HK1100970B - Flow meter type identification - Google Patents

Description

Flowmeter type identification

Technical Field

The present invention relates to flow meter type identification and, more particularly, to flow meter type identification using meter (meter) calibration values.

Background

Flow meters are used to measure the mass flow rate of a flowing liquid. Many types of flow meters exist and they are adapted for various applications and flowing materials. For example, there may be different flow meter types/models for different flow line sizes, tube materials, pressure ratings, temperature ratings, accuracy ratings, and so forth. Each flow meter type may have unique characteristics that the flow meter system must consider in order to achieve optimal performance. For example, some flow meter types may require a flow tube apparatus that vibrates at a particular displacement level. In another example, some flow meter types may require a dedicated compensation algorithm.

The flow meter electronics typically contain stored meter calibration values. The flow meter uses these meter calibration values in order to accurately measure mass flow rate and density. The meter calibration values may include calibration values derived from measurements under test conditions, such as at the factory. Thus, each flow meter can have unique calibration values.

One type of flow meter is a coriolis flow meter. As disclosed in U.S. patent No.4,491,025 issued to j.e.smith et al at 1/1 1985 and re.31,450 issued to j.e.smith at 11/2 1982, it is known to use coriolis mass flow meters to measure mass flow and other information of a material flowing through a pipeline. These meters have one or more flow tubes of different configurations. Each conduit structure may be viewed as having a set of natural vibration modes including, for example, simple bending, torsional, radial, and coupled modes. In a typical coriolis mass flow measurement application, a conduit structure is excited in one or more vibration modes as a material flows through the conduit, and motion of the conduit is measured at points spaced along the conduit. The vibrational mode of the material fill system is defined in part by the combined mass of the flow tube and the material within the flow tube. When no material flows through the flowmeter, all points along the flow tube oscillate with the same phase. As material begins to flow through the flow tube, coriolis accelerations cause points along the flow tube to have different phases relative to other points along the flow tube. The phase on the inlet side of the flow tube lags the driver and the phase on the outlet side leads the driver. Sensors are placed at different points on the flow tube to generate sinusoidal signals representative of the motion of the flow tube at the different points. The phase difference of the signals received from the sensors is calculated in units of time. The phase difference between the sensor signals is proportional to the mass flow rate of the material flowing through the flow tube or flow tubes.

The mass flow rate of the substance is determined by multiplying the phase difference by a Flow Calibration Factor (FCF). The FCF is determined by a calibration process prior to installing the flow meter into the pipeline. During the calibration process, fluid is passed through the flow tube at a given flow rate, and the relationship between the phase difference and the flow rate (i.e., FCF) is calculated. The flow meter then determines the flow rate by multiplying the FCF by the phase difference of the two pickoff signals. In addition, other calibration factors may also be considered in determining the flow rate.

Many flow meter applications include flow meter networks that contain multiple individual flow meters operating in some type of communication network. The network typically contains a flow meter monitoring system that collects measured flow data and controls and coordinates the operation of the various flow meters. The flow meter network may contain flow meters of different sizes, models, model years, and electronic and software versions. In such an arrangement, it is desirable to easily and automatically identify the flow meter type so that maintenance and upgrade procedures can be performed efficiently and appropriately.

When electronic flow meters were originally developed, identification and tracking of flow meter types was not an issue. This is due to the relatively few flow meter manufacturers and the few flow meter models. Thus, manual tracking and record keeping of the flow meter type is easy. However, it is not possible to design a flow meter without unique features designed for specific and varying applications, while also achieving lower cost, higher performance, smaller footprint (footprint), and other desirable aspects of the flow meter. As a result, the number of flow meter types has proliferated in order to suit specific and wide-ranging needs.

One prior art approach requires the user to enter the sensor model/type into the flow meter monitoring equipment, such as by entering a code or identifier. This approach is acceptable if the person making the input is active with respect to the flow meter and the type of flow meter. However, this prior art approach has drawbacks. This prior art approach relies on the person making the input being at least fairly familiar with the flow meter type, on the person knowing how to enter the data into the transmitter or monitoring device, and on the complete, error-free, and accurate entry of the code or identifier.

Another prior art approach would be to include a memory device in the flow meter. The memory device stores the flow meter type data as a readable code or identifier. The remote flow meter monitoring system can query the memory for a flow meter type code or identifier. However, this prior art approach also has drawbacks. The storage device adds significantly to the cost of the flow meter. Furthermore, storage devices such as solid-state memories are relatively fragile devices that are not suitable for inclusion in the high temperature and high vibration environment of a flow meter.

