Rotary Chamber Isolation Valve for Meter Run Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meter systems face challenges such as high capital and maintenance costs, reduced measurement confidence, increased safety concerns due to flaring, and frequent shutdowns for calibration and inspection, which are exacerbated by the need for pipeline depressurization and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rotary chamber isolation valve for Double Block and Bleed (DBB) isolation, combined with a sensor suite that includes fractional phase meters, direct density and viscosity sensors, and automated measurement validation systems, allows for in-situ cleaning and calibration, remote monitoring, and reduced downtime without breaking pipeline integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional orifice meters are used with fixed pipeline assemblies, then measurement functionality is provided, but pipeline depressurization and disassembly are required for maintenance and calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The meter run is divided into modular sections with extractable components. The orifice plate, flow conditioner, and other instruments can be removed independently from the pipeline without requiring complete disassembly, enabling maintenance while maintaining pipeline integrity through DBB isolation valves.
Solution Approach 2:
Double Block and Bleed (DBB) isolation valves are installed upstream and downstream of the meter run components before maintenance is needed. These valves are positioned and tested in advance, allowing for rapid isolation and extraction of components without emergency depressurization or extended shutdowns.
2Ease of operation
If pipeline depressurization is performed for instrument extraction, then component access is achieved, but harmful gases are vented to atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
DBB isolation valves serve as intermediary devices that enable component extraction without direct pipeline depressurization. The valves isolate the meter run section, allowing controlled removal of components while maintaining pressure in the main pipeline, thereby preventing harmful gas venting through bypass lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes integrated pressure control and monitoring capabilities that allow the meter run to maintain its own pressure regime independently from the main pipeline. This self-service pressure management enables safe component extraction without affecting the overall system pressure and preventing unwanted gas venting.
3Measurement precision
If frequent shutdowns are performed for meter run inspection, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The meter run components are designed with dynamic extractability, allowing for rapid installation and removal of the orifice plate and flow conditioner. Quick-connect fittings and pre-positioned DBB valves enable maintenance operations to be completed in minutes rather than hours, maintaining measurement accuracy while minimizing productivity impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The orifice plate is designed as a simple, easily replaceable component that can be quickly swapped out during brief maintenance windows. Its simple geometry and standardized dimensions allow for rapid replacement without complex calibration procedures, enabling frequent inspections with minimal productivity loss.
4Reliability
If traditional DBB valves are used for isolation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DBB isolation functionality is merged with the flow conditioner and orifice plate housing into a single integrated assembly. This combined unit maintains the safety benefits of DBB isolation while reducing the number of separate components and connections required, thereby simplifying the overall system without compromising isolation reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow meter run offers autonomous operation whilst improving measurement performance & confidence, increased safety and improving the total cost of ownership. A plurality of isolation valve assemblies each offer DBB (Double Block & Bleed) isolation to isolate a component or meter run section. This DBB isolation includes components being extracted from the main metering line. The meter run philosophy is detailed with use of a novel rotational orifice meter, though other flow meters may be substituted. The flow meter run also features extractable filters, a rotational and extractable flow conditioner which includes open and blind isolation components. The rotational orifice meter can house several independent orifice plates or nozzles and extractable sample probes and temperature elements. Further instrument sensors include the direct (non-inferred) measurement of density and/or viscosity. The system is configured for multiple sensors to monitor performance, autonomy, validation and isolation.