Internal Diversion Flange for Real-Time Fuel Density Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer systems face challenges in accurately measuring fluid density in real-time, particularly in aviation fueling applications, due to the need for external flow diversion which can lead to delayed and inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an internal flow diversion flange within the fluid transfer system, which includes a primary fluid passageway and a secondary fluid passageway, allows for real-time density measurements by diverting a portion of the fluid flow internally to a densitometer without disrupting the main flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external flow diversion is used to measure fluid density, then density measurements can be obtained, but the measurements are delayed and inaccurate, and the overall system performance is negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement function with the main flow path by integrating a densitometer directly into the flange body. The densitometer is positioned to measure fluid density within the primary flow stream rather than requiring external diversion, eliminating measurement delays and improving accuracy by capturing real-time density data from the actual flowing fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an internal bypass passage as an intermediary pathway that allows a portion of the fluid to be diverted internally to the densitometer for measurement, then returned to the main flow. This internal intermediary path enables accurate measurement without the need for external diversion systems, maintaining system performance while achieving precise density measurements.
2Measurement precision
If external flow diversion is implemented for fluid sampling, then density measurements can be performed, but the system complexity increases and overall performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the density measurement functionality directly into the flange structure by integrating the densitometer and bypass passages within the flange body itself. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external diversion systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a flow distribution component, provides structural support, and houses the density measurement system. The bypass passages are integrated into the flange geometry, allowing the same component to facilitate both fluid distribution and measurement access without requiring additional dedicated structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transfer system component for internally measuring fluid density in real- time. The component may be a flange comprising a base having a first face and a second face, a primary fluid passageway extending through the base from the first face to the second face, a secondary fluid passageway extending through the base from the first face to the second face, and an outside wall, a portion of which is configured to operably engage with a measuring device and comprises a third opening. The primary fluid passageway may have a non-circular cross-section allowing the secondary fluid passageway to be parallel to the primary fluid passageway. The third opening may be in fluid communication with the secondary fluid passageway allowing the measurement device to measure fluid data such as fluid density via the secondary fluid passageway.