Single-Piece Orifice Plate Assembly for High Vibration Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orifice plate assemblies for measuring process fluid flow are prone to damage or failure in severe environments characterized by high vibration, high temperature, and high pressure, due to their complex construction and potential for expansion and contraction issues.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece orifice plate assembly with an integral circumferential support ring and radially offset pressure taps, which is machined from a single piece of material, eliminating welds and moving parts, and designed for easy centering and use in high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-piece orifice plate assembly is used, then reliability and resistance to severe environmental conditions are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the orifice plate, support ring, and pressure tap components into a single integrated assembly that functions as one unified structure. This merging of previously separate components into a single piece eliminates the complexity of assembly and disassembly while improving reliability by removing potential failure points at connection interfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional multi-component orifice plate assemblies are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but susceptibility to vibration and thermal expansion damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental structural parameter from multi-component to single-piece construction. This parameter change eliminates the harmful effects of vibration and thermal expansion that affect assembled structures, as the monolithic design has no joints or interfaces that can loosen or misalign under severe environmental conditions.
3Measurement precision
If pressure taps are positioned conventionally, then fluid coupling is simplified, but measurement accuracy in high-flow conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the pressure taps, with one tap located radially offset from the other. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the measurement of differential pressure by positioning the taps to capture the most representative pressure values across the flow profile, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining a relatively simple structural design.
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
The solution provides a robust and compact orifice plate assembly that can withstand severe conditions, reducing the risk of damage and failure, while allowing for easy integration with various flange ratings and materials, and facilitating accurate differential pressure measurement for flow rate determination.
Implementation Method 1
measurement of a flow of process fluid by measuring a differential pressure generated across an orifice plate
Data Source
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AI summary
An orifice plate assembly for use with a process variable transmitter for measuring flow of a process fluid includes a single piece body having a circumferential support ring. A first face of the circumferential support ring is configured to be sealingly coupled to a first flange of a first process pipe. A second face of the circumferential support ring is configured to be sealingly coupled to a second flange of a second process pipe. A flow plate region is positioned between the first and second pipes and has first and second sides. The flow plate region is concentric with the circumferential support ring. At least one flow orifice in the flow plate region provides a restricted fluid path between the first and second process pipes. A first pressure tap is configured to fluidically couple to the process variable transmitter to the process fluid proximate the first side of the flow plate region. A second pressure tap configured to fluidically couple the process variable transmitter to the process fluid proximate the second side of the flow plate region.