Crude Oil Flow Detection Using Nested Float Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flowmeters used in crude oil pipelines face accuracy issues and safety concerns due to the complex composition and viscous nature of crude oil, leading to metering errors and potential pipeline bursts, and existing methods for measuring parameters like pressure and water content are invasive and provide single-point data.
Innovation Solution
A crude oil parameter detection device featuring a liquid cavity, flow measurement cavity, float assembly, detection cavity, connector, position detection module, and processing module, which uses a float to measure flow rate without transmission mechanisms, incorporates a gas separation structure, pressure sensor, and water content detection device to provide accurate and safe multi-parameter measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flowmeters (vortex, ultrasonic, turbine, metal float) are used to measure crude oil flow rate, then flow rate measurement is achieved, but metering accuracy deteriorates due to complex crude oil composition and streaming flow characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the measurement system into separate functional modules: a flow measurement cavity for crude oil flow, a detection cavity for sensor placement, and a connector for integration. This segmentation allows the detection cavity to remain free of crude oil contact while accurately measuring flow parameters through the float assembly positioned in the flow measurement cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The float assembly acts as an intermediary element that translates crude oil flow characteristics into detectable positional changes. The float connection rod transmits this information to the detection cavity where position detection modules measure the float height, converting complex flow dynamics into simple vertical position measurements that are accurate under streaming flow conditions.
2Measurement precision
If traditional flowmeters are installed in crude oil pipelines, then flow rate measurement is possible, but safety deteriorates due to pipeline pressure rise and potential burst
Solution Approach 1:
The flow measurement cavity is nested within the detection device housing, with the float assembly nested within the flow measurement cavity. This nested structure allows compact integration of measurement functions while isolating the detection components from direct crude oil exposure, reducing safety risks associated with pressure buildup.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detection devices are installed by drilling holes in the oil transport pipeline, then parameter detection (pressure, water content) is achieved, but device complexity increases and installation convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device integrates multiple detection functions into a single unified system. The float assembly measures flow rate, while the detection cavity accommodates position detection modules that can detect multiple parameters including pressure and water content through non-invasive sensing, eliminating the need for separate drilling operations for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces invasive mechanical drilling and installation with a non-invasive detection approach. The connector integrates with the pipeline externally, and the position detection modules use electromagnetic or optical fields to detect parameters without physical penetration into the pipeline, significantly simplifying installation while maintaining multi-parameter detection capabilities.
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
The device ensures accurate long-term metering of crude oil flow rate and other parameters with enhanced safety, durability, and convenience, adapting to the unique flowing characteristics of crude oil while preventing fatigue damage and pipeline issues, allowing for integration with other detection devices for comprehensive data collection.
Implementation Method 1
a float assembly, and includes a float and a float connection rod integrally connected with the float
Implementation Method 2
the position detection module detects a position of the detection part at the end of the float connection rod to obtain a float height detection signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a crude oil parameter detection device, which includes a liquid cavity constituted by a first housing, a flow measurement cavity constituted by a second housing, a detection cavity constituted by a third housing, and a processing module; the flow measurement cavity is in-built in the liquid cavity; the first housing includes a first liquid inlet and a first liquid outlet; the second housing includes a second liquid inlet and a second liquid outlet; the second liquid outlet is in communication with the first liquid outlet through a liquid outlet pipeline; a float assembly is in-built in the flow measurement cavity, which includes a float and a float connection rod integrally connected with the float, and an end of the float connection rod is connected to a detection part; the detection cavity at least internally comprises a position detection module; the position detection module detects a position of the detection part at the end of the float connection rod to obtain a float height detection signal; and the processing module calculates a flow rate of measured crude oil according to the float height detection signal. The present disclosure can safely meter the crude oil flow rate of a crude oil transport pipeline and meet the accuracy of metering the crude oil.