Cryogenic Meter Cooling Using Reverse Flow Detection and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic meters face challenges in maintaining accurate measurements and preventing contamination due to the need for cooling and the inability to differentiate between reverse flow and dispensing flow, leading to potential pressure issues and inaccurate readings.
Innovation Solution
A system with valves and a controller that manages the flow of fluids, including a cooling liquid, to cool the meter and prevent contamination by allowing reverse flow detection and controlled dispensing of cryogenic liquids, using a coriolis meter principle to measure fluid properties and maintain pressure above a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the meter is cooled regularly to maintain accurate measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the risk of contamination and pressure issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system reverses the flow direction through the meter to perform cooling. By detecting reverse flow and routing cooling liquid through the meter in the opposite direction, the system achieves cooling without compromising measurement accuracy or introducing contamination risks from improper flow management
2Temperature
If the system allows reverse flow to cool the meter, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but the ability to differentiate between reverse flow and dispensing flow becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a flow detection mechanism that provides feedback on flow direction. By monitoring the direction of fluid flow through the meter and providing feedback signals, the system can distinguish between reverse flow (cooling mode) and forward flow (dispensing mode), enabling effective cooling while maintaining accurate flow measurement and control
3Ease of operation
If the system uses multiple valves to control flow directions, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple valve functions into an integrated valve assembly that handles both flow direction control and cooling liquid routing. By merging the dispense valve and recirculation valve functions into a coordinated system with unified control logic, the system achieves precise flow control while reducing overall device complexity and improving operational ease
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 cryogenic liquids by differentiating between recirculation and dispensing flows, preventing contamination and maintaining safe pressure levels, thus ensuring reliable operation and preventing hazardous conditions.
Implementation Method 1
opening a first recirculation valve and a second recirculation valve to transport a cooling liquid of a plurality of fluids via the meter from an outlet section to an inlet section of the meter to thereby cool the meter
Data Source
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AI summary
Cooling of a meter by liquid flowing in a flow that is reverse from dispensing flow is described. A plurality of tubes is configured to transport a plurality of fluids comprising a first fluid and a second fluid. Dispense valves attached to corresponding tubes are configured to open when the first fluid is dispensed from a pump to a first outlet. Recirculation valves attached to respective tubes are configured to open when the second fluid is transported from the pump to a second outlet. A meter attached to a tube of the plurality of tubes is configured to measure properties of a fluid when the fluid flows through the tube, wherein the fluid is one of the first fluid and the second fluid. The meter is configured to sense reverse flow when the second fluid flows from the outlet section to the inlet section.