Fluid Diagnostic System for Pump and Flowmeter Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid diagnostic systems lack an efficient method to characterize the performance of pumps and verify the accuracy of flowmeters, particularly in fluid systems used for well servicing and hydrocarbon extraction, where precise fluid measurement and pumping are critical.
Innovation Solution
A fluid diagnostic system utilizing a calibrated container and a secondary container, where fluid is pumped between them under gravity, with sensors and a computer system to determine the accuracy of flowmeters and calculate the calibration factor of pumps, allowing for minimal operator intervention and repeated testing of multiple pumps and flowmeters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fluid diagnostic system is implemented to characterize pump performance and verify flowmeter accuracy, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A calibrated container serves as an intermediary reference standard with known volume markings. The container receives fluid from the pump through the flowmeter, and its pre-determined volume measurements provide a reference against which the flowmeter's measurements can be verified, enabling accurate characterization without direct complex measurement instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified copy or model of the fluid measurement process using the calibrated container as a reference standard. By comparing the flowmeter's readings against the known volumes in the calibrated container, the system verifies accuracy through a simplified reference model rather than requiring complex direct measurement equipment.
2Productivity
If manual verification methods are used for pump and flowmeter performance, then operator control is maintained, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The calibrated container is pre-filled with fluid to specific volume levels before testing begins. During the performance characterization, the system automatically compares flowmeter readings against the pre-established volume references in the container, eliminating the need for operators to manually measure or calculate volumes during the testing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibrated container is prepared in advance with known fluid volumes at specific markings before the actual performance testing occurs. This preliminary preparation of reference standards allows for rapid comparison and verification during testing, significantly reducing the time required for performance characterization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pumps and flowmeters are tested individually using traditional methods, then comprehensive characterization is achieved, but loss of time increases due to repeated setup procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The calibrated container serves as a universal reference standard that can be used to test multiple different pumps and flowmeters without requiring reconfiguration. The same container with its pre-determined volume markings can characterize the performance of any pump-flowmeter combination, enabling comprehensive multi-device testing with a single standardized tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the testing of multiple devices into a unified process using the single calibrated container as a common reference. Rather than requiring separate setup procedures for each pump or flowmeter, the container serves as a shared resource that enables sequential testing of multiple devices without repeated configuration steps.
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 system ensures accurate characterization of pump performance and flowmeter accuracy, enabling reliable fluid measurement and pumping operations, particularly in well servicing and hydrocarbon extraction applications, with minimal operator involvement and repeated testing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Pumps are devices which move fluid by a mechanical action that typically involves creating a suction or pressure to move the fluid
Implementation Method 2
causing a valve of a first container to be opened to remove fluid from the first container into a second container
Data Source
AI summary
A valve of a first container is opened to remove fluid into a second container, where the output of the first container is above a maximum fluid level of the second container. The valve of the first container is closed based on a sensor indicating that a fluid level in the first container is at a first fluid level. A pump pumps the fluid from the second container to the first container via a flow meter. An indication is received that causes the pump to stop pumping based on the indication. An amount of fluid pumped into the first container is determined based on the first fluid level and a second fluid level indicated by the sensor. An indication of total fluid volume measured by the flow meter is compared to the amount of fluid pumped. An indication of accuracy of the flow meter is output based on the comparison.