Patent Publication Number: US-2023145225-A1

Title: Flow meter coupling system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present Application is directed towards flow meter measurement systems, and more particularly, to a flow meter coupling system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Coriolis flow meters may be used to measure flow meter variables, for example mass flow rate, density, and volume flow rate, of a fluid. The fluid may comprise liquids, gases, combined liquids and gases, solids suspended in liquids, and liquids including gases and suspended solids. 
       FIG.  1    depicts an example flow meter  100 . Flow meter  100  comprises a meter assembly  10  and a meter electronics  20 . Meter assembly  10  responds to changes in a fluid flow. Meter electronics  20  receives raw data from meter assembly  10  via leads  102  and determines flow meter variables for the fluid under test, in addition to other information. 
     Meter assembly  10  includes manifold  150 , flanges  103  and  103 ′, a pair of parallel flow tubes  130  and  130 ′, driver  180 , and a pair of velocity pick-off sensors  170 L and  170 R. Flow tubes  130  and  130 ′ bend at two symmetrical locations along their length and are essentially parallel throughout their length. Brace bars  140  and  140 ′ serve to define an axis about which each flow tube oscillates. 
     When flanges  103  and  103 ′ are connected, via inlet end  104  and exit end  104 ′ into a process line (not shown) which carries the process material that is being measured, material entering inlet end  104  of the meter through flange  103  is conducted through manifold  150  to flow tube mounting block  120 . Within manifold  150  the material is divided and routed through flow tubes  130  and  130 ′. Upon exiting flow tubes  130  and  130 ′, the process material is recombined in a single stream within manifold  150  and is thereafter routed to exit end  104 ′ connected by flange  103 ′ to the process line (not shown). 
     Both flow tubes  130  and  130 ′ are driven by driver  180  in opposite directions and at what is termed the first out-of-phase bending mode of the flow meter. This driver  180  may comprise any one of many well-known arrangements, such as a magnet mounted to flow tube  130 ′ and an opposing coil mounted to flow tube  130  and through which an alternating current is passed for vibrating both flow tubes. A suitable driver voltage is applied by meter electronics  20  to driver  180 . 
     Meter electronics  20  provides the drive signal to driver  180  to vibrate flow tubes  130  and  130 ′. Meter electronics  20  receives the left and right velocity signals from velocity pick-off sensors  170 L and  170 R to compute the mass flow rate, volumetric rate, and/or density information for the flow passing through meter assembly  10 . 
     Flow meter  100  further comprises a case (not pictured) that protects the vibrating flow tubes. In the example of flow meter  100 , the case couples to the flow tube mounting blocks  120 ,  120 ′. However, in further embodiments the case may couple to other parts of flow meter  100 . For example, the case may couple to any other part of manifold  150 , or flanges  103 ,  103 ′. 
     While the example of flow meter  100  includes two curved flow tubes, those of skill will understand that other configurations of flow meter  100  are possible. For example, flow meter  100  may comprise one or any number of flow tubes, in straight or curved flow tube configurations. 
     Installing flow meter  100  by attaching flanges  103 ,  103 ′ to a process line can apply clamping forces in the axial direction to the flow tubes. Flow tubes  130 ,  130 ′ are sensitive to axial stress, which can change the natural frequency of the flow tubes  130 ,  130 ′. Changing the natural frequency of flow tubes  130 ,  130 ′ can interfere with flow meter  100  measurements, creating errors in the flow meter data. 
     In prior embodiments, spacing between the inlet and outlet of a Coriolis flow meter was often maintained by positioning a spacer between manifolds as necessary. For example,  FIG.  2 A  depicts flow meter  200 A. Flow meter  200 A includes a case  202 , within which the flow tubes (not pictured) are positioned. A stainless-steel spacer  206  is positioned between flanges  204 ,  204 ′ to maintain the spacing of the flanges, thereby preventing clamping forces from the flanges  204 ,  204 ′ from affecting the flow tubes within case  202 , which could increase the sensor error. 
