Fluid Metering System with Closed-Loop Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid metering systems in the oil and gas industry are inaccurate, prone to air locks, and fail to adjust to changing flow rates and pressures, leading to excessive chemical usage and potential equipment damage due to salt accumulation and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop feedback system with a measuring tube and pressure sensor that monitors and adjusts the flow rate of chemicals, ensuring precise dosing by calculating the volume of chemical added and adjusting the next addition based on measured amounts, eliminating the need for a carrier fluid and allowing direct injection into oil wells or gas lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional metering pumps are used to dose chemicals, then chemical delivery is achieved, but measurement precision and dosing accuracy deteriorate due to air locks and inability to adjust to changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system using a flowmeter to continuously monitor the actual flow rate of the carrier fluid and a pressure sensor to measure the pressure of the chemical in the measuring tube. The control unit receives signals from both sensors and calculates the actual dosage, comparing it with the target dosage to adjust the dosing process in real-time, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical metering pumps with an electronic control system that uses a flowmeter, pressure sensor, and control unit to precisely meter and dose chemicals. This substitution eliminates the mechanical limitations of traditional pumps, including air lock susceptibility and inability to adapt to changing flow rates and pressures
2Loss of substance
If conventional metering pumps operate without closed-loop control, then chemical delivery is achieved, but chemical usage increases excessively due to inaccurate dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the actual flow rate via the flowmeter and the chemical volume via the pressure sensor, calculating the actual dosage delivered. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust the dosing rate in real-time to match the exact chemical requirements, minimizing chemical waste while the modular design keeps system complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts its own operation based on real-time measurements from the flowmeter and pressure sensor. The control unit self-regulates the chemical dosing without external intervention, optimizing chemical usage and reducing waste while maintaining straightforward system architecture
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional metering pumps are used, then chemical dosing is achieved, but adaptability to changing flow rates and pressures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic components including a flowmeter that continuously tracks changing flow rates and a pressure sensor that responds to pressure variations. The control unit dynamically adjusts the chemical dosing in real-time based on these changing conditions, maintaining both adaptability and dosing precision throughout operation
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop feedback system continuously monitors flow rate and pressure changes, allowing the control unit to adapt the dosing parameters in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that dosing precision is maintained even as operating conditions change, achieving both adaptability and accuracy
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 provides accurate and precise chemical dosing, reducing waste and environmental impact by ensuring the minimum required chemical amount is used, while preventing damage from salt accumulation and corrosion, and adapting to varying flow rates and pressures.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor measures the pressure of the chemical in the measuring tube thereby allowing a control unit to calculate the total volume of chemical in the measuring tube
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid metering system for accurately measuring and dosing one or more fluids. The fluid metering system generally includes a closed loop feedback system that monitors the volume of liquid chemical input into a system over a period of time. Based on the measured amount of chemical input into a system over a period of time, the system calculates whether or not an adjustment is required for the next input of chemical. The various embodiments utilize a measuring tube that is filled with a liquid chemical. A pressure sensor measures the pressure of the chemical in the measuring tube when filled and after emptied to calculate the total volume of chemical input into the system.