Pressure Gauge Flange Assembly Piston Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bourdon pressure gauges in subsea environments are prone to inoperability due to blockages from contaminated fluids, and existing solutions are costly and difficult to repair, leading to inaccuracies and potential damage from debris in drilling fluids.
Innovation Solution
A pressure gauge flange assembly with a piston that separates clean hydraulic fluid from potentially contaminated fluid, using a flange housing with a radially extending flange and a gland nut to secure the pressure gauge, where the piston divides the pressure chamber into two compartments, preventing fluid contamination and allowing pressure transmission from the equipment to the gauge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Bourdon pressure gauge is used in subsea environments, then the gauge can monitor pressure in pressure equipment, but contaminated fluid can enter the gauge causing blockages and inoperability
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure chamber is divided into two separate compartments by a piston: a first chamber exposed to contaminated fluid from pressure equipment and a second chamber receiving clean hydraulic fluid. This segmentation allows the gauge to function reliably while isolating it from harmful contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
A piston acts as an intermediary element between the contaminated fluid environment and the pressure gauge. The piston transmits pressure from the first chamber to the second chamber while preventing direct contact between contaminated fluid and the gauge, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of contamination.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If filters are installed between pressure equipment and pressure gauge, then fluid contamination is reduced, but inaccuracies and plugging problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The piston serves as a mechanical intermediary that transmits pressure without requiring filtration. By directly transmitting pressure through the piston from the contaminated environment to the clean chamber, the system achieves both contamination protection and measurement accuracy without introducing filters that could plug or cause inaccuracies.
3Device complexity
If the pressure gauge is directly connected to pressure equipment, then the assembly is simple, but contaminated fluid can damage the gauge
Solution Approach 1:
The flange assembly incorporates a piston that segments the pressure chamber into two compartments, creating a simple yet effective barrier against contamination. This segmentation approach protects the gauge without requiring complex filtration systems or multiple connection stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston and flange housing are combined into a single integrated assembly that provides both structural support and contamination protection. This merging of functions maintains simplicity while achieving reliable gauge protection against contaminated fluid.
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 solution ensures the pressure gauge receives clean hydraulic fluid, preventing contamination and ensuring accurate pressure readings while protecting the gauge from debris, thus enhancing reliability and ease of maintenance in challenging environments like subsea operations.
Implementation Method 1
A piston may be mounted in the flange housing wherein the piston divides the pressure chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber being in fluid communication with the pressure gauge when the pressure gauge is connected to the flange housing. The second chamber is in fluid communication with the pressure equipment when the pressure equipment is connected to the flange housing. The piston is sealed to prevent fluid from the second chamber from entering the first chamber.
Implementation Method 2
The piston is responsive to pressure in the second chamber to activate the pressure gauge through the first chamber. The piston is moveable in response to pressure changes in the pressure equipment to transmit pressure from the pressure equipment to the pressure gauge.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure gauge flange assembly for connection to pressure equipment and a pressure gauge. The pressure gauge flange assembly has a flange housing with a flange at a lower portion that connects to pressure equipment such as a BOP. Within the flange housing a chamber is provided that is separated into two chambers by a piston. The piston is moveable to balance pressure in the two chambers. Fluid from the pressure equipment may be dirty. On the other side of the piston, clean fluid is provided so that any dirty hydraulic fluid from the pressure equipment does not impair operation of the pressure gauge.