Flow meter and flow measurement method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flow meter and a flow measurement method. The flow meter includes a main pipe and an electronic feedback display. The main pipe is provided with a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe that are symmetrically bent relative to the main pipe. A diversion portion for diverting or converging is provided between the ends of the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe and the main pipe. A first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor connected to the electronic display are symmetrically provided on the outer sides of the bends of the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe, respectively. The method includes: a fluid flows into any end of the main pipe, diverts into the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe, and then converges and flows out of the other end of the main pipe. The flow calculation model of the electronic display regards the fluid as particle motion, calculates the flow rate based on set parameters and pressure data, and provides feedback display. The flow meter has the advantages of simple structure, small size, low price, almost no noise and vibration, can measure flow in both directions, is applicable to various pipe diameters and flow rates, has a wide range of applications, has low pressure loss, stable performance, guaranteed measurement accuracy, and fast measurement speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of flow measurement, and in particular relates to a flow meter and a flow measurement method. Background Art

[0002] Flow measurement plays a vital role in ensuring product quality, improving production efficiency and safety, and promoting scientific and technological development. Flowmeters, or flow meters, as instruments for measuring fluid flow, are widely used in industries such as power, petroleum, water treatment, food, pharmaceuticals, energy, metallurgy, textiles, pulp and paper, and building materials. With the development of industry, the requirements for flow measurement efficiency, accuracy, and range are becoming increasingly stringent. In the petroleum industry, flow measurement is essential throughout the entire process, from extraction and transportation, refining and processing, to trade and sales. Without flow measurement, normal production and trade in the petroleum industry would be impossible. In the chemical industry, inaccurate flow measurement can lead to imbalanced chemical composition distribution, poor product quality, and, in serious cases, production safety accidents. In the power industry, the measurement and regulation of the flow of media such as liquids, gases, and steam plays a crucial role. Accurate flow measurement is not only of great economic significance for ensuring optimal power plant operation, but also, with the development of high-temperature, high-pressure, and large-capacity units, flow measurement has become a crucial component in ensuring safe power plant operation. For example, a transient interruption or reduction in feedwater flow to a large-capacity boiler can cause a serious dry boiler or pipe burst. This requires flow measurement devices to not only accurately measure flow but also issue timely alarm signals. In the steel industry, measuring the flow rates of circulating water and oxygen (or air) during the steelmaking process is a crucial parameter for ensuring product quality.

[0003] The commonly used unit in engineering is m 3 / h, which can be divided into instantaneous flow rate (FlowRate) and cumulative flow rate (TotalFlow). Instantaneous flow rate is the amount of fluid flowing through the effective cross-section of a closed pipe or open channel per unit time. The flowing substance can be gas, liquid, or solid. Cumulative flow rate is the cumulative amount of fluid flowing through the effective cross-section of a closed pipe or open channel over a certain period of time (one day, one week, one month, one year). Instantaneous flow rate and cumulative flow rate can be converted into each other. Common flow meters include differential pressure flowmeters, rotor flowmeters, positive displacement flowmeters, electromagnetic flowmeters, and ultrasonic flowmeters. Differential pressure flowmeters mostly make changes to the throttling device, generally have low measurement accuracy and high pressure drop. Although rotor flowmeters have low pressure drop, they are only suitable for small pipe diameters and low flow rates, have low pressure resistance, and have a greater risk of glass tube shattering. Although positive displacement flowmeters have high measurement accuracy, they are complex and bulky, and generate noise and vibration. Electromagnetic flowmeters can only measure the flow of liquids in conductive media, not non-conductive media. Electromagnetic flowmeters and ultrasonic flowmeters are also very expensive. At the same time, most of the existing flow meters can only measure in one direction, which is in urgent need of improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems to a certain extent. The present invention provides a flow meter and a flow measurement method, which have a simple structure, a relatively small size, a low price, almost no noise and vibration, can measure flow in both directions, can be applied to various pipe diameters and flow rates, have a wide range of applications, have low pressure loss, stable performance, guaranteed measurement accuracy, and fast measurement speed.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0006] A flow meter includes a main pipe and an electronic display. The main pipe is provided with a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe that are symmetrically bent relative to the main pipe. Diverter portions for diverting or converging flow are provided between the ends of the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe and the main pipe. First and second pressure sensors electrically connected to the electronic display are symmetrically provided on the outer sides of the bends of the first and second branches, respectively. The electronic display is used to set parameters and calculate and display flow based on pressure data from the first and second pressure sensors.

