Flow Rate Diagnosis with Dead-Volume Pressure Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flow rate diagnosis methods, such as the PVTt method, require a long time for diagnosis and a large tank volume, making it difficult to diagnose high flow rates accurately and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate diagnosis apparatus with a main line, a branch line, first and second open-close valves, and pressure control mechanisms that maintain specific pressures in the dead volume during preparation and inflow modes, allowing for quicker pressure stabilization and reduced fluid volume requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the PVTt method is used for flow rate diagnosis, then measurement precision is improved, but diagnosis time is significantly extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pressure stabilization in the dead volume before initiating the inflow mode. By pre-stabilizing the pressure conditions and having the second pressure control mechanism ready to maintain constant pressure, the system eliminates the need to wait for natural pressure recovery after the inflow measurement, thus reducing total diagnosis time while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If the PVTt method is used for flow rate diagnosis, then measurement precision is improved, but the required tank volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the pressure control function from the tank system and places it in the dead volume through the second pressure control mechanism. This allows the measurement to be performed with a smaller tank volume because the pressure stabilization function is no longer dependent on the tank's thermal and pressure mass, but rather on the active control mechanism
3Loss of time
If constant pressure is maintained in dead volume during inflow mode, then diagnosis time is shortened, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second pressure control mechanism serves multiple functions: it maintains constant pressure in the dead volume during inflow mode, enables faster diagnosis cycles, and works cooperatively with the first pressure control mechanism and valve system. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing significant performance benefits across multiple operational parameters
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
This configuration shortens the diagnosis time, reduces the amount of fluid needed, and enables accurate high-flow rate diagnosis by maintaining constant pressure in the dead volume during the inflow mode, improving the reliability and efficiency of the PVTt method.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure control mechanism that controls a fluid flowing through the branch line such that a pressure of the fluid in the dead volume is maintained at a first setting pressure during a preparation mode
Implementation Method 2
a second pressure control mechanism that controls the fluid flowing through the main line such that the pressure of the fluid in the dead volume is maintained at a second setting pressure during an inflow mode
Implementation Method 3
To downstream ends of the main line ML and the branch line SL, vacuum pumps SP, which are vacuum sources, are connected
Data Source
AI summary
A flow rate diagnosis apparatus includes: a main line in which a tank having a volume is provided; a branch line that branches from the main line on an upstream side of the tank; a first open close valve provided in the branch line; a second open close valve provided in the main line; a dead volume defined from the diagnosis object as an upstream end and the first open close valve and the second open close valve as downstream ends; and a second pressure control mechanism that controls a fluid flowing through the main line such that the pressure of the fluid in the dead volume is maintained at a second setting pressure during an inflow mode during which the fluid is caused to flow into the tank by closing of the first open close valve and opening of the second open close valve after a preparation mode.