Hydraulic Accumulator Weight Monitoring via Strain Gauges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insufficient indication of accumulated volume in hydraulic accumulators at subsea fluid extraction well facilities led to ineffectiveness in shutting down safety critical systems like valves and shear rams, highlighting the need for a reliable method to monitor hydraulic power availability.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic accumulator assembly with support means responsive to the weight of the accumulator, utilizing strain gauges or similar sensors to provide real-time indication of fluid volume, integrated with a logic controller for data processing and alerting mechanisms, ensuring accurate fluid level monitoring and preventing unsafe conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight-based indication means are added to the accumulator assembly, then measurement precision of fluid volume is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the weight-based measurement function with the existing support structure by integrating strain gauges into the support members that already bear the accumulator. This merging approach allows volume indication capability to be added without requiring separate measurement apparatus, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members in the accumulator assembly are designed to serve multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling weight-based volume measurement through integrated strain gauges, and potentially serving as mounting points for other components. This multi-functionality allows the same structural elements to contribute to both mechanical support and measurement functions, resolving the contradiction between added measurement capability and increased complexity.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring and alerting systems are integrated, then reliability of safety critical systems is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where strain gauges continuously monitor the weight of the accumulator and provide real-time data to a control system. When the fluid volume falls below a predetermined threshold, the system generates an alert signal to notify operators. This feedback loop ensures reliable monitoring of hydraulic power availability while using a straightforward control architecture that minimizes unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to automatically detect low fluid volume conditions and generate alerts without requiring continuous manual inspection. The strain gauges and control system work autonomously to monitor accumulator status and provide warnings, thereby improving reliability through continuous self-monitoring while keeping the system relatively simple by avoiding complex manual intervention mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous monitoring of hydraulic fluid volume, automatically alerting operators when the volume falls below safety limits, thereby ensuring sufficient hydraulic power is available for critical systems, enhancing safety and reliability in subsea operations.
Implementation Method 1
said at least one responsive means typically comprises at least one of a strain gauge, a force gauge, a force meter, a balance scale, a spring force scale, a strain gauge based electronic scale and a fluid-based means of weight measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic accumulator assembly in which a hydraulic accumulator (1) is associated with at least one means (13) responsive to the weight of the accumulator to provide an indication dependent on the weight of the accumulator. In embodiments of the invention, the responsive means comprises at least one strain gauge.