Extractor Tool Adaptor for Pressurized Ultrasonic Flow Meter Transducer Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic flow meters installed in harsh environments require efficient maintenance procedures for transducer replacement, particularly when the system remains pressurized, as existing methods are time-consuming and pose challenges in accuracy during custody transfer and fluid measurement.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an extractor tool adaptor with a bracket and tube configuration that couples to the spoolpiece of an ultrasonic flow meter, allowing for selective installation and removal of transducers while maintaining system pressurization, utilizing pads and grooves for secure attachment and sealing to prevent fluid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional maintenance procedures are used to replace transducers in pressurized ultrasonic flow meters, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but maintenance time is excessive and system downtime is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the maintenance process into distinct segments: the extractor tool adaptor remains attached to the spoolpiece while the transducer is separately removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the transducer to be exchanged independently without requiring removal of the entire measurement system, thereby reducing maintenance time and system downtime while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The extractor tool adaptor serves as an intermediary device between the spoolpiece and the transducer. It provides a standardized interface that enables rapid attachment and detachment of transducers while maintaining the sealed, pressurized environment. This intermediary component facilitates quick transducer replacement without compromising system integrity or measurement accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the ultrasonic flow meter is depressurized for transducer replacement, then maintenance can be performed safely, but measurement accuracy is compromised and system operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor tool adaptor is pre-installed on the spoolpiece before transducer replacement is needed. This preliminary action creates a prepared interface that allows the transducer to be removed and replaced without depressurizing the system. The adaptor maintains the sealed environment throughout the maintenance process, ensuring measurement accuracy is preserved while providing safe and easy access for transducer replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex extraction mechanism is used to remove transducers from pressurized systems, then maintenance can be performed on pressurized systems, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor tool adaptor is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple operations: it seals to the spoolpiece, provides a mounting interface for transducers, enables rapid attachment and detachment, and maintains the pressurized environment. This multi-functional design allows the system to perform maintenance on pressurized systems without requiring multiple separate components or complex mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An extractor tool for an ultrasonic flow meter is disclosed. Some system embodiments comprise a bracket configured to couple to a spoolpiece of an ultrasonic flow meter and a tube inserted through and coupled to the bracket. The tube is configured to seal to the spoolpiece and permit a transducer to be selectively installed and removed therethrough.