Adjustable Pitot Tube Mounting Assembly for Variable Pipe Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customized averaging pitot tube (APT) primary elements for flow measurement are costly and have extended lead times due to the need for unit-specific pipe dimensions, often requiring customers to provide measured values which introduces uncertainty with nominal dimensions.
Innovation Solution
An extended ferrule mounting assembly allows the APT primary element to be adjustable and compatible with a range of pipe sizes, eliminating the need for customization and reducing lead times by using a single length APT primary element across different diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If customized APT primary elements are manufactured for each customer's specific pipe dimensions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and lead time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The APT primary element is designed with a universal mounting assembly that can accommodate multiple pipe sizes (from 2 inches to 12 inches diameter) using a single standardized component. The mounting assembly includes an adjustable positioning mechanism with multiple holes that allow the same APT primary element to be correctly positioned in pipes of varying diameters, eliminating the need for custom manufacturing for each pipe size while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If customized APT primary elements are manufactured for each customer's specific pipe dimensions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The APT primary element is designed with a universal mounting assembly that can accommodate multiple pipe sizes (from 2 inches to 12 inches diameter) using a single standardized component. The mounting assembly includes an adjustable positioning mechanism with multiple holes that allow the same APT primary element to be correctly positioned in pipes of varying diameters, eliminating the need for custom manufacturing for each pipe size while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Loss of time
If nominal pipe dimensions are used instead of measured values, then lead time is reduced, but measurement uncertainty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly incorporates an adjustable positioning mechanism that allows dynamic adaptation to different pipe sizes. Instead of requiring fixed custom manufacturing for each pipe dimension, the system provides flexibility during installation to achieve correct positioning based on actual pipe measurements, thereby reducing lead time while minimizing measurement uncertainty.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed for coupling an averaging pitot tube (APT) primary element to a process pipe (108). A mounting assembly (112) mounts the APT primary element (120) to the process pipe (108) such that a length of the APT primary element (120) extending into the process pipe (108) is adjustable to accommodate different sized process pipe (108) diameters. The mounting assembly (112) includes a weld coupling (305) coupled to the process pipe (108) over an opening in the process pipe and having the APT primary element extending therethrough into the process pipe. An extension pipe nipple (310) is connected to the weld coupling (305) and has the APT primary element (120) extending therethrough such that a transition between a neck section (304) and a sensor section (303) of the APT primary element (120) is positioned inside the extension pipe nipple (310). A union component (315), a ferrule (320), and a cap (325) keep the APT primary element (120) in the mounted position and form a process seal.