Flowmeter Diagnostic Tool TPT Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coriolis flow meters experience unstable flow rates and noise during meter proving, leading to uncertainties in Total Prove Time (TPT) necessary to meet repeatability requirements, as existing methods rely on assumptions and estimates rather than actual in-service conditions.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic tool that calculates the standard deviation of flow rate measurements, determines the sampling duration, and computes a meter-specific factor to estimate the necessary TPT based on actual conditions, allowing for real-time adjustments to achieve predetermined repeatability standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If TPT is based on assumptions and estimates of potential meter flow noise under expected process conditions, then the design phase can proceed with preliminary sizing, but the actual TPT may vary considerably from predictions due to unforeseen factors
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic tool performs preliminary analysis of flow rate data and calculates estimated TPT during the design phase based on actual measured flow noise characteristics rather than assumptions. This allows for accurate TPT determination before the proving process begins, enabling proper prover sizing and avoiding time losses during actual proving operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual flow rate measurements and uses this feedback to calculate and update the estimated TPT. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures that the TPT calculation reflects actual operating conditions and flow noise levels, allowing for accurate predictions that can be used to optimize the proving process duration.
2Measurement precision
If the diagnostic tool calculates estimated TPT based on actual continuous live flow rate measurements, then accurate real-time indications are achieved, but additional measurement and calculation resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The flowmeter system performs self-diagnostics by utilizing its own existing flow rate measurement capabilities to calculate TPT estimates. The diagnostic tool leverages data already being collected by the flowmeter for its primary measurement function, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic tool is integrated into the existing flowmeter system and performs multiple functions: it monitors flow rate measurements for primary metering purposes while simultaneously analyzing the same data to calculate TPT estimates and provide diagnostic information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods for operating a flowmeter diagnostic tool are provided that comprise interfacing the diagnostic tool with a flowmeter (5) sensor assembly (10). A base prover volume (BPV), a desired number of passes per run, and/or a maximum number of allowed runs may be input into the diagnostic tool. Flowmeter data is received. An estimated total prove time (TPT) necessary to pass a predetermined repeatability requirement, an estimated minimum number of runs needed to achieve the calculated TPT, and/or an estimated minimum BPV may be calculated. A standard deviation of the flowmeter sensor assembly flow rate (σ) is calculated, and the number of samples used to calculate σ is determined. A meter-specific factor (MSF) is calculated.