Vibrating Meter Case Synthetic Wrap Burst Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibrating meters face challenges in achieving adequate secondary fluid containment due to the high cost and weight associated with increasing the thickness of the case to match the burst pressure of the wetted fluid path, especially in larger sizes, where the case's burst pressure is often below the required standard, leading to potential failure upon conduit failure.
Innovation Solution
Applying a synthetic wrap, composed of synthetic fibers like fiberglass or carbon fiber, around the case to increase the burst pressure while minimizing weight and maintaining or improving vibrational frequencies, by orienting fibers to adjust specific vibrational modes and applying varying thicknesses and layers strategically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the case thickness is increased to match the burst pressure of the wetted fluid path, then the secondary containment capability is improved, but the weight and cost of the case increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a synthetic fiber wrap (such as fiberglass or carbon fiber) around the case to create a composite structure. This composite material provides the necessary burst pressure containment while adding minimal weight compared to solid metal case thickening. The synthetic fibers are arranged in specific orientations to optimize both containment strength and vibrational characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The synthetic wrap is applied selectively to specific regions of the case where reinforcement is most needed, rather than uniformly thickening the entire case. This allows the design to achieve adequate secondary containment at critical locations while minimizing overall weight addition.
2Reliability
If the case thickness is increased to match the burst pressure of the wetted fluid path, then the secondary containment capability is improved, but the cost of the case increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The synthetic fiber wrap provides a cost-effective alternative to manufacturing a much thicker metal case. The wrap can be applied as a post-manufacturing step, avoiding the need for expensive large-diameter thick-walled metal case fabrication and reducing material costs while achieving the required pressure containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment function is segmented between the base case structure and the synthetic fiber wrap layer. This allows the case to be manufactured at standard thicknesses and then reinforced as needed, separating the structural support function from the pressure containment function and reducing overall cost.
3Strength
If the case thickness is increased to match the burst pressure of the wetted fluid path, then the burst pressure capability is improved, but the vibrational frequencies of the case are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The synthetic fiber wrap provides burst pressure reinforcement while maintaining the case's vibrational characteristics because the wrap is thin and flexible compared to the case structure itself. The fibers conform to the case surface and provide containment without significantly altering the case's mass distribution or stiffness properties that determine vibrational frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The synthetic wrap acts as a flexible reinforcement layer that provides pressure containment without rigidly constraining the case. This flexibility allows the case to vibrate at its natural frequencies while the wrap provides the necessary burst pressure protection, unlike a thick rigid metal case would.
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
The synthetic wrap significantly enhances the burst pressure of the case without significantly increasing weight, maintaining or improving vibrational frequencies, and providing effective secondary containment, addressing the limitations of existing methods that fail to provide adequate protection in larger meters.
Implementation Method 1
a synthetic wrap applied to at least a portion of the case to increase a natural frequency of the case
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor assembly (10) of a vibrating meter (5) is provided. The sensor assembly (10) comprises one or more fluid conduits (103A, 103B). The sensor assembly (10) also includes a case (200) surrounding at least a portion of the one or more fluid conduits (103A, 103B). A synthetic wrap (300) is applied to at least a portion of the case (200).