[0007] In the above-mentioned flow meter, preferably, the main pipe, the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe are provided with a shell outside, and a data transmission line electrically connected to the first pressure sensor and the electronic display or the second pressure sensor and the electronic display is provided inside the shell, and the electronic display is connected to the outside of the shell.

[0008] In the above flow meter, preferably, the diverter portion is a diverter plate connected to the junction of the first branch pipe, the second branch pipe and the main pipe, and the diverter plate is used for symmetrical diversion or confluence.

[0009] The flow meter is preferably provided with a flow calculation model in the electronic display, and the flow calculation model is

[0010] In the above formula, Q represents the flow rate, S represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the water flow in the main pipe, v represents the fluid flow velocity before diversion, ρ represents the fluid density, a1 represents the acceleration of the fluid in the first branch pipe, a2 represents the acceleration of the fluid in the second branch pipe, t represents the time it takes for the fluid to reach the bend of the first or second branch pipe from before diversion, α represents the angle between the first or second branch pipe and the horizontal direction, P1 represents the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor, and P2 represents the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor. The setting parameters of the flow calculation model include S, ρ, and α.

[0011] Preferably, the calculation formula of a1 is: a1=μ1gcosα+gsinα;

[0012] In the above formula, μ1 represents the resistance coefficient in the first branch pipe, g represents the acceleration of gravity, and the setting parameters of the flow calculation model include μ1 and g.

[0013] Preferably, the calculation formula of a2 is: a2=μ2gcosα-gsinα;

[0014] In the above formula, μ2 represents the resistance coefficient in the second branch pipe, g represents the acceleration of gravity, and the setting parameters of the flow calculation model include μ2 and g.

[0015] Preferably, the main pipe is a circular pipe with an inner diameter of D, S = πD 2 / 4, the setting parameters of the flow calculation model include D.

[0016] In the above flow meter, preferably, the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor are FlexiForce pressure sensors.

[0017] In the above flow meter, preferably, flanges are provided at both ends of the main pipe.

[0018] A flow measurement method, based on any one of the flowmeters described above, comprising: allowing a fluid to flow into any end of a main pipe, be split into a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe, and then be merged and flow out of the other end of the main pipe;

[0019] The fluid is regarded as a particle motion, and the parameters of the electronic display are set. The electronic display calculates the acceleration of the fluid in the first branch and the second branch based on the radial and normal force analysis of the first branch and the second branch; the electronic display collects the pressure data of the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, and calculates the flow rate of the fluid at the bend of the first branch and the second branch based on the dynamic pressure; the electronic display calculates the velocity of the fluid before diversion based on the relationship between the fluid velocity, time and acceleration, and then calculates and displays the flow rate as feedback.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] The invention adopts a structure and method that is completely different from the existing flow meter design, broadens the design ideas of the flow meter. The fluid flows into any end of the main pipe, is divided into the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe, and then converges and flows out of the other end of the main pipe. The pressure is detected by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor respectively. The flow calculation model of the electronic display regards the fluid as a particle motion, calculates the flow rate according to the set parameters and pressure data, and displays the feedback. It has the advantages of simple structure, small size, low price, almost no noise and vibration, can measure flow in both directions, can be applied to various pipe diameters and flow rates, has a wide range of applications, low pressure loss, stable performance, guaranteed measurement accuracy, and fast measurement speed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a front view of the appearance structure of Example 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a side view of the appearance structure of Example 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the shape of the manifold and its installation position in the main pipe of Example 1;

[0027] Figure 5 is an installation structure diagram of the first pressure sensor or the second pressure sensor of Example 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 is a flow chart of Example 2 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 The three-dimensional model required for simulating the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 The mesh required for simulating the first branch and the second branch of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 9 These are the streamlines and flow velocity diagrams of the simulation results of the first branch and the second branch of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the pressure distribution contour lines of the simulation results of the first branch and the second branch of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a two-dimensional diagram of the pipeline cross section of the pressure distribution contour lines of the simulation results of the first branch and the second branch of the present invention.

