Electromagnetic flowmeter

Abstract

An electromagnetic flowmeter (100) for monitoring a flow rate of a fluid is disclosed. The electromagnetic flowmeter (100) includes a conduit (110) and an electromagnetic assembly (120) coupled to the conduit (110) to generate a magnetic field inside the conduit (110). The electromagnetic flowmeter (100) also includes a ring assembly (160) to alter a velocity profile of the fluid disposed on an inner lining wall (112) of the conduit (110). Further, a position of the ring assembly (160) is adjustable along the inner lining wall (112) to differently reshape the velocity profile of the fluid. Moreover, the electromagnetic flowmeter (100) includes a pair of electrodes (140) mounted to the conduit (110) to detect an induced voltage generated in the reshaped fluid due to the magnetic field. The flow rate of the fluid is determined based on the induced voltage.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Example embodiments of the present invention relate generally to electromagnetic (EM) flow meters, and more particularly to an electromagnetic flow meter that is adjustable to regularize a distorted velocity profile of a fluid flowing along a conduit of the EM flow meter. BACKGROUND

[0002] Electromagnetic flow meters are devices used for flow rate measurement of fluids. EM flow meters are structurally simple, have minimal invasiveness, and can handle corrosive fluids. However, in certain situations, the field performance of EM flow meters can be inaccurate as the field conditions in which the EM flow meters operate can be significantly different from the laboratory conditions in which the EM flow meters are tested. The reduced measurement accuracy of flow measurements under field conditions can be due to fluid flow distortion caused by upstream features (or pipe disturbances) such as, but not limited to, elbows, valves, bends, and T-junctions.

[0003] EM flow meters measure the differential electromotive force induced in a moving fluid, which is proportional to the velocity profile of the moving fluid. The velocity profile in the conduit can be a function of forces such as inertial forces and frictional forces. For example, at the exit of an elbow (a pipe component) that changes the direction of flow, inertial forces dominate, which typically results in a severely distorted velocity profile. Further, in an example, as the distance from the elbow increases, frictional forces become more dominant, which eliminates the strain in the conduit caused by inertial forces that result in a severely distorted velocity profile. Such distorted velocity profile of the fluid can result in errors in the electrical signals generated by the electrodes of the EM flow meter.

[0004] Accordingly, the distorted velocity profile of the fluid affects the accuracy of the flow rate measurement of the fluid. However, accurate measurement of flow rate can be critical in industrial processes to ensure optimization of such industrial processes, and the flow rate measurement by the EM flow meter in the presence of a distorted velocity profile of the fluid can adversely affect such industrial processes. SUMMARY

[0005] OBJECTIVE

[0006] It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an EM flow meter that can include an adjustable ring assembly to regularize the distorted velocity profile of a fluid for accurate flow rate measurement.

[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable ring assembly in an EM flow meter that is cost-effective and structurally simple to maintain flow meter performance standards under field conditions.

[0008] SUMMARY / STATEMENT

[0009] According to various embodiments, the present disclosure provides an electromagnetic (EM) flow meter and a method for providing accurate fluid flow rate (or fluid flow velocity profile) measurement, wherein the fluid flows inside a conduit. The present disclosure provides an EM flow meter with a novel fitting (i.e., a ring assembly) to maintain the performance criteria (velocity profile and flow rate measurement accuracy) of the EM flow meter under field conditions. The ring assembly of the EM flow meter can be an adjustable feature of the EM flow meter to reform the distorted flow velocity profile of the fluid into an axisymmetric flow velocity profile of the fluid, as the accuracy of the flow rate measurement using the EM flow meter depends on the axisymmetry of the flow velocity profile of the fluid, wherein the axis of symmetry is usually coincident with the geometric center of the conduit. According to an embodiment, the ring assembly of the EM flow meter can be structurally simple. According to an embodiment, the ring assembly of the EM flow meter can be adjustable to minimize the pressure drop in the conduit. According to an embodiment, the EM flow meter can be used as a conventional flow meter and a flow modification flow meter to reduce inventory costs. According to an embodiment, the EM flow meter can be operable based on the requirements of the customer for a desired combination of measurement accuracy, signal strength, and pressure drop.

