite the process fluid member end and coupling the flow reducer / increaser to the first connector flow meter engagement member at an end opposite the flow meter end.

[0030] In embodiments, rigidly coupling the second connector member to at least one of the second flow meter flange or the second process fluid member with the second connector member can further include coupling the second connector conduit member to the second connector rigid engagement member and coupling the second connector rigid engagement member to the at least one of the second flow meter flange or the second process fluid member, and slidably coupling the second connector member to the other of the second flow meter flange or the second process fluid member with the second connector member can further include slidably connecting the second connector slidable coupling to the second connector conduit member in a sealable manner.

[0031] In embodiments, slidably connecting the second connector slidable coupling to the second connector conduit member in a sealable manner can further include threadably connecting a seal seat and an expandable seal positioned within the seal seat on the second connector conduit member, and expanding the expandable seal to provide radial pressure to the second connector conduit member.

[0032] In embodiments, the second connector rigid engagement member can be coupled to the second flow meter flange, and the second connector slidable coupling can be coupled to the second process fluid member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] The same reference numbers in all the drawings indicate the same elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0034] Figure 1 A flow meter 100 according to embodiments is depicted;

[0035] Figure 2A A flow meter 200A according to embodiments is depicted;

[0036] Figure 2B A flow meter 200B according to embodiments is depicted;

[0037] Figure 2C A flow meter 200C according to embodiments is depicted;

[0038] Figure 3A A flow meter coupling system 300 according to embodiments is depicted;

[0039] Figure 3B A flow meter coupling system 300 according to embodiments is depicted;

[0040] Figure 3C A flow meter coupling system 300 according to an embodiment is depicted;

[0041] Figure 3D A flow meter coupling system 300 according to an embodiment is depicted;

[0042] Figure 4A A method 400A according to an embodiment is depicted;

[0043] Figure 4B A method 400B according to an embodiment is depicted;

[0044] Figure 4C A method 400C according to an embodiment is depicted;

[0045] Figure 4D A method 400D according to an embodiment is depicted;

[0046] Figure 5A A flow meter coupling system 500A according to an embodiment is depicted; and

[0047] Figure 5B A flow meter coupling system 500B according to an embodiment is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figures 3A to 5B The following description depicts specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode contemplated by the inventors of the application. The

[0049] Figure 3A An example embodiment of a flow meter coupling system 300 depicted as coupled to a flow meter 302 is depicted. Figure 3B Details of the second process fluid member 306 and the second connector member 310 of the flow meter coupling system 300 are depicted, and Figure 3C Details of the first connector member 308 and the first process fluid member 304 of the flow meter coupling system 300 are depicted.

[0050] The flowmeter coupling system 300 can be used to support normal process operation of the flowmeter 302. The flowmeter coupling system 300 can also be used to support testing, characterization, and / or calibration of the flowmeter 302. The flowmeter coupling system 300 can be used to connect the flowmeter 302 to the first process fluid member 304 and the second process fluid member 306 in a manner that minimizes axial stress experienced at the flowmeter 302, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the flowmeter 302 in either direction between the first process fluid member 304 and the second process fluid member 306.

[0051] In the example embodiment of the flowmeter coupling system 300 depicted in Figure 3A In the example embodiment of the flowmeter coupling system 300 depicted in

[0052] In embodiments, the flowmeter 302 can comprise a dual-bend flowtube Coriolis flowmeter such as the flowmeter 100, 200A, 200B, or 200C. However, in other embodiments, the flowmeter 302 can comprise a Coriolis flowmeter having any number of flowtubes in any possible configuration.

[0053] The flowmeter 302 comprises a first flange 314a and a second flange 314b. In embodiments, the first flange 314a and the second flange 314b can comprise any type of conduit coupling known to those skilled in the art.