[0034] In the figure: electronic display 1, housing 2, flange 3, main pipe 4, diversion part 5, first branch pipe 61, second branch pipe 62, first pressure sensor 71, second pressure sensor 72, data transmission line 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0036] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "axial", "radial", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0037] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" or "several" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0038] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediary; or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0039] Example 1:

[0040] like Figure 1-5As shown, a preferred embodiment of the flow meter of the present invention is provided. The flow meter includes a main pipe 4 and an electronic display 1. The main pipe 4 is provided with a first branch pipe 61 and a second branch pipe 62 that are symmetrically bent relative to the main pipe 4. A diversion portion 5 for diverting or converging flow is provided between the ends of the first branch pipe 61 and the second branch pipe 62 and the main pipe 4. A first pressure sensor 71 and a second pressure sensor 72 electrically connected to the electronic display 1 are symmetrically provided on the outer sides of the bending parts of the first branch pipe 61 and the second branch pipe 62. The electronic display 1 is used to set parameters and calculate and feedback the flow rate based on the pressure data of the first pressure sensor 71 and the second pressure sensor 72.

[0041] The above-mentioned flow meter is preferably provided with a shell 2 outside the main pipe 4, the first branch pipe 61 and the second branch pipe 62, and the shell 2 is provided with a data transmission line 8 electrically connected to the first pressure sensor 71 and the electronic display 1 or the second pressure sensor 72 and the electronic display 1. The electronic display 1 is connected to the outside of the shell 2, so that the overall structure is compact and convenient for overall installation and application.

[0042] Preferably, the electronic display 1 is not limited to being installed on the housing 2 , and the pressure data of the first pressure sensor 71 and the second pressure sensor 72 of the plurality of flow meters can be input into a management system equivalent to the electronic display 1 for supervision through wired or wireless transmission.

[0043] Preferably, the first branch pipe 61 and the second branch pipe 62 both include a curved pipe section and a straight pipe section connected to both ends of the curved pipe section, which facilitates manufacturing and reduces pressure loss.

[0044] like Figure 2-4 As shown, in the above flow meter, preferably, the diverter portion 5 is a diverter plate connected to the junction of the first branch pipe 61, the second branch pipe 62 and the main pipe 4.

[0045] Preferably, the diverter plate is used for symmetrical diversion or confluence, and the diverter plate has a pointed structure at one end away from the first branch pipe 61 and the second branch pipe 62 to facilitate diversion.

[0046] The flow meter is preferably provided with a flow calculation model in the electronic display 1, and the flow calculation model is

[0047] In the above formula, Q represents the flow rate, S represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the water flow in the main pipe 4, v represents the fluid flow velocity before diversion, ρ represents the fluid density, a1 represents the acceleration of the fluid in the first branch pipe 61, a2 represents the acceleration of the fluid in the second branch pipe 62, and t represents the time it takes for the fluid to travel from before diversion to the bend of the first branch pipe 61 or the second branch pipe 62. Since the first branch pipe 61 and the second branch pipe 62 are symmetrical in vertical direction relative to the main pipe 4, α can represent either the angle between the first branch pipe 61 and the horizontal direction or the angle between the second branch pipe 62 and the horizontal direction. P1 represents the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 71, and P2 represents the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor 72. The setting parameters of the flow calculation model include S, ρ, and α.

[0048] Preferably, the calculation formula of a1 is: a1=μ1gcosα+gsinα;

[0049] In the above formula, μ1 represents the resistance coefficient in the first branch pipe 61, and g represents the acceleration due to gravity. The setting parameters of the flow calculation model include μ1 and g.

