Remote Calibration Controller for Fixed Orifice Plate Flow Meters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The oil and gas industry faces challenges in maintaining the accuracy of orifice meters used for natural gas production and usage measurements, as these devices require frequent on-site calibration by technicians, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A remote calibration controller system allows for the remote testing and calibration of fixed orifice plate flow measurement equipment, enabling operators to perform calibration procedures from a distant location using a single board computer with web-based graphical user interface and bi-directional communication, reducing the need for frequent on-site technician visits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If on-site technician calibration is performed frequently, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but operational costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service calibration by allowing the flow measurement device to perform its own calibration using an integrated calibration pump and reference flow meter, eliminating the need for external technicians to visit the site for calibration operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with an automated electronic system that uses a microprocessor to control calibration parameters, operate the calibration pump, and process measurements, thereby eliminating the need for physical technician presence
2Measurement precision
If on-site technician calibration is performed frequently, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service calibration by allowing the flow measurement device to perform its own calibration using an integrated calibration pump and reference flow meter, eliminating the need for external technicians to visit the site for calibration operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a reference flow meter to create an accurate reference measurement that the microprocessor can use to calculate calibration parameters, effectively copying the true flow value to correct the main sensor without external intervention
3Ease of operation
If remote calibration is implemented, then technician visits are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration system components (calibration pump, reference flow meter, pressure sensors, and microprocessor) directly into the existing flow measurement device housing, creating an integrated unit that reduces overall system complexity despite adding remote calibration functionality
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to a remote calibration controller. The remote calibration controller may be capable of performing the procedure to remotely test and calibrate differential pressure, static pressure, and temperature on a remotely located fixed orifice plate flow measurement device through the use electromechanical and electro pneumatic hardware located at the site of the flow measurement device that are controlled by on-site controller/logic circuitry remotely accessed via bi-directional communications.