Finned Coplanar Flange for High-Temperature DP Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure transmitters face measurement errors and operational limitations in high-temperature environments due to temperature extremes, which can damage the fill fluid and sensor components, and direct mounting below a process fluid flow element is impractical due to condensate and contaminant issues.
Innovation Solution
A direct-mount process fluid pressure measurement system with a coplanar process fluid flange and a plurality of fins to enhance heat transfer, allowing the pressure transmitter to operate above the maximum temperature of 85-121.1 °C (185-250 °F) by dissipating heat through convection and radiation, while maintaining proximity to the process fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a remote seal system with long capillary tube is used to measure pressure in high temperature environments, then the transmitter can operate below maximum temperature, but measurement errors are introduced and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal barrier flange as an intermediary component between the high-temperature process fluid and the pressure transmitter. This flange acts as a thermal mediator that allows the transmitter to remain thermally isolated while maintaining close physical proximity to the measurement point, thereby preserving measurement accuracy without requiring long capillary tubes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pressure measurement system into distinct thermal zones: the process connection flange exposed to high temperatures, the thermal barrier section that blocks heat transfer, and the transmitter housing that remains in the lower temperature zone. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal temperature range
2Temperature
If a remote seal system with long capillary tube is used for high temperature measurement, then the transmitter operates below maximum temperature, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal barrier function directly into the process connection flange structure, eliminating the need for separate insulation components and long capillary tubes. The finned flange design combines structural support, thermal blocking, and mounting functions into a single integrated component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the thermal barrier function from the traditional remote seal system and implements it locally at the process connection point. This eliminates the need for long capillary tubes and complex remote sealing arrangements, simplifying the overall system
3Ease of operation
If the pressure transmitter is directly mounted below the process fluid flow element, then clearance issues are resolved, but condensate and contaminant problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mounting dimension from vertical (below the flow element) to horizontal (at the side of the flow element). The coplanar flange design allows the transmitter to be mounted at the same elevation as the flow element, eliminating clearance issues while avoiding direct exposure to condensate and contaminants through the thermal barrier
4Temperature
If the pressure transmitter is located remotely from the process fluid, then temperature extremes are avoided, but measurement errors are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The finned flange acts as a thermal intermediary that blocks heat transfer from the process fluid to the transmitter while allowing the transmitter to remain in close proximity to the measurement point. This maintains measurement accuracy without exposing the transmitter to temperature extremes
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 provides accurate differential pressure measurements at higher temperatures without the need for remote seals, reducing the risk of measurement errors and contamination, and addressing clearance issues with the ground or floor.
Implementation Method 1
dissipating heat through convection and radiation
Implementation Method 2
dissipating heat through convection and radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
A process fluid pressure measurement system (10) is provided. The system includes a process fluid pressure transmitter (12) having a pair of process fluid ports disposed coplanar with one another on a bottom surface thereof. The process fluid pressure transmitter (12) is configured to measure a differential pressure between the pair of process fluid ports and provide an indication of the measured differential pressure over a process communication loop. A process fluid flange (18) has a first surface (36) configured to mount to the surface of the process fluid pressure transmitter (12), a second surface (34) opposed to the first surface (36), and at least one lateral sidewall (37) extending between the first and second surface (36, 34). A plurality of fins (32) are disposed proximate the lateral surface (37).