Rodable Pressure Transmitter Coupling Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Differential pressure flow measurement technologies face challenges in applications with viscous or solid-containing process fluids, where impulse tube plugging can lead to measurement errors and revenue loss, particularly in refinery and steam applications, due to the lack of rodable configurations that allow for easy cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A rodable pressure transmitter coupling design with larger diameter impulse tubes, linear geometry, and 90-degree transmitter connection, incorporating full-port root valves and rod-out ports, allows for reliable and accurate measurements by enabling easy clearance of debris and reducing plugging risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If small diameter curved impulse tubes are used to connect the transmitter to the process connection, then the device complexity is reduced and mounting flexibility is improved, but the tubes become prone to plugging by viscous or solid-containing fluids and cannot accommodate rodding tools for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into separate components: a process connection portion with rod-out ports and a transmitter connection portion with internal passageways. This segmentation allows the impulse tubes to be larger in diameter and straight, accommodating rodding tools while maintaining overall device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Rod-out ports are added as a new access dimension to the process connection portion, allowing cleaning tools to approach the impulse tube entry from a different spatial direction. This enables maintenance access without requiring the transmitter to be removed or repositioned.
2Length of stationary object
If the transmitter is mounted on top of the impulse tubes, then the overall device height is reduced, but access for mounting fittings that would allow rodding tool access is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into a process connection portion and a transmitter connection portion, with rod-out ports located on the process connection portion. This allows rodding access independent of transmitter mounting position.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod-out ports serve as intermediary access points that bridge the gap between the external environment and the internal impulse tube passageways. These ports provide tool access without requiring direct access to the transmitter mounting location.
3Ease of operation
If traditional orifice plate installations are used, then rodability is achieved, but the impulse tubes are difficult to diagnose when plugged and may go unnoticed resulting in measurement problems
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates features that provide feedback about the internal passageway condition. When passageways are plugged or obstructed, the device allows for easy detection through the rod-out ports and facilitates diagnostic procedures to identify measurement problems before they affect process control.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod-out ports are pre-configured to allow easy access for cleaning and diagnostic tools. This preliminary preparation enables proactive maintenance and detection of plugging issues before they cause measurement failures, rather than waiting for problems to manifest.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A pressure transmitter coupling (200) for coupling a pressure transmitter (250) to a process fluid includes a process coupling face having a process coupling port (214) configured to couple to impulse piping (254). A pressure transmitter coupling face (206) is arranged at an angle to the process coupling face, the pressure transmitter coupling face (206) including a pressure transmitter coupling port (220) configured to fluidically couple to the pressure transmitter (250). A process fluid passageway (232) extends between the process coupling port (214) and the pressure transmitter coupling port (220). A rod out port (212) is aligned with the process fluid coupling port (214) and configured to receive a cleaning rod therethrough to clean the process coupling port (214).