       FIG.  2 B  depicts a further prior flow meter  200 B. Flow meter  200 B includes a case  232  that surrounds the flow tubes (not pictured) and a casing  236  that provides an integrated manifold and spacer component between flanges  234 ,  234 ′. The casing  236  maintains the spacing between flanges  234 ,  234 ′, thereby preventing the clamping strain from affecting the spacing of the flow tubes. 
     More recently, in order to lower costs and reduce complexity, the spacer function has been incorporated into some flow meter cases. For example,  FIG.  2 C  depicts a flow meter  200 C that corresponds to a Micro Motion CMFS model flow meter. Flow meter  200 C includes a case  262  that performs a spacer function between flanges  264 ,  264 ′. In some circumstances, however, case  262  can transfer just enough of the axial clamping forces to the flow tubes to interfere with sensitive activities, such as meter calibration activities. Therefore, in order to verify meter accuracy, it is desirable to remove the axial clamping force on the flow tubes prior to meter testing, or prior to use of the meter. 
     What is needed is a way to couple a flow meter to a process line or a test setup without transferring clamping forces to the meter flow tubes. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, a flow meter coupling system to reduce axial stress on a flow meter comprising a first flow meter flange and a second flow meter flange is provided. The flow meter coupling system comprises a first process fluid member configured to be coupled to the first flow meter flange of the flow meter, a second process fluid member, and a second connector member configured to be rigidly coupled to at least one of the second flow meter flange or the second process fluid member and coupled to another of the second flow meter flange or the second process fluid member in a manner that provides substantially no axial stress. 
     In an embodiment, a method for reducing axial stress when coupling a flow meter to a flow meter coupling system is provided. The flow meter comprises a flow meter case, a first flow meter flange, and a second flow meter flange. The flow meter coupling system comprises a flow meter alignment apparatus, a first process fluid member, a second process fluid member, a first connector member, and a second connector member. The method comprises positioning the flow meter case in the flow meter alignment apparatus of the flow meter coupling system. The method further comprises rigidly coupling the second connector member to at least one of the second flow meter flange or the second process fluid member using the second connector member. The method further comprises coupling the second connector member to another of the second flow meter flange or the second process fluid member using the second connector member in a manner that provides substantially no axial stress. 
     ASPECTS 
     In an embodiment, the flow meter coupling system may further comprise a first connector member rigidly coupled to the first process fluid member and the first flow meter flange. 
     In an embodiment, the first process fluid member may be an inlet and the second process fluid member may be an outlet for a fluid. 
     In an embodiment, the flow meter coupling system may further comprise a flow meter alignment apparatus comprising at least one hanger for suspending the flow meter by a flow meter case. 
     In an embodiment, the first connector member may further comprise a first connector process fluid member collar configured to be coupled to the first process fluid member at a first process fluid member end of the first connector member, and a first connector flow meter interfacing member configured to be coupled to the first flow meter flange at a flow meter end of the first connector member. 
     In an embodiment, the first connector member may further comprise a flow reducer/increaser coupled to the first connector process fluid member collar at an end opposing the process fluid member end and coupled to the first connector flow meter interfacing member at an end opposing the flow meter end. 
     In an embodiment, the second connector member may further comprise a second connector rigid interfacing member, a second connector conduit member, and a second connector slidable coupler configured to sealably couple the second connector conduit member to the second process fluid member. 
     In an embodiment, the second connector slidable coupler may further comprise a seal seat and an inflatable seal configured to be positioned within the seal seat, providing radial pressure to the second connector slidable coupler. 
     In an embodiment, the second connector rigid interfacing member may be coupled to the second flow meter flange and the second connector slidable coupler may be coupled to the second process fluid member. 
     In an embodiment, the method may further comprise rigidly coupling the first process fluid member to the first flow meter flange with the first connector member. 
     In an embodiment, the first process fluid member may be an inlet and the second process fluid member may be an outlet for a fluid. 
