Pressure Transient Detection in Process Fluid Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure transient detection systems in industrial process installations require additional capital investment and process disruptions for installation and removal, and are not suitable for long-term exposure to harsh environments, leading to undetected damage and potential catastrophic failures in pipelines.
Innovation Solution
A process fluid pressure transmitter with integrated measurement circuitry, a controller, and a loop communicator that detects and records pressure transients, allowing for continuous operation without disrupting the process, using existing hardware like the Model 3051S from Rosemount Inc., which can be programmed or equipped with a feature board for transient detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dynamic pressure sensors are installed to detect pressure transients, then pressure transient detection capability is improved, but capital investment increases and process disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure transmitter is designed to perform multiple functions: it simultaneously serves as a process control instrument and a pressure transient detection system. The same pressure sensor and electronics are used for both continuous pressure measurement and transient event detection, eliminating the need for separate detection equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the pressure transient detection functionality with the existing pressure transmitter device. The sensor, signal processing, and detection logic are integrated into a single unified instrument, allowing pressure transients to be detected alongside normal pressure measurement without requiring additional standalone sensors or systems.
2Reliability
If dynamic pressure sensors are installed for transient detection, then detection capability is improved, but installation and removal cause process disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure transmitter utilizes its own built-in pressure sensor and electronics to detect transients, serving itself for dual purposes. This self-service capability means the device can detect pressure transients without requiring external detection equipment to be installed or removed, thereby eliminating the associated process disruptions.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated pressure transient detection systems are used, then transient detection precision is improved, but adaptability to long-term harsh environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure transmitter is designed as a multi-functional device that operates reliably in harsh process environments while simultaneously providing both continuous pressure measurement and precise transient detection. The integrated design ensures that the same robust hardware is optimized for both measurement precision and environmental durability.
4Reliability
If separate pressure transient detection systems are deployed, then detection capability is improved, but capital investment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure transient detection functionality with the existing pressure transmitter, eliminating the need for separate detection equipment. This integration allows the same hardware and software resources to serve dual purposes, thereby reducing capital investment while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure transmitter is designed as a universal device that performs both process control pressure measurement and pressure transient detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated detection equipment, thereby reducing overall system cost and capital investment.
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
Enables advanced pressure transient detection within process fluid installations without additional capital investment or process disruptions, providing detailed transient information for analysis and reducing the risk of pipeline damage through continuous monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure sensor has an electrical characteristic that varies with process fluid pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
A process fluid pressure transmitter (300) includes a process fluid pressure sensor (302), measurement circuitry (304), a controller (308) and a loop communicator (316). The process fluid pressure sensor (302) has an electrical characteristic that varies with process fluid pressure. The pressure sensor (302) is coupleable to a source of process fluid pressure. The measurement circuitry (304) is coupled to the process fluid pressure sensor (302) and provides a signal indicative of the electrical characteristic of the process fluid pressure sensor (302). The controller (308) is coupled to the measurement circuitry (306) and receives the signal and calculates a process fluid pressure based at least in part upon the signal. The controller is also configured to detect a process fluid pressure transient and store at least one parameter related to the process fluid pressure transient. The loop communicator (316) is coupled to the controller (308) and is configured to provide a signal over a process communication loop (314) based upon the process fluid pressure. The process fluid pressure transmitter (300) is also configured to provide an indication related to the at least one stored parameter.