Fluid Filter Differential Pressure Control via Dual Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid systems, such as fueling systems, face challenges in effectively monitoring and controlling fluid filters, particularly in detecting filter conditions and preventing filter rupture or failure due to inadequate measurement of differential pressure across the filter.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fluid system configuration with a first pressure sensor upstream and a second pressure sensor downstream of the filter, along with a controller that calculates a flow-compensated differential pressure and determines a correction factor to assess the filter condition, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of the fluid valve to maintain safe pressure levels and estimate filter life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is installed in the fluid system to monitor filter condition, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that receives pressure signals from two pressure sensors (upstream and downstream of the filter) and processes this information to determine filter condition. The controller acts as a mediator between the physical filter and the monitoring system, calculating differential pressure and comparing it against stored thresholds to assess filter status without requiring direct complex sensor-filter interaction.
2Measurement precision
If differential pressure is monitored across the filter, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional pressure sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure measurement function into two separate pressure sensors positioned at different locations (upstream and downstream of the filter). Rather than using a single complex differential pressure sensor, the system divides the measurement task into two simple pressure measurements that are then processed by the controller to derive the differential pressure across the filter.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the fluid valve is controlled to reduce differential pressure, then filter life is extended, but productivity decreases due to flow restriction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the fluid valve based on real-time filter condition assessment. The controller continuously monitors differential pressure and adjusts the valve position dynamically - maintaining higher flow rates when the filter is clean and reducing flow rates when the filter approaches replacement thresholds. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both filter life extension and system productivity throughout the filter's operational lifecycle.
4Reliability
If real-time monitoring and control is implemented, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases due to continuous operation of sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring and control cycles rather than truly continuous operation. The controller operates in cycles, periodically reading pressure sensor data, assessing filter condition, and adjusting the fluid valve accordingly. This periodic action maintains reliable filter monitoring while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous full-power operation of all system components.
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 configuration enables accurate detection of filter failures and partial failures, preventing rupture and optimizing filter life by maintaining safe pressure levels and allowing for timely replacement, thus ensuring system reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure sensor in fluid communication with the fluid filter and disposed upstream of the fluid filter, a second pressure sensor disposed downstream of the fluid filter
Implementation Method 2
determining a differential pressure across the fluid filter via the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid system includes a fluid valve, a fluid filter connected to the fluid valve, a first pressure sensor in fluid communication the fluid filter, a second pressure sensor disposed downstream of the fluid filter, and a controller configured to determine a condition of the fluid filter according to information from the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor. The controller may be configured to control operation of the fluid valve according to the condition of the fluid filter and the information from the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor. Methods for controlling a fluid system are also disclosed.