Portable Gas Meter Verification With Adjustable Bypass Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-field gas flow meters in natural gas pipelines require frequent calibration to maintain accuracy, but the process of shutting down the pipeline for calibration is costly and results in significant downtime, leading to infrequent calibration due to the associated costs and lost revenue.
Innovation Solution
A portable verification system that includes a trailer-mounted reference meter run with a calibrated ultrasonic gas flow meter, allowing for on-site verification of field meters by completing a circuit with the main pipeline, enabling gas flow through both the field meter and the reference meter before returning to the pipeline, thus minimizing downtime and allowing for real-time accuracy adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pipeline is shut down for meter calibration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity and revenue are worsened due to downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the calibration process from the main pipeline operation by introducing a separate bypass line with a reference meter. This allows the field meter to be calibrated independently without shutting down the main pipeline, thus maintaining productivity while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A reference meter is introduced as an intermediary device in the bypass line to perform calibration measurements. The reference meter serves as a mediator between the field meter and the calibration process, enabling accuracy verification without interrupting main pipeline flow.
2Measurement precision
If the field meter is removed from the line for calibration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to removal and reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass line and reference meter are pre-installed and configured before calibration is needed. This preliminary setup eliminates the time-consuming steps of removing and reinstalling the field meter, as calibration can be performed in-place through the bypass connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference meter in the bypass line creates a copy of the measurement function, allowing calibration to be performed on the field meter without physically removing it. The reference meter provides reference measurements that enable accuracy verification while the field meter remains installed in the pipeline.
3Measurement precision
If calibration is performed frequently, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but cost increases due to repeated shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass line enables continuous gas flow through the reference meter during calibration, maintaining the useful action of gas transport without interruption. This continuity eliminates revenue loss associated with shutdowns while allowing frequent calibration to maintain measurement accuracy.
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 portable verification system reduces pipeline downtime to less than 12 hours for connection and disconnection, enabling more frequent meter verification and calibration, thereby reducing financial losses and maintaining accurate gas flow measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a slip joint configured for sealing the outer pipe about the inner pipe
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic gas flow reference meter located between the inlet and outlet ends
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
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.