Vibratory Fuel Meter Feedback for Heavy Fuel Oil Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy fuel oils (HFOs) with high viscosity pose challenges for fuel injectors due to varying viscosity along fuel lines, as existing systems struggle to accurately measure and control viscosity, especially in marine engines with long fuel supply lines and changing environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory meter is used to measure fuel properties, generating signals to control temperature via a temperature control unit, compensating for heat loss along fuel lines to maintain optimal viscosity for fuel injectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heater is used to heat the fuel at a location proximate the fuel source, then the viscosity of the fuel is reduced, but the fuel cools down along the long fuel supply lines causing the viscosity to increase again before reaching the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of fuel properties (density, viscosity, temperature) at the engine end of the fuel line, then calculates the required heating amount and applies heat beforehand at the fuel source. This preliminary action compensates for heat loss along the fuel lines, ensuring the fuel arrives at the correct temperature and viscosity at the engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses measured fuel properties (density, viscosity, temperature) from the engine end as feedback to control the heating amount at the fuel source. The controller adjusts the heater power based on the actual fuel conditions and calculated heat loss, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal fuel viscosity despite varying environmental conditions along the fuel lines.
2Ease of operation
If the fuel is heated to reduce viscosity, then the fuel can be effectively atomized by the fuel injector, but the heating amount is difficult to control accurately due to varying heat loss along the fuel lines
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces direct mechanical viscosity measurement and control with a computational approach. Instead of mechanically measuring viscosity at multiple points and adjusting heating accordingly, the system measures density and temperature, calculates viscosity using empirical relationships, and computes the required heating amount. This substitution of mechanical measurement with computational calculation enables more precise viscosity control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from direct viscosity measurement to density and temperature measurement. By measuring density and temperature (which are easier to measure accurately) and using empirical viscosity-density-temperature relationships, the system indirectly controls viscosity with higher precision. This parameter change allows accurate viscosity control without the complexity of direct viscosity measurement along the fuel lines.
3Adaptability or versatility
If long fuel supply lines are used to connect the fuel source to the engine, then the system can accommodate marine engine installations, but the fuel temperature varies significantly along the fuel lines due to changing environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of fuel properties at the engine end and calculates the required heating amount in advance. By measuring density, viscosity, and temperature at the engine and calculating the heat loss along the specific fuel line configuration, the system determines the exact heating amount needed at the fuel source, compensating for temperature variations along the long fuel supply lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses empirical viscosity-density-temperature relationships to correlate fuel properties and determine the heating requirement. By measuring density and temperature and using established empirical relationships, the system can predict and control fuel viscosity and temperature stability despite long fuel supply lines and varying environmental conditions.
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 system effectively controls fuel viscosity within a desired range, ensuring appropriate atomization and engine performance by accurately measuring and adjusting fuel temperature based on density and viscosity relationships.
Implementation Method 1
a meter assembly having a first tube and a second tube that are vibrated in opposite directions about respective bending axes
Implementation Method 2
controlling the engine viscosity of the fuel, using the temperature control unit, by controlling the temperature of the fuel
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a viscosity of fuel in a fuel control system with a vibratory meter is provided. The method includes providing the fuel to the vibratory meter, measuring a property of the fuel with the vibratory meter, and generating a signal based on the measured property of the fuel. The method also includes providing the signal to a temperature control unit configured to control the temperature of the fuel provided to the vibratory meter.