[0050] Preferably, the calculation formula of a2 is: a2=μ2gcosα-gsinα;

[0051] In the above formula, μ2 represents the resistance coefficient in the second branch pipe 62, g represents the acceleration due to gravity, and the setting parameters of the flow calculation model include μ2 and g.

[0052] Preferably, the main pipe 4 is a circular pipe with an inner diameter of D, S = πD 2 / 4, the setting parameters of the flow calculation model include D, which is convenient for manufacturing and calculation.

[0053] Preferably, the electronic display 1 includes a processor for setting a flow calculation model and an electronic screen connected to the processor for displaying flow feedback.

[0054] In the above-mentioned flow meter, preferably, the first pressure sensor 71 and the second pressure sensor 72 are FlexiForce pressure sensors. Flexiforce is an ultra-thin and flexible printed circuit that can be easily integrated into a variety of applications. It has better characteristics, linearity, hysteresis, drift, and temperature sensitivity than other thin film force measuring products. Its bendability and force measuring characteristics can be used for pressure sensing detection on the first branch 61 and the second branch 62.

[0055] like Figure 5As shown, the FlexiForce pressure sensor is preferably 100 lbs. The active sensing area is the circular area at the sensor end. It is constructed from two layers of substrate, made of polyester film (high-temperature sensors use polyimide). Each layer is coated with a conductive silver material, followed by a layer of pressure-sensitive ink. The two layers are then pressed together with adhesive to form the sensor. The silver edge outside the ink indicates the pressure-sensitive area, from which two silver wires extend as conductors. The first pressure sensor 71 is attached to the outer wall of the first branch pipe 61, and the second pressure sensor 72 is attached to the outer wall of the second branch pipe 62.

[0056] In the above flow meter, preferably, flanges 3 are provided at both ends of the main pipe 4, and the main pipe 4 and the flanges 3 are connected by welding, so as to connect the main pipe 4 to the pipeline through the flanges 3.

[0057] Example 2:

[0058] like Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a preferred embodiment of the flow measurement method of the present invention, based on the flow meter of Example 1, wherein the method comprises: allowing the fluid to flow into any end of the main pipe 4, be split into the first branch pipe 61 and the second branch pipe 62, and then be merged to flow out of the other end of the main pipe 4;

[0059] The fluid is regarded as particle motion, and the parameters of the electronic display 1 are set. The electronic display 1 calculates the acceleration of the fluid in the first branch 61 and the second branch 62 based on the radial and normal force analysis of the first branch 61 and the second branch 62; the electronic display 1 collects the pressure data of the first pressure sensor 71 and the second pressure sensor 72, and calculates the flow rate of the fluid at the bend of the first branch 61 and the second branch 62 based on the dynamic pressure; the electronic display 1 calculates the velocity of the fluid before diversion based on the relationship between the fluid velocity, time and acceleration, and then calculates and displays the flow rate as feedback.

[0060] The specific steps of the above flow measurement method are:

[0061] S1: Connect the main pipe 4 to the fluid pipeline, and input the inner diameter D of the main pipe 4, the fluid density ρ, the angle α between the first branch pipe 61 or the second branch pipe 62 and the horizontal direction, the resistance coefficient μ1 in the first branch pipe 61, the gravity acceleration g, and the resistance coefficient μ2 in the second branch pipe 62 as setting parameters into the electronic display 1;

[0062] S2: The fluid flows into the main pipe 4 from either end, is split into the first branch pipe 61 and the second branch pipe 62 through the manifold at one end, and then converges through the manifold at the other end to flow out of the other end of the main pipe 4. The first pressure sensor 71 and the second pressure sensor 72 sense the water pressure and transmit the two sets of pressure signals to the electronic display 1 via the data transmission line 8. The pressure gauge detected by the first pressure sensor 71 is P1, and the pressure gauge detected by the second pressure sensor 72 is P2.

