Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
SPECIFICATION
PRESSURE PULSATOIN DAMPENER
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to co-pending US Patent
Application Serial
No. 12/751,028 filed on March 31, 2010, entitled "Pulsation Dampener for Gas
Compressors Having Selectable Size Choke Openings".
FIELD
[0002] The present embodiments generally relate to a pressure pulsation
dampener.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A need exists for a pressure pulsation dampener that optimally
reduces or greatly
eliminates square root error.
[0004] A need exists for a pressure pulsation dampener that can be used
to provide pulsation
dampening to a medium flowing in a conduit. The medium can be a vapor, liquid,
or
multi phase medium.
[0005] A further need exists for a pressure pulsation dampener that
optimizes the efficiency
of an up stream compressor often associated with the use of a choke plate in
flow
systems.
[0006] The present embodiments meet these needs.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
100071 The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction
with the
accompanying drawings as follows:
[0008] Figure 1 depicts a cut view of a pressure pulsation dampener for
use in a
compressible medium according to one or more embodiments.
[0009] Figure 2 depicts an outlet port end view of an outlet half
housing of Figure 1.
1000101 Figure 3 depicts an automated system for pulsation dampening according
to one or
more embodiments.
[00011] Figure 4 depicts a schematic of a controller according to one or more
embodiments.
.. [00012] Figure 5 depicts a choke plate according to one or more
embodiments.
[00013] Figure 6 depicts an indicator plate according to one or more
embodiments.
1000141 The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the
listed Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[000151 Before explaining the present apparatus and system in detail, it is to
be understood the
apparatus and system are not limited to the particular embodiments and the
apparatus
and system can be practiced or carried out in various ways.
[00016] The present embodiments relate to a pressure pulsation dampener. The
pressure
pulsation dampener can be used on a medium flowing in a flow system. The
medium
can be a natural gas stream. The medium can be natural gas from a compressor,
natural gas from a tank, natural gas from a gathering site, natural gas from a
separator, or combinations thereof. The medium can be a vapor, a liquid, or a
multiphase stream. The medium can have a pressure from approximately fifty
psig to
about four hundred psig (pound-force per square inch gauge). For example, the
medium can be a compressible natural gas stream.
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[00017] The pressure pulsation dampener can have an outlet half housing, an
inlet half
housing, a choke plate, a shaft, an indicator plate, a stop pin, and a
removable
fastener.
[00018] The outlet half housing can have an outlet front side and an outlet
back side. The
outlet back side can have a recess formed therein. The recess can be a flat
cylindrical
surface.
[00019] The outlet front side and the outlet back side can have a shaft hole
formed
therethrough. An outlet pipe extension can be disposed in at least a portion
of the
outlet half housing side. The outlet pipe extension can be configured to
engage a
downstream conduit. For example, the outlet pipe extension can be integral
with and
formed perpendicular to the outlet back side, and can engage a downstream
tubular
member. An inlet pipe extension can be disposed in at least a portion of the
inlet half
housing side. The inlet pipe extension and the outlet pipe extension can have
identical lengths.
[00020] The inlet half housing can have an inlet front side and an inlet back
side. The inlet
back side can be engaged with the outlet back side. As such, a seal can be
formed
between the outlet back side and inlet front side. The inlet pipe extension
can be
disposed within a portion of the inlet half housing. The inlet pipe extension
can be in
fluid communication with the outlet pipe extension and with an upstream
tubular
member. As such, the inlet pipe extension can allow the medium to travel from
the
upstream to the downstream, such as from an upstream tubular member to a
downstream tubular member via outlet half housing and inlet half housing.
[00021] The outlet half housing and inlet half housing can have an overall
diameter from
about six inches to about thirty inches. The outlet half housing and inlet
half housing
can have a thickness from about three inches to about three-fourths of one
inch. A
plurality of removable fasteners can be used to connect the inlet half housing
to the
outlet half housing.
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[00022] The outlet half housing and inlet half housing can be at least
partially made from
steel, steel alloys, coated steel, iron, durable pressure resistant non-
deforming
polymers, or combinations thereof.
[00023] The choke plate can be disposed in the recess formed into the outlet
back side of the
outlet half housing. In one or more embodiments, the choke plate can engage
the flow
path formed by the inlet pipe extension. For example, the choke plate can
intersect the
flow path. The choke plate can create a variable restriction on the medium
through
the flow path.
[00024] The choke plate can have a diameter larger than an inner diameter of
the upstream
tubular member. For example, the diameter of the choke plate can be from about
three
to about seven times larger than the inner diameter of the upstream tubular
member,
[00025] The choke plate can have a thickness from about one-sixteenth of an
inch to about
two inches. For example, the thickness of the choke plate can be one-eighth of
an
inch. The choke plate can have a semicircular shape containing openings along
only a
curved portion thereof.
