Wet Test Meter Fluid Level Control for Accurate Gas Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wet Test Meters (WTM) require a consistent level of packing fluid to maintain accuracy in measuring low flow gas processes, but manual monitoring and adjustment are necessary to prevent vaporization and ensure precise measurements, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A pump control system and valve control system are introduced, each comprising a control module, level sensor/detector, and either a pump or valve, which automatically monitor and adjust the packing fluid level by pumping or gravity feeding fluid from a storage tank to maintain the required level, ensuring continuous operation and accuracy of the WTM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual monitoring and adjustment of packing fluid level is performed, then the WTM can maintain measurement accuracy, but the operation is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation through automatic detection and control. The level sensor continuously monitors the packing fluid level and automatically activates the pump or valve when the fluid level drops, eliminating the need for manual intervention and allowing the system to maintain itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback control by using a level sensor to monitor the packing fluid level and automatically adjusting the fluid level through pump or valve control when deviations are detected, ensuring consistent measurement accuracy without manual intervention
2Reliability
If manual monitoring and adjustment of packing fluid level is performed, then the WTM can prevent vaporization, but the process is prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic level control system continuously monitors and maintains the packing fluid level without human intervention, preventing vaporization through consistent automated management rather than periodic manual checks that are prone to human error
Solution Approach 2:
The level sensor provides continuous feedback on the packing fluid level, and the control system automatically activates the pump or valve when the fluid level drops below the required threshold, ensuring reliable prevention of vaporization through real-time automated control
3Extent of automation
If automatic pump control system is implemented, then the packing fluid level is automatically maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a level sensor to continuously monitor the packing fluid level and automatically activates the pump or valve when the fluid level drops below a predetermined threshold, providing simple yet effective automatic control through feedback mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The control module acts as an intermediary between the level sensor and the pump/valve, receiving signals from the sensor and controlling the fluid transfer device, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving automatic control
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 systems enable continuous monitoring and automatic adjustment of packing fluid levels, maintaining the accuracy and operability of WTMs, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing errors, thus ensuring consistent and precise gas flow measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The level sensor/detector is configured to monitor the packing fluid level in the WTM
Implementation Method 2
The pump is controlled by the control module and will start/stop as required by the packing fluid filling operation
Implementation Method 3
The valve may be a solenoid valve or pneumatic valve and is controlled by the control module which will send a signal to open or close
Implementation Method 4
the WTM is automatically filled by gravity feeding packing fluid from a storage tank through the open valve
Data Source
AI summary
A pump control system for a wet test meter (WTM) is disclosed. The pump control system includes a WTM that contains packing fluid, a control module that has a DC power supply and is configured to detect a level of the packing fluid in the WTM, a pump that is configured to be controlled by the control module and is activated when the packing fluid in the WTM falls below a predetermined level, and a level sensor/detector that is located outside of the WTM, wired to the control module, and configured to monitor the packing fluid level within the WTM. When the packing fluid falls below the predetermined level as detected by the control module, the WTM is automatically filled by pumping packing fluid from a storage tank using the pump, until the packing fluid level reaches above the predetermined level.