Pump Station Tank Cross-Sectional Area Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump station monitoring systems face inaccuracies in determining the cross-sectional area of tanks, leading to inaccurate evaluations of pump station operations, efficiencies, and throughput due to varying tank geometries and the assumption of constant cross-sectional areas.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine the cross-sectional area of a tank in a pump station by establishing the area in a sub-segment of the tank, operating the pump to transport liquid and determining the pumped flow, and then calculating the cross-sectional area by dividing the pumped flow by the liquid level change, allowing for accurate determination of the volume of pumped liquid without the need for expensive flow sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow measurement equipment is installed at the outlet/inlet to determine the volume of pumped liquid, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flow measurement function from separate flow meters and relocates it to the existing level sensor and control system. By calculating flow from liquid level changes and pump operation data, the system eliminates the need for additional flow measurement equipment while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its existing components (level sensor, pump control system) to perform the measurement function that would otherwise require separate equipment. The control system calculates flow volume by integrating pump operation data with liquid level changes, making the system self-sufficient without external flow meters.
2Measurement precision
If flow meters are installed to measure pumped liquid volume, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to removal and servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the flow meter component entirely and extracts its measurement function to be performed by the existing level sensor and control system. This eliminates the need to remove, service, or replace flow meters, thereby eliminating maintenance time losses.
3Measurement precision
If flow meters are installed to determine pumped liquid volume, then measurement precision is improved, but the need for straight pipe sections increases, requiring larger space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flow measurement capability from the outlet/inlet pipe sections and relocates it to the level sensor system. This eliminates the requirement for straight pipe sections and large space around flow meters, allowing installation in confined spaces.
4Device complexity
If constant cross-sectional area is assumed for the tank, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to varying tank geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from assuming a constant cross-sectional area to dynamically calculating the cross-sectional area at different liquid levels. The system determines the actual cross-sectional area by analyzing the relationship between liquid level changes and pump flow during operation, accommodating varying tank geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from level sensor measurements and pump operation data to continuously determine and adjust the cross-sectional area calculation. By monitoring actual liquid level changes and comparing them with pump flow, the system refines its understanding of the tank's varying cross-section.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the cross-sectional area [A(H)] of a tank of a pump station within an interspace (Y). The method includes the steps of establishing the cross sectional area [A(H-seg)] of the tank in a sub-segment of the interspace (Y), operating the pump to transport liquid away from the tank and determining the pumped flow [Q(H-seg)] in the sub-segment, determining the pumped flow [Q(H)] in the interspace (Y) based on the determined sub-segment pumped flow [Q(H-seg)], operating the pump to transfer liquid away from the tank and by means of the liquid level sensor determining a liquid level change [ΔH(H)] in the interspace (Y), and determining the cross-sectional area [A(H)] of the tank within the interspace (Y), by dividing the interspace pumped flow [Q(H)] by the liquid level change [ΔH(H)], [Q(H)/ΔH(H)=A(H)].