[0054] The flowmeter 302 comprises a flowmeter housing 312. Much like the housing 262 depicted in Figure 2C Much like the housing 262 depicted in

[0055] The flow meter coupling system 300 includes a first process fluid member 304 and a second process fluid member 306. The first process fluid member 304 and the second process fluid member 306 include an inlet or outlet for flowing fluid through the flow meter 302 during normal customer use of the meter or during meter testing, calibration, characterization. The first process fluid member 304 and the second process fluid member 306 are fixed, meaning temporarily or permanently fixed. The first process fluid member 304 and the second process fluid member 306 fluidically connect the flow meter 302 to one or more conduits or reservoirs of fluid to be measured by the flow meter 302.

[0056] The first process fluid member 304 is configured to be coupled to a first flow meter flange 314a of the flow meter. An example first process fluid member 304 includes a fixed vertical structure coupled to a band that surrounds a fluid passage. Any type of coupling known to those skilled in the art can be used to couple the first flow meter flange 314a to the first process fluid member 304.

[0057] The second process fluid member 306 is configured to be coupled to a second flow meter flange 314b. An example second process fluid member 306 also includes a fixed vertical structure coupled to a band that surrounds a fluid passage. Any type of coupling known to those skilled in the art can be used to couple the second flow meter flange 314b to the second process fluid member 306.

[0058] The flow meter coupling system 300 also includes a second connector member 310. Figure 3B An exploded view of the second connector member 310 is depicted. The second connector member 310 couples the second flow meter flange 314b to the second process fluid member 306 by rigidly coupling at least one of the second flow meter flange 314b or the second process fluid member 306 and coupling to the other of the second flow meter flange 314b or the second process fluid member 306 in a manner that does not substantially provide axial stress.

[0059] In embodiments, the second connector member 310 can also include a second connector rigid engagement member 316, a second connector conduit member 318, and a second connector slidable coupling 320 configured to sealably couple the second connector conduit member 318 to the second process fluid member 306.

[0060] The second connector rigid joint member 316 rigidly couples the second connector conduit member 318 to the second flow meter flange 314b or the second process fluid member 306. Rigidly connected means that the connector member is mechanically clamped in a manner that utilizes axial force. In the example of the flow meter coupling system 300, the second connector ridge joint member 316 includes a second connector flange 316a and a second connector clamp 316b. In embodiments, the second connector flange 316a can include a surface having a bore that matches a bore in the second flow meter flange 314b, thereby allowing a fastener to couple the flanges together. The second connector clamp 316b can include any method known to those skilled in the art of rigidly joining the second connector flange 316a to the second connector conduit member 318. In embodiments, the second connector clamp 316b can include a sanitary grade clamp.

[0061] The second connector conduit member 318 includes a conduit configured to be rigidly coupled at one end and coupled in a manner that does not substantially provide axial stress at a second end. In embodiments of the flow meter coupling system 300, the second connector conduit member 318 is a straight conduit having a small flange feature at one end.

[0062] The second connector slidable coupling 320 includes a slidable coupling that provides a sealed connection between the second process fluid member 306 and the second connector conduit member 318. The slidable coupling 320 can be coupled to any axial position along the second connector conduit member 318 where the slidable coupling 320 can be fully seated. Because the axial position where the slidable coupling 320 and the second connector conduit member 318 are coupled together is not limited, this can significantly reduce the axial stress between the flow meter coupling system 300 and the flow meter 302. In embodiments, the slidable coupling 320 can significantly reduce the axial stress between the flow meter coupling system 300 and the flow meter 302 by 70%, 90%, or 100% compared to prior art arrangements having double flanged couplings.

[0063] Figure 3D A detailed cross-sectional view of the example second connector slidable coupling 320 is provided. As can be observed in the figure, the second connector slidable coupling 320 can also include a seal seat 322 and an inflatable seal 324. The inflatable seal 324 can be configured to be positioned within the seal seat 322, thereby providing radial pressure to the second connector slidable coupling 320 to prevent fluid from leaking from the second connector member 310.

[0064] In embodiments of flow meter coupling system 300, seal seat 322 includes a flanged seal seat component 322a having an annular groove coupled to a seal seat cover component 322b having an annular groove. The annular grooves of flanged seal seat component 322a and seal seat cover component 322b face one another to form an inner annular void within seal seat 322.