[0010] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electromagnetic flow meter for monitoring a flow rate of a fluid. The electromagnetic flow meter includes a conduit for facilitating flow of the fluid, an electromagnetic assembly coupled to the conduit and adapted to generate a magnetic field inside the conduit, a ring assembly, and a pair of electrodes. The ring assembly is for modifying a velocity profile of the fluid disposed on an inner lining wall of the conduit. A position of the ring assembly is adjustable at a predetermined distance along the inner lining wall of the conduit to reform the velocity profile of the fluid differently based on the position of the ring assembly. The pair of electrodes is mounted to the conduit and disposed downstream of the ring assembly. The pair of electrodes detects an induced voltage generated inside the reformed fluid due to the magnetic field. Further, the flow rate of the fluid is determined based on the induced voltage.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the ring assembly includes a ring and one or more slides. The ring is adapted to slide inside the conduit. Further, the one or more slides are attached to the ring and extend substantially parallel to a central axis of the ring. The one or more slides facilitate sliding of the ring inside the conduit.

[0012] According to the embodiment, the inner lining wall of the conduit defines one or more grooves extending substantially parallel to the central axis of the conduit from one end of the conduit to receive the one or more slides.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the one or more slides are removably coupled to the ring.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the predetermined distance is a distance between the ring assembly and a plane of the pair of electrodes.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the predetermined distance is calculated by using a virtual model.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the virtual model determines a distance between the ring assembly and the plane of the pair of electrodes and a height of the ring of the ring assembly based on the one or more operating conditions.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the ring assembly is disposed upstream of the electromagnetic assembly.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the pair of electrodes are disposed diametrically opposite to each other.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the electromagnetic assembly comprises one or more coils for generating a magnetic field inside the conduit.

[0020] Without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the electromagnetic flow meter is capable of generating accurate fluid flow rate data using a ring assembly that restructures the distorted velocity flow profile of the fluid. The ring assembly can correspond to a ring assembly that is simple in structure and easy to configure. Further, the ring assembly can also help in minimizing the pressure drop of the fluid column. Further, the ring assembly can be equipped with a slider that enables the ring assembly to slide inside the conduit of the EM flow meter. The ring assembly fits into a plurality of grooves cut on the inner lining of the conduit. Further, the ring assembly can be optimized in size and size ratio based on the digital twin used for the EM flow meter. In some example embodiments, the user can specify the desired outcome corresponding to the measurement accuracy, pressure drop, or flow rate signal strength. This provides flexibility to the user as the EM flow meter and the ring assembly can be adjusted based on the user specifications. The ring assembly can also be created within the EM flow meter. This can reduce the inventory cost as the same EM flow meter can be able to be used as the ring assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Having thus described in general terms the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary electromagnetic flow meter with a ring assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 A shows a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electromagnetic flow meter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1

[0024] Figure 2 B shows a perspective view of a ring assembly of an electromagnetic flow meter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1

[0025] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic flow meter with a ring assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 ​​A schematic cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic flowmeter with a ring assembly is shown in accordance with yet another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5 A graph showing pressure drop trends along a conduit of an electromagnetic flowmeter as a function of h / D ratio and measurement error is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 5 B shows a graphical representation showing signal strength of an electromagnetic flowmeter as a function of L / D ratio in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figure 6 A block diagram for configuring a ring assembly of an electromagnetic flowmeter that is adjustable to reform a twisted velocity flow profile of a fluid flowing within a conduit of the electromagnetic flowmeter is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, devices or methods are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

[0031] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are they necessarily all mutually exclusive of one another. Furthermore, the terms "a" and "an" are not intended to be construed as limiting the number of items in the phrase to a single item, but rather are intended to be construed as meaning "at least one" or "one or more." Additionally, various features that are described can be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements that are described can be requirements for some embodiments but not for others.

[0032] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to follow, by reference to the accompanying drawings, where some but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, various embodiments of the invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same elements. Any terminology used is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting as the spirit and scope of embodiments of the invention.

[0033] Embodiments are described herein for illustrative purposes and are subject to many variations. It is to be understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances can suggest or render expedient, but are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Any headings used herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or limitation of the disclosure.

[0034] In accordance with example embodiments, an electromagnetic (EM) flow meter and a method for modifying a velocity profile of a fluid are provided herein. The EM flow meter and method disclosed herein provide measures to recondition a twisted velocity profile of a fluid flowing through the EM flow meter to ensure accurate flow rate data is generated that can be critical to various industrial processes, such as but not limited to waste-water management processes and pharmaceutical industries.

