Manifold

Abstract

A manifold (400, 600, 700) with reduced vortex shedding, a vibrating meter (5) including the manifold, and methods of making both are described. The manifold (400, 600, 700) includes a first conduit segment (202), a second conduit segment (204), a splitter segment (406, 606, 706) positioned between the first conduit segment (202) and the second conduit segment (204), and a first protrusion (412a, 612a), the splitter segment (406, 606, 706) including a first splitter face (408a, 608a, 708) facing the first conduit segment (202), at least a portion of the first protrusion being positioned on the first splitter face (408a, 608a, 708).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The examples described below relate to manifolds and methods for making manifolds. More particularly, the examples relate to manifolds having flow dividers including protrusions. Background Art

[0002] Dual conduit Coriolis mass flow meters operate by detecting the motion of a pair of vibrating conduits or flow tubes containing flowing material. Properties associated with the material in the conduits (such as mass flow rate, density, etc.) can be determined by processing measurement signals received from pickoffs or motion transducers associated with the conduits.

[0003] The vibrating meter may include an assembly with a straight conduit or a curved conduit. When material begins to flow through the conduit, the Coriolis force causes each point along the conduit to have a different phase. For example, the phase at the inlet end of the flow meter lags the phase at the center drive position, while the phase at the outlet leads the phase at the center drive position. A sensitive element on the conduit generates a sinusoidal signal representing the motion of the conduit. The signal output from the sensitive element is processed to determine the time delay between the sensitive elements. The time delay between two or more sensitive elements is proportional to the mass flow rate of the material flowing through the conduit.

[0004] Meter electronics connected to the driver generates a drive signal to operate the driver and determines the mass flow rate and / or other properties of the process material based on the signal received from the sensor. The driver may include any of a number of well-known arrangements; however, a magnet and opposing drive coil is one of the most common forms. An alternating current is delivered to the drive coil for vibrating the conduit at the desired conduit amplitude and frequency. Similar to the driver, the sensor often also includes a magnet and coil arrangement.

[0005] A dual conduit Coriolis sensor splits the flow stream into two paths at the inlet manifold, providing one flow for each respective conduit, and then rejoins the flows at a second manifold before the sensor outlet. The convergence of the two flow paths at the second manifold before the outlet often occurs in a large transition volume that matches the diameter of the process pipe. When the two flow paths rejoin, they flow through the manifold splitter, which is the trailing edge of the manifold. Especially in the case of measuring gas flow, the flow over the splitter can produce vortex shedding in the fluid flow. Vortex shedding is an oscillating flow that occurs when a fluid such as air or water flows over a bluff body at a certain velocity that depends on the size and shape of the bluff body. Vortex shedding can further cause vibrations and unwanted audible noise.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a manifold for a Coriolis flow meter that has reduced swirl and acoustic noise. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect, a manifold with reduced vortex shedding is provided. The manifold comprises a first conduit segment, a second conduit segment, a splitter segment positioned between the first conduit segment and the second conduit segment, and a first protrusion, the splitter segment comprising a first splitter face facing the first conduit segment, at least a portion of the first protrusion being positioned on the first splitter face.

[0008] According to a second aspect, a method for manufacturing a manifold with reduced vortex shedding is provided. The method includes forming a first conduit segment, forming a second conduit segment, forming a flow splitter segment positioned between the first conduit segment and the second conduit segment, and forming a first protrusion, the flow splitter segment including a first flow splitter face facing the first conduit segment, at least a portion of the first protrusion being positioned on the first flow splitter face.

[0009] aspect

[0010] In another aspect, the first protrusion may have a circular shape.

[0011] In another aspect, the first protrusion may have an elongated shape.

[0012] In another aspect, the first protrusion may include a recessed area.

[0013] In another aspect, the first protrusion may extend beyond a lip of the diverter segment.

[0014] In another aspect, the splitter segment may further include a second splitter face facing the second conduit segment, and the manifold may further include a second protrusion, at least a portion of which is positioned on the second splitter face.

[0015] In another aspect, the first protrusion can be a first size and the second protrusion can be a second size.

[0016] In another aspect, the first protrusion may be a first shape and the second protrusion may be a second shape.

[0017] In another aspect, the manifold can further include at least one additional protrusion positioned on at least one of the first flow divider face or the second flow divider face.

[0018] In another aspect, a vibrating meter having a manifold according to the first aspect is provided. The vibrating meter may further include a first conduit, a second conduit, a sensitive element coupled to at least one of the first conduit or the second conduit, and a driver coupled to at least one of the first conduit or the second conduit.