     In an embodiment, rigidly coupling the first process fluid member to the first flow meter flange with the first connector member may further comprise coupling a first connector process fluid member collar to the first process fluid member at a first process fluid member end of the first connector member, and coupling a first connector flow meter interfacing member to the first flow meter flange at a flow meter end of the first connector member. 
     In an embodiment, rigidly coupling the first process fluid member to the first flow meter flange with the first connector member may further comprise coupling a flow reducer/increaser to the first connector process fluid member collar at an end opposing the process fluid member end, and coupling the flow reducer/increaser to the first connector flow meter interfacing member at an end opposing the flow meter end. 
     In an embodiment, rigidly coupling the second connector member to at least one of the second flow meter flange or the second process fluid member using the second connector member may further comprise coupling a second connector conduit member to a second connector rigid interfacing member, and coupling the second connector rigid interfacing member to the at least one of the second flow meter flange or the second process fluid member, and slidably coupling the second connector member to another of the second flow meter flange or the second process fluid member using the second connector member may further comprise slidably coupling a second connector slidable coupler sealably to the second connector conduit member. 
     In an embodiment, slidably coupling the second connector slidable coupler sealably to the second connector conduit member may further comprise threading a seal seat and an inflatable seal positioned within the seal seat over the second connector conduit member, and inflating the inflatable seal to provide radial pressure to the second connector conduit member. 
     In an embodiment, the second connector rigid interfacing member may be coupled to the second flow meter flange and the second connector slidable coupler may be coupled to the second process fluid member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The same reference number represents the same element on all drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. 
         FIG.  1    depicts flow meter  100 , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2 A  depicts flow meter  200 A, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2 B  depicts flow meter  200 B, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2 C  depicts flow meter  200 C, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 A  depicts flow meter coupling system  300 , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 B  depicts flow meter coupling system  300 , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 C  depicts flow meter coupling system  300 , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 D  depicts flow meter coupling system  300 , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  4 A  depicts method  400 A, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  4 B  depicts method  400 B, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  4 C  depicts method  400 C, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  4 D  depicts method  400 D, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  5 A  depicts flow meter coupling system  500 A, in accordance with an embodiment; and 
         FIG.  5 B  depicts flow meter coupling system  500 B, in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS.  3 A- 5 B  and the following description depict specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of the Application. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from these examples that fall within the scope of the Application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below may be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the Application. As a result, the Application is not limited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents. 
       FIG.  3 A  depicts an example embodiment of flow meter coupling system  300 , depicted as coupled to a flow meter  302 .  FIG.  3 B  depicts a detail of a second process fluid member  306  and a second connector member  310  of flow meter coupling system  300 , and  FIG.  3 C  depicts a detail of a first connector member  308  and a first process fluid member  304  of flow meter coupling system  300 . 
     Flow meter coupling system  300  may be used to support normal process operations of flow meter  302 . Flow meter coupling system  300  may also be used to support testing, characterizing, and/or calibration of flow meter  302 . Flow meter coupling system  300  may be used to connect flow meter  302  to first process fluid member  304  and second process fluid member  306  in a manner that minimizes axial stress experienced at the flow meter  302 , allowing a fluid to be flowed between first process fluid member  304  and second process fluid member  306  in either direction, through flow meter  302 . 
     In the example embodiment of flow meter coupling system  300  depicted in  FIG.  3 A , flow meter  302  is coupled to first and second process fluid members  304 ,  306 , which are head stocks. This is not intended to be limiting, however. In further examples, flow meter coupling system  300  may be used to couple flow meter  302  to a process pipeline, and first and second process fluid members  304  and  306  may comprise a first coupling end of the process pipeline and a second coupling end of the process pipeline. 
     In embodiments, flow meter  302  may comprise a dual, curved flow tube Coriolis flow meter like flow meters  100 ,  200 A,  200 B, or  200 C. In further embodiments, however, flow meter  302  may comprise a Coriolis flow meter including any number of flow tubes in any possible configuration. 
