Smart Gas Analyzer for Flow, Pressure, and BTU Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring and diagnosing gas flow issues in gas-burning appliances are cumbersome, time-consuming, and lack efficient data logging capabilities, making it difficult to identify and address gas flow problems during commissioning, start-up, and normal operation.
Innovation Solution
A portable 3-in-1 gas flow meter, digital manometer, and calculator system that uses a smart device connected via short-range wireless communication to an analyzer with sensors, allowing for easy installation, data logging, and real-time monitoring of gas flow, pressure, and temperature, and enabling remote data access for improved troubleshooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a manometer is installed to measure gas pressure, then pressure measurement capability is improved, but installation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (pressure measurement via manometer, flow measurement via flow meter, and calculations via calculator) into a single integrated analyzer device. This eliminates the need to install and coordinate multiple separate instruments, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The analyzer device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a digital manometer for pressure measurement, a flow meter for gas flow measurement, and a calculator for computing BTU/hour and other parameters. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace several traditional tools, simplifying the overall system while improving measurement efficiency.
2Loss of information
If manual data logging is used by service technicians, then data recording capability is improved, but time consumption and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The analyzer device automatically performs data logging and recording without requiring manual intervention from service technicians. The device autonomously captures measurement data, stores it internally, and manages data persistence, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual data logging process while ensuring comprehensive information retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of data logging (writing down measurements by hand) with an automated electronic system. The analyzer continuously records data digitally, transferring information electronically rather than requiring technicians to manually transcribe measurements, thus reducing both time consumption and labor intensity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices (manometer, flow meter, calculator) are used, then measurement functionality is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the functionalities of a manometer, flow meter, and calculator into a single unified analyzer device. This consolidation maintains all necessary measurement and calculation capabilities while reducing the number of separate components that need to be installed and configured, thereby improving installation efficiency without sacrificing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The analyzer is designed as a universal device that can perform pressure measurement, flow measurement, and various calculations (including BTU/hour computations) all within one instrument. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to deploy multiple specialized devices, streamlining the installation process while preserving comprehensive measurement and analysis capabilities.
4Measurement precision
If real-time data monitoring and logging is implemented, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The analyzer automatically performs real-time data monitoring, logging, and analysis without requiring external intervention. The device autonomously captures measurements continuously, stores data in its memory, and processes information to provide accurate diagnostic readings, thereby achieving high diagnostic accuracy through automated real-time operation without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
Streamlines the start-up and commissioning processes, enhances diagnostic accuracy, and facilitates efficient troubleshooting by providing immediate data logging and reporting, reducing operational inefficiencies and costs associated with improper gas flow.
Implementation Method 1
The first signal can be generated by a differential pressure sensor
Implementation Method 2
the second signal is generated by a barometric pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system monitors gas flow and pressure to a gas appliance in a fluid network comprising an analyzer. The analyzer has a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, and an interior in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. At least one sensor is coupled to the analyzer and configured to generate at least one signal related to gas being supplied to the gas appliance. A smart device communicates with the analyzer, wherein the smart device has a user interface and is configured to monitor, store and display data. The smart device can present any or all of a plurality of parameters such as the flow of gas, a capacity of the flow of gas, a temperature, a pressure of the gas and the like to a user based on signals from sensors.