Abstract

A flow meter run offers autonomous operation whilst improving measurement performance & confidence, increased safety and improving the total cost of ownership. A plurality of isolation valve assemblies each offer DBB (Double Block & Bleed) isolation to isolate a component or meter run section. This DBB isolation includes components being extracted from the main metering line. The meter run philosophy is detailed with use of a novel rotational orifice meter, though other flow meters may be substituted. The flow meter run also features extractable filters, a rotational and extractable flow conditioner which includes open and blind isolation components. The rotational orifice meter can house several independent orifice plates or nozzles and extractable sample probes and temperature elements. Further instrument sensors include the direct (non-inferred) measurement of density and/or viscosity. The system is configured for multiple sensors to monitor performance, autonomy, validation and isolation.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 1/74 - Devices for measuring flow of a fluid or flow of a fluent solid material in suspension in another fluid
• G01F 15/00 - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
• G01F 25/10 - Testing or calibration of apparatus for measuring volume, volume flow or liquid level or for metering by volume of flowmeters
• G01N 11/00 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties

Abstract

A valve features an outer housing, in which there are provided inlet and outlet channels respectively reaching into the housing from inlet and outlet openings thereof. The two channels are axially closed at adjacent inner ends thereof, but feature perforated circumferential walls. A resiliently expandable sleeve is disposed around the circumferential walls in a position normally overlying the perforations, while leaving a gap between the sleeve and inner surfaces of the housing. A charging port communicates with the gap to enable pressurization thereof. Pressurization of the gap normally holds the sleeve tightly over the perforations to prevent flow from one channel to the other. When pressure in the inlet channel exceeds the pressure in the charging chamber, the sleeve radially expands from the circumferential walls of the channels to uncover the perforations and allow fluid to flow between the channels.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16K 7/07 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force by means of fluid pressure
• F16K 3/24 - Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing with sealing faces shaped as surfaces of solids of revolution with cylindrical valve members
• G05D 16/06 - Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible member yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule
• F16K 17/36 - Safety valvesEqualising valves actuated in consequence of extraneous circumstances, e.g. shock, change of position
• F16K 3/26 - Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing with sealing faces shaped as surfaces of solids of revolution with cylindrical valve members with fluid passages in the valve member
• G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
• F16K 21/16 - Self-closing valves, i.e. closing automatically after operation closing after a predetermined quantity of fluid has been delivered

Abstract

A valve features an outer housing, in which there are provided inlet and outlet channels respectively reaching into the housing from inlet and outlet openings thereof. The two channels are axially closed at adjacent inner ends thereof, but feature perforated circumferential walls. A resiliently expandable sleeve is disposed around the circumferential walls in a position normally overlying the perforations, while leaving a gap between the sleeve and inner surfaces of the housing. A charging port communicates with the gap to enable pressurization thereof. Pressurization of the gap normally holds the sleeve tightly over the perforations to prevent flow from one channel to the other. When pressure in the inlet channel exceeds the pressure in the charging chamber, the sleeve radially expands from the circumferential walls of the channels to uncover the perforations and allow fluid to flow between the channels.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16K 7/07 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force by means of fluid pressure
• F16K 17/02 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side
• F16K 25/02 - Arrangements using fluid issuing from valve members or seats
• F16K 31/128 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid the fluid acting on a diaphragm, bellows, or the like servo actuated

Abstract

In a flow meter, a rotor support body carries a paddlewheel rotor in an operational position exposed to a through-flow bore of a flow meter housing. A sensor unit is operable to detect rotation of the rotor and provide output responsive to same for use by a monitoring system in determining a flow rate of fluid passing through the housing. The support body and the sensor unit are removable from the housing, for inspection, service, repair or replacement independently of the housing, with the sensor unit being removable independently of the support body for improved serviceability. The rotor is carried on a support shaft with a reduced diameter portion for contact-free rotation of the rotor around this reduced diameter portion, reducing an area of the shaft over which tight machining tolerances are required to prevent ingress of particulate matter that can lead to inaccurate flow measurements and increased wear rates.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 1/06 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects using rotating vanes with tangential admission
• G01F 1/075 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects using rotating vanes with tangential admission with magnetic or electromagnetic coupling to the indicating device

Abstract

In a flow meter, a rotor support body carries a paddlewheel rotor in an operational position exposed to a through-flow bore of a flow meter housing. A sensor unit is operable to detect rotation of the rotor and provide output responsive to same for use by a monitoring system in determining a flow rate of fluid passing through the housing. The support body and the sensor unit are removable from the housing, for inspection, service, repair or replacement independently of the housing, with the sensor unit being removable independently of the support body for improved serviceability. The rotor is carried on a support shaft with a reduced diameter portion for contact-free rotation of the rotor around this reduced diameter portion, reducing an area of the shaft over which tight machining tolerances are required to prevent ingress of particulate matter that can lead to inaccurate flow measurements and increased wear rates.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 1/06 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects using rotating vanes with tangential admission