[00026] In one or more embodiments, a shaft can be disposed through the outlet
half housing.
The shaft can be used to move a rectangular choke plate to one or more
positions. The
positions can selectively present individual openings to the flow path to
dampen a
pulsation frequency rate of the medium through the flow path. As such, a user
can
selectively control the pulsation frequency in the medium using a
corresponding
opening in the rectangular sliding choke plate.
1000271 The choke plate can include a centrally formed shaft hole and a
plurality of openings.
The plurality of openings can be disposed around a perimeter of the choke
plate. The
plurality of openings can be used to allow the choke plate to create the
variable
restriction. The plurality of openings can have or form differing flow areas.
In one or
more embodiments, one or more openings of the plurality of openings can have
sequentially smaller inner diameters. For example, the inner diameters of a
first
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opening, such as an opening disposed at a twelve 'o'clock position on the
choke plate,
can have a one and a half inch diameter, and a second opening, disposed at a
one
'o'clock position on the choke plate, can have a one and a quarter inch
diameter. The
flow areas of the openings can decrease sequentially in a counter clockwise or
clockwise direction.
[00028] Each of the openings of the plurality of openings can provide blockage
in the pipe.
The blockage can range from zero percent blockage to ninety percent blockage
of the
flow path. The plurality of openings can be configured in an order of
ascending or
descending blockage percentages.
[00029] In one or more embodiments, the choke plate can have openings with
inner diameters
from about 0.03 inches to about 5.5 inches. The size of the openings in the
choke
plate can be a function of pipe size, schedule, and flow range. For example,
if a pipe
is a schedule 40, 2 inch class 600 lb, the opening can range from 0.20 inches
to 1.25
inches.
[00030] In one or more embodiments, the shaft can be disposed through the
outlet half
housing. The shaft can be used to rotate the choke plate to a desired opening.
The
desired opening can be selectively presented. Accordingly, the desired opening
can be
operatively aligned with the flow path, and can dampen the pulsation frequency
rate
of the medium through the flow path.
[00031] The indicator plate can have a plurality of indicator openings. The
plurality of
indicator openings can correspond to the plurality of openings in the choke
plate. For
example, a first indicator opening can be associated with the first opening of
the
plurality of openings formed through the choke plate. A marking or other tag,
such as
an RFID tag (radio frequency identification tag) or electro-magnetic tag, can
be
placed on or proximate to the first indicator opening, and the marking or tag
can be
configured to indicate that the first indicator opening is associated with the
first
opening of the plurality of openings formed through the choke plate.
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1000321 The indicator plate can also include a shaft hole. The shaft hole can
be configured to
be concentrically aligned with the shaft. When the shaft hole is
concentrically aligned
with the shaft, the indicator openings can be aligned with their associated
openings,
allowing for visual indication of the plurality of openings in the choke
plate.
[00033] Over-rotation of the indicator plate and the choke plate can be
prevented by a stop pin
disposed in the front side of the outer half housing.
1000341 The rotation of the indicator plate can be prevented by a removable
fastener at least
partially disposed through one of the indicator openings and through a portion
of the
front side of the outer half housing.
[00035] In one or more embodiments, a lock out device can be disposed on the
front side of
the outlet half housing over at least a portion of the indicator plate. The
lock out
device can be used to prevent unauthorized tampering with the indicator plate.
The
lock out device can include a block. The block can be non-removably secured to
the
outlet half housing. The block can be used to engage the removable fastener,
such as
a set screw. As such, the block can prevent movement of the indicator openings
and
rotation of the indicator plate.
[00036] The block can have one or more lock holes disposed therethrough. The
lock holes can
allow a lock to be disposed through the block.
[00037] A first seal can be disposed between the inlet back side and the
outlet back side. The
first seal can be on a first side of the flow path. A second seal can be
disposed
between the inlet back side and the outlet back side, and on a second side of
the flow
path. The first and second seals can be elastomeric or other materials. For
example,
the first and second seals can be rubber o-rings. The first and second seals
can be
configured to provide positive pressure for the flow path, and to control
impact of the
medium in the recess in the outlet back side.
[00038] In one or more embodiments, a first metal to metal seal can be formed
between the
inlet back side and the outlet back side on a first side of the flow path. A
second
metal to metal seal can be formed between the inlet back side and the outlet
back side
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on a second side of the flow path. The first and second metal to metal seals
can
provide a positive pressure in the flow path.
[00039] One or more first flange type connectors can connect the outlet pipe
extension to a
downstream pipe. A second flange type connector can connect the inlet pipe
extension to an upstream pipe.
1000401 In one or more embodiments, a second choke plate can be disposed in
parallel to the
first choke plate. The second choke plate can have a plurality inner diameters
that can
be different from the diameters of the plurality of openings formed in the
first choke
plate.