Yet another prior art approach is to incorporate a resistor into the flow meter, wherein the resistor produces a relatively unique voltage/current response that is read remotely. Resistors are inexpensive and durable devices that can be easily integrated into a flow meter. However, this prior art approach also has drawbacks. The increasing number of meter types necessitates the use of smaller and smaller resistance ranges in order to describe each meter model. This leads to uncertainty when the resistance tolerance is critical. Furthermore, overall flow meter type identification would require coordination between flow meter manufacturers.

Yet another prior art approach is to induce an initial vibration of the subject flow meter and measure the frequency of the resulting flow tube vibration. The resulting vibration frequency is then correlated to the flow meter type. However, this prior art approach also has drawbacks. The vibration test must be performed correctly and the flow meter must be set to the proper test conditions. In addition, the test may result in a measured response vibration that is not sufficiently indicative of the flow meter type. Tolerance variations in the flow meter, along with variations in environmental conditions, may result in incorrect flow meter type determinations.

Disclosure of Invention

The above and other problems are solved and an advance in the art is achieved by providing a system and method for flow meter type identification.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a flow meter monitoring system is provided. The flow meter monitoring system includes a communication interface configured to communicate with one or more flow meters and receive meter calibration values for a flow meter of the one or more flow meters. The flow meter monitoring system also includes a processing system in communication with the communication interface and configured to receive the meter calibration values from the communication interface and correlate the meter calibration values with known meter calibration values to determine the flow meter type.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a flow meter type identification method for determining a flow meter type of a flow meter is provided. The method includes receiving meter calibration values for the flow meter and correlating the meter calibration values to known meter calibration values to determine the flow meter type.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a software product for determining a flow meter type of a flow meter is provided. The software product includes control software configured to direct a processing system to receive meter calibration values for the flow meter and correlate the meter calibration values with known meter calibration values to determine the flow meter type. The software product also includes a storage system storing the control software.

Various aspects of the invention are set forth below. In one aspect of the invention, the meter calibration values include Flow Calibration Factor (FCF) and static harmonic frequency (K1) values.

In another aspect of the invention, the known meter calibration values comprise a data structure that links a particular flow meter type to a particular set of meter calibration values.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the determined flow meter type is stored in a data structure along with a flow meter identifier for the flow meter.

In yet another aspect of the invention, meter calibration values for a flow meter are received from the flow meter.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the meter calibration values for the flow meter are received through a user interface.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a flow meter monitoring system includes a flow meter component.

Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a flow meter monitoring system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between some flow meter types and FCF and K1 values; and

fig. 3 is a flow chart of a flow meter type identification method according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1-3 and the following description depict specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of the invention. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will recognize variations from these examples that are within the scope of the invention. For the sake of brevity, the following examples are presented in two ways. It should be understood that more than two approaches may be used. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents.

Fig. 1 illustrates a flow meter monitoring system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The flow meter monitoring system 100 can include a separate flow meter, flow meter transmitter, remote terminal, and the like. The flow meter monitoring system 100 can collect measured flow data and can control and coordinate the operation of one or more of a variety of flow meters. In some embodiments, the flow meter monitoring system 100 may be in communication with one or more flow meters 150, such as via a network 170 in one embodiment.

For example, the flow meter 150 may comprise a coriolis flow meter. The flow meter 150 can contain stored meter calibration values, such as a Flow Calibration Factor (FCF)151 and a static harmonic frequency (K1) value 152. The FCF represents the flow tube geometry for a particular flow meter device. FCF can account for variations in the dimensions of the flow tube apparatus during manufacturing and can also account for variations in the vibrational response caused by variations in the properties of the flow tube material. The value K1 represents the static harmonic frequency of the flow tube apparatus as measured when air is in the flow tube apparatus and at a calibration temperature of 0 degrees celsius. The value of K1 is typically in units of frequency or in units of time (i.e., wave period). Other meter calibration values (not shown) may include, but are not limited to, a K2 value (the same as K1 except for water used in the flow meter device), a K3 value for flow effects of density, temperature calibration values, and the like. Other meter calibration values are contemplated and are included within the scope of the present invention and the claims.

The flow meter monitoring system 100 in one embodiment includes a communication interface 101 and a processing system 102, and may include a user interface 130. The flow meter monitoring system 100 receives meter calibration values for the flow meter 150. The flow meter monitoring system 100 uses the meter calibration values to determine the flow meter type of the flow meter 150.