[0019] In another aspect, the first protrusion may include a rounded shape.

[0020] In another aspect, the first protrusion may have an elongated shape.

[0021] In another aspect, the first protrusion may include a recessed area.

[0022] In another aspect, the first protrusion may extend beyond a lip of the diverter segment.

[0023] In another aspect, the splitter segment may further include a second splitter face facing the second conduit segment, and the method may further include forming a second protrusion positioned on the second splitter face.

[0024] In another aspect, the first protrusion can be a first size and the second protrusion can be a second size.

[0025] In another aspect, the first protrusion may be a first shape and the second protrusion may be a second shape.

[0026] In another aspect, a method for manufacturing a vibrating meter is provided, the vibrating meter comprising a manifold manufactured according to the second aspect. The method may further comprise coupling a first conduit segment of the manifold to a first conduit, coupling a second conduit segment of the manifold to a second conduit, coupling a sensitive element to at least one of the first conduit or the second conduit, and coupling a driver to at least one of the first conduit or the second conduit, the driver being configured to vibrate the first conduit and the second conduit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Like reference numbers represent like elements throughout the drawings. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0028] Figure 1 depicts a vibrating flow meter according to an example;

[0029] Figure 2 A perspective view of the manifold is depicted;

[0030] Figure 3 depicts a perspective cutaway view of the manifold;

[0031] Figure 4 depicts a perspective cutaway view of a manifold according to an example;

[0032] Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of a manifold according to an example;

[0033] Figure 6 depicts a perspective view of a manifold according to an example;

[0034] Figure 7 depicts a perspective view of a manifold according to an example;

[0035] Figure 8 Methods according to examples are described; and

[0036] Fig. 9A method according to an example is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present application describes a manifold with reduced vortex shedding, a vibrating meter including the manifold, and methods of making both the manifold and the vibrating meter.

[0038] Figure 1 A vibrating meter 5 having a manifold 150 is depicted according to an example. Figure 1 As shown, the vibrating meter 5 includes a meter assembly 10 and a meter electronics 20. The meter assembly 10 is responsive to the mass flow rate and density of the process material. The meter electronics 20 is connected to the meter assembly 10 via a conductor 100 to provide density, mass flow rate, and temperature information, as well as other information, via a communication path 26. Information and commands may also be received at the meter electronics 20 via the communication path 26.

[0039] A Coriolis flow meter configuration is described, although this is not intended to be limiting. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present application may be practiced as a vibrating tube densitometer, a tuning fork densitometer, and the like.

[0040] The meter assembly 10 includes a pair of manifolds 150 and 150 ′, flanges 103 and 103 ′, a pair of parallel first and second conduits 130 and 130 ′, a driver 180 , a pair of sensitive elements 1701 and 170 r , and a housing 190 .

[0041] The first and second conduits 130, 130' are bent at two symmetrical locations along their lengths and are substantially parallel throughout their lengths. Support rods 140 and 140' are used to define an axis (not visible) about which each of the first and second conduits 130, 130' oscillates. The legs of the first and second conduits 130, 130' are fixedly attached to manifolds 150 and 150'. This provides a continuous closed material path through the meter assembly 10.

[0042] When flanges 103 and 103' are connected to a process pipeline (not shown) carrying process material, the material enters the inlet end 104 of the meter through the hole in flange 103 and is directed through manifold 150. Within manifold 150, the material is separated and routed through first conduit 130 and second conduit 130'. After exiting first conduit 130 and second conduit 130', the process material is recombined into a single stream in manifold 150' and then routed to outlet end 104' back to the process pipeline (not shown).

[0043] The housing 190 surrounds at least a portion of the conduits 130 , 130 ′, the driver 180 , and the sensors 1701 , 170 r . The manifolds 150 and 150 ′ may be coupled to the housing 190 .

[0044] The first and second conduits 130, 130' are selected to have substantially the same mass distribution, moment of inertia, and Young's modulus about their bending axes, which are defined by the support rods 140, 140'.

[0045] Both the first conduit 130 and the second conduit 130' are driven by a driver 180 about their respective bending axes in opposite directions and in what is referred to as a first out-of-phase bending mode of the flow meter. The driver 180 may include, for example, a magnet mounted to the first conduit 130' and an opposing coil mounted to the second conduit 130. An alternating current is passed through the coil to cause both the first conduit 130 and the second conduit 130' to vibrate. The meter electronics 20 applies a suitable drive signal to the driver 180 via wire 185.

