Small Volume Prover Piston Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional small volume provers for flow meter calibration can only verify fixed volumes and require recalibration after maintenance, limiting their applicability and accuracy, especially in scenarios where variable volume calibration and precise piston position monitoring are needed.
Innovation Solution
A small volume prover apparatus with a precision bore cylinder and piston configured for variable volume calibration, integrated with a position sensor and optical slot detectors for continuous position sensing, and a processor for double chronometry pulse interpolation, allowing for precise and flexible volume calibration and real-time verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed position optical slot detectors are used on the piston, then the device structure is simple, but the volume calibration is limited to fixed volumes only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed mechanical optical slot detectors with a continuous linear position sensor (magnetostrictive type) that provides variable volume calibration capability. The linear position sensor continuously measures piston position along the entire stroke length, enabling flexible volume selection rather than fixed positions, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static fixed-position detection to dynamic continuous position sensing. The linear position sensor provides real-time continuous measurement of piston position throughout the stroke, allowing variable volume calibration points to be selected dynamically based on measurement needs, thereby achieving adaptability while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Ease of repair
If optical slot detectors are replaced after maintenance, then the device can be maintained, but recalibration is required which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical slot detector system with a magnetostrictive linear position sensor that has no moving parts and requires no alignment. This substitution eliminates the need for recalibration after maintenance, as the sensor provides continuous absolute position measurement that remains accurate regardless of minor positional changes, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and productivity.
3Measurement precision
If a test tank with exact volume matching the prover is used, then verification accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the requirement for an exact-volume test tank with a continuous linear position sensor system that measures piston position with high precision. This substitution eliminates the need for matching test tank volumes, as the linear sensor provides accurate volume calculation based on actual piston displacement, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed volume measurement is used, then the device structure is simple, but the applicability to variable flow rates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed-volume measurement capability with a continuous linear position sensor (magnetostrictive type) that provides high-precision position measurement throughout the entire piston stroke. This enables accurate volume measurement for variable flow rates by continuously tracking piston displacement, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing precision.
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
Enables precise and fast position sensing of the piston, variable volume calibration, and real-time verification of flow rate, with the ability to detect stuck mechanics and ensure smooth operation, improving the accuracy and efficiency of flow meter calibration.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetostrictive linear position sensor is employed for fast and accurate position sensing of the piston
Implementation Method 2
a pair of optical slot detectors can be integrated in association with the piston for continuously sensing an accurate position and stroke of the piston
Data Source
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AI summary
A small volume prover (SVP) apparatus and method for providing variable volume calibration. The apparatus includes a precision bore cylinder and a piston configured with a valve arrangement in order to permit fluid to pass through an annular passage when the piston is traveling from one position to an opposite position. A position sensor and a pair of optical slot detectors can be integrated in association with the piston for continuously sensing an accurate position and stroke of the piston. The position sensor verifies the optical slot detectors at every run and provides calibration of flexible volumes as the fluid travels via the annular passage. The position sensor also checks the correct return of the piston after the flow stroke and detects the stuck mechanics. Such small volume prover apparatus associated with the position sensor can be employed for precise and fast position sensing of the piston and variable volume calibration of a fluid flow sensor.