In an alternative embodiment, the flow meter monitoring system 100 includes a flow meter component, i.e., the flow meter monitoring system 100 includes a portion of the flow meter 150. Thus, the flow meter 150 can use the meter calibration values to determine its own flow meter type. Further, the flow meter 150 can receive meter calibration values from other flow meters and identify a meter type.

The flowmeter type depends on a number of factors including the manufacturer, the accuracy rating of the flow tube apparatus, the pressure rating, the temperature rating, the material or materials used in manufacturing the flow tube apparatus, and the line size of the tube from which the flowmeter is manufactured. Each of these flow meter characteristics may affect or control the determination of the flow meter type (see fig. 2 and the accompanying discussion).

Advantageously, the flow meter monitoring system 100 can remotely read the meter calibration values, such as by obtaining the meter calibration values from the flow meter 150 via the communication interface 101. The value may be read via a bus or communication link, or may be read via a wireless link. This value can be read at any time. Alternatively, the meter calibration values may be entered directly into the flow meter monitoring system 100 by a user via the user interface 130. In another alternative, the meter calibration values may be obtained from other remote devices via the communication interface 101.

The meter calibration values are used in operation of the flow meter electronics of the flow meter 150 to calibrate mass flow measurements. The meter calibration values are typically obtained by measurement at the factory under test conditions. The meter calibration values are typically stored in the meter electronics before the flow meter is shipped from the factory. Additionally, the meter calibration values can be programmed or reprogrammed in the field by a user into the meter electronics. Advantageously, if the subject flow meter 150 is reconfigured, the value can be reprogrammed so that the subject flow meter 150 can still be identified in accordance with the present invention. This programming is typically facilitated by a label affixed to the flow meter that is stamped, embossed, or printed with factory measured meter calibration values. Thus, the user can reprogram with the correct calibration information, if necessary, for example in the case of power loss, memory loss, reconfiguration, etc. of the flow meter.

The communication interface 101 is configured to communicate with the flow meter 150 and other flow meters, and may also be used to communicate with other flow meter network devices. For example, the communication interface 101 can receive the meter calibration values from the flow meter 150. Alternatively, the communication interface 101 may receive the meter calibration values from a remote terminal or device.

The communication interface 101 may include any type of communication device. In one embodiment, the communication interface 101 includes a modem, network card, or the like, configured to communicate via the network 170. Network 170 may include a wired network including a switched network or a digital packet network. In another embodiment, the communication interface 101 comprises a wireless communication device, such as a radio or optical receiver or transceiver, for example.

The processing system 102 implements the operation of the flow meter monitoring system 100. The processing system 102 is in communication with the communication interface 101 and is configured to receive the meter calibration values from the communication interface 101 and correlate the meter calibration values with known meter calibration values to determine a flow meter type of the flow meter 150. The processing system 102 may comprise a general purpose computer, a micro-processing system, a logic circuit, or some other general purpose or customized processing device. Processing system 102 may be distributed across multiple processing devices. The processing system 102 may include any kind of integrated or stand-alone electronic storage medium, such as, for example, the storage system 103.

The storage system 103 may contain an FCF store 110, a K1 store 112, known meter calibration values 114, and a flow meter type store 116. The FCF memory 110 and K1 memory 112 may store the received FCF and K1 values for flow meter type identification. The known meter calibration values 114 can comprise a data structure that stores known values (discussed below) that identify a flow meter type. For example, the known meter calibration values 114 may comprise a data table. It should be understood, however, that other data structures may be used to store and correlate meter calibration values. The flow meter monitoring system 100 can store the determined flow meter type identification in the flow meter type memory 116.

In one embodiment, known meter calibration values are stored in the correlation table 114. The correlation table 114 may include a plurality of meter type records. The meter type record of the correlation table 114 includes a set of known meter calibration values and a corresponding meter type for the set of known meter calibration values. Thus, for the input of a particular set of meter calibration values, the correlation table 114 outputs the unique flow meter type that matches the particular set of meter calibration values.

Fig. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between some flow meter types and FCF and K1 values. It should be noted that not all flow meter types are shown in this figure. As can be seen from the figure, the FCF and K1 values for each represented flow meter type are tightly clustered. Thus, by correlating the meter calibration values of the subject flow meter with these known parameters and groups, the flow meter type of the subject flow meter 150 can be determined.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart 300 of a flow meter type identification method according to an embodiment of the invention. The flow meter type identification method may be performed by the flow meter monitoring system 100 of fig. 1 and may be implemented in a software product. The software product may be executed at the flow meter monitoring system 100. In step 301, meter calibration values for a flow meter to be identified are received. As previously described, the meter calibration values may include FCF and K1 values. The meter calibration values can be currently or previously received from the subject flow meter 150, can be currently or previously received from a user via a user interface, or can be currently or previously received from a remote terminal.

