High-Pressure Fluid Coupling for Misaligned Transmitter Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-pressure fluidic coupling systems for differential pressure transmitters require precise axial alignment, which is difficult and time-consuming to achieve, especially in applications exceeding 413 bar (41.3 MPa, where the use of coned and threaded fittings necessitates bending of tubing to compensate for misalignment, potentially leading to damage and leakage.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure fluidic coupling system that accommodates slight axial misalignment using a spherical end and conical recess configuration, with an enlarged internal surface of the gland nut and thrust collar to allow for offset positioning, eliminating the need for tubing bends and ensuring a robust metal-to-metal seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coned and threaded fittings are used for high-pressure connections, then a robust metal-to-metal seal is achieved, but precise axial alignment is required which is difficult and time-consuming to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical seating surface in the female fitting that receives a spherical end on the male fitting. This spherical configuration allows the fittings to self-align and accommodate slight angular misalignments while maintaining a robust metal-to-metal seal, eliminating the need for precise axial alignment required by conventional coned and threaded fittings.
2Ease of operation
If tubing is bent to compensate for misalignment in high-pressure connections, then connection is achieved, but permanent deformation of tubing may occur leading to damage and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical seating surface and spherical end configuration enables the tubing to connect directly without bending, as the spherical geometry accommodates misalignment through self-adjusting contact points, thereby preventing permanent deformation and maintaining tubing integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If four bolts are used to clamp transmitter to manifold, then simple assembly is achieved, but excessive stress is placed on bolts in high-pressure applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clamping function into multiple points around the circumference of the transmitter-manifold connection. Instead of relying on four bolts to bear all the pressure, the spherical fitting distributes the high-pressure loads across a broader contact area and multiple support points, reducing the stress on each individual bolt while maintaining assembly simplicity.
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 efficient and leak-free connections in high-pressure applications by allowing slight misalignment without requiring permanent deformation of tubing, simplifying the assembly process and maintaining a robust seal, thus facilitating the installation of differential pressure transmitters at higher pressures.
Implementation Method 1
A high-pressure fluidic coupling system that accommodates slight axial misalignment using a spherical end and conical recess configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
A process fluid pressure sensing system includes a process fluid pressure transmitter (250) and a process manifold (256). The process fluid pressure transmitter (250) has first and second pressure inlets and is configured to obtain a measurement relative to pressures applied at the first and second pressure inlets and provide a process variable output based on the measurement. The process manifold (256) is operably coupled to a process fluid and has first and second pressure outlets. A first high-pressure coupling (252) joins the first pressure outlet of the process manifold (256) to the first pressure inlet of the process fluid pressure transmitter (250). A second high-pressure coupling (254) joins the second pressure outlet of the process manifold (256) to the second pressure inlet of the process fluid pressure transmitter (250). The first and second high-pressure fluid couplings (252,254) are configured to accommodate misalignment between the respective pressure outlets and inlets.