Prover Framework Enabling Horizontal and Vertical Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing provers are complex and bulky, with mechanical issues in piston release and return, and require significant space for horizontal mounting, which is a concern in space-limited environments like offshore oil rigs.
Innovation Solution
A unidirectional captive displacement prover with a poppet valve and motor-driven pulley system for piston translation, allowing for both horizontal and vertical mounting to reduce footprint, and easy maintenance through a disengageable poppet valve mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the prover is mounted horizontally, then the piston can move freely, but the device occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the prover to be mounted in either horizontal or vertical orientation by designing the piston-cylinder assembly and support framework to accommodate both configurations. This dimensional flexibility allows the device to adapt to space-constrained environments (vertical mounting) while maintaining operational functionality (horizontal mounting capability), thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and footprint area.
2Ease of operation
If complex reverser valves are used to return the piston, then the piston can be reset, but the device becomes bulky and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex reverser valve mechanism from the prover design. Instead of using valves to reverse flow direction, the invention employs a unidirectional flow approach where the piston is naturally returned to its initial position by the fluid flow itself or by a simplified mechanism, thereby reducing mechanical complexity and device bulk while maintaining the piston return function.
Solution Approach 2:
The prover design allows the fluid flow to automatically return the piston to its starting position without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The system uses the inherent properties of fluid flow and pressure differential to accomplish the piston reset function, eliminating the need for additional mechanical complexity.
3Measurement precision
If poppet valves are used to control fluid flow, then precise flow control is achieved, but maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the poppet valve assembly into modular components that can be independently accessed and maintained. The valve is designed as a separate, removable unit from the main cylinder assembly, allowing technicians to access, inspect, and replace valve components without disassembling the entire prover system, thereby maintaining precise flow control while improving maintenance accessibility.
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 simplifies piston movement and maintenance while reducing the required space for the prover, making it more efficient and adaptable for various mounting orientations, particularly beneficial in space-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of motor driven pulleys are used to wind thereupon a pair of belts
Implementation Method 2
the belts are wound thereupon to draw the rod and piston toward the inlet
Implementation Method 3
A valve seals the passage when it is closed and permits fluid flow through the piston when it is opened
Data Source
AI summary
A prover mounted upon a supporting lower framework includes a piston supporting rod extending longitudinally through a cylinder. Motive means supported on a frame mounted on the prover draws the rod toward the fluid receiving end of the cylinder. An upper framework is attached to the lower framework through a plurality of stanchions. Various I-beams formed as part of the upper framework enhance rigidity to the combination of lower framework and upper framework. The combination of lower framework and upper framework provides support for the prover in a horizontal or a vertical orientation without affecting the operation, repair or maintenance of the prover.