Universal Connection Platform for Flow Measurement Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of flow measurement systems in industrial processes is time-consuming and costly due to the need for extensive customization based on various factors such as pipe diameter, fluid properties, and expected flow rates, which can lead to delays and increased costs during plant construction.
Innovation Solution
A universal connection platform using standardized components and a meter body with a primary element carrier that supports different flow measurement technologies, including differential pressure measurement, allowing for flexible installation and future updates without requiring extensive customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow measurement system is customized based on pipe diameter, fluid properties, and expected flow rates, then measurement accuracy is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a standardized flow measurement system with a universal connection platform that can accommodate different primary elements (orifice plates, venturi tubes, flow nozzles) and pipe sizes. The system uses standardized flange connections and modular components that can be configured for various applications without requiring custom fabrication, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining measurement accuracy through proper selection of standardized elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the flow measurement system into modular components including a standardized connection platform, interchangeable primary elements, and separate transmitter units. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly and disassembly, enabling quick installation and future modifications without requiring complete system replacement, thus reducing installation time while preserving measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If a flow measurement system is customized based on specific process requirements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces cost by implementing a universal connection platform with standardized components that can serve multiple measurement applications. Instead of custom-building each measurement system, the same standardized platform can accommodate different primary elements for various pipe sizes and fluid types, achieving measurement accuracy through proper element selection rather than custom design, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing and installation costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables cost-effective adaptation to different process requirements by allowing parameter changes through interchangeable primary elements rather than custom manufacturing. The standardized system can be configured for different pipe diameters, flow rates, and fluid properties by selecting appropriate standardized components, maintaining measurement accuracy while avoiding the high costs associated with custom fabrication for each specific application.
3Measurement precision
If extensive customization is performed during plant construction, then measurement accuracy is improved, but project delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-designing and standardizing the connection platform and primary elements during the product development phase. This allows the measurement system components to be manufactured and tested in advance with standardized interfaces, so that during plant construction, only simple assembly and configuration are required rather than extensive on-site customization, thereby eliminating project delays while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized universal system allows for rapid deployment during plant construction by eliminating the need for on-site customization. The same standardized platform can be quickly installed and configured for different measurement requirements by simply changing the primary element, significantly accelerating construction speed while preserving measurement accuracy through proper selection of standardized components.
4Loss of time
If standardized components are used for flow measurement, then installation time and cost are reduced, but adaptability to different technologies decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by designing a universal connection platform that inherently supports multiple measurement technologies. The standardized system can accommodate orifice plates, venturi tubes, flow nozzles, and other primary elements through identical connection interfaces, maintaining full technology flexibility while achieving rapid installation through standardization. The universality of the platform ensures that no adaptability is lost despite the use of standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adaptability within the standardized system by allowing easy interchange of primary elements and configuration of measurement parameters. The modular design permits the system to be dynamically reconfigured for different technologies and applications by simply replacing components rather than redesigning the entire system, thus maintaining versatility while benefiting from standardized installation procedures.
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
This solution reduces the time and cost associated with initial installation and future modifications by enabling rapid setup with standardized components, minimizing errors, and allowing for easy technology changes, while maintaining accuracy and flexibility in measuring flow rates across various industrial processes.
Implementation Method 1
a circuitry to measure a differential pressure and responsively estimate flow based upon the differential pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
An apparatus (102) for measuring a process variable of a process fluid based upon a process variable sensor measurement, includes an elongate spool (110) that provides a spool conduit therethrough adapted to be coupled in line with process piping (104) to receive a flow of process fluid. A meter body (112) is carried in the elongate spool (110) and receives the spool conduit therethrough. The meter body (112) has a primary element opening (144) which extends from the spool conduit to outside of the meter body (112). A carrier (114) is configured to removably mount to the meter body (112) and includes a primary element (170) in the spool conduit through the primary element opening (144). A process variable transmitter (116) is coupled to the primary element (170) and is configured to measure the process variable of process fluid. The meter body (112) is preferably configured to receive different types of primary elements (170) carried on the carrier (114).