Orifice Flowmeter Security Housing with Locking Bores
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Solution Overview
Problem
In pipeline operations and industrial applications, flowmeters require secure access control due to high pressures, and existing security devices are inadequate in preventing unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A security device is integrated with an orifice flowmeter, featuring a housing with coaxial through bores and U-shaped channels to enclose and lock the gear shaft and lower drive nuts, preventing unauthorized actuation of the slide valve plate and orifice plate carrier, using a lock through these bores to secure the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a security device is integrated with the orifice flowmeter to enclose critical components, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security device is merged with the orifice flowmeter body to form an integrated assembly. The housing incorporates coaxial through bores and U-shaped channels that align with and enclose the gear shaft and lower drive nuts, creating a unified security-metrication device rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The security device housing is segmented into specific functional zones: coaxial through bores for lock engagement, U-shaped channels for component enclosure, and designated access points for authorized operation. This segmentation allows the security function to be integrated without completely enclosing the flowmeter, maintaining necessary operational access.
2Reliability
If coaxial through bores and U-shaped channels are added to enclose gear shaft and lower drive nuts, then unauthorized access prevention is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural body of the security device, contains the coaxial through bores for lock engagement, incorporates U-shaped channels for component enclosure, and maintains alignment features for the gear shaft and lower drive nuts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate security components.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped channels are nested within the housing structure, creating enclosed spaces that contain the gear shaft and lower drive nuts. The coaxial through bores are nested within the housing walls, allowing lock engagement without requiring external security attachments. This nesting approach consolidates security features within the existing housing geometry.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and method for securing an orifice flowmeter and preventing unauthorized access to the flowmeter while in service is disclosed. The security device includes a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, a closed end, an open end, a front surface, and a back surface forming a cavity. Through bores extend coaxially through the top surface and the bottom surface proximate the open end. Some embodiments include protrusions coupled to the interior of cavity. The protrusions together with the back surface of the housing are configured to surround exposed portions of the flowmeter, such that the addition of a shackle portion of a locking device through the through bores will prevent removal of the security device from the flowmeter and subsequently prevent access to the flowmeter.