[00041] In one or more embodiments, the pressure pulsation dampener can be
automated. As
such, the automated pressure pulsation dampener can include a motor. The motor
can
be configured to rotate the shaft. The motor can be a direct drive motor, a
variable
drive motor, a remote controlled motor, an electric motor, or the like. The
motor can
be connected to a motor driver. The motor driver can be a speed reducer, a
step gear
assembly, a drive box, an actuator, a transmission, or other gear assembly.
1000421 A controller can be in communication with the motor. The motor can
drive the motor
drive to move the choke plate. The controller can include a processor. The
processor
can be in communication with a data storage.
1000431 The data storage can include computer instructions for processing
signals from at
least one upstream transducer connected to the upstream tubular member, and
from at
least one downstream transducer connected to the downstream tubular member.
The
signals can be processed into monitored frequency rates. The data storage can
include
computer instructions for comparing the monitored frequency rates to preset
limits in
the data storage. The data storage can include computer instructions for
instructing
the processor to activate the motor to rotate the shaft to a pre-designated
position in
order to rotate the choke plate, providing an opening that minimizes pulsation
frequency and optimizes flow measurement accuracy.
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[00044] The transducers can be wireless and can have separate power supplies
for connecting
to the controller. The controller can be in wireless communication with the
motor.
[00045] In one or more embodiments, the automated pressure pulsation dampener
can include
an analog to digital converter. The analog to digital converter can be
disposed
between the transducers and the controller, and can be in communication
therewith.
The analog to digital converter can be one similar or substantially similar to
those
known to one skilled in the art.
[00046] In one or more embodiments, the automated pressure pulsation dampener
can include
a controller that can activate the motor. The controller can control the
rotation of the
motor such that the rotation of the shaft moves the choke plate to an opening
that
minimizes pulsation frequency and that optimizes flow measurement accuracy
using
existing customer compressor data.
[00047] Accordingly, the automated pressure pulsation dampener can allow a
user to
selectively control pulsation frequency in the medium using a corresponding
opening
in the choke plate automatically while maintaining a visual indication of the
opening
currently being used in the flow path by the choke plate.
[00048] Turning now to the Figures, Figure 1 depicts a cut view of a pressure
pulsation
dampener 10 for use in a compressible medium according to one or more
embodiments. The pressure pulsation dampener 10 can include an outlet half
housing
12b, an inlet half housing 12a, a choke plate 24, a shaft 26, and a centrally
formed
shaft hole 111.
[00049] The outlet half housing 12b can have an outlet front side and a outlet
back side. A
recess 18 can be formed in the outlet back side. The outlet half housing 12b
can have
an outlet pipe extension 116. The outlet pipe extension 116 can be formed on
or
otherwise connected to the outlet half housing 12b.
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[00050] The inlet half housing 12a can have an inlet front side and an inlet
back side. The
inlet back side can engage the outlet back side. As such, a seal can be formed
between
the inlet back side and the outlet back side. The inlet half housing 12a can
also
include an inlet pipe extension 122 formed thereon or connected thereto.
[00051] The inlet half housing 12a and the outlet half housing 12b can be
connected to one
another, such as by a first fastener 14a and a second fastener 14b.
[00052] A flow path 106 can be formed between the outlet pipe extension 116
and the inlet
pipe extension 122. The flow path 106 can have an inlet 20 and an outlet 22.
The inlet
20 can be in fluid communication with a downstream tubular member. The outlet
22
can be in fluid communication with an upstream tubular member.
[00053] The choke plate 24 can be disposed in the recess 18. The choke plate
24 can be at
least partially disposed within the flow path 106. Accordingly, the flow path
106 can
create a variable restriction on a medium flowing through the flow path 106.
The
centrally formed shaft hole 111 can be disposed through the choke plate 24.
[00054] The centrally formed shaft hole 111 can be aligned with a hole formed
through the
inlet half housing 12a or the outlet half housing 12b.
[00055] The shaft 26 can be disposed through the hole formed through the inlet
half housing
12a, the outlet half housing 12b, or both and into the centrally formed shaft
hole 111.
The shaft 26 can engage and rotate the choke plate 24.
[00056] One or more first seals 16 can be disposed about or adjacent to the
choke plate 24.
One or more shaft seals 27 can be disposed adjacent to or about the shaft 26.
[00057] A removable fastener 29, such as a set screw, can be used to connect
an indictor plate
28 to the outlet half housing 12b.
[00058] A first flange type connector 12c can be disposed on the inlet pipe
extension 122, and
a second flange type connector 12d can be disposed on the outlet pipe
extension 116.
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The flange type connectors 12c and 12d can be used to connected the pipe
extensions
116 and 122 to adjacent tubular members.
