Multi-sensor steam quality monitoring means and method

Patent · Tue Aug 08 04:00:00 EDT 1989

OSTI ID:5451332

Sims, J C; Dowling, D J; Nussbaum, T W

This patent describes a system for monitoring the quality of steam flowing in a pipeline. It comprises: a test cell means, configured for in-line connections in the pipeline, for having the steam flow through the test cell means, a plurality of electrode means located within the test cell means for cooperating with the test cell means to provide capacitance signals corresponding to the capacitance of the steam passing between the electrode means and the test cell means; means for sensing the temperature of the flowing steam and providing a temperature signal corresponding to the sensed temperature; means for sensing the pressure of the flowing steam and providing a pressure signal representative of the sensed pressure; and measuring means connecting to the test cell means, to all the electrode means, to the temperature sensing means and to the pressure sensing means for measuring the quality of the steam in accordance with the temperature signal, the pressure signal and at least one of the capacitance signals. Also described is a method of monitoring the quality of steam flowing in a pipeline. It comprises the steps of: connecting a test cell in-line with the pipeline; having the steam flow through the test cell; spacing a plurality of electrodes within the test cell and at different distances from an interior wall of the test cell for cooperation with the test cell to provide capacitance signals corresponding to the capacitance of the steam passing between the electrodes and the test cell interior wall; sensing the temperature of the flowing steam; providing a temperature signal corresponding to the sensed temperature; sensing the pressure of the flowing steam; providing a pressure signal representative of the sensed pressure; and measuring the quality of the steam in accordance with the temperature signal, the pressure signal and at least one of the capacitance signals.

• Assignee: Texaco Inc., White Plains, NY
• Patent Number(s): US 4854725
• Application Number: PPN: US 7205241A
• OSTI ID: 5451332
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020400* -- Petroleum-- Processing
DESIGN
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MONITORING
MONITORS
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
PIPELINES
STEAM LINES
STEAM QUALITY
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT