Patent classifications
F17D3/00
Online pipe integrity testing system and method
Techniques for implementing and/or operating a pipeline system including a pipe segment, in which the pipe segment includes tubing that defines a pipe bore and fluid conduits in a tubing annulus, a pipe fitting secured to the pipe segment, in which the pipe fitting includes a vent port connected to the fluid conduits in the tubing annulus, and a testing apparatus. The testing apparatus includes a fluid valve connected to the vent port, an upstream sensor fluidly connected between the vent port and the fluid valve, in which the upstream sensor determines a fluid parameter associated with fluid within the fluid conduits in the tubing annulus, and a downstream sensor connected between the fluid valve and external environmental conditions, in which the downstream sensor determines another fluid parameter associated with fluid released from the fluid conduits in the tubing annulus while the fluid valve is in an opened state.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRE-COOLING FUEL DISPENSER
A system for dispensing a gaseous fuel from a liquefied fuel and a method for operating such a system are provided. The system includes a storage tank, a pressure sensor, a dispenser, a temperature sensor, and a vapor supply unit. The storage tank stores a liquefied fuel including phases of liquid and vapor. The pressure sensor is configured to measure a vapor pressure inside the storage tank. The dispenser is configured to receive the liquefied fuel and dispense the gaseous fuel to a receiving tank. The temperature sensor is configured to measure temperature of the dispenser. The system further includes a vapor supply unit fluidly coupled with the storage tank and configured to provide the vapor of the liquefied fuel from the storage tank into the dispenser or in thermally contact with at least one portion of the dispenser.
Monitoring Of Pipeline Systems
A method and system for detecting displacements in installed pipeline systems and identifying components and their properties, comprising: arranging/attaching a marker to at least one of the components of the installed pipeline system, recording/scanning/photographing the marker (3) and generating a baseline image of the initial state, assigning properties and data to and depositing them on the marker, storing the baseline image at a memory location, re-recording/re-scanning/re-photographing the marker, autonomously detecting the marker and comparing it with the stored baseline image of the corresponding marker, determining alterations or displacements of the marker, outputting determined values, wherein at least two markers are arranged such that they are recorded together on a baseline image.
Monitoring Of Pipeline Systems
A method and system for detecting displacements in installed pipeline systems and identifying components and their properties, comprising: arranging/attaching a marker to at least one of the components of the installed pipeline system, recording/scanning/photographing the marker (3) and generating a baseline image of the initial state, assigning properties and data to and depositing them on the marker, storing the baseline image at a memory location, re-recording/re-scanning/re-photographing the marker, autonomously detecting the marker and comparing it with the stored baseline image of the corresponding marker, determining alterations or displacements of the marker, outputting determined values, wherein at least two markers are arranged such that they are recorded together on a baseline image.
Automated control mechanisms and methods for controlling fluid flow in a hemodialysis apparatus
Automated control mechanisms and methods for controlling fluid flow in a hemodialysis apparatus are described. The methods can involve a controller receiving information from a pressure sensor in a control chamber of a reciprocating diaphragm-based blood pump and causing the application of a time-varying pressure waveform on a diaphragm of the blood pump during a fill-stroke of the blood pump. The controller can be configured and programmed to monitor a pressure variation in the control chamber measured by the pressure sensor and to compare the measured pressure variation to a pre-determined value. Based on such comparison, the controller can initiate a procedure to pause or stop a dialysate pump of the hemodialysis apparatus if the magnitude of the measured pressure variation deviates from the pre-determined value.
Automated control mechanisms and methods for controlling fluid flow in a hemodialysis apparatus
Automated control mechanisms and methods for controlling fluid flow in a hemodialysis apparatus are described. The methods can involve a controller receiving information from a pressure sensor in a control chamber of a reciprocating diaphragm-based blood pump and causing the application of a time-varying pressure waveform on a diaphragm of the blood pump during a fill-stroke of the blood pump. The controller can be configured and programmed to monitor a pressure variation in the control chamber measured by the pressure sensor and to compare the measured pressure variation to a pre-determined value. Based on such comparison, the controller can initiate a procedure to pause or stop a dialysate pump of the hemodialysis apparatus if the magnitude of the measured pressure variation deviates from the pre-determined value.
Systems and methods for controlling flow with a rotatable valve
Systems and methods for controlling flow with a rotatable valve are provided. A described system includes a valve body having a valve chamber and a plurality of ports into the valve chamber. The plurality of ports include a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port and the second port are aligned with a common axis and located on opposite sides of the valve chamber. The system further includes a valve member located within the valve chamber. The valve member is controllably rotatable to modulate fluid flow between the first port and the third port while maintaining the second port completely closed and to modulate fluid flow between the second port and the third port while maintaining the first port completely closed.
Systems and methods for controlling flow with a rotatable valve
Systems and methods for controlling flow with a rotatable valve are provided. A described system includes a valve body having a valve chamber and a plurality of ports into the valve chamber. The plurality of ports include a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port and the second port are aligned with a common axis and located on opposite sides of the valve chamber. The system further includes a valve member located within the valve chamber. The valve member is controllably rotatable to modulate fluid flow between the first port and the third port while maintaining the second port completely closed and to modulate fluid flow between the second port and the third port while maintaining the first port completely closed.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INLINE MIXING OF HYDROCARBON LIQUIDS
Embodiments include systems and methods of in-line mixing of hydrocarbon liquids from a plurality of tanks into a single pipeline. According to an embodiment, a method of admixing hydrocarbon liquids from a plurality of tanks into a single pipeline to provide in-line mixing thereof includes determining a ratio of a second fluid flow to a first fluid flow based on signals received from a tank flow meter in fluid communication with the second fluid flow and a booster flow meter in fluid communication with a blended fluid flow. The blended fluid flow includes a blended flow of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow. The method further includes comparing the determined ratio to a pre-selected set point ratio thereby to determine a modified flow of the second fluid flow to drive the ratio toward the pre-selected set point ratio. The method further includes controlling a variable speed drive connected to a pump thereby to control the second fluid flow through the pump based on the determined modified flow, the pump being in fluid communication with the second fluid flow.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INLINE MIXING OF HYDROCARBON LIQUIDS
Embodiments include systems and methods of in-line mixing of hydrocarbon liquids from a plurality of tanks into a single pipeline. According to an embodiment, a method of admixing hydrocarbon liquids from a plurality of tanks into a single pipeline to provide in-line mixing thereof includes determining a ratio of a second fluid flow to a first fluid flow based on signals received from a tank flow meter in fluid communication with the second fluid flow and a booster flow meter in fluid communication with a blended fluid flow. The blended fluid flow includes a blended flow of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow. The method further includes comparing the determined ratio to a pre-selected set point ratio thereby to determine a modified flow of the second fluid flow to drive the ratio toward the pre-selected set point ratio. The method further includes controlling a variable speed drive connected to a pump thereby to control the second fluid flow through the pump based on the determined modified flow, the pump being in fluid communication with the second fluid flow.