Pump Flow Rate Determination via Periodic Deactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the output flow rate of activated pumps in pumping stations are inaccurate, especially when inflow rates suddenly change, making it difficult to distinguish between pump blockages and increased inflow rates.
Innovation Solution
A method using a computational device to determine operating conditions, temporarily deactivate pumps, and calculate flow rate indicators based on inflow or outflow rates, with thresholds for pump activation time and flow rate, to accurately assess the output flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the output flow rate is determined by averaging prior inflow rates during continuous pump activation, then the method is simple to implement, but the accuracy deteriorates when actual inflow rate suddenly changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system periodically alternates between pumping mode and measurement mode. During measurement mode, pumps are temporarily deactivated to accurately measure inflow rate. This periodic switching allows the system to maintain simple implementation while achieving accurate flow rate determination even when inflow rates suddenly change, as each measurement cycle captures current conditions rather than relying on historical averages.
2Measurement precision
If flow meter sensors are used to sense instantaneous flow rate, then the measurement precision is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing pump infrastructure and well geometry to perform flow rate measurements without requiring external flow meter sensors. By temporarily stopping the pumps and measuring the natural inflow rate, the system leverages its own operational cycles to gather measurement data, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated measurement devices while maintaining measurement precision.
3Productivity
If pumps are continuously activated to maintain productivity, then the productivity is improved, but the ability to accurately determine flow rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic interruption of continuous pumping to perform measurements. The controller temporarily deactivates pumps for predetermined time intervals to measure inflow rate, then Reactivates them to maintain overall productivity. This periodic measurement approach ensures accurate flow rate determination while minimizing disruption to pumping operations, as measurements are taken during brief scheduled intervals rather than continuously.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining a flow rate indicator relating to the output flow rate of one or more activated pumps of a pumping station. The pumping station includes a well to be at least partially emptied by the pumps and an inlet through which inflow can be supplied into the well. The method includes the step of determining, using a computational device, an operating condition relating to the activated pumps. The pumps are temporarily deactivated and an inflow rate indicator relating to the inflow is determined using the computational device, responsive to the determination of the operating condition. The method further includes the step of determining, using the computational device, the flow rate indicator using the determined inflow rate indicator. The present invention is equally applicable to a well to be at least partially filled by the pumps.