Large-diameter multi-channel horizontally partitioned beam-type ultrasonic flowmeter

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of flow metering equipment, and particularly relates to a large-diameter multi-channel horizontal partitioned reflection type ultrasonic flow meter, aiming at solving the problems of low metering range ratio, low metering accuracy and the gap between the optimal solution of the development of large-diameter ultrasonic water meter technology. The present application adopts the following measures: transducer sound path maximization layout, partitioned flow channel resistant to turbulent flow interference, low pressure loss consistency flow channel, multi-channel transducer mode, partitioned metering, pipe body mode processed by pipe segments, local sealing mode, layout considering easy installation of temperature and pressure sensors, flow meter processing and installation consistency mode, so that the present application realizes maximization of metering range ratio, minimization of starting flow value, maximization of sound wave energy transmission amplitude between ultrasonic transducers, has the characteristics of resistance to fluid turbulent flow interference, and meets the requirement of high metering accuracy within the range in various actual application occasions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of flow metering equipment, and specifically relates to a large-diameter multi-channel horizontal zone through-beam ultrasonic flow meter. Background Technology

[0002] In the era of the Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence, and industrial automation, the replacement of mechanical or electromechanical flow meters with fully electronic flow meters has become an irreversible trend in the metering of water, heat, and gas supply for both industrial and residential use.

[0003] Depending on the specific application requirements, the fluid metering industry or applications expect standard flow metering instruments that are compatible with a wide range of diameters and specifications, have low pressure loss, high accuracy, high reliability, no wear-resistant components, and are durable and economical. Currently, the most widely used all-electronic flow metering devices worldwide are electromagnetic flow meters and the emerging ultrasonic flow meters.

[0004] Ultrasonic flow meters have emerged alongside technological breakthroughs in their time-difference timing chips (between 2012 and 2017, international companies such as AMS, D-FLOW, and TI successively launched relatively advanced time-difference timing chips, currently achieving resolutions of 5-10 ps, ​​fully meeting the needs of water metering applications). In contrast to electromagnetic flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters sample using time-difference digital signals (while electromagnetic flow meters sample using analog signals). Taking water meters as an example, they have outstanding technical advantages: smaller starting flow rate (e.g., capable of measuring liquids with flow velocities of 0.8–1 mm / s), wider range ratio, the ability to actively measure process time difference with sound waves, convert it into fluid velocity and temperature, and simultaneously compensate for volume changes in measurement (for which electromagnetic flow meters require the installation of a thermometer), larger diameter multi-channel measurement with higher accuracy and safety (while electromagnetic flow meters only have a pair of coils and corresponding electrodes, and must be scrapped if a coil fails), and the ability to measure various low-viscosity liquids (electromagnetic flow meters cannot measure low-conductivity liquids, such as pure water). In addition, they can also measure / meter gases such as fuel gas (electromagnetic flow meters cannot measure gas flow).

[0005] So, how should the technological development direction and principles for upgrading and improving ultrasonic water meters be defined? Generally, the performance indicators of a flowmeter are metering accuracy and range ratio. Metering accuracy is the ratio of the flowmeter's measured flow rate to the actual flow rate. Improving fluid flow stability and batch production consistency are crucial conditions for determining metering accuracy. The range ratio, under the condition of guaranteed metering accuracy, is the ratio of the commonly used flow rate to the minimum flow rate, reflecting the range that can be accurately measured. Increasing the effective distance between ultrasonic transducers is a necessary condition for improving the range ratio. Clearly, the higher the metering accuracy and the larger the range ratio, the better the metering performance of the flowmeter.

[0006] In recent years, the metering industry has seen significant improvements in the practical application of ultrasonic flow meters. The composition of an ultrasonic flow meter, besides the time-of-flight totalizer circuit, includes a transducer, transducer installation method, and flow channel structure. The performance of the former determines the minimum measurable flow rate, while the overall architecture of the latter determines the comprehensive performance and quality of the ultrasonic flow meter. Taking water meters as an example, especially under the constraints of the new water meter standards, the industry has clarified the direction of technological development, and the optimal solution should follow the principles summarized below:

[0007] (1) Principle of Maximizing Sound Path: To ensure that ultrasonic water meters have a large range ratio, the mode of maximizing the sound path between ultrasonic transducers should be adopted for large-diameter flow meters, especially water meters. This is because for water meters, the large range ratio is an extremely important indicator for trade settlement and is also the most important technical indicator of water meters, which is quite different from industrial flow meters. For example, in a certain factory, the water consumption during the daytime production period is 500 times that at night. If the flow meter has a low range ratio (e.g., range ratio R = 200), then in order to take into account the measurement of the large flow range during the day, the measurement of the small flow range at night will inevitably be neglected. In other words, the flow meter may not be able to measure at small flow rates or the measurement error may be very large (the accuracy value is too negative, such as the current rotary mechanical water meters), which will inevitably cause measurement losses for the water supplier. To ensure a large range ratio and fair trade settlement in ultrasonic water meters, the projected distance of the line connecting the two transducers of the ultrasonic water meter in the direction of water flow in the main pipe should be maximized to obtain a larger range ratio and a smaller starting flow rate. (For water meters, the Chinese national standard increased the maximum value of the range ratio or flow ratio to R=1000 in 2018).

[0008] (2) Transducer-to-transmitter installation principle: In a through-beam installation, the acoustic signal is directly transmitted and received between a pair of transducers, resulting in the strongest effective signal amplitude. Large-diameter flow meters are relatively large, and to ensure signal reception strength, the transducers should be installed in a through-beam configuration. In a transducer-to-reflection installation, due to one or more reflecting surfaces, there is energy loss during acoustic wave reflection (ideally, when the reflecting surface is large enough, the energy loss is 10-20%, which generally does not affect measurement). Especially when the reflecting surface has an angular deviation or scale buildup after use, the energy loss can reach 40-60%, which will seriously affect normal measurement. Therefore, in recent years, large-diameter flow meters have largely phased out the through-beam acoustic wave reflection transmission and reception mode.

