Portable Verification System for In-Field Gas Flow Meter Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-field gas flow meters used in custody transfer transactions along gas pipelines require frequent calibration to maintain accuracy, but the process involves shutting down the pipeline, leading to significant downtime and financial losses due to the need for laboratory calibration, which is often not performed frequently enough.
Innovation Solution
A portable verification system that can temporarily connect downstream of an in-field gas flow meter, using a calibrated ultrasonic gas flow meter to verify and adjust the field meter's measurements, allowing for on-site calibration without shutting down the main pipeline for extended periods, and can remain in place until the field meter is recalibrated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the field meter is removed for laboratory calibration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but pipeline downtime increases and financial losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
A portable verification system with a calibrated reference meter serves as an intermediary device, allowing field meter verification without removing it from the pipeline. The reference meter provides a known accurate measurement against which the field meter can be compared and adjusted in-place, eliminating the need for laboratory calibration and extended shutdowns
Solution Approach 2:
The portable verification system is pre-calibrated with a reference meter before being deployed to the field location. This preliminary calibration allows the system to immediately verify and adjust the field meter upon connection, without requiring the field meter to be sent to a laboratory for calibration first
2Reliability
If the field meter is calibrated frequently to maintain accuracy, then measurement reliability is improved, but pipeline shutdowns must occur more often
Solution Approach 1:
The portable verification system with reference meter acts as an intermediary that enables frequent in-field calibration without pipeline shutdowns. The system connects downstream of the field meter and provides continuous verification capability, allowing the pipeline to remain operational while calibration is performed
Solution Approach 2:
The portable verification system enables continuous pipeline operation during calibration by allowing the field meter to be verified and adjusted while gas continues to flow through the pipeline. The reference meter and control valve work together to maintain flow continuity while performing calibration functions
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
This solution minimizes pipeline downtime and allows for more frequent calibration of gas flow meters, reducing financial losses associated with shutdowns and maintaining measurement accuracy without the need for prolonged laboratory calibration processes.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic gas flow meter that is used to measure the transfer of gas flowing along these lines
Implementation Method 2
A same volume of gas that passes through the field meter also passes through a calibrated ultrasonic gas flow meter (the reference meter) of the portable verification system
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a portable verification system (5) can move from one in-field gas flow meter location to another and temporarily connect downstream of a main pipeline's meter run or station. A control valve (19) of the portable verification system (5) allows volume measurement at different flow velocities to be verified. In some embodiments, the portable verification system (5) is connected to the meter run (13) and the main pipeline by a corresponding slip or linearly adjustable pipeline section (30/70). This section (30/70) can extend horizontally and vertically, as well as swivel to provide versatility when connecting in the field. Adaptor fittings may be used to connect the system (5) to the meter run (13) and main pipeline or a quick connect/disconnect (105) may be used. Downtime is limited to the time required to complete a circuit between the meter run, portable verification system (5), and main pipeline.