Dual Pressure Sensing for Leak-Safe Fluid Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid measurement apparatuses face issues with high risk of hydraulic leaks, laborious installation, increased costs, and complex maintenance due to the need for frequent sealing checks and large dimensions, while failing to accurately measure both absolute and relative fluid pressures simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A dual-sensor system is employed, with one sensor inside the fluid containment casing to measure absolute pressure and another outside to measure ambient pressure, connected via a watertight system, allowing for precise calculation of relative pressure and maintaining leak-proof integrity, while being compact and easily installable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is positioned to cross the wall of the pipe with hydraulic sealing gaskets, then the sensor can detect both fluid pressure and ambient pressure, but the risk of fluid leaks increases and frequent maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate pressure sensing systems: an absolute pressure sensor (14) that measures only fluid pressure inside the sealed casing, and a barometric pressure sensor (18) that measures ambient pressure outside the casing. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single sensor to cross the pipe wall with seals, thereby eliminating leak risks while maintaining the ability to calculate differential pressure (Pdiff = Pabs - Pbaro).
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary approach by using two separate sensors instead of one direct sensor. The absolute pressure sensor measures fluid pressure through sealed connections, while the barometric sensor measures ambient pressure externally. The microprocessor acts as an intermediary that calculates differential pressure from these two independent measurements, avoiding the need for direct fluid-path penetration.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor is positioned to cross the wall of the pipe, then pressure detection is enabled, but installation becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensing function is segmented into two independent sensors positioned on opposite sides of the pipe wall. The absolute pressure sensor (14) connects to the fluid interior through sealed pathways, while the barometric pressure sensor (18) mounts externally without penetrating the fluid barrier. This segmentation allows standardized mounting procedures and eliminates complex seal installation steps.
3Measurement precision
If a sensor is positioned to cross the wall of the pipe, then pressure measurement is achieved, but production and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the pressure sensing into two independent, standardized sensor modules that can be manufactured separately and assembled using routine procedures. This avoids the need for custom-machined sensor housings with integrated sealing mechanisms, reducing manufacturing complexity and installation labor costs.
4Ease of operation
If the apparatus has generous dimensions, then sensor placement is easier, but the device becomes inconvenient to assemble and install
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the absolute pressure sensor (14), barometric pressure sensor (18), microprocessor (22), and memory unit (24) into a single integrated housing (10). This consolidation creates a compact device that fits within standard pipe dimensions while maintaining all necessary sensing and processing functions. The sensors are positioned on opposite sides of the housing, allowing direct mounting on the pipe wall without requiring excessive space.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Apparatus (1) for measuring a fluid (F), in particular of the type suitable for measuring the flow of fluid (F) present and circulating inside a pipe, comprising: - a first containment casing (7) provided with a first opening (9) for the inlet of a fluid flow inside it and a second opening (11 ) for the fluid outlet, - an electronic processing and/or control unit (25), - at least a first absolute pressure sensor (2) which is arranged and configured to detect at least a first absolute pressure measurement PAF of said fluid (F) which crosses and/or circulates in said first enclosure (7) and sends to said unit electronics (25) at least one first electronic signal containing and/or representative of the first PAF, - at least a second absolute pressure sensor (14) which is arranged and configured to detect at least a second absolute pressure measurement PAA of an external environment (A), in which said equipment is intended to be installed, and send to said electronic unit (25) at least one second electronic signal containing and/or representative of the second measurement PAA, - at least a first temperature sensor (4) which is arranged and configured to detect a first temperature measurement TF of said fluid (F) and to send to said electronic unit (25) at least a third electronic signal containing and/or representative of said first temperature measurement TF, said apparatus being characterized in that: - it also comprises at least a second temperature sensor (20) which is arranged and configured to detect a second temperature measurement TA of said external environment (A) and to send to said electronic unit (25) at least a fourth electronic signal containing and/or representative of said second temperature measurement TA, - said electronic processing and/or control unit (25) is electronically connected to said first absolute pressure sensor (2), to said second absolute pressure sensor (14), to said first temperature sensor (4) and to said second temperature sensor (20), to receive so-called corresponding electronic signals detected by said sensors - said electronic unit (25) comprises at least one processing module configured to receive the corresponding electronic signals containing and/or representative of the first absolute pressure measurement PAF of said fluid (F), of the second absolute pressure measurement PAA of the external environment (A), of said first temperature measurement TF of said fluid (F), of said second temperature measurement TA of said external environment (A), said processing module being also configured for: adapting the value of said first absolute pressure measurement PAF of said fluid (F) on the basis of said first temperature measurement Tp of said fluid (F), adapt the value of said second absolute pressure measurement PAA of said external environment (A) on the basis of said second temperature measurement TA of said external environment (A), calculate a relative pressure value PR of said fluid (F) using said first measurement of absolute pressure PAF of said fluid (F), which is adapted on the basis of said first temperature measurement TF, and using said second measurement of absolute pressure PAA of said external environment (A), which is adapted on the basis of said first temperature measurement TA, also calculating a volume value of said fluid (F) on the basis of said first temperature measurement TF of said fluid (F) and of said first absolute pressure measurement PAF of said fluid (F).