[0009] (3) Multi-channel principle: In order to ensure high metering accuracy and reliability of large-diameter ultrasonic water meters, large-diameter ultrasonic flow meters should adopt a multi-channel mode (i.e., multiple sets of transducers). This is because, in addition to being able to calculate the fluid at different levels in the pipe separately, thus improving metering accuracy and precision, the multi-channel mode is also an important guarantee of metering reliability (if the excitation coil of an electromagnetic flow meter is broken, the flow meter will be scrapped; while a multi-channel ultrasonic flow meter, even if one or more pairs of transducers are damaged, can still perform flow metering as long as one pair remains working).

[0010] (4) Inner tube wall integrity principle: In order to improve the metering accuracy of ultrasonic flowmeters and reduce fluid resistance, the inner tube wall of the flowmeter should be intact. The uneven structure on the flowmeter channel surface due to the installation of transducers will cause fluid turbulence, which will have a significant impact on the metering accuracy, range ratio and consistency of small flow rates.

[0011] (5) Advanced Manufacturing Process Principle: To reduce manufacturing costs and facilitate manufacturing, superior manufacturing processes should be adopted to ensure that large-diameter ultrasonic water meters have high metering accuracy, consistency, and reliability. The high-cost, complex, and low-precision casting process should be avoided when processing flow meter pipe sections. Instead, drawn or forged finished pipe sections should be welded and manufactured. This is because pipe sections manufactured using casting processes, besides having thicker walls (thin walls are difficult to cast and prone to pinholes) and higher costs, also exhibit significant differences in the consistency of their inner diameters (making inner hole machining difficult when there is a reduction in diameter). This makes the calibration of large-diameter flow meters labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring individual correction and compensation for each flow meter base meter.

[0012] (6) Low pressure loss principle: The flow meter channel should not be narrowed as much as possible to reduce pressure loss. In order to overcome the disadvantage of short sound path, i.e. low range ratio, many inclined insertion flow meters are currently narrowed, and some even make the flow meter channel into a flat cavity, such as patent authorization announcement number CN 202083425 U, in order to increase the relative flow velocity (because the minimum effective time difference that the time difference chip can calculate is a fixed value. In order to obtain effective calculation, when this minimum value is not reached, increasing the flow velocity can increase the time difference). In addition to increasing the pressure loss of the flow meter, this will also cause the local flow velocity of the fluid to be too fast due to excessive narrowing at the normal flow rate Q3 or overload flow rate Q4, resulting in water whitening (i.e., a small part of the water is vaporized by the flow channel). As a result, the flow meter will stop measuring (the sound velocity of the gaseous water will be greatly reduced, and the time difference value will be disordered). This is why many large-diameter ultrasonic water cannot be measured under high flow conditions.

[0013] (7) Anti-turbulence interference principle: As is well known, the generally accepted standard for flowmeter installation is to ensure a 10:5 ratio before and after the flowmeter, meaning the straight pipe section at the front end is ten times the length of the flowmeter and the straight pipe section at the rear end is five times the length of the flowmeter, in order to guarantee the effective range ratio and measurement accuracy of the flowmeter. This requirement is especially necessary for flowmeters with larger diameters. However, in some special cases, particularly when installed in a confined space within a pipe shaft, if there are bends at the front and rear ends, it is impossible to guarantee the 10:5 ratio before and after the flowmeter. In this case, because the fluid flows into the flowmeter from the bend, its velocity distribution is severely biased to one side. For ultrasonic flowmeters with insufficient sound channels, the range ratio and measurement accuracy of the flowmeter will be greatly reduced. This has been a long-standing problem in the industry. If the requirement that there should be no straight pipe sections before and after the flowmeter can be resolved, it will provide a strong guarantee for the application of flowmeters in various complex situations.

[0014] (8) Consistency principle; The installation of large-diameter flow meter tubes and transducers, namely the flow channel processing and transducer assembly installation process, must have high precision and consistency (cast tubes cannot achieve high consistency). This determines the quality of mass production of flow meters. This level determines the flow meter grade level and whether it is time-saving and labor-saving during its calibration.

[0015] (9) Pipe body sealing safety principle: For flow meters with larger diameters, using a sealing ring of the same size as the pipe diameter to solve the pipe body sealing problem is difficult to install and poses a risk to the sealing effect. Therefore, smaller sealing rings should be used as much as possible to ensure the reliability and durability of the seal.

[0016] (10) Adaptability principle: Facilitate the installation of pressure and temperature sensors (adapt to different applications, such as heating metering and gas metering).

[0017] (11) Simple structure and easy assembly principle: The structure is simplified and the installation is unique, so the whole is easy to assemble and can ensure that the flow meter is stable and reliable with high consistency.

[0018] According to the standards of the above principles, the existing technology still has defects or deficiencies.

[0019] The installation of obliquely inserted transducers has a short sound path, few sound channels, and high requirements for the precision of oblique hole processing: For example, the patent authorization announcement number CN201993129U is obliquely inserted, and the projection distance of the line connecting the two transducers in the direction of water flow in the pipe section is very short, which does not conform to principle (1); in addition, when the diameter is small, there is no space at the outer end of the pipe to install more sound channels, which does not conform to principle (3); there is a transducer protrusion in the flow channel, which does not conform to principle (4). The oblique hole angle for installing transducers is very high. If the angle is slightly off, the sound wave reception intensity will be greatly reduced, so the processing is difficult.

[0020] Vertical transducer installation offers significant improvements in sound path length and allows for more channels compared to angled insertion, as illustrated in patent application CN 208921195 U. However, this columnar transducer installation structure, with columns arranged on both sides of the pipe, and the angled beam pattern between these transducers relative to the water flow direction, necessitates the removal of a portion of the internal pipe, disrupting the internal flow channels (as shown in the patent appendix). Figure 3 This disruption generates turbulence at low flow rates, resulting in low accuracy at low flow rates and affecting the range ratio, which is inconsistent with principle (4). In addition, this mode can only be cast, which is inefficient, inconsistent, and costly, which is inconsistent with principle (5).

