Viscosity Meter Electronics Using Temperature Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining fluid viscosity at a reference temperature, such as those using dual viscometers with heat exchangers, are complex and expensive, making them unsuitable for all applications, especially those requiring cost-effective solutions for industrial process control.
Innovation Solution
A meter electronics system that employs a vibratory sensor and a polynomial equation-based method to calculate fluid viscosity at a reference temperature using temperature-viscosity relational data generated from reference flow fluid curves, allowing for the determination of viscosity at a single temperature without the need for additional equipment like heat exchangers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dual viscometer with heat exchanger is used to determine viscosity at reference temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat exchanger component from the measurement system, eliminating the need for dual viscometers and complex temperature control hardware. Instead, a single viscometer measures viscosity at process temperature, and the reference temperature viscosity is calculated using the ASTM D341 equation with temperature compensation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal system (dual viscometers with heat exchangers) with a computational approach. The reference temperature viscosity is obtained through mathematical calculation using the ASTM D341 equation and temperature-viscosity relational data, substituting physical temperature control mechanisms with algorithmic temperature compensation
2Measurement precision
If a dual viscometer with heat exchanger is used to determine viscosity at reference temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive heat exchanger and dual viscometer configuration, retaining only a single viscometer. The reference temperature viscosity measurement capability is achieved through software-based temperature compensation using the ASTM D341 equation, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while preserving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simpler, more economical single viscometer configuration instead of the expensive dual viscometer system. The temperature compensation is achieved through computational methods rather than expensive thermal control hardware, providing a cost-effective solution that maintains measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If a dual viscometer with heat exchanger is used to determine viscosity at reference temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the heat exchanger and dual viscometer installation requirements, needing only a single viscometer in the process line. The reference temperature viscosity capability is provided through software processing of single-temperature measurements, reducing installation complexity and cost
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 approach simplifies the process, reduces costs, and provides accurate viscosity measurements at a reference temperature, enabling efficient industrial process control without the complexity and expense of dual viscometer systems.
Implementation Method 1
Vibratory sensors, such as vibratory densitometers and vibratory viscometers, typically operate by detecting motion of a vibrating element that vibrates in the presence of a fluid material to be measured
Implementation Method 2
The ASTM D341 equation, using the interpolation function of Ubbelohde-Walther, has been widely adopted for ascertaining the kinematic viscosity of a petroleum oil or liquid hydrocarbon at any temperature within a limited range
Data Source
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AI summary
Meter electronics (20) and method for obtaining a flow fluid viscosity at a predetermined reference temperature are provided. The meter electronics (20) includes an interface (201) configured to exchange communications, a storage system (204) configured to store a predetermined reference temperature (211), a measured fluid viscosity (214), a measured fluid temperature (215), and a temperature-viscosity relational data (218) that relates temperature to viscosity over a predetermined range of flow fluid temperatures, and a processing system (203) coupled to the interface (201) and to the storage system (204), with the processing system (203) configured to obtain the measured fluid temperature (215), obtain the measured fluid viscosity (214), and generate a reference temperature viscosity (227) using the measured fluid viscosity (214) and the temperature-viscosity relational data (218), with the generated reference temperature viscosity (227) corresponding to the predetermined reference temperature (211).