Systems and methods for fluid monitoring and content control in industrial fluid systems

An analyzer including:

• a pipe system having an intake configured to receive fluid from an industrial fluid system;
• an ultrasonic flow sensor positioned in the pipe system and configured to detect a flow rate, the ultrasonic flow sensor being operable with a controller to enforce a flow setpoint;
• a motor-operated regulating valve in fluid communication with the pipe system and under control of the controller;
• a first automated valve housing including a first valve, a first inlet coupled to the pipe system to receive the fluid from the industrial fluid system, (ii) a second inlet coupled to a fresh-water supply, and (iii) an outlet;
• a cleaning reservoir fluidly coupled to the outlet of the first automated valve housing and including at least one sensor probe configured for direct measurement of a predefined attribute of the fluid, the cleaning reservoir being programmable to execute a self-cleaning cycle;
• a cleaning-fluid intake for the cleaning reservoir, the cleaning-fluid intake including a capacity to receive and inject a cleaning fluid into the cleaning reservoir during the self-cleaning cycle;
• a second automated valve housing including a second valve, an inlet coupled to an outlet of the cleaning reservoir, a first outlet coupled to a disposal line, and a second outlet coupled to a return line for a standard operation;
• and
• the controller in communication with the ultrasonic flow sensor, the motor-operated regulating valve, and the first and second automated valve housings, the controller being configured to:
• in a standard operation mode, position the first automated valve housing to couple the pipe system to the cleaning reservoir with fluid from the industrial fluid system and position the second automated valve housing to route the fluid from the cleaning reservoir to the return line;
• and
• in a cleaning cycle, position the first automated valve housing to couple the fresh-water supply to the cleaning reservoir, operate the cleaning-fluid provision to inject a measured amount of the cleaning fluid into the cleaning reservoir, and position the second automated valve housing to route fluid from the cleaning reservoir to the disposal line.

A method for monitoring and maintaining a sensor, the method including:

• in a standard operation mode:
• receiving a process fluid from an industrial fluid system into a pipe system;
• directing the process fluid from the pipe system through a first valve to a sensor housing;
• monitoring a predefined attribute of the process fluid using at least one sensor located within the sensor housing;
• and
• directing the process fluid from the sensor housing through a second valve to a first outlet;
• and
• in a cleaning cycle mode:
• actuating the first valve to stop receiving the process fluid and to start receiving a cleaning fluid;
• directing the cleaning fluid into the sensor housing;
• mechanically cleaning the at least one sensor with a brush located within the sensor housing;
• introducing a cleaning solution into the sensor housing to mix with the cleaning fluid;
• and
• actuating the second valve to direct the cleaning fluid and the cleaning solution from the sensor housing to a second outlet.