[0021] The inclined insert type with an inner liner is a relatively new model, as disclosed in application publication number CN 111121895 A. Compared to the previous two models, it offers improvements in the number of channels, sound path, flow channel integrity, and ease of housing manufacturing (it can be directly welded from pre-cast tubing without casting). However, this model also has drawbacks: since the transducers are mounted on the inner liner and arranged in a ring on both sides, directly encapsulating the transducers on the inner liner is very difficult due to the large angle and ring distribution of the transducer holes. If even one encapsulation fails, the entire tube must be scrapped. If independent transducers are installed separately, the limited thickness of the inner liner, the large angle of the holes, and the narrow space make sealing and fixing difficult. Furthermore, because the thickness of the inner liner for transducer installation is limited, as the spacing between transducers increases, the angle of the mounting holes for through-beam transducers increases, and the edge of the holes becomes thinner, further restricting the installation space. Therefore, the spacing between a pair of transducers cannot be maximized within the limited tube length, and the relative sound path cannot be maximized. As shown in the patent, this mode uses a large sealing ring with the same inner diameter as the pipe to seal the liner to the inside of the metal pipe. The durability and safety cannot be guaranteed, which is inconsistent with principle (9). This solution seals the entire liner to the inside of the pipe sleeve as a whole. Therefore, it is difficult to install temperature or pressure sensors on the pipe body, which is contrary to principle (10). In addition, the installation structure of this transducer cannot achieve the partitioning and isolation of the flow channel, so it cannot achieve principle (7) and has limited resistance to turbulence.

[0022] Patent publication number CN 104614026 A describes a transducer installed in the middle of the pipe cavity (although the patent states that "two ultrasonic reflection devices are installed inside", it should actually be two through-beam transducers). According to the patent, the inner cavity is equipped with a flat circular flow divider, which limits the installation of the transducer to the center of the pipe. Therefore, the flow meter described in the patent is a single-channel flow meter, which does not conform to principle (3). In addition, in order to facilitate processing and to have space for the sealing and output port of the transducer signal line, the patent shows that the position of the transducer signal line output port is away from the flange and close to the middle of the pipe section, while the transducer is placed below the outlet. Therefore, this structure does not consider maximizing the sound path and has a limited range ratio, which does not conform to principle (1).

[0023] In conclusion, based on currently published patents, there is still a lack of comprehensive and effective solutions for large-diameter ultrasonic water meters that can meet the above eleven principles as much as possible. Summary of the Invention

[0024] In view of the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention proposes a large-diameter multi-channel horizontally zoned through-beam ultrasonic flow meter, which provides a horizontal through-beam installation structure for multi-channel transducers; applies the principle of maximizing the sound path of ultrasonic flow meters; and, in particular, proposes a multi-channel horizontal through-beam zoned metering mode and its specific implementation. This structure can suppress the influence of turbulence in the water flow process, significantly improve the anti-interference capability and measurement accuracy of large-diameter water meters, and conforms to the development trend of large-diameter ultrasonic flow meter technology.

[0025] The performance indicators of a flow meter are measurement accuracy and range ratio. Measurement accuracy is the ratio of the flow meter's measured flow rate to the actual flow rate. The range ratio is the ratio of the commonly used flow rate that meets a certain measurement accuracy requirement to the minimum flow rate, reflecting the range that can be accurately measured. Clearly, the better the flow meter's measurement performance, the better it can suppress the effects of turbulence in the water flow process, the higher its measurement accuracy, and the larger its range ratio. Based on this, the following two important conclusions are drawn from in-depth analysis of this case:

[0026] (I) Conclusions regarding the metrological quality of ultrasonic flow meters

[0027] In the field of water metering, the range ratio R is defined as R = Q3 / Q1, where Q3 is the common flow rate corresponding to a certain pipe diameter, which is a given value; Q1 is the minimum flow rate that meets certain metering accuracy requirements (for example, the metering accuracy of a two-stage flow meter is ±5%).

[0028] Through in-depth analysis and derivation, this paper arrives at an important conclusion: For fluid passing through the flow meter pipeline, the measured starting flow rate (i.e., the minimum flow rate that the flow meter can sense and measure) Q q The lower (corresponding to its flow velocity V) q The lower the value, the lower the V. q(This is related to the resolution of the time-of-flight chip in the ultrasonic flow meter and the pipeline structure of the flow meter). Correspondingly, Q1 will also decrease proportionally (i.e., the corresponding minimum flow velocity V1 will decrease). Typically, in practical applications, its empirical value is Q1 = (5~10)Q q (Q1 varies depending on the ultrasonic flowmeter circuit and transducer, resulting in overall zero drift, and the water resistance design of the flowmeter pipeline.) Therefore, for a given flowmeter diameter (where the time interval between Q3 and Q1 flowing through the flowmeter pipeline is equal), the relationship between the range ratio R and the distance L between the two transducers can be derived as follows:

[0029]

[0030] In the above formula, Q3 is the common flow rate of a certain diameter flow meter, V3 is the flow velocity of the fluid in the flow meter pipeline corresponding to Q3, Q1 is the minimum flow rate to meet certain measurement accuracy requirements, and V1 is the flow velocity of the fluid in the flow meter pipeline corresponding to Q1. For a certain diameter flow meter, Q3 and V3 are constants (selected values), π is pi, r is the inner radius of the flow meter pipeline, t is the measurement time, L is the distance between the opposing surfaces of the two transducers in the ultrasonic flow meter pipeline, α is the angle between the line connecting the two transducers in the direction of water flow in the flow meter pipeline (α is an acute angle; when α = 0, the line connecting the two transducers is in the same direction as the water flow, cos(α) = 1), k is a known quantity related to the measurement time difference and sound velocity of the flow meter, and β = V3 / 10k is a constant. V1 is calculated using the ultrasonic flow meter time difference formula. q The conclusion is that Therefore, in specific calculations, V1 is calculated as V1 = 10V q Substituting the values, we can draw the following conclusions from the above formula for R:

[0031] Increasing the projected distance L·cos(α) between the two transducers in the direction of water flow in the flowmeter pipeline can effectively improve the flowmeter's range ratio R.