[0065] Inflatable seal 324 includes an annular shaped expandable membrane configured to nest within the inner annular void within seal seat 322. Inflatable seal 324 can be expanded by adding pressurized fluid to the interior of inflatable seal 324 via an inlet valve / outlet valve (not depicted), such as, for example, a Schrader valve. In examples, inflatable seal 324 can include an inner tube of rubber that forms a 40 durometer seal, for example.

[0066] Second connector slidable coupling 320 also includes a means of coupling second connector slidable coupling 320 to one of second process fluid member 306 or second flow meter flange 314b. In examples of flow meter coupling system 300, flanged seal seat component 322a includes one or more toggle levers 326b configured to engage with hook-like element 328b coupled to second process fluid member 306. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other methods of rigidly coupling second connector slidable coupling 320 to one of second process fluid member 306 or second flow meter flange 314b are also possible.

[0067] In embodiments, second connector rigid engagement member 316 and second connector conduit member 318 can be formed from multiple segments that are coupled together. However, in other embodiments, second connector rigid engagement member 316 and second connector conduit member 318 can be formed as a unitary component.

[0068] In embodiments of flow meter coupling system 300, second connector rigid engagement member 316 is coupled to second flow meter flange 314b and second connector slidable coupling 320 is coupled to second process fluid member 306. However, this is not intended to be limiting. In other embodiments, second connector rigid engagement member 316 can be coupled to second process fluid member 306 and second connector slidable coupling 320 can be coupled to second flow meter flange 314b.

[0069] In embodiments, the flow meter coupling system 300 can also include a first connector member 308. The first connector member 308 couples the first process fluid member 304 to the first flow meter flange 314a. In embodiments, the first connector member 308 can rigidly couple the first process fluid member 304 to the first flow meter flange 314a. However, in other embodiments, the first connector member 308 can couple the first process fluid member 304 to the first flow meter flange 314a in a manner that does not substantially provide axial stress.

[0070] In embodiments, the first connector member 308 can include a first connector process fluid member collar 328 and a first connector flow meter engagement member 330.

[0071] The first connector process fluid member collar 328 can be configured to couple to the first process fluid member 304 at a process fluid member end 332 of the first connector member 308. In embodiments, the first connector process fluid member collar 328 can include a first flange-like or ring-like member that couples to one or more toggle bars 326a that are configured to engage with hook-like elements 328a coupled to the first process fluid member 304 to create a seal.

[0072] The first connector flow meter engagement member 330 can be configured to couple to the first flow meter flange 314a at a flow meter end 334 of the first connector member 308. In embodiments, the first connector flow meter engagement member 330 can include a flange that is configured to couple to the first flow meter flange 314a.

[0073] In other embodiments, the first connector member 308 can also include a flow reducer / increaser that is configured to increase / decrease the diameter of flow between the first process fluid member 304 or the first connector process fluid member collar 328. The flow reducer / increaser 336 can be coupled to the first connector process fluid member collar 328 at an end 338 opposite the process fluid member end and to the first connector flow meter engagement member 330 at an end 340 opposite the flow meter end.

[0074] In embodiments, the flow reducer / increaser 336 can include flange-like features at opposite ends configured to allow the flow reducer / increaser 336 to be coupled to the first connector process fluid member collar 328 and the first connector flowmeter engagement member 330. The first connector process fluid member collar 328 and the first connector flowmeter engagement member 330 can also include flange-like features configured to be coupled to the flow reducer / increaser 336 via clamps 342a and 342b. In embodiments, the clamps 342a and 342b can include sanitary grade clamps, or can include any type of clamp known to those skilled in the art.

[0075] In embodiments of the flowmeter coupling system 300, the first process fluid member 304 can include an inlet for fluid, and the second process fluid member 306 can include an outlet for fluid. This can provide less pressure on the second process fluid member 306 side of the flowmeter coupling system 300, thereby exerting less pressure on the expandable seal 324.