[0063] S3: The electronic display 1 converts the two sets of pressure analog signals in step S2 into digital quantities through the analog / digital conversion module of the processor and transmits them to the flow calculation model for flow calculation;

[0064] S301: Calculating the flow as a two-dimensional flow, considering the fluid as a particle motion, and analyzing the radial and normal forces on the first branch pipe 61 and the second branch pipe 62;

[0065] The normal direction of the first branch pipe 61 in the radial direction is: F1 = m1gcosα(1);

[0066] Radial direction of the first branch 61: μF1+m1gsinα=m1a1(2);

[0067] In the above equations (1) and (2), F1 represents the force acting on the fluid at the bend of the first branch 61, μ1 represents the resistance coefficient in the first branch 61, m1 represents the mass of the fluid at the bend of the first branch 61, g represents the acceleration due to gravity, and α represents the angle between the first branch 61 and the horizontal direction. From this, a1 = μ1gcosα + gsinα (5) is derived. The acceleration a1 of the fluid in the first branch 61 is calculated based on the set parameters.

[0068] Normal direction of the first branch pipe 61 in the radial direction: F2 = m2gcosα(3);

[0069] Radial direction of the first branch 61: μF2-m2gsinα=m2a2(4);

[0070] In the above equations 3 and 4, F2 represents the force acting on the fluid at the bend of the second branch 62, μ2 represents the resistance coefficient in the second branch 62, m2 represents the mass of the fluid at the bend of the second branch 62, g represents the acceleration due to gravity, and α represents the angle between the second branch 62 and the horizontal direction. From this, a2 = μ2gcosα - gsinα (6) is derived. The acceleration a2 of the fluid in the second branch 62 is calculated based on the set parameters.

[0071] S302: In the curved section, the velocity head of the first branch pipe 61, which is opposite to the gravity direction, is converted into a pressure head due to the restriction of the curved pipe. In the above formula (7), ρ represents the fluid density, v1 represents the flow velocity of the fluid at the bend of the first branch pipe 61, α represents the angle between the first branch pipe 61 and the horizontal direction, and P1 represents the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 71. v1 is calculated based on the set parameters and P1.

[0072] In the curved section, the velocity head of the second branch pipe 62, which is opposite to the gravity direction, is converted into pressure head due to the restriction of the curve. In the above formula (8), ρ represents the fluid density, v2 represents the flow velocity of the fluid at the bend of the second branch pipe 62, and α represents the angle between the second branch pipe 62 and the horizontal direction. v2 is calculated based on the set parameters and P2;

[0073] S303: Since the first branch pipe 61 and the second branch pipe 62 are symmetrical in structure, the forces and other factors in the radial direction of the main pipe 4 are the same, so the time it takes to reach the bend is the same. Based on the relationship between fluid velocity, time and acceleration, we have:

[0074] v1=v-a1t1(9);

[0075] v2=v-a2t2(10);

[0076] t1=t2=t(11);

[0077] In the above formulas (9), (10), and (11), a1 and a2 are obtained by step S301, v1 and v2 are obtained by step S302, t represents the time for the fluid to reach the bend, t1 represents the time for the fluid to reach the first branch 61 before the diversion, t2 represents the time for the fluid to reach the second branch 62 before the diversion, and v represents the fluid flow rate before the diversion. Calculate t according to formulas (9), (10), and (11), and then calculate v;

[0078] S304: Calculate Q = vS = πvD based on v obtained in step S303 2 / 4(12), where Q represents the flow rate, S represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the water flow in the main pipe 4, and D represents the inner diameter of the main pipe 4, and the flow rate Q is calculated;

[0079] S4: The electronic display 1 displays the flow rate Q feedback of step S305 on the electronic screen.

[0080] Preferably, the instantaneous flow rate Q can be converted into the accumulated flow rate through time integration.