[0032] (II) Conclusion on the stability of flow velocity in parallel small-diameter pipes

[0033] For fluid flow within a pipe, fluid mechanics states that the Reynolds number is a criterion for determining whether fluid flow is laminar or turbulent. It is a measure of the ratio of inertial force to viscous force, and it is a dimensionless number. When the Reynolds number is low, the influence of viscous force on the flow field is greater than that of inertial force. Disturbances in the flow velocity are attenuated by viscous force, resulting in stable, laminar flow. Conversely, when the Reynolds number is high, the influence of inertial force on the flow field is greater than that of viscous force. The fluid flow is less stable, accompanied by pulsations, and small changes in velocity easily develop and intensify, forming turbulent and irregular flow. Here is a theoretical and experimental derivation:

[0034] Let the inner diameter of the large-diameter straight pipe be D, the flow velocity of the fluid in the pipe be V, the density of the fluid be ρ, and the dynamic viscosity of the fluid be μ. Then the fluid flow area of the large-diameter straight pipe is A = πD 2 / 4, the mass flow rate of the fluid is G = AρV, and the Reynolds number of the fluid is Re = ρVD / μ. If the fluid in the large-diameter straight pipe is introduced into a combined flow channel composed of n straight pipes with a small pipe diameter d in parallel, and the total fluid flow rate of the combined flow channel is kept the same as the fluid flow rate of the large-diameter straight pipe, and the flow area of the combined flow channel Az = nπd 2 / 4 is the same as the fluid flow area A of the large-diameter straight pipe, that is, Az = A, then the Reynolds number of the fluid in the straight pipe with a small pipe diameter d in the combined flow channel is Thus, when n > 1, the following conclusion can be drawn:

[0035] The Reynolds number Rez of the fluid in the straight pipe with a small pipe diameter d in the combined flow channel is less than the Reynolds number Re of the fluid in the large-diameter straight pipe, that is, Rez < Re. For example, when n = 9, Rez = Re / 3. This reveals that the Reynolds number of the fluid in the straight pipe with a small pipe diameter d in the combined flow channel is smaller than that of the fluid in the large-diameter straight pipe. That is, the fluid flow in the straight pipe with a small pipe diameter d in the combined flow channel has higher stability, smaller pulsation, and more accurate ultrasonic measurement of the fluid flow velocity. Especially when installing a flow meter in a place with a small space in a pipe shaft, if there are elbow pipes at the front or rear, it is impossible to ensure the strict condition that there must be a straight pipe length of five diameters before and five diameters after the installation location of the flow meter. However, by using the metering method of the combined flow channel, not only can the fluid be automatically rectified, but also the strict condition that there must be a straight pipe length of five diameters before and five diameters after the installation location of the flow meter can be eliminated or reduced, improving the metering accuracy.

[0036] The technical solution of this invention is as follows: following the above two conclusions and the principles of technological development trends and optimal solutions for ultrasonic water meters in recent years, the invention adopts the following methods: maximizing the ultrasonic transducer path (i.e., maximizing the range ratio), arranging the transducers to resist turbulence interference in the zoned water meter flow channel, using a low-pressure-loss flow channel shape and ensuring the flow channel is complete, employing a multi-channel transducer arrangement mode, zoned metering, processing the pipe body from pipe sections (not casting), and a local sealing method. It also considers the layout structure for easy installation of temperature and pressure sensors, resulting in a high degree of consistency between flow meter processing and installation. The connection between the ultrasonic water meter and the external flow rate pipeline is a flow meter tube sleeve. Parallel transducer horizontal fixing brackets are arranged at both ends within the I-shaped flow meter tube sleeve, forming a multi-channel ultrasonic transducer horizontal through-beam installation structure. The transducer horizontal fixing bracket support column is correspondingly combined with several radially arranged zone guide baffles. The transducers are located in the center of the transducer horizontal fixing bracket and distributed in a ring shape. Each sector has one (or more) pairs of transducers, forming a multi-channel horizontal through-beam zone structure. Several zone guide baffles radiate outwards from the center horizontal line of the tube sleeve, forming a grid structure for the zones. Within the tube sleeve's cross-section, according to... Based on the support columns on the horizontal fixed bracket structure of the transducer and the number of multiple transducers, the flow channel is divided and isolated into several fan-shaped small flow channels, which are connected to the support columns on the horizontal fixed brackets of the transducers at both ends. A pair of transducers are located in the middle area of ​​the front and rear ends of the fan-shaped small flow channels to achieve zoned metering. A hollow support column of the horizontal fixed bracket of the transducer is set with a slanted hole structure for the lead wire of the transducer to be led out from the transducer lead wire fixing seat and into the instrument box to connect with the totalizing circuit PCB. With the cooperation of the set temperature sensor fixing seat, pressure sensor fixing seat, instrument box and its fixing nut 2, a large-diameter multi-channel horizontal zoned through-beam ultrasonic flow meter is formed.

[0037] This invention relates to a large-diameter multi-channel horizontal zoned through-beam ultrasonic flow meter, characterized in that it includes a pipe sleeve, a transducer, a transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure, a support column for the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure ring, a zoned flow guide baffle, a transducer lead wire fixing seat, a temperature sensor fixing seat, a pressure sensor fixing seat, and a fixing nut 2.