[0035] Reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A, an example electromagnetic (EM) flow meter 100 suitable for measuring a flow rate of a fluid is shown. The EM flow meter 100 includes a conduit 110 having an inner liner wall 112 and a housing 114 disposed around the inner liner wall 112, an electromagnetic assembly 120, and a pair of electrodes 140. The conduit 110 facilitates the flow of a fluid, the flow rate of which is to be determined or measured, and can correspond to an insulated pipe. In embodiments, the conduit 110 can be a non-magnetic insulated pipe. In embodiments, the inner liner wall 112 can be disposed or coated with an insulating layer to prevent electrical shorting due to the generation of induced voltage within the EM flow meter 100.

[0036] Further, the electromagnetic assembly 120 is attached to the conduit 110 to generate a magnetic field inside the conduit 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the electromagnetic assembly 120 can include a pair of magnetic coils, for example, a first magnetic coil 130a and a second magnetic coil 130b disposed diametrically opposite to the first magnetic coil 130a. In embodiments, the first magnetic coil 130a and the second magnetic coil 130b can be wound around a portion of the inner liner wall 112 and can be disposed / clamped between the inner liner wall 112 and the housing 114. The housing 114 can be an insulating layer made of a magnetic material to enclose the generated magnetic field. Further, in certain implementations, the magnetic coils 130a, 130b can be disposed or mounted to the conduit 110 such that the direction of the magnetic field inside the conduit 110 is substantially perpendicular to a central axis 150 of the conduit 110 or the direction of fluid flow inside the conduit 110. Further, the direction of the magnetic field inside the conduit 110 can also be perpendicular to a transverse axis along which the pair of electrodes 140 are disposed in the conduit 110.

[0037] Furthermore, a pair of electrodes 140 can be attached to the conduit 110 to measure any induced voltage generated within the fluid flowing through the conduit 110. The magnetic field generated by the pair of magnetic coils 130a, 130b can induce a voltage when the magnetic field interacts with the electrically conductive fluid flowing in the conduit 110. The induced voltage generated in the fluid flowing inside the conduit 110 can be proportional to the velocity of the fluid and the magnetic field strength. In an implementation, the induced voltage available at the pair of electrodes 140 is a result of the voltage generated at any point inside the conduit 110 by the vector cross product of the magnetic field strength and the flow velocity of the fluid moving inside the conduit 110. The flow rate of the fluid can be determined by the EM flow meter 100 based on the induced voltage. The induced voltage is proportional to the product of the magnetic field (generated by the pair of magnetic coils 130a, 130b) and the flow velocity (determined by the velocity profile of the fluid). It is generally assumed that the magnetic field strength generated by the pair of magnetic coils 130a, 130b is linearly proportional to the current flowing in the pair of magnetic coils 130a, 130b. Therefore, the output signal can be proportional to the product of the current and the flow velocity (determined by the velocity profile of the fluid inside the conduit 110). In a preferred embodiment, the pair of electrodes 140 can be positioned such that the induced voltage can be measured after the velocity profile of the fluid is reformed or modified.

[0038] Before entering the conduit 110, the fluid whose flow rate is to be monitored can pass through various bends, turns, constrictions, and enlargements that affect the velocity profile of the fluid. Furthermore, rotational vortices or eddies generated by the fluid can also distort the velocity profile of the fluid. In some cases, the EM flow meter 100 can be located directly downstream of a bend or an obstruction in the flow line of an industrial plant, thereby distorting the velocity profile of the fluid received by the conduit 110. To address all the issues related to the distorted velocity profile of the fluid in the conduit 110, the EM flow meter 100 includes a flow reformer or ring assembly 160 disposed inside the conduit 110 and upstream of the electromagnetic assembly 120. The ring assembly 160 is disposed on the inner lining wall 112 of the conduit 110 to modify the velocity profile of the fluid flowing through the conduit 110. Figure 2 A shows the distorted velocity profile of the fluid 170 before passing through the ring assembly 160, and the axisymmetric velocity profile of the fluid 180 after passing through the ring assembly 160.

