Helium Supply Monitoring via Mass Flow and Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for supplying helium from ISO containers to users face challenges in accurately measuring and predicting the temperature and content, leading to inefficiencies, increased emissions of impurities, and additional costs due to the lack of real-time monitoring and precise control over the helium supply process.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a mass flow meter and programmable logic controller to measure and control the helium supply, incorporating automatic process control valves and pressure transmitters to monitor and manage the helium flow, temperature, and pressure, eliminating the need for weighbridges and enabling continuous online monitoring of helium content and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If ISO containers are used for helium supply, then high purity and large volume supply are achieved, but real-time measurement of temperature and content becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (weighbridges, level indicators) with electronic sensing and calculation systems. Temperature is calculated from pressure measurements using thermodynamic relationships, and helium content is determined through mass balance calculations based on initial weight and dispensed amount, enabling real-time monitoring without direct physical measurement of the cryogenic contents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure transmitters as intermediary devices that indirectly measure temperature conditions without direct thermal contact with the helium. Pressure measurements serve as a mediator to infer temperature and content status, avoiding the need for direct temperature sensing in the cryogenic environment
2Measurement precision
If permanent weighbridges are installed on ISO containers, then precise weight measurement is achieved, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary weighing of the ISO container at the fill station before delivery to the customer. This initial weight measurement is stored and used as the baseline for all subsequent content calculations, eliminating the need for the customer to install permanent weighbridges
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the customer to self-monitor helium content through the control unit that automatically calculates remaining amount based on the initial weight and cumulative dispensed volume, without requiring external weighing infrastructure
3Ease of operation
If level indicators are used in ISO containers, then content monitoring is simplified, but real-time continuous monitoring and accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the control unit continuously receives pressure data from transmitters, calculates the corresponding helium content and temperature, and displays real-time status to the user. This closed-loop feedback provides both ease of operation and accurate real-time monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it stores initial weight data, accumulates dispensed volume measurements, calculates remaining helium amount, determines temperature from pressure, and provides user interface displays. This multi-functional device replaces multiple separate measurement instruments
4Device complexity
If ISO containers are not monitored in real-time, then system simplicity is maintained, but warm containers generate increased impurity emissions and additional costs
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors pressure and calculates temperature to detect when the ISO container is warming up. This real-time feedback enables timely intervention to prevent excessive impurity emissions and associated costs
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 solution allows for precise and real-time monitoring of helium content and temperature, optimizing the supply process, reducing impurity emissions, and minimizing costs by eliminating the need for external weighing and liquid nitrogen top-ups, while enabling accurate billing and efficient helium pressurization.
Implementation Method 1
The mass flow meter can be a Coriolis mass flow meter
Data Source
AI summary
A method for supplying helium to at least one end user is disclosed by feeding helium from at least one container of helium to an end user through at least one supply system, wherein a mass flow meter and a pressure transmitter, in electronic communication with a programmable logic controller measures an amount of helium being supplied to the at least one user, provides the amount to the programmable logic controller which provides a signal to the at least one end user of an amount of helium that remains in the at least one container and the temperature therein.