[0076] In embodiments, the flowmeter coupling system 300 can also include a flowmeter alignment device (not depicted). The flowmeter alignment device includes any method of holding the flowmeter 302 within the flowmeter coupling system 300 such that the first flowmeter flange 314a and the second flowmeter flange 314b are aligned with the first process fluid member 304 and the second process fluid member 306.

[0077] In embodiments, the flowmeter alignment device can support the flowmeter 302 within the flowmeter coupling system 300 via one or more hangers that can be used to suspend the flowmeter through the flowmeter housing 312. In embodiments, the flowmeter alignment device can suspend the flowmeter housing within the flowmeter coupling system 300 by supporting a section between the first flowmeter flange 314a and the flowmeter housing 312, and a section between the flowmeter housing 312 and the second flowmeter flange 314b. However, example embodiments of the one or more hangers are not intended to be limiting. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the flowmeter alignment device can include any means of aligning and / or supporting the flowmeter 302 known to those skilled in the art.

[0078] Figure 4AMethod 400A according to an embodiment is described. Method 400A can be performed to reduce axial stress when a flow meter is coupled to a flow meter coupling system, wherein the flow meter includes a flow meter housing, a first flow meter flange and a second flow meter flange, and the flow meter coupling system includes a flow meter alignment device, a first process fluid component, a second process fluid component, a first connector component and a second connector component. For example, method 400A can be used to couple a flow meter 302 to a flow meter coupling system 300.

[0079] Method 400A begins with step 402. In step 402, the flowmeter housing is positioned in the flowmeter alignment device of the flowmeter connection system. For example, as described above, the flowmeter housing 312 may be supported by two hangers located in a section between the first flowmeter flange 314a and the flowmeter housing 312, and in a section located between the flowmeter housing 312 and the second flowmeter flange 314b.

[0080] Method 400A continues with step 404. In step 404, the second connector member is rigidly coupled to at least one of the second flow meter flange or the second process fluid member using the second connector member. For example, as described above and as in Figure 3A As depicted, the second connector component 310 can be coupled to the second flow meter flange 314b.

[0081] In an implementation, step 404 may further include Figure 4B Any combination of steps 410 and 412 in method 400B.

[0082] In step 410, the second connector conduit member can be coupled to the second connector rigid engagement member. For example, as described above and as in Figure 3B As depicted, the second connector conduit member 318 can be coupled to the second connector rigid engagement member 316.

[0083] In step 412, the second connector rigid engagement member can be coupled to at least one of the second flow meter flange or the second process fluid member. For example, as described above and as in Figure 3A As depicted, the second connector rigid engagement member 316 can be connected to the second flow meter flange 314b.

[0084] Method 400A continues with step 406. In step 406, the second connector member can be used to connect the second connector member to another of the second flowmeter flange or the second process fluid member in a manner that substantially does not provide axial stress. For example, as described above and as in Figure 3A As depicted, the second connector component 310 can be coupled to the second process fluid component 306.

[0085] In embodiments, step 406 can further include Figure 4C step 414 of method 400C. In step 414, the second connector slidable coupling can be coupled to the second connector conduit member in a slidable and sealable manner. For example, as described above, the second connector slidable coupling 320 can be coupled to the second connector conduit member 318.

[0086] In embodiments, step 414 of method 400C can further include steps 416 and 418 of method 400C. In step 416, a seal seat and an inflatable seal can be threaded to position the seal seat and the inflatable seal within the seal seat on the second connector conduit member. For example, as best depicted in Figure 3D step 414 of method 400C, the seal seat 322 and the inflatable seal 324 can be threaded on the second connector conduit member 318.

[0087] In step 418, the inflatable seal can be inflated to provide radial pressure on the second connector conduit member. For example, as described above, the inflatable seal 324 can be pressurized.

[0088] In embodiments, method 400A can further include step 408. In step 408, the first process fluid member can be rigidly coupled to the first flow meter flange by the first connector member. For example, as described above, the first connector member 308 can be used to rigidly couple the first process fluid member 304 to the first flow meter flange 314a. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that step 408 is not intended to be limiting. In embodiments, the first process fluid member 304 can alternatively be slidably coupled to the first flow meter flange 314a in a manner similar to the second flow meter flange 314b being slidably connected to at least one of the second flow meter flange 314b or the second process fluid member 306.