[0039] As shown, the ring assembly 160 can include a ring 190 that is slidably disposed inside the conduit 110 and upstream of the electromagnetic assembly 120. The position of the ring 190 is adjusted to vary the distance “L” between the ring 190 and, thus, the ring assembly 160 and the plane of the pair of electrodes 140. The distance “L” is varied to adaptively modify the velocity profile of the fluid passing through the ring assembly 160. As shown, the ring 190 can be provided with a height “h” that extends uniformly from the inner liner wall 112 of the conduit 110 toward the center of the conduit 110. According to embodiments, the wall thickness of the ring 190 can remain constant across the height “h”. For ring features, the height “h” can correspond to the difference between the outer diameter of the ring 190 and the inner diameter of the ring 190. Thus, the shape and size of the ring assembly 160 can depend on the height “h” and the inner diameter of the ring 190. The dimensions “h” and “L” of the ring 190 can be selected to properly optimize the distorted velocity profile 170 of the fluid flowing upstream of the ring 190 to an axisymmetric velocity profile 180 of the fluid flowing downstream of the ring assembly 160 (i.e., the ring 190). According to some embodiments, the height “h” and length “L” are selected by using a virtual model, such as a digital twin technology, which will be referred to further below. Figure 6 The selected height “h” and length “L” are determined based on geometric ratios, such as a height ratio and a length ratio. The height ratio (h / D) can correspond to the ratio of the height “h” of the ring 190 to the inner diameter “D” of the conduit 110 (or the inner diameter of the EM flow meter 100). The length ratio (L / D) can correspond to the ratio of the distance “L” between the ring 190 (i.e., the ring assembly 160) and the plane of the pair of electrodes 140 to the inner diameter “D” of the conduit 110.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, the dimensions “h” and “L” can also be selected to optimize the pressure drop inside the conduit 110, as well as the induced voltage 140 generated within the fluid flowing through the conduit 110 and measured by the pair of electrodes 140. The optimized pressure drop and induced voltage can be predicted by using the digital twin technology. The digital twin technology can perform a parametric study of the geometric ratios, i.e., (h / D) and (L / D), to evaluate the impact of varying the dimensions, h and L, in order to reform the distorted fluid velocity flow profile and generate accurate flow rate data. The parametric study can generate various parameter ranges of the geometric ratios (h / D) and (L / D) for flow rate conditions, such as but not limited to the flow rate of the fluid, the pressure drop, and the fluid viscosity. The geometric ratios (h / D) and (L / D) are optimized to ensure the results of generating accurate flow rate data, optimized pressure drop, and EMF signal. The height ratio (h / D) is also referred to as the non-dimensional height ratio of the ring assembly 160. The length ratio (L / D) is also referred to as the characteristic non-dimensional length ratio of the ring assembly 160. The optimal geometric ratios (i.e., height and length ratios) can be determined based on characteristic curves obtained from a digital twin (or digital replica) of the EM flow meter. The characteristic curves used to determine the optimal geometric ratios will be referred to further below.Figure 5 A and Figure 5 B provides an explanation and description.

[0041] refer to Figure 2 A and Figure 2 B. The ring assembly 160 may further include one or more sliders, such as a first slider 192 and a second slider 194, attached to the ring 190 to facilitate sliding movement of the ring 190 within the conduit 110 along the central axis 150 of the conduit 150. Thus, sliders 192, 194 facilitate sliding of the ring 190 along the length of the conduit 190 to change the distance “L” between the ring 190 and, consequently, the planes of the ring assembly 160 and the electrode pair 140. In an embodiment, each of sliders 192, 194 may be configured substantially parallel to the central axis 150 and may extend from the ring 190 to the end 196 of the conduit 110. In an embodiment, each of sliders 192, 194 may include a rectangular structure and is adapted to be disposed within a recess 200, 202 defined by the inner liner wall 112. Like sliders 192, 194, each of the recesses 200, 202 extends substantially parallel to the central axis 150 along a portion of the length of the conduit 110. In one embodiment, each of the recesses 200, 202 may extend from end 196 toward the electromagnetic assembly 120. In another embodiment, the dimensions of the recesses 200, 202 may be complementary to the dimensions of the slides 192, 194. In this way, when positioned inside the respective recesses 200, 202, the slides 192, 194 are flush with the inner surface of the conduit 110. In some implementations, the slides 192, 194 may be removably attached to the ring 190. In such cases, the slides can be removed from the conduit 110 after the ring 160 has been positioned in the appropriate or desired location. Furthermore, in such cases, the recesses 200, 202 may be omitted.