[0081] The present invention uses the simulation modeling software COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4 to simulate and analyze the flow velocity and pressure changes in the bend section. The modeling simulation is performed on the 90° bend. The same pattern also exists at other angles. The analysis steps are as follows:

[0082] F1: If Figure 7As shown, a three-dimensional model of the bend of the first branch pipe 61 and the second branch pipe 62 is established, and a 90° bend pipe model is established, with a pipe diameter of 0.1m and straight pipe lengths of 0.5m on both sides of the bend pipe section;

[0083] F2: Add material Water, liquid, material properties default;

[0084] F3: Select Turbulent Flow, k-ω for the physical field, select all domains, set the physical model compressibility to incompressible flow, and the reference pressure level p erf Set to 1atm, reference temperature T ref It is set to 293.15K, and the fluid temperature, density, and dynamic viscosity are all derived from the material;

[0085] For Wall, select all surfaces except the pipe section, set the wall condition to no slip, select the sections of the first branch 61 and the second branch 62 at the left end, set the boundary condition to fully developed flow, and set the fully developed flow average velocity U av =16.5m / s, select the cross section of the first branch 61 and the second branch 62 on the right side of Outlet, set the boundary condition to fully developed flow, and set the fully developed flow average pressure p av =0Pa;

[0086] F4: Add body force, select all domains, and set the body force in the x direction to 0N / m 3 , set in the y direction to g_const*rho*sin(pi / 4)N / m 3 , set to -g_const*rho*cos(pi / 4)N / m in the z direction 3 ;

[0087] F5: Build the grid, select the physical field controlled grid for the sequence type, the unit size is coarser, and the grid Mesh1 is as follows Figure 8 As shown;

[0088] F6: Set the steady-state solver, check Turbulent Flow, k-ω(spf) for the physics interface, and all other parameters are controlled by the physics. Click Calculate.

[0089] F7: Automatically generate a 3D plot group with the labels Velocity(spf) and Pressure(spf). Add streamlines in Velocity(spf). Position the streamlines at the two sections selected by Inlet. Set the number to 40, the line style to ribbon, and the width expression factor to 1. Figure 9 As shown in the Pressure (spf) diagram, Figure 10 As shown;

[0090] F8: Add a 2D plot group to the result, and add contour lines to it. Set the expression to p, the unit to Pa, the level definition method to the number of levels, the total number to 40, and the contour type to line. Draw as follows Figure 11 shown.

[0091] from Figure 9 、 10 11, it can be clearly seen that there is a pressure difference between the first branch pipe 61 and the second branch pipe 62. When the water flows through the outer side of the bend, the flow velocity drops rapidly and the pressure rises rapidly, and this phenomenon is more obvious in the second branch pipe 62, which proves that Examples 1 and 2 can be used for flow measurement.

[0092] The above-described flow meter and measurement method utilizes a fluid that flows into either end of the main pipe 4, is divided into the first branch pipe 61 and the second branch pipe 62, and then converges and flows out of the other end of the main pipe 4. The pressure is detected by the first pressure sensor 71 and the second pressure sensor 72 respectively. The flow calculation model of the electronic display 1 calculates the flow rate based on the set parameters and pressure data and provides feedback for display. This utilizes a structure and method that is completely different from existing flow meter designs, broadens the design concept of flow meters, and has the following advantages over existing technologies:

[0093] (1) It has a simple structure, small size, low price, and almost no noise and vibration, thus avoiding the problems of volumetric flowmeters with complex structure, large size, noise and vibration.

[0094] (2) The fluid can flow into the main pipe 4 from either end, and the flow rate can be measured in both directions, thus avoiding the problem that the existing flow meter can only measure in one direction;

[0095] (3) It can be applied to various pipe diameters and flow rates, with a wide range of applications; it avoids the problem that electromagnetic flowmeters can only measure the liquid flow of conductive media but cannot measure the flow of non-conductive media, and that rotor flowmeters are only applicable to small pipe diameters and low flow rates.

[0096] (4) The flowmeter has low pressure loss and stable performance, which ensures measurement accuracy; it avoids the problem of low measurement accuracy and large pressure loss of differential pressure flowmeters;

[0097] (5) The fluid is split into the symmetrically curved first branch 61 and the second branch 62. At the bend, the pressure rises, the flow rate drops, and there is a pressure difference. The flow calculation model of the electronic display 1 regards the fluid as a particle motion. The acceleration of the fluid in the first branch 61 and the second branch 62 is calculated based on the radial and normal force analysis of the first branch 61 and the second branch 62; the flow rate of the fluid at the bend of the first branch 61 and the second branch 62 is calculated based on the dynamic pressure; the velocity of the fluid before the split is calculated based on the relationship between the fluid velocity, time and acceleration, and then the flow rate is calculated and fed back for display. The calculation and measurement speed is fast.