[0038] By installing two parallel transducer horizontal fixing brackets within the I-shaped flowmeter tube sleeve, a multi-channel ultrasonic transducer horizontal through-beam mounting structure is formed. The support columns of the transducer horizontal fixing bracket's structural ring are correspondingly combined with several radially arranged zone guide baffles. The transducers are centrally located within the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure and distributed in a ring, with one (or more) pairs of transducers in each sector, thus forming a multi-channel horizontal through-beam zone structure. The inclined hole structure of the lead-out wires on the hollow structural ring support columns of the transducer horizontal fixing bracket allows the two transducer horizontal fixing brackets to be positioned as close as possible to the target area. The two ends inside the tube sleeve allow the transducer's main lead wire to be led out from the transducer lead wire fixing seat and into the instrument box to connect with the totalizing circuit PCB. With the cooperation of the temperature sensor fixing seat, pressure sensor fixing seat, instrument box and its fixing nut 2, a large-diameter multi-channel horizontal zone through-beam ultrasonic flow meter is formed, which maximizes the metering range ratio, minimizes the starting flow value, and maximizes the amplitude of sound wave energy transfer between ultrasonic transducers. It has anti-fluid turbulence interference characteristics and meets the requirements of high metering accuracy in various practical application scenarios, ensuring the accuracy and fairness of trade settlement.

[0039] The partitioned flow guide baffles are rectangular thin metal plates, the thickness of which can be selected according to the flowmeter diameter. Several partitioned flow guide baffles radiate outwards from the center horizontal line of the tube sleeve to form a grid structure, which is fixed inside the tube sleeve by horizontal fixing supports at both ends of the transducer. The cross-section inside the flowmeter tube sleeve is divided into several fan-shaped small flow channels according to the number of multiple transducers on the horizontal fixing support structure, and these channels are connected to the support columns on the horizontal fixing supports at both ends of the transducer. A pair of transducers is located in the middle area of ​​the front and rear end faces of the fan-shaped small flow channels.

[0040] The purpose of introducing partitioned flow guides and partitions is to ensure that the Reynolds number of the fluid in each combined flow channel is less than that of the fluid in a large-diameter straight pipe. This results in higher stability and less pulsation of the fluid flow within each combined flow channel, leading to more accurate ultrasonic measurement of fluid velocity. Therefore, the combined flow channel metering method not only enables automatic fluid rectification but also eliminates or reduces the strict requirement of a 10-unit straight pipe length before and after the flow meter installation, thus improving metering accuracy.

[0041] The transducer horizontal fixing bracket consists of a transducer horizontal fixing bracket structural component and an annular flow guide shroud, which is installed inside the flow meter tube and connected to the partition flow guide baffle and the flow guide grid fixing pipe.

[0042] Transducer installation and signal line lead-out process: The transducer horizontal fixed bracket structure has a structural ring in the center, which is connected to the outer ring structure of the transducer horizontal fixed bracket structure through a structural ring support column; the structural ring in the middle has a transducer mounting hole, and the ultrasonic transducer and side sealing ring 2 are installed in the mounting hole in the structural ring and positioned by the rear protrusion of the ultrasonic transducer; the transducer fixing plate is used to press and fix the transducer, and the transducer fixing plate is fixed to the structural ring by a fixing nut 1; the structural ring has a transducer signal line adapter PCB, which is fixed by heat fusion through a PCB fixing head on the structural ring; the inlet and outlet ends of the transducer horizontal fixed bracket structure have annular flow guides on the outside. In order to facilitate the lead-out of the line, the annular flow guide can only be upside down and fastened to the structural ring in the middle of the transducer horizontal fixed bracket structure after the main lead-out line of the transducer is led out from the lead-out line fixing head. To meet the IP68 protection requirement, a two-component high-strength waterproof sealant is injected into the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure through the lead wire oblique hole using a flat-headed fine needle to seal and fix the transducer, transducer signal line, and internal structure ring.

[0043] Regarding the transducer used in this application, it should be noted that the China Metrology Association's Water Meter Committee specifies the standard for the ceramic transducer's parameters, with frequencies of 1MHz, 2MHz, and 4MHz. Transducers with frequencies of 2 / 4MHz are small in size, have short wavelengths, but offer high timing and triggering accuracy. With advancements in packaging technology, industry applications are gradually shifting from 1MHz frequencies, ceramic transducers with a diameter of Φ12-14mm and a convex outer diameter of Φ17mm×Φ21mm, to 2MHz or 4MHz frequencies, ceramic transducers with a diameter of Φ8mm and a convex outer diameter of Φ10mm×Φ14mm. This invention uses a 2MHz or 4MHz ceramic transducer with a diameter of Φ8mm, and its packaged outer diameter is Φ10mm×Φ14mm. Due to its small cross-sectional area, it is easy to install within the structural ring. Furthermore, because the structural ring containing the transducer has a large circular through-hole-shaped annular flow guide in the middle, it guides, divides, and rectifys the fluid internally and externally, resulting in a stable flow field and lower resistance compared to conventional necking rectification.

[0044] In the transducer horizontal fixed support structure, only the transducer's main lead wire passes through the hollow structural ring support column D at the top of the outer ring of the structural ring, communicating with the interior of the structural ring. The hollow structural ring support columns B and A, which install temperature and pressure sensors, have through holes in the middle and are not connected to the interior of the structural ring. The remaining structural ring support columns C are solid columns that connect the outer ring of the structural ring to the inner side of the outer ring of the transducer horizontal fixed support structure, and divide the inner circular tube of the tube sleeve into fan-shaped areas, corresponding one-to-one with the partition flow guide baffles.

[0045] The two transducer horizontal fixing brackets are located inside the pipe sleeve at the pipe flange position, i.e., at the inlet and outlet of the flowmeter. Since these horizontal fixing brackets are used to install and fix multiple sets of multi-channel horizontally opposed ultrasonic transducers, and can be placed at the inlet and outlet ends below the flowmeter flange, according to R = β·L·cos(α), the ultrasonic transducers are horizontally opposed, with the angle α = 0 and cos(α) = 1 between the ultrasonic wave and the water flow direction, R = β·L. By placing the horizontal fixing brackets as close to the ports as possible, the distance L between the transmitting / receiving surfaces of the two ultrasonic transducers is extended, effectively improving the range ratio. Multiple ultrasonic transducer signal lines converge and are soldered onto the signal line adapter PCB, outputting a main lead line, which includes the positive signal line of each transducer and a common ground line; since the two transducer horizontal fixed bracket structures are located at both ends of the flow meter sleeve, the main transducer lead line is connected to the transducer lead line fixing head through the lead line oblique hole and output as the main lead line.