[0042] In operation, conduit 110 receives fluid to measure its flow rate. As the fluid flows through ring 190 (i.e., ring assembly 160), the fluid's velocity distribution is reformed or modified. For example, an input distorted velocity distribution, such as velocity flow distribution 170, is reformed by ring 190 and therefore by ring assembly 160 to generate a reformed velocity flow distribution, such as an axisymmetric velocity flow distribution 180. The reformed velocity flow distribution 180 in EM flowmeter 100 can interact with a magnetic field generated by magnetic coils 130a, 130b. The interaction between the reformed velocity flow distribution 180 and the generated magnetic field can generate an induced voltage within the fluid. This induced voltage is measured by paired electrodes 140, upon which the EM flowmeter 100 generates the fluid flow rate. In this way, EM flowmeter 100 corrects / modifies the distorted velocity distribution of the fluid received by conduit 110, thereby reducing the amount of upstream conduit required for more accurate flow rate measurement.

[0043] Figure 3 An exemplary EM flowmeter 100' is shown in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The EM flowmeter 100' is similar in structure and function to the EM flowmeter 100, with the exception that the ring assembly 160' of the EM flowmeter 100' is different from the ring assembly 160 of the EM flowmeter 100. Further, the EM flowmeter 100' will have the same reference numerals for the construction and structural aspects that are similar to the construction and structure of the elements of the EM flowmeter 100. As shown, the ring assembly 160' includes only a ring 190' similar to the ring 190, and the slides 192, 194 and grooves 200, 202 are omitted from the ring assembly 160' and the conduit 110, respectively. Further, instead of an adjustable or slidable ring assembly, the ring 190' and thus the ring assembly 160' of the EM flowmeter 100' is integrally formed with the liner wall 112, and thus the ring assembly 160' (i.e., the ring 190') is held at a fixed distance relative to the pair of electrodes 140.

[0044] Figure 4 An exemplary EM flowmeter 100" is shown in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The EM flowmeter 100" is similar in structure and function to the EM flowmeter 100', with the exception that the ring assembly 160" of the EM flowmeter 100" is different from the ring assembly 160' of the EM flowmeter 100'. Further, the elements of the EM flowmeter 100" will have the same reference numerals for the construction and structural aspects that are similar to the construction and structure of the elements of the EM flowmeter 100'. As shown, the ring assembly 160" includes a ring 190" in the form of a circular groove or cutout extending from the inner surface of the liner wall 112 toward the housing 114, instead of a circular protrusion or hollow disc extending inwardly toward the central axis 150 as with the ring 190' of the EM flowmeter 100'. Thus, the ring assembly 160" of the EM flowmeter 100" is integrally formed with the liner wall 112, and thus the ring assembly 160" (i.e., the ring 190") is held at a fixed distance relative to the pair of electrodes 140. Additionally, the depth of the circular groove or cutout corresponds to the height "h" of the ring 190".

[0045] Figure 5 A graph representation showing the pressure drop trend along the conduit of an EM flowmeter as a function of the h / D ratio (or height ratio) and the measurement error is shown in accordance with an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 5 The graph representation shown in A depicts a characteristic curve for determining an optimal value of the height ratio for a ring assembly of an EM flowmeter. The height ratio (or h / D ratio) can correspond to the ratio of the height "h" of the ring assembly to the diameter "D" of the EM flowmeter. The length ratio can correspond to the ratio of the length "L" between the ring assembly and the electrode plane of the EM flowmeter to the diameter "D". In Figure 5In A, the curve 500 corresponds to the pressure drop of the fluid. Figure 5 The horizontal axis in A shows the height ratio (or h / D ratio) of the EM flowmeter. Figure 5 The vertical axis in A shows the percent measurement error.

[0047] When the value of the height ratio (or h / D ratio) is high, the measurement error due to the twisted velocity flow profile is less. As shown in Figure 5 As shown in A, the higher the h / D ratio, the less the error. Despite the error reduction, the pressure drop curve 500 of the fluid flow increases. The percent pressure drop 500 is observed to increase with the increase in the value of the height ratio (h / D ratio). The horizontal line 540 represents an acceptable pressure drop. For example, such a value of the acceptable percent pressure drop can be obtained from the customer or the operator as one of the specifications.