     Flow meter  302  comprises a first flange  314   a  and a second flange  314   b . In embodiments, first flange  314   a  and second flange  314   b  may comprise any type of conduit coupler known to those of skill in the art. 
     Flow meter  302  comprises a flow meter case  312 . Much like case  262  depicted in  FIG.  2 C , which provides a spacer function for the flow meter manifolds within case  262 , case  312  also performs a spacer function between manifolds (not depicted) for flow meter  302 . In further embodiments, flow meter  302  may include any kind of flow meter case known to those of skill, including any variation of a flow meter case that does or does not provide a spacer function. In further embodiments, however, flow meter  302  may not comprise a case, but may comprise another structure to maintain the spacing between flow meter manifolds. 
     Flow meter coupling system  300  comprises first process fluid member  304  and second process fluid member  306 , first process fluid member  304  and second process fluid member  306  comprise inlets or outlets for fluid to be flowed through flow meter  302  during normal customer use of the meter, or during meter testing, calibration, characterization. First process fluid member  304  and second process fluid member  306  are stationary, meaning temporarily or permanently fixed. First process fluid member  304  and second process fluid member  306  fluidly connect flow meter  302  to one or more conduits or reservoirs of fluid to be measured by flow meter  302 . 
     First process fluid member  304  is configured to be coupled to the first flow meter flange  314   a  of the flow meter. Example first process fluid member  304  comprises a stationary vertical structure coupled to a band surrounding a fluid passageway. First flow meter flange  314   a  may be coupled to first process fluid member  304  using any type of coupling known to those of skill. 
     Second process fluid member  306  is configured to be coupled to the second flow meter flange  314   b . Example second process fluid member  306  also comprises a stationary vertical structure coupled to a band surrounding a fluid passageway to which second flow meter flange  314   b  may be coupled using any type of coupling known to those of skill. 
     Flow meter coupling system  300  further comprises a second connector member  310 . An exploded view of second connector member  310  is depicted in  FIG.  3 B . Second connector member  310  couples the second flow meter flange  314   b  to the second process fluid member  306  by rigidly coupling at least one of the second flow meter flange  314   b  or the second process fluid member  306 , and coupled to another of the second flow meter flange  314   b  or the second process fluid member  306  in a manner that provides substantially no axial stress. 
     In embodiments, the second connector member  310  may further comprise a second connector rigid interfacing member  316 , a second connector conduit member  318 , and a second connector slidable coupler  320  configured to sealably couple the second connector conduit member  318  to the second process fluid member  306 . 
     Second connector rigid interfacing member  316  rigidly couples the second connector conduit member  318  to the second flow meter flange  314   b  or the second process fluid member  306 . By rigidly coupled, what is meant is that the connector members are mechanically clamped in a manner that utilizes axial force. In the example of flow meter coupling system  300 , second connector ridged interfacing member  316  comprises a second connector flange  316   a  and a second connector clamp  316   b . In embodiments, the second connector flange  316   a  may comprise a surface with apertures that match up with apertures in second flow meter flange  314   b , thereby allowing fasteners to couple the flanges together. Second connector clamp  316   b  may comprise any method of rigidly joining second connector flange  316   a  to second connector conduit member  318  known to those of skill. In embodiments, second connector clamp  316   b  may comprise a sanitary clamp. 
     Second connector conduit member  318  comprises a conduit configured to be coupled rigidly at one end and in a manner that provides substantially no axial stress at a second end. In the embodiment of flow meter coupling system  300 , second connector conduit member  318  is a straight conduit with a small flange feature at one end. 
     Second connector slidable coupler  320  comprises a slidable coupler that provides a sealed connection between second process fluid member  306  and second connector conduit member  318 . Slidable coupler  320  may be coupled to any axial position along second connector conduit member  318  where slidable coupler  320  may be fully seated. Because the axial position where slidable coupler  320  and second connector conduit member  318  couple together is not restricted, this may substantially reduce the axial stress between flow meter coupling system  300  and flow meter  302 . In embodiments, slidable coupler  320  may substantially reduce the axial stress between flow meter coupling system  300  and flow meter  302  by 70%, 90% or 100% over prior art setups with dual flange couplings. 