[0046] The purpose of the oblique hole structure in the middle of the structural ring support column D for the transducer lead wire is to facilitate the welding of the transducer lead wire fixing seat. Even if the transducer lead wire fixing seat is located a distance from the inside of the flange, the oblique hole structure allows the main transducer lead wire to be easily led out from the fixing head. Therefore, it ensures that the horizontal fixing bracket of the through-beam transducer, i.e., the end where the transducer is installed at the inlet and outlet, maintains the maximum value of the transducer spacing L, i.e., the maximum sound path, thus improving the range ratio R.

[0047] Besides increasing the sound path, the advantages of horizontally mounted paired transducers aligned with the water flow direction also include reducing sound energy reception loss due to transducer installation: Experiments show that for plane sound waves, when transducers are installed with inclined holes or lined holes, the sound path is long and the effective sound path is short {os(α)<1}, and the angle of the inclined hole is very important. Even a small deviation in angle will significantly reduce the sound wave reception intensity. However, unlike the angle deviation, when two transducers are installed horizontally parallel, if the centers of the parallel surfaces are misaligned by 1 mm, the sound energy reception loss for plane waves is negligible.

[0048] The transducer lead wire fixing seat is located outside the tube sleeve, and the lead wire fixing head is located in the transducer lead wire fixing seat. The lower part of the lead wire fixing head is embedded inside the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure, which plays the role of positioning and fixing the horizontal transducer fixing bracket structure. Symmetrically located below the transducer lead wire fixing seat on the tube sleeve, a temperature sensor fixing seat or a pressure sensor fixing seat is provided, respectively on the other side of the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure, which plays the role of cooperating in positioning and fixing the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure.

[0049] The lead wire fixing head is height-positioned by the positioning surface 1 inside the transducer lead wire fixing seat to ensure the height and flatness of the lead wire fixing head. It ensures that the top sealing ring at the bottom of the lead wire fixing head has a reasonable amount of compression to ensure a seal with the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure. In addition, the lower part of the lead wire fixing head is embedded inside the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure, which serves to position and fix the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure.

[0050] The outer middle part of the lead wire fixing head has an axial side sealing ring 1 to ensure the side sealing of the lead wire fixing head; and the upper and lower parts of the lead wire fixing head have a top sealing ring and a lower sealing ring, which, together with the side sealing ring 1, form a multi-level seal with two different modes, thereby improving the safety level of the seal.

[0051] The elastic pressure ring is located above the lead wire fixing head. Its function is to prevent damage to the top sealing ring on the lead wire fixing head when rotating the lead wire fixing cap. The protruding edge of the lead wire fixing cap presses against the copper washer below it for sealing, and its lower end presses against the elastic pressure ring above the lead wire fixing head. Under the action of elastic force, the lead wire fixing head is fixed. The lead wire fixing head plays the role of safely leading out the main lead wire of the transducer and positioning and fixing the horizontal fixed support structure of the transducer.

[0052] The temperature sensor mounting base is located on the outside of the pipe sleeve, near the inside of the outlet pipe flange. The temperature sensor fixing head is located inside the temperature sensor mounting base, and the temperature sensor fixing head has a positioning surface 3 within the temperature sensor mounting base.

[0053] A portion of the temperature sensor mounting head is embedded inside the transducer horizontal mounting bracket structure, serving to position and fix the transducer horizontal mounting bracket structure. The elastic pad 2 is located above the temperature sensor mounting head, and the temperature sensor mounting cap is located above the copper sealing pad 2. The temperature sensor mounting cap is sealed by pressing the copper sealing pad 2 underneath it, and also presses down on the temperature sensor mounting head. The temperature sensor mounting cap and the temperature measuring rod are integrally welded together. The temperature measuring rod extends from the middle through hole of the transducer hollow structure ring support column B to the center position of the tube sleeve to measure the temperature. Since it is installed at the water outlet, the temperature measuring rod does not affect the measurement of the fluid.

[0054] The pressure sensor mounting base is located on the outside of the pipe sleeve, near the inside of the inlet pipe flange. The pressure sensor mounting head is located inside the pressure sensor mounting base, and the pressure sensor mounting head has a height positioning surface 2 inside the pressure sensor mounting base.

[0055] A portion of the pressure sensor mounting head is embedded inside the transducer horizontal mounting bracket structure, serving to position and fix the transducer horizontal mounting bracket structure. The pressure sensor mounting cap is located in the pressure sensor mounting base and contacts the elastic pad 1 above the pressure sensor mounting head. A copper washer is located below the edge of the pressure sensor mounting cap; by tightening the copper washer, the pressure sensor mounting head is simultaneously tightened. The difference between a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor is that the pressure sensor's measuring part does not need to extend from the through hole in the middle of the hollow ring support column A of the transducer horizontal mounting bracket, making it suitable for installation at the water inlet end without obstructing water flow. The pressure sensor installation in this application differs from conventional installation in that the pressure sensor mounting head has a height positioning surface 2 within the pressure sensor mounting base, and a portion of the pressure sensor mounting head is embedded inside the transducer horizontal mounting bracket structure, serving to position and fix the transducer horizontal mounting bracket structure.

[0056] Flow meters are equipped with temperature and pressure sensors to adapt to various practical applications, such as parameter measurement in water supply, heating, and gas metering.

[0057] The fixing nut 2 is located above the lower shell of the instrument box, which is located outside the pipe sleeve between the two flanges. The instrument box contains an integrator circuit PCB, a battery, and a display screen. The instrument box is fixed by screwing the fixing nut 2 into the fixing screw hole of the lead wire fixing seat. If IP68 protection is required, waterproof adhesive can be potted inside the instrument circuit box.

[0058] Compared with existing large-diameter ultrasonic flow meters, this invention has outstanding substantive features and significant progress, which are manifested in:

[0059] First, compared with various transducer oblique installation structures of large-diameter ultrasonic flow meters with the same straight pipe length, the present invention adopts the method of setting up through-beam ultrasonic transducers at the inlet and outlet interfaces in the straight pipe, thereby maximizing the effective sound path of the large-diameter ultrasonic flow meter, that is, maximizing the range ratio and minimizing the starting flow.

