Clamp-On Pipe Pressure Metering Without Wall Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring pressure in pipes and pressure vessels, especially in subsea environments, are complex and costly, requiring direct contact or breaching of the pressure retaining wall, which increases local stress and complicates measurements.
Innovation Solution
A clamp-on pressure and flow measurement system that applies external pressure to the pipe using a clamp or jacket, while using strain gauges attached to the outside wall of the pipe to measure strain and determine internal pressure and flow rate without breaching the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is inserted via a hole drilled on the pressure retaining wall to measure pressure and flow, then measurement capability is improved, but the wall thickness has to be increased as the hole increases the local stress on the wall
Solution Approach 1:
A clamp is introduced as an intermediary device that applies external force to the pipe externally. The clamp transfers force to the pipe wall through controlled contact, enabling strain measurement without drilling holes into the pressure retaining wall. This mediator preserves the integrity of the original wall structure while still allowing access to strain data for pressure and flow calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical intrusion method (drilling holes and inserting sensors) with a non-intrusive mechanical system. Strain gauges are attached to the external surface of the pipe, and a clamp applies external force to induce measurable strain. This substitution eliminates the need to breach the pressure wall while maintaining measurement capability through external strain measurement.
2Measurement precision
If Bragg sensors are used to measure deflection of light as force is applied, then measurement capability is improved, but the solution becomes complex and costly to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive Bragg sensors with inexpensive strain gauges that can be easily attached and removed. These strain gauges are conventional, low-cost components that measure strain through resistance changes rather than optical deflection. This substitution dramatically reduces system cost and complexity while maintaining adequate measurement precision for pressure and flow determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the complex optical measurement system (Bragg sensors measuring light deflection) with a simple electrical measurement system. Strain gauges convert mechanical strain into electrical resistance changes, which are easily measured and processed. This replacement eliminates the need for complex optical components and signal processing while achieving the same measurement objective.
3Force
If a clamp with nut and bolt arrangement is used to apply pressure to the pipe, then force application capability is improved, but additional deflection caused by the clamp, nut and bolt must be accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies force through a distributed clamp structure rather than concentrated bolt points. The clamp contacts the pipe along an arc, distributing the applied force over multiple locations. This distributed force application reduces localized deflection and stress concentrations in the clamp structure itself, minimizing the additional deflection that would need to be compensated for in measurements.
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 accurate measurement of internal pressure and flow rate in pipes without intruding on the pressure retaining wall, reducing costs and complexity, and effectively managing stress on the pipe.
Implementation Method 1
one or more of a first set of strain gauges disposed on the wall of the pipe, one or more of a second set of strain gauges disposed on the wall of the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for applying pressure to a pipe and measuring internal pressure. The apparatus including jacket disposed on the pipe, one or more of a first set of strain gauges disposed on a wall of the pipe, one or more of a second set of strain gauges disposed on the wall of the pipe, and a temperature sensor disposed on the wall of the pipe. The pipe has an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a length.