Thermal Flowmeter Probe Segmentation for Pressurized Pipe Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal flowmeters require large holes in pressurized pipes for installation, necessitating specialized equipment and making it difficult to install in pipes already in service due to the force exerted by compressed air.
Innovation Solution
The flowmeter design features separate heated and unheated elements in small probes that can be inserted through small holes, using a split ring for clamping and valves for sealing, along with a drill guide and filter assembly to facilitate installation, allowing for easy installation in pipes with compressed air without damaging the seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single probe with large diameter is used, then the flowmeter can be installed in pressurized pipes, but the hole size becomes large (5/8 inch or larger) requiring specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The flowmeter probe is divided into two separate probes instead of one single probe. Each probe contains one thermal element (heated element in one probe, unheated element in the other), allowing both probes to have smaller diameters that can fit through smaller holes in pressurized pipes, eliminating the need for large 5/8 inch holes and specialized drilling equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The two thermal elements are extracted from a single probe structure and placed in separate probes. This separation allows each probe to be smaller in diameter, enabling installation through smaller holes without requiring the large diameter single probe design
2Ease of manufacture
If a large hole is drilled in the pipe, then the probe can be installed, but the force from compressed air requires specialized equipment to restrain the drill
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the probe into two smaller probes allows drilling of smaller holes in the pipe. Smaller holes generate less compressed air force during drilling, eliminating the need for specialized equipment to restrain the drill while maintaining installation capability
Solution Approach 2:
Extracting the thermal elements into separate probes enables the use of smaller drill holes. The reduced hole size directly reduces the compressed air force encountered during drilling, making installation easier and safer without specialized restraint equipment
3Length of moving object
If separate probes are used, then small holes can be drilled easily, but the probe mounting structure becomes more complex with separate valves for each probe
Solution Approach 1:
The flowmeter is segmented into separate probes with individual mounting structures. Each probe has its own valve and mounting location on the pipe, allowing small holes to be drilled easily while the complexity is managed through modular, standardized mounting components
Solution Approach 2:
Each probe assembly has its own localized valve and mounting structure tailored to its specific position on the pipe. This localizes the complexity to individual probe stations rather than requiring a complex integrated structure, making the overall system manageable through repetition of standardized local assemblies
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 the installation of thermal flowmeters in pipes under pressure with minimal disruption, using small holes and specialized equipment, ensuring accurate flow measurement and safety during the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
The flowmeter operates on the thermal principal by which one element is heated and maintained warmer than a second element; the amount of heat required to maintain the temperature difference is a measure of the fluid mass velocity
Data Source
AI summary
A flowmeter of the thermal type, having a heated flow-sensing element and a temperature-sensing reference element, the elements constructed and arranged to be installed in a pressurized pipe. The flowmeter has one probe with the heated element and a separate second probe with the reference element. The probes are constructed and arranged to pass through the pipe wall in separate through-holes. There is a mounting structure such as a split ring that is adapted to be mounted to the pipe. Two valves operatively coupled to separate locations of the mounting structure, where one probe passes through each valve and into the pipe.