Crude Oil Flow Metering Device Using Segmented Float Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow metering devices, such as vortex, ultrasonic, and metal float flowmeters, face challenges in accurately measuring crude oil flow rates due to the complex composition and viscous nature of crude oil, leading to metering errors and potential safety hazards like pipeline bursts.
Innovation Solution
A crude oil flow metering device with a measuring tube and float assembly, where the inner diameter increases from inlet to outlet, and a position detection module calculates flow rates based on the float's rising height, using Hall sensors or photoelectric sensors to ensure accurate and reliable measurements without transmission mechanisms, adapting to the unique flowing characteristics of crude oil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flowmeters (vortex, ultrasonic, turbine, metal float) are used to measure crude oil flow rate, then the measurement can be implemented, but the metering error becomes too large and accuracy requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the measurement function into two independent parts: a simple float assembly that rises with flow rate, and a separate detection module that measures the float position. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the float assembly handles the complex crude oil flow while the detection module provides precise measurement without being contaminated by the crude oil.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical transmission mechanisms with a direct detection approach. Instead of using mechanical linkages to transmit float movement to a display mechanism, the patent uses magnetic or optical detection fields to directly sense the float position, eliminating mechanical complexity and improving both accuracy and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If conventional flowmeters are installed in the crude oil pipeline, then flow rate measurement is possible, but the measuring tube becomes easily blocked causing safety accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detection function from the crude oil flow environment. The float assembly is simple and resistant to blockage, while the complex detection electronics are placed in a separate dry environment. This extraction allows accurate measurement without exposing sensitive components to the harmful crude oil environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The float acts as an intermediary between the crude oil flow and the detection system. It translates the complex crude oil flow characteristics into simple positional information that can be detected by magnetic or optical sensors, without requiring the sensors to directly contact or measure the crude oil itself.
3Ease of operation
If traditional float flowmeters with transmission mechanisms are used, then the float position can be detected, but the transmission mechanisms suffer from fatigue damage reducing long-term reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely replaces mechanical transmission mechanisms with field-based detection. Magnetic sensors detect the position of a magnetic float without mechanical contact, or optical sensors detect the position of an opaque float in a light beam. This substitution eliminates mechanical fatigue, wear, and friction, dramatically improving long-term reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
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 provides accurate and safe measurement of crude oil flow rates, overcoming viscosity and complex composition challenges, ensuring long-term reliability and preventing pipeline blockages and safety accidents.
Implementation Method 1
the float assembly is in-built in the measuring tube, 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
Implementation Method 3
using Hall sensors or photoelectric sensors to ensure accurate and reliable measurements
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a crude oil flow metering device, which includes a measuring part and a metering part; the measuring part includes a measuring tube and a float assembly; the float assembly is in-built in the measuring tube, and includes a float and a float connection rod integrally connected with the float; an end of the float connection rod is connected to a detection part; the detection part protrudes out of the measuring tube when the float rises from a bottom end; the metering part includes a position detection module and a processing module; the position detection module is arranged in a detection cavity located above the measuring tube and formed by a first housing; when the detection part at the end of the float connection rod extends into the detection cavity, 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 of a crude oil transport pipeline and meet the accuracy of metering crude oil.