In step 302, the received meter calibration values are correlated with known meter calibration values that are substantially representative of various flow meter types. The correlation may be performed by substantially matching the meter calibration values of the subject flow meter 150 to known meter calibration values. The correlation may be achieved, for example, by using some data structure, such as a data table.

In optional step 303, the determined flow meter type is stored. The determined flow meter type may be stored in some data structure along with the flow meter identifier of the subject flow meter 150. The flow meter identifier may be any kind of network address, flow meter number, flow meter serial number, designated flow meter number, etc. that is used to identify the subject flow meter 150. For example, the flow meter type may include a coriolis flow meter type.

Advantageously, by correlating the FCF and K1 values to known flow meter types, the flow meter monitoring system 100 (and method) can determine the flow meter type. The two pieces of information are used in all coriolis flow meters and are sufficient to accurately characterize a coriolis flow meter. Accordingly, the present invention can determine characteristics of the flow meter including, for example, manufacturer, flow tube means line size, flow tube means material, flow tube means pressure rating, flow tube means temperature rating, and flow tube means accuracy rating.

The flow meter type identification system and method in accordance with the present invention differs from the prior art in that meter calibration values are used to determine the flow meter type. No additional codes or identifiers need to be entered by the user. The user does not have to perform any additional steps in order to implement the flow meter type identification.

If desired, flow meter type identification in accordance with the present invention can be implemented in accordance with any of the embodiments to achieve several advantages. The flow meter type identification provides low cost flow meter type determination. No additional hardware is required in the flow meter or flow meter monitoring system and the invention can be implemented by additional software programs. The flow meter type identification provides accurate and reliable flow meter type identification without introducing additional reliability issues. The flow meter type identification provides flow meter type identification that does not require any additional action or operation on the part of the user or system operator. The flow meter type identification provides flow meter type identification using information inherent within the flow meter or flow meter system or network. Furthermore, the flow meter type identification provides flow meter type identification that can notify a user of an entry error in the FCF or K1 value if the determined flow meter type is different from the expected flow meter type.

Claims (19)

1. A flow meter monitoring system (100), comprising:

a communication interface (101) configured to communicate with one or more flow meters and receive meter calibration values for one of the one or more flow meters; and

a processing system (102) in communication with the communication interface (101) and configured to receive the meter calibration values from the communication interface (101) and correlate the meter calibration values with known meter calibration values (114) to determine the flow meter type.

2. The flow meter monitoring system (100) of claim 1 having meter calibration values that include a Flow Calibration Factor (FCF).

3. The flow meter monitoring system (100) of claim 1 having meter calibration values that include a static harmonic frequency (K1) value.

4. The flow meter monitoring system (100) of claim 1 having known meter calibration values (114) comprising a data structure linking a particular flow meter type to a particular set of meter calibration values.

5. The flow meter monitoring system (100) of claim 4 having a processing system (102) further configured to store the determined flow meter type in the data structure along with a flow meter identifier for the flow meter.

6. The flow meter monitoring system (100) of claim 1, wherein the meter calibration values for the flow meter are received from the flow meter.

7. The flow meter monitoring system (100) of claim 1, wherein the meter calibration values for the flow meter are received through a user interface (130).

8. The flow meter monitoring system (100) of claim 1 having a flow meter type comprising a coriolis flow meter type.

9. The flow meter monitoring system (100) of claim 1, wherein the flow meter monitoring system comprises a flow meter component.

10. A method for determining a flow meter type of a flow meter, comprising:

receiving a meter calibration value for the flow meter; and

the meter calibration values are correlated with known meter calibration values (114) to determine the flow meter type.

11. The method of claim 10, having a meter calibration value comprising a Flow Calibration Factor (FCF).

12. The method of claim 10 having meter calibration values including static harmonic frequency (K1) values.

13. The method of claim 10 having known meter calibration values (114) comprising a data structure linking a particular flow meter type to a particular set of meter calibration values.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising storing the determined flow meter type in a data structure along with a flow meter identifier for the flow meter.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the meter calibration values for the flow meter are received from the flow meter.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the meter calibration values for the flow meter are received through a user interface (130).

17. The method of claim 10, having an association occurring in a flow meter monitoring system (100).

18. The method of claim 10 having a flow meter type comprising a coriolis flow meter type.

19. The method of claim 10, wherein the flow meter monitoring system comprises a flow meter component.