Gas Flow Measurement Device with Lateral Sampling Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas flow measurement devices require space and technical interventions for installation, leading to temporary service interruptions and the need for partial or total removal of piping segments, which is not feasible in existing infrastructure without disrupting the gas supply.
Innovation Solution
A device that diverts a portion of the gas flow for measurement using a by-pass system, allowing for direct measurement and re-introduction into the main piping, using a calibration coefficient to calculate the total flow rate without the need for extensive modifications or interruptions, employing a combination of sampling and return tubes with lateral holes to minimize interference and optimize flow detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional gas flow measurement devices are installed in existing piping, then precise measurement is achieved, but service interruption and piping removal are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the gas flow into a main flow path and a sampled flow path. A sampling tube with lateral holes extracts a portion of the gas flow for measurement, while the majority of the flow continues uninterrupted through the main piping. This segmentation allows measurement without requiring service interruption or piping removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling tube acts as an intermediary element that extracts a representative sample of the gas flow without blocking the main flow path. The sampling tube with its lateral holes positioned at specific locations (including the central axis) provides a proportional sample that accurately represents the total flow while allowing continuous operation of the main piping.
2Ease of operation
If measurement devices are installed in existing piping, then flow rate detection is enabled, but installation complexity increases due to technical interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into separate functional components: a sampling tube with lateral holes for flow extraction, a measurement device for analyzing the sampled flow, and a calculation unit for determining total flow. This modular segmentation simplifies installation in existing piping systems, as each component can be installed independently without requiring complete piping replacement or service interruption.
3Productivity
If a by-pass system is used for measurement, then continuous gas supply is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a simple sampling path and a measurement path. The sampling tube with lateral holes creates a passive by-pass that extracts flow without requiring active control mechanisms. The measurement device analyzes the sampled flow, and a calculation unit (microprocessor) computes the total flow based on the sample and known piping characteristics, maintaining service continuity with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback through calibration procedures where the microprocessor compares measured values with expected values based on piping geometry and flow characteristics. This feedback mechanism allows the system to self-adjust and maintain accuracy without requiring complex manual calibration or intervention, simplifying the overall system operation while maintaining continuous service.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (110) for the measurement of the flow rate of a gas in a main gas piping (111), comprising: - first branch means (180) with a first branch pipe (112), developing inside a main piping (111) according to a second direction (X2) at least in part transversal to a first direction (X1) of said main piping (111); said first branch pipe (112) being configured for the diversion of a portion of a gas flow in transit in the main piping (111) towards measuring means (113), - measuring means (113), comprising an inlet mouth (114), connected to the first branch pipe (112), and an outlet mouth (115), said measuring means (113) being configured for the direct measurement of the flow rate of the portion of gas flow, diverted by the main piping (111), which crosses the same measuring means (113), - and second branch means (181), which in turn comprise a second branch pipe (116) connected to the outlet mouth (115) and configured for the reintroduction into the main piping (111) of the diverted portion of gas flow crossing the measuring means (113), wherein - said first branch pipe (112) and said second branch pipe (116) are concentric, said first branch pipe (112), comprising an external sampling tube (117), developing according to a second direction (X2) orthogonal to the first direction (X1), said sampling tube (117) crossing the wall (120) of said main piping (111) at a through hole (119) defined on the same wall (120), - said sampling tube (117) having at a first end (117a) a connecting section for the connection with said measuring means (113), - said sampling tube (117) having a second end (117b), opposite to the first end (117a), closed, and being positioned in such a way that said second end (117b) is close to or in contact with the internal surface of said wall (120), - said sampling tube (117) having three lateral sampling holes (121, 122, 123), said lateral sampling holes (121, 122, 123) being open, and turned, in the direction opposite to the direction of a gas flow (F) in the main piping (111), - said second branch pipe (116), having a lateral return hole (132) turned in the same direction towards said gas flow (F), - said second branch pipe (116) comprising a return tube (130), developing according to a third direction (X3) orthogonal to said first direction (X1) and coinciding with said second direction (X2), - said lateral return hole (132) comprising a tubular section (136) positioned between said return tube (130) and said sampling tube (117), so as to create a passage between the second branch pipe (116) and the inside of said main piping (111).