FIELD

Online installation systems and methods are provided for online installations of ultrasonic steam measurement devices in steam pipes.

BACKGROUND

Measuring the flow rate within steam pipes can be challenging due to the harsh environment inside the pipes. Steam flows at high temperatures and under high levels of pressure, creating a risk of injury whenever measurement devices are introduced to the pipes. For this reason, introducing a steam measurement device into the steam line without emptying or otherwise interrupting the line, a process known as “hot tapping,” can be difficult, and at times, dangerous.

Conventionally, inserting a steam measurement device into a steam line can require shutting down and disassembling the piping in order to reduce the pressure and temperature inside the pipe. However, such a procedure can be time consuming and tedious.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improved methods and devices for installation of steam measurement devices in live, pressurized steam pipes.

SUMMARY

Methods and devices are provided for online installations of ultrasonic steam measurement devices in live, pressurized steam pipes. In one embodiment, a seal can be formed between a transducer assembly and an isolation valve installed on a steam pipe. In certain embodiments, the transducer assembly can include an ultrasonic transducer to measure characteristics of steam flowing inside the pipe. The transducer assembly can be installed to the steam pipe using an insertion mechanism that includes a linear actuator assembly. In certain embodiments, the linear actuator assembly can linearly translate the ultrasonic transducer so as to introduce the transducer into the steam line, without having to empty or otherwise depressurize the pipe.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the transducer assembly can couple to a distal end of an isolation valve installed on a pressurized steam pipe. An ultrasonic transducer can be movably disposed within the transducer assembly, the ultrasonic transducer extending through a proximal opening of the transducer assembly and extending through a distal opening of the transducer assembly. Further, an insertion mechanism can couple to a distal end of the transducer assembly. A cylindrical housing can at least partially enclose the ultrasonic transducer. The insertion mechanism can include a linear actuator assembly configured to linearly actuate the ultrasonic transducer.