[0048] Further, in Figure 5 In A, the curve trends corresponding to 510, 520, and 530 show the percent measurement error of the EMF value for various lengths (or distances) between the ring assembly and the plane of the pair of electrodes. The distance is expressed in terms of the geometric ratio L / D of the normalized length, where the normalization factor is the inner diameter “D” of the conduit or the diameter of the EM flowmeter. Despite the different values of the percent measurement error, each length ratio 510, 520, and 530 exhibits a similar trend in the percent measurement error. Each of the curve trends corresponding to 510, 520, and 530 is obtained by fixing the characteristic dimensionless length ratio L / D and varying the height ratio (h / D) of the ring assembly 160 while estimating the percent measurement error.

[0049] Figure 5 B shows a graphical representation showing the signal strength as a function of the L / D ratio of the EM flowmeter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 The graphical representation of B depicts a characteristic curve 550 for determining the optimal value of the length ratio of the ring assembly of the EM flowmeter.

[0050] In Figure 5 In B, the estimated signal strength of the EMF is shown along the vertical axis, while the length ratio (L / D) is shown along the horizontal axis. The curve 550 depicts a slight increase in the EMF signal strength of the estimated EMF as the L / D ratio value increases. However, there is a significant drop in the EMF signal strength beyond a certain value of the L / D ratio. As shown in Figure 5 As shown in B, the EMF signal strength drops with the L3 / D ratio. The EMF signal is optimized by varying the L / D ratio value. The variation in the numerical value can be performed by performing a parametric study on the geometric ratio of the digital twin of the EM flowmeter using the digital twin technology. From the parametric study, the value of the length ratio (L / D ratio) at which the EMF signal strength is maximum for an acceptable fluid pressure drop is selected as the optimized L / D ratio.

[0051] Therefore, characteristic curves are plotted based on geometric ratios (i.e., height ratio and length ratio). Figure 5 A and Figure 6 (As shown in B), this geometric ratio is generated based on the digital twin of the EM flow meter. The optimal values ​​of the height ratio (h / D) and length ratio (L / D) are obtained using the digital twin of the EM flow meter generated using digital twin technology. For example, the optimized height ratio is represented by k1, and the optimized length ratio is represented by k2. The h / D = k1 and L / D = k2 values ​​are universal and applicable to any flow meter with a diameter D = 25 to 500 mm.

[0052] Using a digital twin, parameter studies are performed on h / D and L / D to determine the optimal geometry and dimensions for configuring the loop assembly. In some example embodiments, the digital twin can be determined using a physics-based model. The construction of the flow loop assembly and the EM flow meter will refer to... Figure 6 Further explanation.

[0053] Figure 6 A block diagram 600 illustrates a ring assembly for configuring an EM flow meter according to an embodiment to reshape the torsional velocity flow distribution of fluid flowing within the EM flow meter's conduit. A user 610, user equipment (UE) 620, network 630, computing device 640, and physical system 650 are shown. UE 620 may also include a user interface 620a. Computing device 640 may also include a digital twin frame 640a (or digital twin 640a). Physical system 650 may also include an EM flow meter 650a. According to an embodiment, physical system 650 may be installed in an industrial automation process, such as, but not limited to, wastewater management industrial processes. According to an embodiment, user 610 may be associated with UE 620. According to an embodiment, user 610 may correspond to a person, operator, or customer.

[0054] As previously mentioned, the EM flow meter 650a may include a flow ring assembly. The ring assembly can be manufactured based on the height dimension "h" and length dimension "L" suitable for the EM flow meter 650a. Determining the height and length dimensions of the ring assembly optimizes the results of the EM flow meter 650a, namely, accurate flow rate data, optimized pressure drop, or optimized EMF signal strength.