       FIG.  3 D  provides a detail cutaway view of example second connector slidable coupler  320 . As may be seen in the figure, second connector slidable coupler  320  may further comprise a seal seat  322  and an inflatable seal  324 . Inflatable seal  324  may be configured to be positioned within the seal seat  322 , providing radial pressure to the second connector slidable coupler  320  to prevent fluid from leaking from second connector member  310 . 
     In the embodiment of flow meter coupling system  300 , seal seat  322  comprises a flange seal seat component  322   a  with an annular recess coupled to a seal seat cover component  322   b  with an annular recess. The annular recesses of flange seal seat component  322   a  and seal seat cover component  322   b  face one another to form an inner annular void within seal seat  322 . 
     Inflatable seal  324  comprises an annular-shaped expandable membrane configured to nest inside the inner annular void within seal seat  322 . Inflatable seal  324  can be expanded by adding pressurized fluid to the interior of inflatable seal  324  via an inlet/outlet valve (not depicted), such as, for example, a Schrader valve. In examples, inflatable seal  324  may comprise, for example, a rubber inner tube forming a 40-durometer seal. 
     Second connector slidable coupler  320  further comprises a way to couple second connector slidable coupler  320  to one of second process fluid member  306  or second flow meter flange  314   b . In the example of flow meter coupling system  300 , flange seal seat component  322   a  comprises one or more toggle levers  326   b  configured to engage hook-like elements  328   b  coupled to second process fluid member  306 . Other methods of rigidly coupling second connector slidable coupler  320  to one of second process fluid member  306  or second flow meter flange  314   b  are also possible, as will be understood by those of skill. 
     In embodiments, second connector rigid interfacing member  316  and second connector conduit member  318  may be formed from multiple sections that are coupled together. In further embodiments, however, second connector ridged interfacing member  316  and second connector conduit member  318  may be formed as an integrated part. 
     In the embodiment of flow meter coupling system  300 , second connector rigid interfacing member  316  is coupled to second flow meter flange  314   b  and second connector slidable coupler  320  is coupled to second process fluid member  306 . This is not intended to be limiting, however. In further embodiments, second connector rigid interfacing member  316  may be coupled to second process fluid member  306  and second connector slidable coupler  320  may be coupled to second flow meter flange  314   b.    
     In embodiments, flow meter coupling system  300  may further comprise a first connector member  308 . First connector member  308  couples first process fluid member  304  to first flow meter flange  314   a . In embodiments, first connector member  308  may rigidly couple first process fluid member  304  to first flow meter flange  314   a . In further embodiments, however first connector member  308  may couple first process fluid member  304  to first flow meter flange  314   a  in a manner that provides substantially no axial stress. 
     In embodiments, first connector member  308  may comprise a first connector process fluid member collar  328  and a first connector flow meter interfacing member  330 . 
     First connector process fluid member collar  328  may be configured to be coupled to first process fluid member  304  at a process fluid member end  332  of first connector member  308 . In embodiments, first connector process fluid member collar  328  may comprise a first flange-like or annular member coupled to one or more toggle levers  326   a  configured to engage hook-like elements  328   a  coupled to first process fluid member  304  to create a seal. 
     First connector flow meter interfacing member  330  may be configured to be coupled to first flow meter flange  314   a  at a flow meter end  334  of first connector member  308 . In embodiments, first connector flow meter interfacing member  330  may comprise a flange configured to be coupled to first flow meter flange  314   a.    
     In further embodiments, first connector member  308  may further comprise a flow reducer/increaser configured to increase or decrease the diameter of the flow between first process fluid member  304  or first connector process fluid member collar  328 . Flow reducer/increaser  336  may be coupled to the first connector process fluid member collar  328  at an end opposing the process fluid member end  338  and coupled to first connector flow meter interfacing member  330  at an end opposing the flow meter end  340 . 
