Dual-Mode Flowmeter Calibration with Redundant Master Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration systems for flow meters suffer from limitations in accuracy, uncertainty, repeatability, reproducibility, and lack redundancy, leading to undetected drift between formal calibration intervals, which can impact the performance and compliance of flow metering technologies.
Innovation Solution
A calibration system incorporating a meter bank with dual Coriolis flowmeters, a primary reference standard, and a diverter valve to switch between closed and open loop modes, enabling dual calibration and redundant meter confirmation, ensuring high accuracy and reproducibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a singular calibration system based solely on gravimetric or master meter concepts is used, then the system structure is simple, but the accuracy, uncertainty, repeatability, and reproducibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple calibration approaches (gravimetric and master meter concepts) into a single integrated calibration system. This merging allows the system to leverage the strengths of both methods, achieving higher accuracy and reduced uncertainty compared to using either method alone, while maintaining a unified system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is designed to perform multiple calibration functions through a single apparatus. The system can operate in different modes (gravimetric calibration and master meter calibration) using the same physical infrastructure, including the calibration loop, flow meters, and control systems, thereby achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Device complexity
If a singular calibration system is used, then the device complexity is low, but redundancy to a primary standard is lacking, leading to undetected drift between formal calibration intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system incorporates continuous monitoring and comparison mechanisms that provide feedback on meter performance between formal calibration intervals. By constantly comparing measurements against the primary standard or reference meters, the system can detect drift early and alert operators, ensuring reliability without requiring a complex redundant system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by using its own components (master meters, reference standards) to continuously check the accuracy of calibrated meters. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain its own calibration integrity and detect drift without external intervention, enhancing reliability while avoiding the need for separate redundant calibration systems.
3Measurement precision
If multiple flowmeters are used in the meter bank, then measurement accuracy and reproducibility are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The meter bank is segmented into multiple independent flowmeter units, each capable of individual calibration and measurement. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher measurement accuracy through multiple measurements and statistical analysis, while the modular structure keeps each individual component simple and manageable, preventing overall system complexity from becoming unmanageable.
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 enhanced accuracy and reproducibility of flow measurements, meeting stringent industry standards and reducing the risk of undetected drift, thereby ensuring reliable calibration of flow meters.
Implementation Method 1
the first meter and the second meter are Coriolis flowmeters
Implementation Method 2
a primary reference standard configured to determine a mass of calibration fluid
Implementation Method 3
a pump configured to pressurize the calibration and/or convey the calibration fluid through the system at a desired flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration system and methods for flow metering technologies integrates a known primary reference standard (e.g., a gravimetric scale), configured to determine a mass of calibration fluid, in parallel with surrogate secondary masters (e.g., Coriolis effect flowmeters) connected via an adjustable flowpath having a closed loop mode, including a meter bank, a pump and a measuring section, and an open loop mode, including a reservoir, the meter bank, the pump, the measuring section and the primary reference standard, which enables calibration duality and redundant meter under test confirmation of calibration factors. The disclosed systems and methods enable life cycle assurance of the primary reference standard and the secondary masters' standard reliability and reproducibility over time and, as a redundant system, enable calibration of multiple flow metering technologies, such as, for example, volumetric, mass, density, viscosity and Reynolds number-reliant technologies, in one homogenous system.