Dynamic Vapor Reduction in Mass Flow Meters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow measurement systems face challenges in accurately measuring liquefied compressed gases due to the presence of vapor, which affects measurement accuracy and requires extensive equipment and support, while existing solutions do not effectively address vapor reduction in a dynamic and adaptive manner.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic-adaptive vapor reduction system using control flow valves to provide back pressure and detect vapor presence in a fluid flow measurement system, adjusting the control valve to prevent flashing and reduce vapor, while also calculating weighted average parameter values to account for vapor presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If vapor eliminator tanks are used to trap vapor, then some vapor reduction is achieved, but the system cannot control vapor forming after the eliminator due to critical pressure drops and requires extensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful vapor phase from the liquid stream by allowing vapor to separate and escape through a vent opening in the eliminator tank, while the liquid continues to flow. This separates the vapor removal function from the main flow path, reducing vapor presence without requiring complex equipment throughout the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The eliminator tank acts as an intermediary device between the fluid source and the mass flow meter. It provides a transition zone where vapor can be removed before the fluid enters the measurement device, protecting the measurement system from vapor interference without requiring modification to the core measurement equipment.
2Stress or pressure
If differential pressure valves are used to control line pressure, then pressure control is achieved, but the settings are limited to a particular product with a particular vapor pressure and rely on unchanged vapor pressure characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The mass flow meter dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time detection of vapor presence. When vapor is detected, the system automatically modifies measurement parameters or triggers alerts, allowing adaptation to varying product conditions without requiring manual reconfiguration of pressure valve settings for each product type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from the mass flow meter's vapor detection capabilities to monitor fluid composition. This feedback loop allows the system to recognize when vapor pressure characteristics change and respond accordingly, eliminating the need for predetermined pressure settings for specific products.
3Stress or pressure
If pressure transducers, control valves, and programmable logic controllers are used to control line pressure, then pressure control is technically effective, but expensive equipment and extensive support are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mass flow meter performs self-diagnosis by detecting vapor presence in the fluid stream and automatically compensating or alerting operators. This self-monitoring capability eliminates the need for separate expensive pressure control systems with multiple sensors and controllers, as the measurement device itself provides the necessary monitoring and control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mass flow meter serves multiple functions: it measures mass flow rate, detects vapor presence, and provides control feedback. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate pressure transducers, control valves, and programmable logic controllers into a single integrated device, reducing equipment cost and support requirements.
4Productivity
If Coriolis mass flow meter measures multiphase fluid flow, then measurement capability is maintained, but the amplitude of vibration decreases and measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor eliminator tank performs preliminary vapor removal before the fluid enters the Coriolis mass flow meter. By removing vapor in advance, the system ensures that only liquid enters the measurement device, maintaining high vibration amplitude and measurement accuracy while preserving the ability to measure multiphase flows in the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful effect of vapor presence into a useful detection signal. The mass flow meter detects vapor presence through changes in vibration characteristics, allowing the system to identify and respond to vapor contamination, thereby turning a measurement degradation into a diagnostic capability that improves overall measurement reliability.
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 system effectively maintains fluid in a liquid state, improving measurement accuracy and reducing vapor presence with minimal equipment and cost, enabling more precise mass flow and density measurements.
Implementation Method 1
control flow valves to provide back pressure and detect vapor presence in a fluid flow measurement system
Implementation Method 2
detecting a vapor in the fluid flowing in the mass flow meter
Implementation Method 3
adjusting the control valve to prevent flashing and reduce vapor
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for improved flow measurements for LCG, such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG), is disclosed. Embodiments of the present technology detect the presence of a vapor in a fluid flowing in a mass flow meter. A control valve is then adjusted to provide enough back pressure to prevent the measured liquid from flashing and to reduce the presence of vapor in the fluid flowing in the mass flow meter. By keeping the fluid in liquid form, the present technology reduces the vapor flowing in the mass flow meter, increasing the accuracy of mass flow and other measurements. Utilizing a similar principle of vapor detection, embodiments of the present technology provide for improved average parameter value calculation, such as average density calculations and equivalent liquid volume calculations.