Piston Flow Meter with Bypass Valve for Debris Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measuring apparatuses, such as meter provers and positive displacement flow meters, face challenges in accurately measuring flow rates in smaller diameter lines and high-pressure hydraulic systems, particularly in environments with debris, where continuous flow measurement is not always required.
Innovation Solution
A direct flow measuring apparatus comprising a barrel with a movable piston, a biasing member, and a valve assembly that allows fluid to bypass the piston, with a latching mechanism and actuator to control piston movement, enabling accurate measurement of flow rates while being tolerant to debris and overpressure conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a piston meter prover is used for flow measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to elaborate hardware and valve mechanisms required
Solution Approach 1:
The flow measurement function is segmented into discrete piston strokes rather than continuous measurement. The piston moves in distinct forward and return strokes, with measurement occurring during the forward stroke only. This segmentation simplifies the overall device by eliminating the need for complex continuous measurement mechanisms while maintaining accuracy for the measured portion of flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential measurement function from the complex piston meter prover system. By using a simple barrel and piston arrangement without elaborate valve mechanisms or continuous reciprocation systems, the patent isolates the core measurement capability while removing unnecessary complexity. The measurement is taken during a single directional stroke rather than requiring continuous operation.
2Measurement precision
If continuous flow measurement is implemented, then measurement completeness is improved, but reliability decreases due to sensitivity to debris and overpressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous measurement, the system uses periodic piston strokes to measure flow in discrete intervals. The piston performs repeated forward and return movements, with each forward stroke providing a measurement cycle. This periodic operation allows the system to tolerate debris and overpressure conditions between strokes while still providing cumulative flow measurement over time, improving reliability without sacrificing measurement completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel and piston design provides self-protection against overpressure and debris through its simple mechanical structure. The open return path allows debris to pass through without jamming the mechanism, and the piston naturally returns to its starting position after each stroke, providing automatic reset capability. This self-service characteristic enhances reliability by eliminating the need for complex protection systems against common flow measurement hazards.
3Productivity
If the piston is designed to reciprocate continuously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to mechanical linkages and valve mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the forward measurement stroke and return stroke into a single integrated barrel-piston assembly. The piston moves freely within the barrel without requiring external mechanical linkages or valve mechanisms to enforce reciprocation. The measurement function is combined with the return path in such a way that the piston naturally completes its cycle without additional complexity, achieving continuous operation through simplicity rather than through complex coordinating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel and piston assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures flow during the forward stroke, provides a return path during the reverse stroke, tolerates debris passage, and withstands overpressure conditions. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single simple mechanical structure rather than through separate specialized components, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 apparatus provides reliable and accurate flow rate measurements in smaller diameter lines and high-pressure systems, with the ability to self-diagnose leaks and operate effectively in conditions with debris, ensuring precise measurement and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is coupled to the piston and urges the piston toward the first position
Implementation Method 2
The biasing member allows the valve member to move away from the closed position when fluid pressure on the valve member exerts a force that exceeds the urging force
Implementation Method 3
fluid pressure on the valve member exerts a force that exceeds the urging force
Implementation Method 4
A second fluid passageway provides fluid from the intermediate portion of the first fluid passageway to a portion of the piston to move the piston toward the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A flow measuring apparatus of an embodiment is provided that comprises a cylinder and a piston movable in the cylinder between first and second positions. The piston divides the cylinder's interior area into first and second portions. A biasing member urges the piston toward the first position. A first fluid passageway allows fluid to bypass the piston, and a second fluid passageway is in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway and with the first portion of the cylinder. The second fluid passageway provides fluid to the first portion of the cylinder to move the piston toward the second position. A flow diverter is movable between a first flow position that allows fluid to pass through the first fluid passageway to the outlet and a second flow position that causes fluid to flow into the second flow passageway and into the first portion of the chamber. A retention mechanism is moveable to move the flow diverter to the closed position and is moveable to allow the flow diverter to move to the open position when the piston reaches the second position.