     In embodiments, flow reducer/increaser  336  may comprise a flange-like feature at opposing ends configured to allow flow reducer/increaser  336  to be coupled to first connector process fluid member collar  328  and first connector flow meter interfacing member  330 . First connector process fluid member collar  328  and first connector flow meter interfacing member  330  may also comprise flange-like features configured to be coupled to flow reducer/increaser  336  via clamps  342   a  and  342   b . In embodiments, clamps  342   a  and  342   b  may comprise sanitary clamps, or any type of clamps known to those of skill. 
     In embodiments of flow meter coupling system  300 , first process fluid member  304  may comprise an inlet and second process fluid member  306  may comprise an outlet for a fluid. This may provide for less pressure on the second process fluid member  306  side of flow meter coupling system  300 , thereby applying less pressure on inflatable seal  324 . 
     In embodiments, flow meter coupling system  300  may further comprise a flow meter alignment apparatus (not depicted). The flow meter alignment apparatus comprises any method of holding flow meter  302  within flow meter coupling system  300  to align first flow meter flange  314   a  and second flow meter flange  314   b  with first process fluid member  304  and second process fluid member  306 . 
     In embodiments, flow meter alignment apparatus may support flow meter  302  within flow meter coupling system  300  via one or more hangers, which may be used to suspend the flow meter by flow meter case  312 . In embodiments, flow meter alignment apparatus may suspend flow meter case within flow meter coupling system  300  by supporting the section between first flow meter flange  314   a  and flow meter case  312 , and the section between flow meter case  312  and second flow meter flange  314   b . The example embodiment of one or more hangers is not intended to be limiting, however. Those of skill will readily understand that the flow meter alignment apparatus may comprise any manner to align and/or support flow meter  302  known to those of skill. 
       FIG.  4 A  depicts method  400 A, in accordance with an embodiment. Method  400 A may be executed to reduce axial stress when coupling a flow meter comprising a flow meter case, a first flow meter flange, and a second flow meter flange, to a flow meter coupling system comprising a flow meter alignment apparatus, a first process fluid member, a second process fluid member, a first connector member, and a second connector member. For example, method  400 A may be used to couple flow meter  302  to flow meter coupling system  300 . 
     Method  400 A begins with step  402 . In step  402 , the flow meter case is positioned in the flow meter alignment apparatus of the flow meter coupling system. For example, flow meter case  312  may be supported by two hangers positioned in the section between first flow meter flange  314   a  and flow meter case  312 , and in the section between flow meter case  312  and second flow meter flange  314   b , as described above. 
     Method  400 A continues with step  404 . In step  404 , the second connector member is rigidly coupled to at least one of the second flow meter flange or the second process fluid member using the second connector member. For example, second connector member  310  may be coupled to second flow meter flange  314   b , as described above and depicted in  FIG.  3 A . 
     In embodiments, step  404  may further comprise any combination of steps  410  and  412  of method  400 B of  FIG.  4 B . 
     In step  410 , a second connector conduit member may be coupled to a second connector rigid interfacing member. For example, second connector conduit member  318  may be coupled to second connector rigid interfacing member  316 , as described above and depicted in  FIG.  3 B . 
     In step  412 , the second connector rigid interfacing member may be coupled to the at least one of the second flow meter flange or the second process fluid member. For example, second connector rigid interfacing member  316  may be coupled to second flow meter flange  314   b , as described above and depicted in  FIG.  3 A . 
     Method  400 A continues with step  406 . In step  406 , the second connector member may be coupled to another of the second flow meter flange or the second process fluid member using the second connector member in a manner that provides substantially no axial stress. For example, second connector member  310  may be coupled to second process fluid member  306 , as described above and depicted in  FIG.  3 A . 