[0089] In embodiments, step 408 can further include Figure 4D any combination of steps 420 through 426 of method 400D. In step 420, a first connector process fluid member collar can be coupled to the first process fluid member at a process fluid member end of the first connector member. For example, as described above, the first connector process fluid member collar 328 can be coupled to the first process fluid member 304.

[0090] In step 422, a first connector flow meter engagement member can be coupled to the first flow meter flange at a flow meter end of the first connector member. For example, as described above, the first connector flow meter engagement member 330 can be coupled to the first flow meter flange 314a.

[0091] In step 424, the flow reducer / enlarger can be coupled to the first connector process fluid member collar at an end opposite the process fluid member end. For example, as described above, the flow reducer / enlarger 336 can be coupled to the first connector process fluid member collar 328.

[0092] In step 426, the flow reducer / enlarger can be coupled to the first connector flow meter engagement member at an end opposite the flow meter end. For example, as described above, the flow reducer / enlarger 336 can be coupled to the first connector flow meter engagement member 330.

[0093] Figure 5A Axial clamping forces under existing flow meter coupling systems 500A are depicted, which include a rigidly coupled first process fluid member 502, a flow meter 504, and a rigidly coupled second process fluid member 506. As can be observed in the figure, the rigid coupling between the flow meter 504 and the second process fluid member 506 creates a clamping force F clamp and a reaction force R clamp In embodiments, the reaction force R clamp can exert forces on the flow tube of the flow meter 504, which can affect the accuracy of the flow meter data.

[0094] Figure 5B Clamping forces under flow meter coupling systems 500B according to embodiments of the application are depicted. The flow meter coupling systems 500B include a rigidly coupled first process fluid member 502, a flow meter 504, and a second process fluid member 508 coupled in a manner that substantially does not provide axial stress. As can be observed in the figure, the connection between the flow meter 504 and the second process fluid member 506 does not substantially include an axial clamping force F clamp or a reaction force R clamp Instead, the second process fluid member 508 includes a radial sealing force F seal from the expandable seal in a radial direction of the flow meter conduit. The radial sealing force F seal is less likely to bend the flow tube of the flow meter 504 or create any strain on the flow tube of the flow meter 504, thereby preserving the accuracy of the flow meter 504.

[0095] The detailed description of the above examples is not an exhaustive description of all examples that fall within the scope of the application. Indeed, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above examples can be combined or eliminated in different ways to create other examples, and that these other examples fall within the scope and teachings of the application. It will also be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the above examples can be combined in whole or in part to create additional examples that fall within the scope and teachings of the application. Therefore, the scope of the application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flow meter coupling system (300) to reduce axial stress on a flow meter (302) including a first flow meter flange (314a) and a second flow meter flange (314b), the flow meter coupling system (300) comprising: a first process fluid member (304) configured to couple to the first flow meter flange (314a) of the flow meter (302); a second process fluid member (306); and a second connector member (310) configured to rigidly couple to at least one of the second flow meter flange (314b) or the second process fluid member (306) and to couple to the other of the second flow meter flange (314b) or the second process fluid member (306) in a manner that provides substantially no axial stress; wherein the second connector member (310) further comprises: a second connector rigid engagement member (316); a second connector conduit member (318); and a second connector slidable coupling (320) configured to sealably couple the second connector conduit member (318) to the second process fluid member (306), the second connector slidable coupling (320) further comprising: a seal seat (322); and an expandable seal (324) configured to be positioned within the seal seat (322) to provide radial pressure to the second connector slidable coupling (320).

2. The flow meter coupling system (300) of claim 1, further comprising: a first connector member (308) rigidly coupled to the first process fluid member (304) and the first flow meter flange (314a).

3. The flow meter coupling system (300) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the first process fluid member (304) is an inlet for fluid and the second process fluid member (306) is an outlet for fluid.

