Remote Pressure Sensor Electronics Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process fluid pressure measurement systems are costly, prone to leak points, and susceptible to mechanical vibration due to the need to transport pressure outside normal process boundaries, which limits their efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A remote pressure sensor system where the pressure sensor is physically separated from the sensor electronics, connected via a multiconductor cable, allowing direct measurement of process fluid pressure without the need for secondary pressurized systems or impulse lines, thereby reducing mechanical and thermal limitations and potential leak points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure is transported outside normal process boundaries using impulse lines or secondary pressurized systems, then pressure measurement is enabled, but the system becomes costly, prone to leak points, and susceptible to mechanical vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is extracted from the electronics housing and relocated to a remote position within the process fluid path. This separates the sensing function from the electronics, eliminating the need for impulse lines and secondary pressurized systems that transport pressure to the electronics housing, thereby reducing leak points and mechanical vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter is segmented into two separate components: an electronics housing containing the processor and communication circuits, and a remote pressure sensor positioned within the process fluid. This segmentation allows the sensor to be optimally positioned for direct pressure measurement while the electronics remain protected and accessible for maintenance.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensor is located in high-temperature environment for direct measurement, then measurement accuracy improves, but thermal limitations and mechanical vibrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics are extracted from the high-temperature process environment and housed in a separate, protected enclosure. This allows the pressure sensor to remain in the process fluid for accurate measurement while the temperature-sensitive electronics are shielded from thermal damage, eliminating thermal limitations on system operation.
3Ease of operation
If secondary pressurized systems or impulse lines are used to transport pressure, then remote measurement is enabled, but potential leak points and heat tracing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensing function is extracted and positioned directly in the process fluid, eliminating impulse lines and secondary pressurized systems entirely. This removes all potential leak points associated with fluid-filled connections and eliminates the need for heat tracing to prevent fluid freezing or condensation.
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
This approach reduces costs, minimizes leak paths, enhances reliability, and allows operation in high-temperature environments up to 400°F, while maintaining signal integrity and reducing the need for heat tracing and fluidic connections, thus improving safety and performance.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor is disposed within the remote pressure sensor housing. The pressure sensor forms at least one electrical component having an electrical characteristic that varies with process fluid pressure.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A process fluid pressure transmitter has a remote pressure sensor (204). The transmitter includes an electronics housing (104) and a loop communicator (300) disposed in the electronics housing (104) and being configured to communicate in accordance with a process communication protocol. A controller (304) is disposed within the electronics housing (104) and is coupled to the loop communicator (300). Sensor measurement circuitry (306) is disposed within the electronics housing (104) and is coupled to the controller (300). A remote pressure sensor housing is configured to couple directly to a process and is spaced from the electronics housing. A pressure sensor (100, 120) is disposed within the remote pressure sensor housing. The pressure sensor (100, 120) forms at least one electrical component having an electrical characteristic that varies with process fluid pressure. Portions of the electrical component are coupled directly to a multiconductor cable (106) that operably connects the pressure sensor (100, 120) to the sensor measurement circuitry (306).