[0046] The meter electronics 20 receives the left and right pickoff signals appearing on the leads 1651, 165r, respectively. The meter electronics 20 provides a signal via the lead 185 to vibrate the first conduit 130 and the second conduit 130' via the driver 180. The meter electronics 20 uses the left pickoff 1701 and right pickoff 170r signals to calculate the mass flow rate and / or density of the material passing through the meter assembly 10. This information, as well as other information, may be transmitted by the meter electronics 20 via the communication path 26.

[0047] Although Figure 1 A single meter assembly 10 is depicted in communication with the meter electronics 20, but one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that multiple sensor assemblies may be in communication with the meter electronics 20. Furthermore, the meter electronics 20 may be capable of operating a variety of different sensor types. Each sensor assembly, such as the meter assembly 10 in communication with the meter electronics 20, may have a dedicated section of the memory system within the meter electronics 20.

[0048] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the meter electronics 20 may include various other components and functionality. For the sake of brevity and clarity, these additional features may be omitted from the description and drawings.

[0049] Figure 2 and 3 A manifold 200 is depicted according to prior art methods, wherein Figure 2 depicts perspective, and Figure 3A cross-sectional view is depicted. As can be seen, the manifold 200 includes a first conduit segment 202, a second conduit segment 204, a flow divider segment 206 between the first and second conduit segments 204, and a combined flow segment 208. The first and second conduit segments 202, 204 can each be coupled to a respective conduit 130, 130'. The combined flow segment 208 is fluidly coupled to the first and second conduit segments 202, 204.

[0050] The existing manifold splitter segment 206 provides a smooth transition between the first and second conduit segments 202, 204 and the combined flow segment 208. The existing splitter segment 206 includes a lip 210 between the first and second conduit segments 202, 204, whose edge radius and thickness are consistent over the length of the splitter. The blunt edge of the lip 210 can cause vortex shedding and flow noise, especially when the manifold 200 is installed in a gas pipeline.

[0051] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a manifold 400 according to an example of the present application is depicted. Manifold 400 also includes first conduit segment 202, second conduit segment 204, and combined flow segment 208. However, manifold 400 differs from manifold 200 in that it includes a flow splitter segment 406 positioned between first conduit segment 202 and second conduit segment 204. Flow splitter segment 406 includes lip 410.

[0052] The splitter segment 406 includes a first splitter face 408a facing the first conduit segment 202. The first splitter face 408a is a surface positioned on the first conduit segment 202 side of the lip 410. In an example, the first splitter face 408a may include a cross-section of a saddle-shaped surface. In further examples, the first splitter face 408a may include a cross-section of a cone, a plane, or any other shape known to those skilled in the art.

[0053] Manifold 400 also includes a first protrusion 412a, at least a portion of which is positioned on first splitter face 408a. First protrusion 412a can help disrupt or disperse the fluid flow at splitter section 406, thereby separating the fluid into flows that produce fewer coherent vortices.

[0054] In an example, the first protrusion 412a may include a circular shape. Figure 4 and 5 As depicted, the first protrusion 412a comprises a cross-section of a sphere.

[0055] In an example, the manifold 400 may be positioned at the outlet end 104' of the meter assembly 10. In further examples, the manifold 400 may alternatively be positioned at other points in the process path where two flow paths merge into a single flow path, such as the downstream edge of a Y-fitting where the two flow paths converge. However, in further examples, the manifold 400 may be positioned at the inlet end 104. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other locations for the manifold 400 are possible.

[0056] In the example, as in Figure 5 As can be seen in FIG. 4 , the splitter section 406 of the manifold 400 may also include a second splitter face 408b facing the second conduit section 204, and a second protrusion 412b positioned on the second splitter face 408b. Like the first protrusion 412a, the second protrusion 412b may also be circular. However, in further examples, the second protrusion 412b may be any shape operable to disrupt the flow of fluid at the splitter section 406.

[0057] In an example, the first protrusion 412a and the second protrusion 412b can be the same shape, or different shapes. In a further example, the first protrusion 412a and the second protrusion 412b can be the same size or different sizes. By providing two protrusions of different shapes or sizes, it may be possible to further disrupt the fluid flow on the diverter segment 406.

[0058] In further examples, the first protrusion 412a may be square, oval, irregular, or any other shape. Figure 6 A perspective view of a manifold 600 is depicted. The manifold 600 includes a diverter segment 606 and a lip 610. The diverter segment 606 includes a first protrusion 612a, at least a portion of which is positioned on the first diverter face 608a. The first protrusion 612a includes an elongated shape that is positioned such that the longest dimension is substantially parallel to the lip 610. By providing the elongated first protrusion 612a, the manifold 600 can further help disrupt the fluid flow on the diverter segment 606.

