Self-Proving Gas Meter Accuracy Using Baseline Flow Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining gas meter accuracy, such as bell proving, sonic nozzle proving, and transfer proving, suffer from inherent errors due to leaks, mechanical wear, power source inconsistencies, and environmental factors, necessitating the development of a more reliable and efficient method for meter accuracy assessment.
Innovation Solution
A self-proving meter system that utilizes a computing device to establish baseline flow measurements and compare them with current measurements, determining Percent Proof, Percent Accuracy, or Percent Error, and automatically adjusts or replaces the meter based on threshold deviations, eliminating the need for physical proving equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional proving methods (bell proving, sonic nozzle proving, transfer proving) are used to determine meter accuracy, then meter accuracy can be assessed, but inherent errors arise due to leaks, mechanical wear, power source inconsistencies, and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the traditional proving process by establishing baseline measurements during normal operation and comparing current measurements against these baselines. Instead of using physical proving equipment that introduces errors, the system copies the essential comparison function using data from the meter's own operation, eliminating leaks, mechanical wear, and power source issues associated with physical provers
Solution Approach 2:
The meter proves itself by using its own operational data. Baseline measurements are established from the meter's normal operation, and current measurements are compared against these self-generated baselines. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external proving equipment that introduces inherent errors
2Measurement precision
If physical proving equipment is used to determine meter accuracy, then accuracy assessment is possible, but the system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of proving (comparison of measurements) from the complex physical proving equipment. By taking out only the necessary comparison function and implementing it through data processing of baseline and current measurements, the system eliminates the complex mechanical, acoustic, or hydraulic equipment while maintaining the core accuracy assessment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical proving systems (bell provers, sonic nozzles, transfer provers) with an electronic/data-based system. Instead of using mechanical components that wear and require maintenance, the system uses computational comparison of measurement data, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic processing
3Measurement precision
If traditional proving methods are employed, then meter accuracy can be determined, but the proving process requires external equipment and manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The meter automatically establishes baseline measurements during normal operation and performs self-comparison with current measurements. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external proving equipment and manual intervention, allowing the meter to continuously monitor its own accuracy without operator involvement
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous accuracy monitoring by establishing baselines during normal operation and continuously comparing current measurements against these baselines. This eliminates the discontinuous, periodic nature of traditional proving methods that require stopping operation or introducing external equipment
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, meter and device capable of determining the accuracy, proof, or percent of error of a meter in service. The method is configured to establish one or more baseline flow measurements for the meter, the meter configured to measure a flow through the meter; obtain a current flow measurement for the meter; and determine a proving result in accordance with a comparing of the current flow measurement to the one or more baseline flow measurements.