Coordinated Ultrasonic Flow Meter Subsystems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate measurement of fluid flow in high-volume natural gas pipelines during custody transfer is challenging due to the complexity and potential redundancy issues with dual ultrasonic flow meters on the same meter body, which can cause operational difficulties and measurement interference.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter design featuring multiple transducer pairs arranged in a spool piece with separate measurement subsystems and independent control electronics, allowing for redundant flow measurements and reduced interference through coordinated activation and synchronization of transducer pairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two independent ultrasonic flow meters are installed on the same meter body for redundancy and verification, then measurement reliability is improved, but operational complexity and measurement interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two independent ultrasonic flow meters into a single integrated meter body with shared transducers and control electronics. The transducer pairs are commonly coupled to the spool piece, and both measurement subsystems share common control electronics that coordinate their operation, reducing operational complexity while maintaining redundancy and reliability through coordinated measurement capabilities.
2Reliability
If two independent ultrasonic flow meters operate simultaneously on the same meter body, then redundant measurements are available, but measurement interference between the meters occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements coordinated activation where transducer pairs are activated in alternating time periods for the two measurement subsystems. The control electronics coordinate the operation so that each subsystem measures during its designated time slot, eliminating simultaneous operation interference while maintaining redundant measurement capability through sequential measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control electronics pre-coordinate the activation sequences of both measurement subsystems before measurement begins. By establishing a predetermined activation schedule where each subsystem knows when it will operate, the system prevents interference from the outset while ensuring both subsystems remain ready for redundant measurement verification.
3Measurement precision
If dual ultrasonic flow meters are used for custody transfer verification, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operational difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control system that manages both measurement subsystems through a single interface. The common control electronics provide multi-functional capabilities including coordinated activation, simultaneous data processing, and unified output generation, allowing the operator to verify flow measurements through a single operational interface rather than managing two separate systems.
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
Ensures accurate and reliable fluid flow measurement by enabling independent verification of flow volumes and minimizing interference between measurement subsystems, ensuring continuous operation even if one subsystem fails.
Implementation Method 1
Opposed upstream and downstream transducers (which may be considered to be transducer pairs) project acoustic energy toward one another through the fluid
Implementation Method 2
provides an indication of the fluid velocity component along these paths
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Coordination of measurement subsystems of a flow meter. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are flow meters comprising a spool piece that defines a central passage, a first plurality of transducer pairs mechanically coupled to the spool piece, a first control electronics electrically coupled to the first plurality of transducer pairs (the first control electronics configured to selectively activate each transducer pair of the first plurality of transducer pairs), a second plurality of transducer pairs mechanically coupled to the spool piece, a second control electronics different than the first control electronics (the second control electronics electrically coupled to the second plurality of transducer pairs, the second control electronics configured to selectively activate each transducer pair of the second plurality of transducer pairs). The first and second control electronics communicatively coupled and configured to coordinate activation of their respective transducer pairs.