Flowmeter Arrangement Isolating Instrument from Load Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the hydrocarbon industry, traditional flow meters integrated into flowlines or jumpers for multiphase fluid measurement are subjected to internal and external loads, requiring structural reinforcement that increases weight, installation efforts, and costs.
Innovation Solution
A metering pipe loop arrangement isolates the flow metering instrument from these loads by diverting all fluid into a separate pipe loop with T-connections and a plug, allowing the load path to bypass the metering instrument, thus reducing the need for reinforcing structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow meters are integrated into flowlines or jumpers for in situ measurements, then fluid flow measurement is enabled, but structural reinforcement is required which increases weight and installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The flowline system is segmented into a main flowline and a separate metering loop. The metering loop is a detached structural entity that connects to the main flowline via T-connections, allowing the flow measurement function to be separated from the main load-bearing flowline structure. This segmentation enables the metering instrument to be isolated from the primary load path while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow measurement function is extracted from the main flowline structure and placed into a separate metering loop. The metering loop is connected to the flowline through T-connections and includes a plug that directs fluid into the loop. This extraction removes the flow meter from the main load path, eliminating the need for structural reinforcement of the flowline itself.
2Measurement precision
If flow meters are integrated into flowlines, then fluid measurement is achieved, but installation efforts and costs increase due to reinforcing structures
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a main flowline and a separate metering loop with distinct functional responsibilities. The metering loop includes standard T-connections and a plug that are easier to install than integrated flow meter assemblies. This segmentation allows for simpler, more modular installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow measurement capability is extracted into a separate metering loop that can be installed independently of the main flowline. The loop uses standard piping components (T-connections, plugs) that simplify installation compared to integrated flow meter systems that require structural reinforcement.
3Measurement precision
If flow meters are installed in flowlines, then measurement capability is provided, but the flow meter is subjected to internal and external loads requiring reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The flowline system is segmented so that the metering loop is a separate structural entity from the main flowline. The loop is connected via T-connections and includes a plug that directs fluid into the loop. This segmentation creates a distinct load path in the main flowline that bypasses the metering loop, isolating the flow meter from internal pressure loads and external bending/torsion forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow meter and metering loop are extracted from the main load path of the flowline. The metering loop is connected through T-connections with a plug that directs fluid into the loop, creating a separate structural pathway for fluid measurement that does not bear the primary loads of the flowline.
Solution Approach 3:
The T-connections and plug act as intermediaries that redirect fluid from the main flowline into the metering loop. These intermediary components create a separate flow path that isolates the flow meter from the load path, allowing the metering loop to function without bearing the primary structural loads.
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 solution significantly reduces the requirement for structural reinforcement, enhancing versatility, flexibility, and reducing weight and installation costs while maintaining accurate fluid measurement across various flowline types and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
A metering pipe loop is adapted for installation of a flow metering instrument, the metering pipe loop has an inlet and an outlet respectively connected in fluid flow communication with the flowline or jumper on either side of a plug effectively directing all fluid in the flowline or jumper into the metering pipe loop
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An arrangement for metering the flow of fluid in a flowline or jumper for transport of hydrocarbons, wherein the flowline or jumper is subjected to internal and external loads and forces which are taken up by the wall of the flowline or jumper. A metering pipe loop (7) is adapted for installation of a flow metering instrument (4), the metering pipe loop having an inlet (12') and an outlet (14') respectively connected in fluid flow communication with the flowline or jumper on either side of a plug (16) effectively directing all fluid in the flowline or jumper into the metering pipe loop, whereby the flow metering instrument installed in the metering pipe loop is isolated from the path of load (L) which is defined by the flowline or jumper. The isolation is achieved by providing a bridge consisting of the straight portions of two interconnected T-connections (6, 8), between which the plug (11) is installed, that transfers the load past the metering pipe loop.