[0060] Secondly, in the transducer horizontal fixed support structure, only the transducer main lead wire passes through the hollow support column at the upper part of the outer ring of the structural ring and communicates with the interior of the structural ring. The outlet hole of the hollow support column at the upper part of the outer ring of the structural ring is an oblique hole. The purpose of setting the oblique hole structure for the transducer lead wire in the middle of the support column is to facilitate the welding of the transducer lead wire fixing seat. Even if the transducer lead wire fixing seat is placed at a distance from the inside of the flange, the transducer main lead wire can be easily led out from the lead wire fixing head due to the oblique hole structure. Therefore, it can ensure that the horizontal fixed support of the through-beam transducer, i.e., the end where the transducer is installed at the inlet and outlet, maintains the maximum value of the transducer spacing L, i.e., maximizes the sound path, and improves the range ratio R.

[0061] Third, compared with large-diameter ultrasonic flow meters of the same straight pipe length, this invention adopts a horizontally opposed form with two transducers. The two transducers directly transmit and receive sound waves from each other. The angle between the ultrasonic wave and the water flow direction is α = 0, cos(α) = 1, R = β·L. The sound wave transmission path is the shortest, and there are no other components in between to block it. This maximizes the transmission of sound wave energy between the ultrasonic transducers. Especially for ultra-large diameter water meters, this makes the reliability, accuracy, and identifiability of the flow meter's totalizing circuit in processing the ultrasonic signals transmitted between the transducers reach the highest level.

[0062] Fourth, compared with commonly used ultrasonic flow meters, this invention provides a multi-channel zoned metering mode. For larger diameter flow meters, such as DN400, according to the structural concept of this invention, a zoned grid sector can be divided into two parts with different radii, centered on the inner tube center. Correspondingly, the transducers are also arranged in two circles with different radii, centered on the inner tube center, forming a more zoned metering structure with stronger anti-interference capabilities and more accurate metering.

[0063] Fifth, compared with large-diameter ultrasonic flow meters of the same straight-through pipe length, this invention features a straight-through partitioned grid structure within the ultrasonic flow meter's straight-through pipe, ensuring independent metering modes within each partitioned grid. Specifically, this not only significantly reduces the Reynolds number of the fluid within each straight-through partitioned grid, greatly improves the stability of fluid flow, and significantly reduces fluid pulsation, but also significantly improves the overall accuracy of the large-diameter ultrasonic flow meter in measuring fluid velocity and flow rate. Especially in the following two flow meter installation scenarios, the straight-through partitioned grid structure and independent metering modes within each partitioned grid of this invention solve a major problem in the field of flow metering, greatly reducing the installation limitations of the flow meter. These two flow meter installation scenarios are as follows: First, due to site limitations, the measured fluid pipeline cannot meet the required straight pipe length of 10 units before and 5 units after the flow meter. This results in the measured fluid not achieving a stable flow state within the flow meter, significantly impacting its measurement accuracy. Second, due to site limitations, the measured fluid pipeline connected to the flow meter at either the front or rear end is a bend. This causes the fluid entering the flow meter to form a velocity gradient. Faster fluids from the bend may pass above or below the transducer, preventing the transducer from fully measuring the time difference. For electromagnetic flow meters, which only have one pair of electrodes, this situation has an even greater impact. Therefore, it is evident that both of these flow meter installation scenarios significantly affect the flow meter's measurement range and accuracy.

[0064] Sixth, compared with large-diameter ultrasonic flow meters of the same straight pipe length, the present invention sets up a straight-through partitioned grid structure in the straight pipe of the ultrasonic flow meter, and sets up horizontal through-beam ultrasonic transducers at the inlet and outlet of each straight-through partitioned grid, thereby realizing an independent metering mode in each partitioned grid of the large-diameter ultrasonic flow meter.

[0065] Since ultrasonic flow meters calculate fluid velocity by measuring the forward and reverse time difference of sound waves propagating between two transducers, for a given pipe length, such as 300mm, when the fluid velocity is 1 m / s, the time difference measurement takes approximately 0.4 ms. Therefore, if the flow channel is divided into 6 sections, the total time taken to combine the measurements after each section is 2.4 ms, or 0.0024 seconds, which is quite short. If 100 measurements are taken per second, the total time is 0.24 seconds. It is evident that a low-power ultrasonic time difference measurement circuit can fully meet the requirements for high-precision real-time fluid measurement.

[0066] This model can be described as: a large range ratio, high precision, large diameter ultrasonic flow meter that can adapt to different installation environments and working conditions. It solves a major problem in the field of flow measurement, namely the strict requirement that the flow meter installation location must have a straight pipe length of 10 before and 5 after.

[0067] Seventh, compared with existing large-diameter ultrasonic flow meters, the present invention adopts a pre-cast pipe section welded by stretching, the pipe wall is thinner than that of casting, saving costs, and has high strength and is easy to manufacture;

[0068] Eighth, compared with existing large-diameter ultrasonic flow meters, the transducer of the present invention is installed on the supports at both ends inside the pipe, so it does not cause damage to the pipe wall and will not generate turbulence or eddies in the flow of fluid, thus improving the stability of measurement.

[0069] Ninth, compared with existing large-diameter ultrasonic flow meters, the present invention adopts multi-mode, local small sealing ring sealing, which greatly improves safety and reliability.

[0070] Tenth, compared with existing large-diameter ultrasonic flow meters, this invention ingeniously installs a pressure sensor (without protruding) below the front transducer mounting bracket and a temperature sensor (protruding, but not affecting measurement) below the rear transducer mounting bracket. It perfectly cooperates with the horizontal mounting brackets of the inlet and outlet transducers, not only fixing the horizontal mounting brackets but also utilizing the hollow support column within the horizontal mounting brackets to achieve both fixation and parameter measurement, combining the two functions. This invention can be applied not only to the measurement of gas or natural gas but also to the measurement of heating energy.

