Portable Gas Flow Verification System Using Ultrasonic Reference Meter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas flow measurement systems for commercial and residential settings lack accuracy due to the use of air for verification, which does not reflect natural gas flow conditions, and are not easily portable for in-situ testing.
Innovation Solution
A portable verification system comprising a wheeled cart with a calibrated ultrasonic meter, air blower, and flexible hoses, allowing for in-situ testing of gas flow meters using natural gas and providing a means to compare measurements between the field meter and the reference meter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air is used for meter verification instead of natural gas, then the testing process is simpler and can be performed more easily, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates because the meter is not tested with the actual gas it measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable verification system that uses natural gas as the intermediary substance to test the meter, rather than using air. This allows the meter to be tested with the actual gas it measures in normal operation, ensuring measurement accuracy while maintaining portability through the use of flexible hoses and a mobile testing apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of the testing medium from air to natural gas, matching the actual operating conditions of the meter. This parameter change ensures that the verification process accurately reflects real-world measurement conditions, thereby improving measurement precision without sacrificing operational ease
2Ease of operation
If a portable verification system is used for in-situ testing, then the ease of operation improves by eliminating the need to remove meters, but the device complexity increases due to the need for portable power supplies and mobile equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The verification system is segmented into modular components including a portable power supply unit, flexible hoses, and mobile testing equipment. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and simplifies the overall system deployment, reducing the practical complexity despite the increased portability capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible hoses serve as intermediaries that connect the portable verification system to the meter without requiring meter removal. This intermediary component enables in-situ testing while keeping the system portable and manageable, balancing ease of operation with acceptable device complexity
3Measurement precision
If natural gas is flowed through the meter during verification, then the measurement accuracy improves by testing with the actual gas, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to the need for specialized gas handling equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical gas handling equipment with ultrasonic flow measurement technology. The ultrasonic meter uses acoustic waves to measure gas flow non-invasively, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensors and reducing the difficulty of detecting and measuring natural gas flow while maintaining high 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 system enhances the accuracy of gas flow measurements by using natural gas for verification, allowing for in-situ testing, and providing a means to adjust or correct the measured volumes, thereby improving the reliability of gas flow meter readings.
Implementation Method 1
a calibrated ultrasonic (master) meter
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a portable verification system can move from one commercial building or residential home gas flow meter location to another and temporarily connect to the building's or home's natural gas piping. The portable verification system may be connected to the gas flow meter by a flexible hose having a lap joint flange at one end. Adaptor fittings can be used to provide additional versatility. When in an intended use, natural gas flows into the reference meter and then into the gas flow meter connected to the commercial building or residential home. Downtime is limited to the time required to complete a circuit between the gas flow meter and the portable verification system.