Bi-directional Orifice Plate Assembly Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Orifice fittings with unidirectional orifice plate assemblies are prone to leakage when the compression ring is inadvertently positioned upstream, leading to reduced pressure drop and inaccurate fluid flow measurements due to the lack of sealing between the orifice plate and the compression ring.
Innovation Solution
The orifice plate assembly features a plurality of ring members with annular recesses and overmolded elastomeric seals, including inner and outer annular seals, and elastomeric elements in ports, which compress against the orifice plate to create a bi-directional seal, preventing leakage and ensuring accurate flow measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a unidirectional orifice plate assembly is used with seal ring and compression ring positioned on specific sides, then the assembly structure is simple, but leakage occurs when the compression ring is inadvertently positioned upstream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing different sealing configurations on the upstream and downstream sides of the orifice plate. The upstream side has a seal ring with a sealing surface that seals against the orifice plate, while the downstream side has a compression ring without such sealing. This asymmetric design ensures that the assembly functions correctly only when installed in the proper orientation, preventing leakage even if installed backwards by making the backward installation mechanically impossible or easily detectable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies inversion by making the orifice plate assembly bidirectional, allowing it to function correctly regardless of installation orientation. This is achieved by providing sealing capabilities on both sides of the orifice plate, with the seal ring and compression ring configured to seal effectively whether the assembly is installed upstream-downstream or downstream-upstream. This eliminates the risk of leakage due to incorrect installation orientation.
2Ease of manufacture
If no seal is provided between the orifice plate and compression ring, then the assembly is easier to manufacture, but leakage occurs reducing pressure drop measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing sealing only at specific locations where it is most needed. The seal ring is positioned to seal against the orifice plate at the upstream side, where the pressure differential is greatest and leakage would most significantly affect measurements. The compression ring on the downstream side does not require sealing since the pressure is lower and any leakage would have minimal impact on measurement accuracy. This selective sealing approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while ensuring measurement precision.
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
The bi-directional orifice plate assembly effectively seals against the orifice plate in both directions, reducing leakage and maintaining accurate pressure differential measurements, thereby enhancing the reliability of fluid flow rate calculations.
Implementation Method 1
coupling a first of the plurality of ring members to a second of the plurality of ring members with an orifice plate disposed therebetween compresses the inner annular seal of the ring members against facing surfaces of the orifice plate
Implementation Method 2
each inner annular seal comprises an elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
An orifice plate assembly including a plurality of ring members, each having an inner facing surface including a first annular recess extending therein, and a plurality of inner annular seals, wherein a different inner annular seal of the plurality is overmolded to the first annular recess of each of the plurality of ring members to seal against a facing surface of an orifice plate captured between the plurality of ring members.