     In embodiments, step  406  may further comprise step  414  of method  400 C of  FIG.  4 C . In step  414 , a second connector slidable coupler may be slidably and sealably coupled to the second connector conduit member. For example, second connector slidable coupler  320  may be coupled to second connector conduit member  318 , as described above. 
     In embodiments, step  414  of method  400 C may further comprise steps  416  and  418  of method  400 C. In step  416 , a seal seat and an inflatable seal may be threaded to position the seal seat and inflatable seal within the seal seat over the second connector conduit member. For example, seal seat  322  and inflatable seal  324  may be threaded over second connector conduit member  318 , as is best depicted in  FIG.  3 D . 
     In step  418 , the inflatable seal may be inflated to provide radial pressure to the second connector conduit member. For example, inflatable seal  324  may be pressurized, as described above. 
     In embodiments, method  400 A may further comprise step  408 . In step  408 , the first process fluid member may be rigidly coupled to the first flow meter flange with the first connector member. For example, first connector member  308  may be used to couple first process fluid member  304  rigidly to first flow meter flange  314   a , as described above. Those of skill will readily recognize that step  408  is not intended to be limiting. In embodiments, first process fluid member  304  may alternatively be slidably coupled to first flow meter flange  314   a  similar to the way that second flow meter flange  314   b  is slidably connected to at least one of second flow meter flange  314   b  or second process fluid member  306 . 
     In embodiments, step  408  may further comprise any combination of steps  420 - 426  of method  400 D of  FIG.  4 D . In step  420 , a first connector process fluid member collar may be coupled to the first process fluid member at a process fluid member end of the first connector member. For example, first connector process fluid member collar  328  may be coupled to first process fluid member  304 , as described above. 
     In step  422 , a first connector flow meter interfacing member may be coupled to the first flow meter flange at a flow meter end of the first connector member. For example, first connector flow meter interfacing member  330  may be coupled to first flow meter flange  314   a , as descried above. 
     In step  424 , a flow reducer/increaser may be coupled to the first connector process fluid member collar at an end opposing the process fluid member end. For example, flow reducer/increaser  336  may be coupled to first connector process fluid member collar  328 , as described above. 
     In step  426 , the flow reducer/increaser may be coupled to the first connector flow meter interfacing member at an end opposing the flow meter end. For example, flow reducer/increaser  336  may be coupled to first connector flow meter interfacing member  330 , as described above. 
       FIG.  5 A  depicts axial clamping forces under a prior flow meter flow meter coupling system  500 A including a rigidly coupled first process fluid member  502 , a flow meter  504 , and a rigidly coupled second process fluid member  506 . As may be seen in the figure, the rigid coupling between flow meter  504  and second process fluid member  506  generates a clamping force F clamp  and a reaction force R clamp  in the axial direction of the flow meter conduit. In embodiments, the reaction force R clamp  can place forces on flow meter  504  flow tubes, which may impact the flow meter data accuracy. 
       FIG.  5 B  depicts clamping forces under a flow meter flow meter coupling system  500 B according to an embodiment of the Application. flow meter coupling system  500 B comprises a rigidly coupled first process fluid member  502 , a flow meter  504 , and a second process fluid member  508  coupled in a manner that provides substantially no axial stress. As may be seen in the figure, the connection between flow meter  504  and second process fluid member  506  comprises substantially no axial clamping force F clamp  or reaction force R clamp . Instead, the second process fluid member  508  comprises radial sealing forces F seal  from an inflatable seal in the radial direction of the flow meter conduit. Radial sealing forces F seal  are much less likely to bend or place any strain on the flow tubes of flow meter  504 , thereby maintaining the accuracy of flow meter  504 . 
     The detailed descriptions of the above examples are not exhaustive descriptions of all examples contemplated by the inventors to be within the scope of the Application. Indeed, persons skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above-described examples may variously be combined or eliminated to create further examples, and such further examples fall within the scope and teachings of the Application. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the above-described examples may be combined in whole or in part to create additional examples within the scope and teachings of the Application. Accordingly, the scope of the Application should be determined from the following claims.