4. The flow meter coupling system (300) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the flow meter coupling system (300) further comprises a flow meter alignment apparatus including at least one hanger for suspending the flow meter (302) through a flow meter housing (312).

5. The flow meter coupling system (300) of claim 2, wherein, the first connector member (308) further comprises: a first connector process fluid member collar (328) configured to couple to the first process fluid member (304) at a first process fluid member end (332) of the first connector member (308); and a first connector flow meter engagement member (330) configured to couple to the first flow meter flange (314a) at a flow meter end (334) of the first connector member (308).

6. The flow meter coupling system (300) of claim 5, wherein, the first connector member (308) further comprises: A flow reducer / increaser (336) coupled to the first connector process fluid member collar (328) at an end (338) opposite the first process fluid member end and coupled to the first connector flow meter engagement member (330) at an end (340) opposite the flow meter end.

7. The flow meter coupling system (300) of claim 1, wherein, The second connector rigid engagement member (316) is coupled to the second flow meter flange (314b) and the second connector slidable coupler (320) is coupled to the second process fluid member (306).

8. A method for reducing axial stress when coupling a flow meter (302) to a flow meter coupling system, the flow meter comprising a flow meter housing (312), a first flow meter flange (314a), and a second flow meter flange (314b), and the flow meter coupling system (300) comprising a flow meter alignment apparatus, a first process fluid member (304), a second process fluid member (306), a first connector member (308), and a second connector member (310), the method comprising: positioning the flow meter housing (312) in the flow meter alignment apparatus of the flow meter coupling system (300); rigidly coupling the second connector member (310) to at least one of the second flow meter flange (314b) or the second process fluid member (306) using the second connector member (310); and slidably coupling the second connector member (310) to the other of the second flow meter flange (314b) or the second process fluid member (306) using the second connector member (310) in a manner that provides substantially no axial stress; wherein rigidly coupling the second connector member (310) to at least one of the second flow meter flange (314b) or the second process fluid member (306) using the second connector member (310) further comprises: coupling a second connector conduit member (318) to a second connector rigid engagement member (316), and coupling the second connector rigid engagement member (316) to at least one of the second flow meter flange (314b) or the second process fluid member (306), wherein slidably coupling the second connector member (310) to the other of the second flow meter flange (314b) or the second process fluid member (306) using the second connector member (310) further comprises: sealably slidably coupling a second connector slidable coupler (320) to the second connector conduit member (318), and wherein sealably slidably coupling the second connector slidable coupler (320) to the second connector conduit member (318) further comprises: threading a seal seat (322) and an expandable seal (324) positioned within the seal seat (322) onto the second connector conduit member (318); and wherein slidably coupling the second connector slidable coupler (320) to the second connector conduit member (318) further comprises: threading a seal seat (322) and an expandable seal (324) positioned within the seal seat (322) onto the second connector conduit member (318); and expanding the expandable seal (324) to provide radial pressure against the second connector conduit member (318).

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: rigidly coupling the first process fluid member (304) to the first flow meter flange (314a) by the first connector member (308).

10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein, the first process fluid member (304) is an inlet for fluid and the second process fluid member (306) is an outlet for fluid.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein, rigidly coupling the first process fluid member (304) to the first flow meter flange (314a) by the first connector member (308) further comprises: coupling a first connector process fluid member collar (328) to the first process fluid member (304) at a first process fluid member end (332) of the first connector member (308); and coupling a first connector flow meter engagement member (330) to the first flow meter flange (314a) at a flow meter end (334) of the first connector member (308).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, rigidly coupling the first process fluid member (304) to the first flow meter flange (314a) by the first connector member (308) further comprises: coupling a flow reducer / increaser (336) to the first connector process fluid member collar (328) at an end (338) opposite the first process fluid member end; and coupling the flow reducer / increaser (336) to the first connector flow meter engagement member (330) at an end (340) opposite the flow meter end.

13. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein, the second connector rigid engagement member (316) is coupled to the second flow meter flange (314b) and the second connector slidable coupling (320) is coupled to the second process fluid member (306).

Images