Coriolis Flow Meter Cross-Talk Vibration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coriolis flow meters integrated on a common platform often experience measurement errors due to cross-talk vibrations from other meters, particularly evident during proving or calibration, where the beat frequency caused by constructive interference can lead to significant errors, especially in high-accuracy applications like oil and gas production.
Innovation Solution
Configuring one Coriolis flow meter to operate at a standby driver voltage amplitude, which is 20 percent or less of its default amplitude, while the other meter operates at its default amplitude, helps minimize beat frequency interference, allowing both meters to remain powered and operational, thus reducing measurement errors and enabling continuous leak monitoring during proving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple Coriolis flow meters are operated at default driver voltage amplitude on a common platform, then each meter can perform its primary measurement function, but cross-talk vibrations cause beat frequency interference and measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the driver voltage amplitude adjustable and time-variable. During proving operations, the system dynamically reduces the driver voltage amplitude of non-proving meters to minimize vibration cross-talk, then restores it afterward. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining normal measurement function and reducing interference during critical proving operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the flow meters by adjusting the driver voltage amplitude. Specifically, it reduces the driver voltage amplitude to 20% or less of the default amplitude during proving operations, which significantly reduces the vibration intensity and cross-talk interference while allowing the meter to remain powered and operational.
2Measurement precision
If one flow meter is taken offline for proving while another operates, then measurement accuracy during proving improves, but system downtime and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous useful action by keeping all flow meters powered and operational throughout the proving process. By reducing rather than eliminating the driver voltage amplitude of non-proving meters, the system maintains their measurement capability and readiness, eliminating the need to take meters offline and ensuring continuous monitoring and measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the problematic component (excessive vibration amplitude) from the non-proving meters while retaining their operational functionality. By selectively reducing the driver voltage amplitude during proving operations and restoring it afterward, the system isolates the interference issue without removing the meters from service, thus maintaining continuity of operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If driver voltage amplitude is reduced to minimize beat frequency, then cross-talk interference decreases, but vibration signal strength and measurement sensitivity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing time-based control of the driver voltage amplitude. The system periodically adjusts the voltage amplitude based on operational mode: reducing it during proving operations to minimize interference, and restoring it during normal operations to maintain measurement sensitivity. This periodic adjustment resolves the contradiction by applying different amplitude levels at different times based on system needs.
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
This approach effectively reduces measurement errors caused by cross-talk, allows continuous monitoring for leaks, and minimizes downtime and associated costs by keeping all meters powered during the proving process, ensuring faster and more accurate calibration.
Implementation Method 1
Coriolis flow meters are one type of flow meter that may be used to measure the mass flow rate, density, volume flow rate, and other information for flowing materials
Implementation Method 2
a pair of velocity pick-off sensors 170L and 170R. Flow tubes 130 and 130′ bend at two symmetrical locations along their length
Data Source
AI summary
A method for proving or calibrating a first flow meter integrated into a common platform with a second flow meter is provided. The first flow meter comprises a first driver, a first flow tube, and a first meter electronics, and the second flow meter comprises a second driver, a second flow tube, and a second meter electronics. The method includes configuring the first flow meter to vibrate the first flow tube with a first driver voltage at a first default driver voltage amplitude using the first meter electronics, and configuring the second flow meter to vibrate the second flow tube with a second driver voltage at a second standby driver voltage amplitude using the second meter electronics.