[00059] Figure 2 depicts an end view of the outlet house half housing 12b
showing an outlet
port 22. The shaft 26 can be disposed through the indicator plate 28. The
indicator
plate 28 can have a plurality of indicator openings 220. Each indicator
opening 220
can be associated with an opening formed in the choke plate. As such, by
viewing the
indicator plate 28, one can determine what size of an opening in the choke
plate is
being used. Also depicted is the second flange type connector 12d.
[00060] Figure 3 depicts an automated system for pulsation dampening 300
according to one
or more embodiments. The automated system for pulsation dampening 300 can
include the pressure pulsation dampener 10, a transducer 64, a motor 50, and a
control unit 54.
[00061] The control unit 54 can include an analog to digital converter 62, a
pulse height
analyzer 60, and a controller 58. A motor driver 56 can be in mechanical
and/or
electrical communication with the motor 50.
1000621 The control unit 54 can be in communication with the transducer 64.
For example, the
transducer 64 can send a signal to the analog to digital converter 62. The
analog to
digital converter 62 can communicate the signal to the pulse height analyzer
60. The
pulse height analyzer 60 can determine an amplitude of the pressure pulse
measured
by the transducer 64.
1000631 The pulse height analyzer 60 can communicate the determined amplitude
of the
pressure pulse measured by the transducer 64 to the controller 58. The
controller 58
can use the determined amplitude of the pressure pulse measured by the
transducer 64
to determine what opening on the choke plate 24 should be used, and to
instruct the
motor driver 56 to allow the motor 50 to rotate a predetermined amount. When
the
motor 50 rotates the predetermined amount, the preselected opening can be
aligned
with the flow path.
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[00064) Figure 4 depicts an embodiment of the controller 58 according to one
or more
embodiments. The controller 58 can include a processor 405 in communication
with a
data storage 410.
[00065] The processor 405 can be a Pentium processor, a micro processor, or a
similar device.
The data storage 410 can be any computer readable medium, such as a flash
drive, a
compact disc, a hard drive, or the like.
[00066] The data storage 410 can include computer instructions for processing
signals from at
least one transducer 420. For example, the computer instructions for
processing
signals from at least one transducer can instruct the processor 405 to
communicate
with the analog to digital converter or with the transducer.
[00067] The data storage 410 can also include computer instructions for
instructing the
processor to receive the amplitude of pressure pulse measured by the
transducer 430.
For example, these computer instructions can instruct the processor 405 to
communicate with a pulse height analyzer.
[00068] The data storage 410 can also include computer instructions for
comparing the
amplitude of pressure pulse to preset limits in the data storage 440. For
example, the
data storage 410 can have one or more charts that associate an opening in the
choke
plate to a desired amplitude of pressure pulse based upon the monitored
amplitude of
pressure pulse.
[00069] The data storage 410 can also include computer instructions for
rotating the choke
plate to a predefined position 450. For example, the predefined position can
be
associated with an opening determined by the computer instructions for
comparing
the amplitude of pressure pulse to preset limits in the data storage 440. The
predefined opening can minimize pulsation frequency and optimize flow
measurement.
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[00070] Figure 5 depicts a choke plate 500 according to one or more
embodiments. The choke
plate 500 can include a plurality of openings 32a-32j. The plurality of
openings 32a-
32j can be disposed about a perimeter 108 of the choke plate 500. The
plurality of
openings 32a-32j can be sequentially arranged. For example, a first opening
32a can
be one inch in diameter, a second opening 32b can be 1/4 of an inch in
diameter, a
third opening 32c can be 1/2 of an inch in diameter, and so forth.
[00071] The centrally formed shaft hole 111 can have one or more key slots
530. The key slot
530 can be configured to engage a knob or ridge formed on a shaft, such as the
shaft
depicted in Figure 1. The choke plate 500 can be at least partially encased by
the
outlet half housing 12b.
[00072] As the choke plate 500 is rotated, at least one of the plurality of
openings 32a-32j or
at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of openings 32a-32j can be
located in
the flow path shown above in Figure 1.
[00073] Figure 6 depicts an indicator plate 600 according to one or more
embodiments. The
indicator plate 600 can have a shaft hole 624 formed therethrough. The shaft
hole 624
can have one or more key slots 626. The key slot 626 can secure the indicator
plate
600 to the shaft 26.
[00074] The indicator plate 600 can have one or more indicator openings, such
as first
indicator opening 622a and tenth indicator opening 622j. The indicator opening
622a
and 622j can correspond to an opening in the choke plate.
[00075] A stop pin 40 can be provided to disable rotation of the indicator
plate 600 and the
choke plate into any position which would close flow through the flow path.
[00076] While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the
embodiments, it
should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the
embodiments
might be practiced other than as specifically described herein.
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