[0098] The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent embodiments or changes that do not deviate from the technical spirit of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flow meter, characterized in that: The invention comprises a main pipe (4) and an electronic display (1), wherein the main pipe (4) is provided with a first branch pipe (61) and a second branch pipe (62) which are symmetrically bent relative to the main pipe (4), a diversion portion (5) for diverting or converging flow is provided between the two ends of the first branch pipe (61) and the second branch pipe (62) and the main pipe (4), and a first pressure sensor (71) and a second pressure sensor (72) which are electrically connected to the electronic display (1) are symmetrically provided on the outer sides of the bending parts of the first branch pipe (61) and the second branch pipe (62), respectively, and the electronic display (1) is used to set parameters, calculate and feedback display flow according to pressure data of the first pressure sensor (71) and the second pressure sensor (72); The electronic display (1) is provided with a flow calculation model, which is In the above formula, Q represents the flow rate, S represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the water flow in the main pipe (4), v represents the fluid flow velocity before diversion, ρ represents the fluid density, a1 represents the acceleration of the fluid in the first branch pipe (61), a2 represents the acceleration of the fluid in the second branch pipe (62), t represents the time from the fluid before diversion to the bend of the first branch pipe (61) or the second branch pipe (62), α represents the angle between the first branch pipe (61) or the second branch pipe (62) and the horizontal direction, P1 represents the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor (71), and P2 represents the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor (72). The setting parameters of the flow calculation model include S, ρ and α.

2. A flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: A housing (2) is provided outside the main pipe (4), the first branch pipe (61), and the second branch pipe (62); a data transmission line (8) electrically connected to the first pressure sensor (71) and the electronic display (1) or to the second pressure sensor (72) and the electronic display (1) is provided inside the housing (2); and the electronic display (1) is connected to the outside of the housing (2).

3. A flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diverter (5) is a diverter plate connected to the junction of the first branch pipe (61), the second branch pipe (62) and the main pipe (4), and the diverter plate is used for symmetrical diversion or merging.

4. A flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The calculation formula of a1 is: a1=μ1gcosα+gsinα, where μ1 represents the resistance coefficient in the first branch pipe (61), g represents the acceleration of gravity, and the setting parameters of the flow calculation model include μ1 and g.

5. A flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The calculation formula of a2 is: a2=μ2gcosα-gsinα, where μ2 represents the resistance coefficient in the second branch (62), g represents the acceleration of gravity, and the setting parameters of the flow calculation model include μ2 and g.

6. A flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main pipe (4) is a circular pipe with an inner diameter of D, S = πD 2 / 4, the setting parameters of the flow calculation model include D.

7. A flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first pressure sensor (71) and the second pressure sensor (72) are FlexiForce pressure sensors.

8. The flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: Flanges (3) are provided at both ends of the main pipe (4).

9. A flow measurement method, characterized in that: Based on the flow meter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprises: allowing the fluid to flow into any end of the main pipe (4), be divided into the first branch pipe (61) and the second branch pipe (62), and then be merged and flow out of the other end of the main pipe (4); The fluid is regarded as a particle motion, and the parameters of the electronic display (1) are set. The electronic display (1) calculates the acceleration of the fluid in the first branch pipe (61) and the second branch pipe (62) based on the radial and normal force analysis of the first branch pipe (61) and the second branch pipe (62); the electronic display (1) collects pressure data from the first pressure sensor (71) and the second pressure sensor (72), and calculates the flow velocity of the fluid at the bend of the first branch pipe (61) and the second branch pipe (62) based on the dynamic pressure; the electronic display (1) calculates the velocity of the fluid before it is split based on the relationship between the fluid velocity, time and acceleration, and then calculates and displays the flow rate as feedback.

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