[0059] In an example, the first protrusion 612a can include a first recessed region 614a. The recessed region 614a can further help reduce the formation of flows that have the potential to create coherent vortices in the manifold 600.

[0060] In an example, the manifold 600 may further include a second protrusion 612b positioned on the second splitter face 608b. The second protrusion 612b may include a second recessed area 614b and may further operate to reduce the formation of coherent vortices. In an example, the first protrusion 614a and the second protrusion 614b may form a saddle-shaped feature on the splitter segment 606, such as Figure 6 Depicted.

[0061] Figure 7 An example manifold 700 is further depicted, including a splitter segment 706. The splitter segment 706 includes a first protrusion 712 positioned on a first splitter face 708. The first protrusion 712 extends beyond the lip 710 in the direction of the combined flow segment 208. Because the first protrusion 712 extends beyond the lip 710, it can help disrupt the fluid flow on both sides of the splitter segment 706. In an example, the manifold 700 can further include a second protrusion (not shown).

[0062] Although an example of one or two protrusions has been provided, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the manifold 400 , 600 , or 700 may include three or a greater number of protrusions.

[0063] Figure 8 A method 800 is depicted that may be performed to produce a manifold with reduced vortex shedding.

[0064] The method 800 begins with steps 802 and 804. In step 802, the first conduit segment 202 is formed, and in step 804, the second conduit segment 204 is formed.

[0065] The method 800 continues at step 806 . At step 806 , a flow splitter segment 406 , 606 , 706 is formed and positioned between the first conduit segment 202 and the second conduit segment 204 . The flow splitter segment 406 , 606 , 706 includes a first flow splitter face 408 a , 608 a facing the first conduit segment 202 .

[0066] The method 800 continues with step 808. In step 808, a first protrusion 412a, 612a, 712 is formed and positioned on the first diverter face 408a, 608a.

[0067] In an example, the method 800 may further include step 810. In step 810, a second protrusion 412b, 612b may be formed, which is positioned on the second diverter face 408b, 608b.

[0068] In an example, any of the first conduit segment 202 or the second conduit segment 204, the splitter segment 406, 606, 706, the first protrusion 412a, 612a, 712 or the second protrusion 412b, 612b can be formed by machining, casting, welding, three-dimensional printing or any other manufacturing technique known to those skilled in the art. In an example, the manifold 400, 600, 700 can be formed as a single integrated body, or any portion of the first conduit segment 202 or the second conduit segment 204, the splitter segment 406, 606, 706, the first protrusion 412a, 612a, 712 or the second protrusion 412b, 612b can be formed separately and coupled together via welding, brazing, gluing, etc. to form the manifold 400, 600, 700.

[0069] Fig. 9 A method 900 is depicted that may be performed to manufacture a vibrating meter including a manifold manufactured according to any of the steps of method 800 , including a manifold having reduced vortex shedding.

[0070] The method 900 begins with steps 902 and 904. In step 902, a first conduit segment of a manifold is coupled to a first conduit. In step 904, a second conduit segment of a manifold is coupled to a second conduit. For example, the first conduit segment 202 may be coupled to the first conduit 130, and the second conduit segment 204 may be coupled to the first conduit 130. In an example, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the first conduit 130 or the second conduit 130' may be coupled to the manifold 400, 600, 700 via welding, brazing, or gluing.

[0071] The method 900 continues with step 906. In step 906, a sensor is coupled to at least one of the first conduit 130 or the second conduit 130'. For example, the left sensor 170l and the right sensor 170r may each be welded, brazed, glued, or otherwise attached to the respective first conduit 130 or the second conduit 130'.

[0072] The method 900 continues with step 908. At step 908, a driver 180 is coupled to at least one of the first conduit 130 or the second conduit 130', the driver 180 being configured to vibrate the first conduit 130 and the second conduit 130'. For example, the driver 180 may be welded, brazed, glued, or otherwise attached to the first conduit 130 and / or the second conduit 130'.

[0073] The manifolds, vibrating meters, and methods of making both described herein may help reduce vortex shedding, thereby reducing audible noise and vibration caused by fluid flow in a Coriolis flow meter.

