Transformer Drying Moisture Flow Meter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the moisture content in power transformers during the drying process are inefficient, requiring extensive time, suffering from low repeatability, and involving complex procedures with cryogenic temperatures, which hinder continuous monitoring and lead to prolonged drying times and potential equipment damage due to humidity exposure.

Innovation Solution

A humidity flow meter system utilizing an orifice plate device, continuous dewpoint meter, and vacuum meters to measure pressure and temperature signals, which are processed by a data acquisition card to calculate the rate of water steam extraction, allowing for real-time monitoring and efficient determination of the drying process completion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional pressure measurement methods are used to determine moisture content, then the drying process can be monitored, but the measurement precision is insufficient and drying time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture content measurement precisionVSAvoiddrying time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical pressure measurement systems with a laser-based optical measurement system. The laser device measures moisture content directly through optical properties of the dielectric fluid, eliminating the need for pressure-based indirect measurements. This substitution enables continuous, precise monitoring of moisture content during drying, significantly improving measurement precision while reducing drying time through real-time feedback control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If cryogenic temperature methods are used for moisture measurement, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture content measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex cryogenic measurement systems with a simplified laser-based optical measurement system. Instead of using cryogenic temperatures to condense and measure moisture, the laser device directly measures moisture content through optical absorption and scattering properties at ambient temperatures. This eliminates the need for cryogenic equipment, temperature control systems, and complex sample handling apparatus, dramatically reducing device complexity while maintaining high measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from temperature-based (cryogenic condensation) to optical-based (laser absorption and scattering). By measuring the interaction between laser light and moisture particles in the dielectric fluid, the system achieves accurate moisture content measurement without requiring extreme temperature conditions. This parameter change simplifies the measurement system while improving safety and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional intermittent monitoring methods are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but productivity and drying efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous monitoring of moisture content during the drying process using the laser device. Unlike conventional intermittent methods that require stopping the drying process for sampling and measurement, the laser system provides continuous real-time data on moisture content throughout the drying operation. This continuous monitoring enables dynamic adjustment of drying parameters, optimizing drying efficiency and productivity without requiring complex additional equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The laser-based measurement system is integrated directly into the drying process flow, allowing the dielectric fluid to pass through the measurement zone continuously. The system measures moisture content in-situ without requiring separate sampling operations or external analysis equipment. This self-service approach maintains process continuity while providing the productivity benefits of real-time monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 continuous, accurate, and rapid measurement of moisture content, reducing drying time, improving repeatability, and eliminating the need for cryogenic temperatures, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the drying process while reducing operational costs and risks associated with humidity exposure.

Implementation Method 1

causing a differential of pressure through an orifice plate device and the measurement of drew point continuously

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential measurement: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

a pipeline, a continuous dewpoint meter capable to bear negative pressures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDewpoint measurement: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

a vacuum pump (70), causing a differential of pressure through an orifice plate device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum extraction: Vacuum

Implementation Method 4

causing a differential of pressure through an orifice plate device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS8579503B2Device to continuously determine the rate of extraction of water steam used for drying transformers
Publication Date: 2013.11.12 PROLEC GE INT S DE R L DE CV
  • US8579503B2 patent drawing
  • US8579503B2 patent drawing
  • US8579503B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A moisture flow meter is provided in the air at negative pressures in the drying of transformers by means of a vacuum process for water extraction, causing a differential of pressure through a device of orifice plate and the continuous measurement of the dewpoint. The meter includes a pipeline, a continuous dewpoint meter able to support negative pressure, as well as the use of a orifice plate and two vacuum meters (vacuum meters) capable of measuring the pressure of condensable steam as well as a orifice which, allow a pressure drop. The signals on both sides of the orifice plate and the one from the dewpoint temperature are sent to a data acquisition card, which allows to measure, with the help of an algorithm, the amount of water in weight that flows per time unit.