Fluid Density Measurement for Real-Time Vapor Pressure Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining vapor pressure of volatile fluids are inefficient and pose safety risks due to the need for laboratory testing, which introduces delays and potential changes in fluid properties, making real-time, on-site measurement necessary.

Innovation Solution

A meter electronics system that uses density measurements based on resonant frequency to determine and verify vapor pressure by detecting phase changes in a fluid, utilizing previously determined correlations and interpolations to ensure accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If laboratory sampling and testing is used to determine vapor pressure, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but time delay and potential fluid property changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevapor pressure measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime delay in obtaining results
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical laboratory testing system with an electronic measurement system using Coriolis flowmeter technology. The system uses density measurements from the flowmeter combined with temperature measurements and vapor pressure correlations to calculate vapor pressure in real-time, eliminating the need for physical sample collection and laboratory analysis while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces density as an intermediary parameter to determine vapor pressure. Instead of directly measuring vapor pressure through phase change detection alone, the system uses density measurements from the Coriolis flowmeter as a mediator, combined with temperature and vapor pressure correlations, to accurately calculate vapor pressure in real-time within the flow stream.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If laboratory sampling is used for vapor pressure determination, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but safety risks and legal evidence vulnerabilities arise from sample handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevapor pressure determination capabilityVSAvoidsafety and legal evidence reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs vapor pressure determination using parameters (density, temperature) already measured by the Coriolis flowmeter during normal operation. The flowmeter's existing sensors and processing system are utilized to calculate vapor pressure without requiring separate sampling equipment or laboratory facilities, eliminating safety risks associated with sample handling while maintaining determination capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If phase change detection is used to determine vapor pressure, then real-time measurement is achieved, but verification of the measurement requires additional methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time measurement capabilityVSAvoidvapor pressure measurement verification
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses density measurements as feedback to verify vapor pressure determinations. The Coriolis flowmeter continuously provides density data, which is combined with temperature measurements and vapor pressure correlations. This feedback mechanism allows the system to verify phase change detection results and ensure measurement accuracy in real-time without requiring additional verification methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 real-time, reliable vapor pressure measurement without laboratory sampling, enhancing safety and reducing delays, allowing for immediate remediation of unsafe conditions and cost-effective regulatory compliance.

Implementation Method 1

determine a vapor pressure of the fluid by detecting a phase change of the fluid in the meter assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

measure a density of the fluid based on the resonant frequency of the meter assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

measure a density of the fluid based on the resonant frequency of the meter assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3948176B1Using a density measurement of a fluid to verify a vapor pressure
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 MICRO MOTION INC
  • EP3948176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3948176B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3948176B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A meter electronics (20) for using a density measurement of a fluid to verify a vapor pressure is provided. The meter electronics (20) includes a processing system (200) communicatively coupled to a meter assembly (10) having the fluid, the processing system (200) is configured to determine a vapor pressure of the fluid by detecting a phase change of the fluid in the meter assembly (10), measure a density of the fluid based on a resonant frequency of the meter assembly (10), derive a vapor pressure from the measured density, and compare the determined vapor pressure with the derived vapor pressure.