[0055] In the illustrative example scenario, the user 610 uses the UE 620 to provide the specification of the EM flow meter 650a to the network 630. Some examples of the UE 620 can include, but are not limited to, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile device, or an electronic device. The specification of the EM flow meter 650a can include, for example, but is not limited to, the size of the EM flow meter, a predefined range of fluid flow rate, a predefined accuracy level of flow measurement, a predefined fluid pressure drop of process conditions, a predetermined strength of the EMF signal measured by the pair of electrodes of the EM flow meter 650a. According to some embodiments, the specification of the EM flow meter 650a can be uploaded to a server (not shown in FIG. 6) or the computing device 640. The computing device 640 can be capable of supporting the analog processing requirements associated with the EM flow meter 650a. For example, the specification of the EM flow meter 650a can be uploaded to a server associated with the network 630. Figure 5

[0056] The network 630 can include suitable logic, circuitry, and interfaces that can provide a plurality of network ports and a plurality of communication channels for transmission and reception of data. Each network port can correspond to a virtual address (or a physical machine address) for transmission and reception of communication data. For example, the virtual address can be an Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) (or an IPv6 address), while the physical address can be a Media Access Control (MAC) address. The network 630 can be associated with an application layer for implementing a communication protocol based on one or more communication requests from at least one of the one or more communication devices. The communication data can be transmitted or received via the communication protocol. Examples of such wired and wireless communication protocols can include, but are not limited to, a Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), a User Datagram Protocol (UDP), a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), a File Transfer Protocol (FTP), ZigBee, EDGE, Infrared (IR), IEEE 802.11, 802.16, a cellular communication protocol, and / or a Bluetooth (BT) communication protocol.

[0057] Examples of the network 630 can include, but are not limited to, a wireless channel, a wired channel, a combination of wireless and wired channels. The wireless or wired channel can be associated with a network standard that can be defined by one of a Local Area Network (LAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), a Wireless Local Area Network (WAN), a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN), a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), and a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). Additionally, the wired channel can be selected based on a bandwidth standard. For example, a Fibre Channel can be used for high-bandwidth communication. Further, a coaxial cable-based or an Ethernet-based communication channel can be used for moderate-bandwidth communication.

[0058] ​Specifications of the EM flowmeter 650a can be imported from the server to the computing device 640. The computing device 640 can include preconfigured application software to generate a digital replica, i.e., a digital twin of the EM flowmeter 650a and a simulated environment of the digital twin. In some example embodiments, the simulated environment can be defined by various operating states and characteristic features of the digital twin. The various operating states and characteristic features can be uploaded to the server via the network 630. For example, the server can be associated with the physical system 650. The user 610 associated with the UE 620 or a user associated with the physical system 650 can upload and store the various operating states and characteristic features of the simulated environment to the server, according to embodiments. Although not explicitly shown in the figure, a gateway device can also be used to interface the manufacturing team associated with the EM flowmeter 650a with the server. The operating states and characteristic features can also define field conditions, such as electrical conductivity of the fluid, viscosity of the fluid, density of the fluid, temperature of the fluid, pressure of the fluid, current power settings on the magnetic coil, geometry of the magnetic coil, or characteristic properties of the conduit, such as but not limited to size of the conduit, material of the conduit, upstream features of the conduit, roughness of the conduit.

[0059] In some example embodiments, the digital twin 640a and the simulated environment of the digital twin 640a are created using physics-based digital replication tools in conjunction with mathematical techniques to optimize the dimensions (i.e., h and L) and geometric ratios (h / D and L / D) of the ring assembly. Various techniques can be employed for the simulation. For example, finite element analysis (FEA) or reduced basis finite element analysis (RB-FEA) can be used to generate the digital twin 640a and the simulated environment. Techniques such as solving Maxwell’s equations can be used to model aspects related to magnetism and induced EMF for the digital twin. Fluid flow related properties or conditions of the simulated environment can be defined using techniques such as Navier-Stokes equations and mass, momentum, and energy conservation equations.

[0060] The computing device 640 uses the digital twin 640a to determine dimensions (such as height and length dimensions) of the ring assembly of the EM flowmeter 650a. The digital twin 640a solves physics-based equations related to magnetism (such as Maxwell’s equations) and flow dynamics (such as Navier-Stokes equations) and predicts outcomes of the EM flowmeter 650a, such as but not limited to flow accuracy, pressure drop, and EMF signal strength. In some example embodiments, the computing device 640 performs parametric studies using the digital twin 640a. Parametric studies are performed on geometric ratios (i.e., height ratio (h / D) and length (or distance) ratio (L / D)). Based on the parametric studies, various parametric ranges of h / D and L / D are generated for any given flow rate conditions, such as flow rate, pressure drop, fluid viscosity, etc. As Figure 5 A and Figure 3In B, the parameter ranges are plotted to depict a graphical representation of a characteristic curve for determining the optimum values of the height ratio and length ratio. Using the mathematical techniques integrated with the digital twin, such as FEA, RB-FEA, and gradient optimization, the ratios h / D and L / D are optimized ensuring that the specifications of the EM flow meter 650a specification provided by the user 610 are met. Based on the optimized geometric ratios, the dimensions of the ring assembly, i.e., height “h” and length “L” are selected. The optimized dimensions are communicated to the manufacturing team for manufacturing and assembling the EM flow meter 650a and the ring assembly of the EM flow meter 650a.