[0074] The detailed description of the above examples is not an exhaustive description of all examples contemplated by the inventors within the scope of the present application. In fact, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above examples may be combined or omitted in various ways to create further examples, and such further examples fall within the scope and teachings of the present application. It is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the above examples may be combined in whole or in part to create additional examples within the scope and teachings of the present application. Therefore, the scope of the present application should be determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A manifold (400, 600, 700) for reduced vortex shedding, the manifold (400, 600, 700) comprising: a first conduit section (202); a second conduit segment (204); a diverter segment (406, 606, 706) positioned between the first conduit segment (202) and the second conduit segment (204), the diverter segment (406, 606, 706) comprising a first diverter face (408a, 608a, 708) facing the first conduit segment (202); and A first protrusion (412a, 612a, 712), at least a portion of which is positioned on the first splitter surface (408a, 608a, 708), wherein the first protrusion (412a, 612a, 712) disrupts or disperses the flow at the splitter section, thereby separating the fluid into flows that produce fewer coherent vortices.

2. The manifold (400, 600, 700) of claim 1, wherein: The first protrusion (412a, 612a, 712) has a circular shape.

3. The manifold (400, 600, 700) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The first protrusion (612a) has an elongated shape.

4. The manifold (400, 600, 700) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The first protrusion (612a) includes a recessed area (614a).

5. The manifold (400, 600, 700) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The first protrusion (712) extends beyond the lip (710) of the diverter segment (706).

6. The manifold (400, 600, 700) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The splitter section (406, 606, 706) further comprises a second splitter face (408b, 608b) facing the second conduit section (204), and the manifold (400, 600, 700) further comprises: A second protrusion (412b, 612b), at least a portion of which is positioned on the second diverter surface (408b, 608b).

7. The manifold (400, 600, 700) of claim 6, wherein: The first protrusion (412a, 612a, 712) is a first size and the second protrusion (412b, 612b) is a second size.

8. The manifold (400, 600, 700) of claim 6, wherein: The first protrusion (412a, 612a, 712) is a first shape, and the second protrusion (412b, 612b) is a second shape.

9. The manifold (400, 600, 700) of claim 1 or 2, wherein: The splitter section (406, 606, 706) further includes a second splitter surface (408b, 608b) facing the second conduit section (204), and the manifold (400, 600, 700) further includes: At least one additional protrusion is positioned on at least one of the first splitter face (408a, 608a, 708) or the second splitter face (408b, 608b).

10. A vibrating meter comprising the manifold (400, 600, 700) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: a first conduit (130); A second conduit (130'); a sensitive element (1701, 170r) coupled to at least one of the first conduit (130) or the second conduit (130'); and A driver (180) is coupled to at least one of the first conduit (130) or the second conduit (130').

11. A method of making a manifold (400, 600, 700) for reduced vortex shedding, the method comprising: forming a first conduit segment (202); forming a second conduit segment (204); forming a diverter segment (406, 606, 706) positioned between the first conduit segment (202) and the second conduit segment (204), the diverter segment (406, 606, 706) including a first diverter face (408a, 608a, 708) facing the first conduit segment (202); and A first protrusion (412a, 612a, 712) is formed, at least a portion of which is positioned on the first splitter surface (408a, 608a, 708), wherein the first protrusion (412a, 612a, 712) disrupts or disperses the flow at the splitter section, thereby separating the fluid into flows that produce fewer coherent vortices.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The first protrusion (412a, 612a, 712) has a circular shape.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The first protrusion (412a, 612a, 712) has an elongated shape.

14. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The first protrusion (412a, 612a, 712) includes a recessed area (614a).

15. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The first protrusion (712) extends beyond the lip (710) of the diverter segment (706).

16. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The diverter segment (406, 606, 706) further comprises a second diverter face (408b, 608b) facing the second conduit segment (204), and the method further comprises: A second protrusion (412b, 612b) is formed to be positioned on the second diverter surface (408b, 608b).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The first protrusion (412a, 612a, 712) is a first size and the second protrusion (412b, 612b) is a second size.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The first protrusion (412a, 612a, 712) is a first shape, and the second protrusion (412b, 612b) is a second shape.

19. A method of manufacturing a vibrating meter (5) comprising a manifold (400, 600, 700) with reduced vortex shedding manufactured according to any one of claims 11 to 18, further comprising: coupling the first conduit segment (202) of the manifold (400, 600, 700) to a first conduit (130); coupling the second conduit segment (204) of the manifold (400, 600, 700) to a second conduit (130'); Connecting a sensitive element (1701, 170r) to at least one of the first conduit (130) or the second conduit (130'); and A driver (180) is coupled to at least one of the first conduit (130) or the second conduit (130'), the driver (180) being configured to vibrate the first conduit (130) and the second conduit (130').

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