Portable Gas Meter Diagnostic Instrument for In-Service Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas metering systems face challenges in accurately measuring gas volume due to temperature and pressure variations, and require offline testing, which disrupts service and is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A portable diagnostic instrument with calibrated sensors to monitor temperature, pressure, and impeller motion, allowing for in-service testing of gas meters and electronic correctors, detecting issues like bearing problems, and updating characteristics for improved accuracy without interrupting service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If offline testing is used to check gas meter operation, then measurement accuracy can be verified, but service interruption occurs and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable diagnostic instrument enables continuous operation of the gas meter during diagnostic testing. The system allows in-service testing by connecting the portable instrument to the gas meter through the existing electronic corrector, eliminating the need to take the meter offline for verification tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic corrector serves as an intermediary device that facilitates communication between the portable diagnostic instrument and the gas meter. The portable instrument connects to the electronic corrector, which then interfaces with the gas meter, allowing diagnostics without service interruption.
2Ease of operation
If portable diagnostic instrument is used for in-service testing, then service continuity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable diagnostic instrument is designed to interface with existing gas metering systems through standard communication protocols and connections. It can diagnose multiple components (gas meter, electronic corrector, junction) using a single device, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools and simplifying the overall diagnostic approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows operators to perform self-diagnosis and self-testing of gas metering components using the portable instrument. The diagnostic capabilities are integrated into a user-friendly portable device that can be operated by field technicians without requiring complex setup or specialized expertise.
3Measurement precision
If calibrated sensors are added for monitoring, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable diagnostic instrument combines multiple calibrated sensors (temperature, pressure, flow) into a single integrated device. Rather than adding separate sensor systems to the existing gas metering infrastructure, all measurement capabilities are merged into the portable instrument, which then communicates results through the electronic corrector.
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 accurate, efficient, and non-disruptive diagnostic testing and calibration of gas metering systems, ensuring precise volume measurements and extending equipment lifespan by identifying and compensating for operational degradations.
Implementation Method 1
reference sensors may be temporarily applied to monitor gas temperature and pressure, as well as the motion of a flow-responsive element (e.g., impellers, turbine, or diaphragm) in the gas meter
Implementation Method 2
reference sensors may be temporarily applied to monitor gas temperature and pressure
Implementation Method 3
reference sensors may be temporarily applied to monitor gas temperature and pressure
Implementation Method 4
An electronic corrector may provide, for example, a volume correction function to adjust the measured volume of the gas meter based on temperature and pressure of the gas in the meter
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and associated apparatus, methods, and computer program products, relate to a small, portable diagnostic instrument for checking the correct operation of a gas metering system that include a gas meter, an electronic corrector, and a junction there between. Some embodiments may use calibrated sensors to check the operation of a rotary or other positive displacement type gas meter or turbine meter. For example, reference sensors may be temporarily applied to monitor gas temperature and pressure, as well as the motion of a flow-responsive element (e.g., impellers, turbine, or diaphragm) in the gas meter. Measured volume signals from the gas meter system may be compared to reference volume signals determined from the reference sensors to check operation of the junction, and/or the electronic corrector. Some embodiments may detect other failure mechanisms, such as bearing-related problems in the gas meter, for example.