Dual Pressure Sensor Layout for Leak-Safe Fluid Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid measurement apparatuses face issues with high risk of hydraulic leaks, laborious installation, increased costs, and complex design due to the need for pressure sensors that cross the pipe wall, requiring frequent maintenance and large dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A dual-sensor system is employed, with one sensor inside the pipe to measure fluid pressure and another outside to measure ambient pressure, connected by a watertight connection, allowing for precise calculation of relative and absolute pressures without leaks, and a compact, easily installable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is positioned to cross the pipe wall to detect fluid pressure and ambient pressure, then pressure measurement capability is improved, but the risk of fluid leaks increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into two separate modules: a first module positioned inside the pipe for detecting fluid pressure, and a second module positioned outside the pipe for detecting ambient pressure. This segmentation eliminates the need for a sensor to cross the pipe wall, thereby removing the leak risk associated with penetrating seals while maintaining the capability to measure both fluid and ambient pressure independently.
2Reliability
If hydraulic sealing gaskets are used to prevent fluid leaks at the sensor penetration point, then leak prevention is improved, but frequent maintenance is required to verify seal integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic sealing gasket component is completely removed from the system by extracting the sensor penetration function. Instead of using a single sensor that must penetrate the pipe wall with seals, the solution uses two separate sensors positioned on opposite sides of the pipe, eliminating the need for penetrating seals and the associated maintenance requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If a hole is made in the casing to house the sensor, then sensor installation is enabled, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into two independent modules that can be installed separately on the pipe exterior and interior without requiring penetration work. The first module is positioned inside the pipe and the second module outside the pipe, both connected via a fluid communication path that does not require breaking the pipe casing, thereby significantly reducing installation time and labor.
4Ease of manufacture
If generous dimensions are used for the apparatus, then sensor housing and sealing components are easier to manufacture, but the apparatus becomes inconvenient to assemble and install
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into two compact, modular units that can be independently manufactured and then easily installed on the pipe. The first module (inside the pipe) and second module (outside the pipe) are small enough to be conveniently handled and positioned, eliminating the need for large housing dimensions while maintaining manufacturability of the individual components.
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 apparatus provides accurate and precise fluid volume and pressure measurements, reduces leak risks, and is economically efficient with easy installation and maintenance, suitable for smart metering applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor (2) arranged and configured to detect at least a first absolute pressure measurement (PAF) of said fluid (F) which passes through and/or circulates in said first enclosure (7)
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor (14) arranged and configured to detect at least a second measurement of absolute pressure (PAA) of said external environment (A)
Implementation Method 3
an electronic unit (25) electronically connected to said first sensor (2) and to said second sensor (14) and configured to receive said first absolute pressure measurement (PAF) and said second measurement of absolute pressure (PAA) and to calculate, on the basis of said first absolute pressure measurement (PAF) and of said second measurement of absolute pressure (PAA), a value of relative pressure (PR) of the fluid (F)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring a fluid, and in particular of the type suitable for measuring the flow of a fluid, for example a gas or a liquid, present and circulating in the inside a pipeline, such as for example a pipeline of the natural gas distribution network includes:a first containment casing;an electronic processing and/or control unit;at least a first absolute pressure sensor;at least a second absolute pressure sensor; andat least first and second temperature sensors.The electronic processing and/or control unit is electronically connected to the first absolute pressure sensor; and the electronic unit includes at least one processing module configured to receive the corresponding electronic signals containing and/or representative of the first absolute pressure measurement of the fluid.