[0061] In this manner, example embodiments of the present disclosure can result in the reformation of the distorted velocity flow profile of the fluid with the ring assembly of the EM flow meter to generate accurate fluid flow rate data. The ring assembly can correspond to a ring assembly that is easy to configure due to the simplicity of the structure. The ring assembly can also help in reducing the pressure drop of the fluid. The ring assembly (e.g., ring assembly 160) is equipped with a slider that enables the ring assembly to slide inside the conduit of the EM flow meter and fit the ring assembly into the plurality of grooves cut on the inner liner of the conduit. Further, the ring assembly can be configured based on the dimensions and size ratios optimized using the digital twin of the EM flow meter. This provides flexibility to the user to specify the desired outcome corresponding to the measurement accuracy, pressure drop, or signal strength. Further, the ring assembly can be configured within the EM flow meter as shown in Figure 4 and ​ This reduces the inventory cost as the same EM flow meter can be able to be used as the ring assembly. In case a smooth upstream conduit / pipeline is available, the user 610 need not select a separate ring assembly. In such cases, the calibration coefficients of the EM flow meter can be tested without the ring assembly. This can avoid the necessity of developing different variants of the flow meter of similar size (full-bore or reduced-bore flow meter) while saving the inventory cost.

[0062] Those of skill in the art who have benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings will realize numerous modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein. Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other combinations of elements and / or functions are also possible and are contemplated within the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, elements and / or functions from one example embodiment can be interchanged with elements and / or functions from another example embodiment while still being deemed to fall within the scope of the present disclosure, as set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic flow meter for monitoring a flow rate of a fluid, the electromagnetic flow meter comprising: a conduit for facilitating flow of the fluid; an electromagnetic assembly coupled to the conduit and adapted to generate a magnetic field inside the conduit; a ring assembly that alters a velocity profile of the fluid disposed on an inner lining wall of the conduit, wherein a position of the ring assembly is adjustable at a predetermined distance along the inner lining wall of the conduit to differently reform the velocity profile of the fluid to an axisymmetric flow velocity profile based on the position of the ring assembly; and a pair of electrodes mounted to the conduit and disposed downstream of the ring assembly, the pair of electrodes detect an induced voltage generated in the reformed fluid due to the magnetic field, wherein the flow rate of the fluid is determined based on the induced voltage.

2. The electromagnetic flow meter of claim 1, wherein the ring assembly comprises: a ring adapted to slide inside the conduit, and one or more runners attached to the ring and extending parallel to a central axis of the ring, wherein the one or more runners facilitate the sliding of the ring inside the conduit.

3. The electromagnetic flow meter of claim 2, wherein the inner lining wall of the conduit defines one or more grooves extending parallel to a central axis of the conduit from an end of the conduit to receive the one or more runners.

4. The electromagnetic flow meter of claim 2, wherein the one or more runners are removably coupled to the ring.

5. The electromagnetic flow meter of claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance is a distance between the ring assembly and a plane of the pair of electrodes.

6. The electromagnetic flow meter of claim 5, wherein the predetermined distance is calculated by using a virtual model.

7. The electromagnetic flow meter of claim 6, wherein the virtual model determines the distance between the ring assembly and the plane of the pair of electrodes and a height of a ring of the ring assembly based on one or more operating states.

8. The electromagnetic flow meter of claim 1, wherein the ring assembly is disposed upstream of the electromagnetic assembly.

9. The electromagnetic flow meter of claim 1, wherein the pair of electrodes are disposed diametrically opposite to each other.

10. The electromagnetic flow meter of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic assembly comprises one or more coils for generating a magnetic field inside the conduit. ​

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