RFID Tag for Flow Meter Calibration Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meters face challenges in accurately measuring fluid flow due to the need for manual entry of multiple K-factors and characterization data, which can lead to errors and limited data capacity, resulting in less accurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system that utilizes a radio frequency identification (RFID) data tag to store meter characterization data, allowing for wireless communication with meter electronics to receive and process measurement data, enabling remote calibration and data entry through a portable reader, such as a QR code or RFID reader.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual entry of multiple K-factors and characterization data is used, then data can be entered into meter electronics, but human errors occur and data capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RFID tags to create a digital copy of meter characterization data (K-factors, calibration information) that can be automatically transferred to meter electronics. This eliminates manual data entry and the associated human errors, while the RFID tag serves as a portable storage medium that can hold extensive characterization data without capacity limitations.
2Measurement precision
If manual entry of characterization data is used, then data can be input into meter electronics, but the process is tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of entering characterization data one value at a time with an automated wireless RFID communication system. The RFID reader automatically retrieves multiple K-factors and calibration data from the tag and transfers them to the meter electronics in a single operation, dramatically improving calibration efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If limited data capacity in meter electronics is used, then existing systems can operate, but complete flow meter characteristics and operating range information cannot be stored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an RFID tag as an intermediary data storage device between the calibration process and the meter electronics. The RFID tag has sufficient capacity to store complete flow meter characteristics including multiple K-factors across the entire operating range, Reynolds number performance information, and calibration data, which can then be selectively transferred to the meter electronics as needed.
4Measurement precision
If multiple K-factors at different flow rates are used, then measurement accuracy across operating range improves, but data entry complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple K-factors and characterization data points into a single RFID tag. Instead of managing separate entries for each K-factor at different flow rates, all calibration information is consolidated in one location and can be automatically transferred as a complete set, reducing the complexity of data management while maintaining comprehensive measurement accuracy across the entire operating range.
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 system enhances measurement accuracy by allowing remote and efficient entry of meter calibration values, reducing human error and increasing data capacity, thereby improving the reliability of flow measurements across various operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A measurement system includes a meter associated with meter characterization data and configured to take meter measurements. The system includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) data tag configured to store the meter characterization data, and meter electronics in communication with the meter and including a communication interface in wireless communication with the RFID tag
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are presented for collecting and retrieving characterization data of measurement devices, such as flow meters. The system includes a meter, a data tag for storing the meter characterization data, and electronics, such as a totalizer and/or a reader device such as a portable reader to read the characterization data from the tag and calibrate the meter measurements using the characterization data.