Portable Gas Flow Meter Verification With Adjustable Pipeline Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-field gas flow meters in natural gas pipelines require frequent calibration to maintain accuracy, but the process is costly and disrupts pipeline operations due to the need for shutdown and laboratory calibration, which is often not done frequently enough due to the associated downtime and costs.
Innovation Solution
A portable verification system that can connect to and verify the accuracy of in-field gas flow meters without shutting down the pipeline, using a calibrated ultrasonic gas flow meter to compare measurements and adjust as needed, with adjustable piping sections for versatility and minimal downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the field meter is removed from the pipeline for laboratory calibration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but pipeline operation is interrupted and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
A portable verification system with a known reference meter is introduced as an intermediary device. This reference meter is temporarily connected to the pipeline alongside the field meter, allowing simultaneous measurement and comparison without removing either meter from service. The reference meter serves as a mediator that enables verification while maintaining continuous pipeline operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification system is divided into separate, portable components that can be independently assembled and connected to the pipeline. The reference meter, verification equipment, and connection components are segmented into modular units that can be quickly deployed and removed, minimizing disruption to pipeline operations while enabling accurate verification.
2Reliability
If the field meter is calibrated frequently to maintain accuracy, then measurement reliability is improved, but operational disruption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable verification system enables continuous verification of field meter accuracy without interrupting the useful action of gas transmission. By conducting verification in-line alongside the operating meter, the system maintains continuous pipeline throughput while ensuring measurement reliability through frequent verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification system allows the field meter to be verified in its own operating environment without requiring removal to an external laboratory. The portable reference meter and verification equipment provide self-service capability directly at the pipeline location, enabling frequent verification without external intervention or shutdown.
3Productivity
If a portable verification system is used to verify the field meter in-line, then pipeline shutdown is avoided and productivity is maintained, but the system must be adaptable to different piping geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The portable verification system is designed with universal connection capabilities that can interface with multiple types of piping geometries and meter configurations. The system incorporates adaptable connection components and a reference meter that can be configured for different pipeline diameters and arrangements, enabling it to serve multiple verification needs across various pipeline configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification system incorporates dynamic, adjustable components that can be configured on-site to match different piping geometries. Connection components can be adjusted or reconfigured to accommodate varying pipeline dimensions and arrangements, allowing the system to adapt to different field conditions without requiring multiple specialized devices.
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 on-site verification and adjustment of gas flow meters, reducing downtime and costs by allowing continuous pipeline operation while ensuring accurate measurements, and can be moved between different meter locations with varying piping geometries.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic gas flow meter contained by the single meter tube
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a portable verification system can move from one in-field gas flow meter location to another and temporarily connect downstream of a main pipeline's meter run or station. A control valve of the portable verification system allows volume measurement at different flow velocities to be verified. In some embodiments, the portable verification system is connected to the meter run and the main pipeline by an adjustable pipeline section. This section can extend horizontally and vertically, as well as swivel to provide versatility when connecting in the field. Adaptor fittings having one flange sized for and fitted to the inlet and outlet ends of the portable verification system and another flange sized for the meter run or main pipeline connection provide additional versatility. Downtime is limited to the time required to complete a circuit between the meter run, portable verification system, and main pipeline.