Compact Flow Measurement System with Staged Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow measurement systems require widely spaced measurement devices to avoid turbulent disturbances, leading to undesirable separation and limited diagnostic capabilities for detecting changes in fluid flow characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A compact flow measurement system with staged measurement rings and interconnected pressure detection taps, allowing for closer placement of sampling devices and using a programmable logic controller to calculate differential pressure ratios for real-time diagnostic purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If measurement devices are placed close to flow restriction, then device compactness and maintenance cost are improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to turbulent disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into multiple independent pressure taps positioned at different locations (upstream, at, and downstream of the flow restriction). This segmentation allows the system to capture pressure data from multiple zones, enabling compact device placement while maintaining measurement accuracy through differential pressure calculation that compensates for turbulent effects.
Solution Approach 2:
A differential pressure detection system serves as an intermediary that processes pressure signals from multiple taps. This intermediary calculates the pressure differential ratio, which compensates for turbulent disturbances and provides accurate flow measurement even when devices are placed close together near the flow restriction.
2Measurement precision
If sampling devices are placed close to flow restriction, then fluid mixing representation is improved, but device spacing requirement is violated causing turbulent interference
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pressure taps are segmented and positioned at different axial locations relative to the flow restriction. This segmentation enables the system to capture pressure information from both the restricted and unrestricted zones, providing a representative view of the mixed fluid while avoiding the harmful turbulent interference through differential measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple pressure taps to continuously monitor and calculate the differential pressure ratio. This feedback mechanism allows real-time compensation for turbulent effects, ensuring accurate fluid representation even when sampling devices are placed close to the flow restriction where mixing is most effective.
3Measurement precision
If measurement devices are widely spaced, then measurement accuracy is improved by avoiding turbulence, but diagnostic capability deteriorates due to inability to detect flow changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement function into multiple pressure taps positioned at different locations along the flow path. This segmentation provides multiple data points that enable both accurate differential pressure measurement and comprehensive flow diagnostics, capturing flow characteristics that would be missed by single-point measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-tap pressure measurement system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides accurate differential pressure measurement for flow rate calculation and also enables flow diagnostics by detecting changes in pressure distribution patterns. This multi-functionality eliminates the trade-off between accuracy and diagnostic capability.
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 accurate and representative measurement of fluid flow parameters, including density and viscosity, with reduced maintenance costs and improved diagnostic capabilities for identifying changes in fluid characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
Fluid pressure is normally measured upstream of a flow restriction and downstream of the flow restriction. The measured pressure differential will allow calculation of fluid flow rate.
Implementation Method 2
A first measurement ring is provided in which fluid pressure is detected. The second measurement ring is downstream of the first measurement ring. The second measurement ring includes a flow restriction and, as well, allows fluid pressure detection at the point of flow restriction.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow measurement system for measuring the flow rate, density and/or other flow parameters of fluid flow through a flowbore. Additionally, the devices and methods advantageously provide for sampling of the fluid flow from different locations within the flow stream (i.e., center, proximate flowbore wall).