[0071] Eleventh, this invention is a straight-through pipeline without diameter reduction, resulting in low pressure loss.

[0072] Twelfth, all components inside the tube of this invention are injection molded using the same mold, resulting in high consistency and interchangeability. Therefore, their fluid characteristics are very similar, which facilitates the later testing and calibration of mass-produced flow meters.

[0073] Thirteenth, compared with existing large-diameter ultrasonic flow meters, the present invention has a simple structure, low cost, and is safe and reliable. Attached Figure Description

[0074] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a large-diameter, multi-channel, horizontally partitioned, through-beam ultrasonic flow meter.

[0075] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of transducer horizontal fixed support structure component A;

[0076] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of transducer horizontal fixed support structure component B;

[0077] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the transducer horizontal fixed support guide shroud structure;

[0078] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the transducer structure;

[0079] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the transducer lead wire mounting bracket;

[0080] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure sensor mounting bracket;

[0081] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor mounting bracket;

[0082] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the partitioned flow guide baffle and the fixed pipe structure of the flow guide grid;

[0083] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of a large-diameter, multi-channel, horizontally partitioned, through-beam ultrasonic flow meter.

[0084] In the picture:

[0085] 11. Inlet pipe flange; 12. Outlet pipe flange; 21. Pipe sleeve; 41. Flow deflector fixing pipe; 42. Zoned flow deflector baffle; 43. Tight-fitting sealing ring; 24. Transducer lead wire fixing seat; 246. Lower sealing ring; 247. Lead wire fixing head; 249. Positioning surface 1; 244. Top sealing ring; 245. Side sealing ring 1; 243. Elastic pressure ring; 241. Lead wire fixing cap; 242. Copper Washer; 3136. Lead wire oblique hole; 22. Pressure sensor mounting base; 223. Elastic pad 1; 224. Pressure sensor mounting head; 225. Support column space; 3116. Through hole; 226. Positioning surface 2; 221. Pressure sensor mounting cap; 222. Copper sealing gasket 1; 23. Temperature sensor mounting base; 234. Temperature sensor mounting head; 233. Elastic pad 2; 231. Temperature sensor mounting cap; 235. Temperature measuring rod; 236. Positioning surface 3; 232. Copper sealing gasket 2; 31. Transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure; 32. Annular guide shroud; 321. Guide shroud barb; 315. Structural ring; 311. Structural ring support column A; 312. Structural ring support column B; 313. Structural ring support column C; 314. Structural ring support column D; 3151. Transducer fixing plate; 3152. Fixing nut 1; 331. Replacement 3153. Signal line; 3154. PCB mounting head; 3155. Mounting hole; 33. Transducer; 332. Side sealing ring 2; 333. Rear flange of transducer; 52. Fixing nut 2; 248. Fixing screw hole; 56. Main lead wire; 51. Instrument box; 51A. Lower shell of instrument box; 51B. Upper shell of instrument box; 53. Integrator circuit PCB; 54. Display screen; 55. Battery. Detailed Implementation

[0086] The implementation of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0087] Example:

[0088] This embodiment is a DN100 large-diameter 6-channel horizontal zone through-beam ultrasonic hot water flow meter used for measuring hot water flow rate and heat.

[0089] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment includes an I-shaped pipe sleeve 21 with an inlet flange 11 and an outlet flange 12, a transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31, a partitioned flow guide baffle 42, a transducer lead wire fixing seat 24, a pressure sensor fixing seat 22, a temperature sensor fixing seat 23, and a fixing nut 252. Within the I-shaped pipe sleeve 21, two parallel transducer horizontal fixing bracket structures 31 form a 6-channel ultrasonic transducer horizontal through-beam mounting structure. The transducers 33 are located in the center of the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure ring 315 and are distributed in a ring. Each sector has a pair of transducers. The combination of six radial partitioned flow guide baffles 42 constitutes a 6-channel horizontal through-beam partition structure. The transducer lead wire fixing seat 24, pressure sensor fixing seat 22, temperature sensor fixing seat 23, and fixing nut 252 are also included. With the cooperation of 52, a DN100 large-diameter multi-channel horizontal zoned through-beam ultrasonic flow meter for measuring hot water flow and heat was formed.

[0090] In this embodiment, the transducer horizontal fixing bracket consists of a transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31 and an annular guide shroud 32. The transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31 is located at both ends of the inner side of the tube sleeve 21, and the annular guide shroud 32 is installed on it. The transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31 has a structural ring 315 in the center. The structural ring 315 is connected to the outer annular structure of the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31 through structural ring support columns A 311, B 312, C 313, and D 314. The structural ring 315 is provided with a transducer mounting hole 3155, an ultrasonic transducer 33, and a side sealing ring 2. Transducer 332 is installed in the mounting hole 3155 within the structural ring 315 and positioned by the rear protrusion 333 of the transducer; the transducer fixing plate 3151 is used to press and fix the transducer 33; the transducer fixing plate 3151 is fixed to the structural ring 315 by fixing nut 13152; the structural ring 315 has a transducer signal line adapter PCB 3153; the signal line adapter PCB 3153 is fixed by heat fusion through the PCB fixing head 3154 on the structural ring 315; the transducer signal line 331 is soldered to the signal line adapter PCB 3153; the transducer's main lead 56 on the signal line adapter PCB 3153 passes through the hollow structural ring support column D on the structural ring 315. The lead wire of 314 is led out through the lead wire fixing head 247 of the transducer; the water inlet and water outlet of the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31 are fastened and sealed by the annular flow guide shroud 32 and the flow guide shroud hook 321 to the structural ring 315 on the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31.

[0091] For ease of implementation, the following further describes the transducer horizontal fixed bracket structure 31 and the installation of its transducer 33 and the lead-out of the main signal line 56.

[0092] like Figure 3 As shown, in the transducer horizontal fixed support structure 31, only the transducer main lead 56 passes through the hollow structural ring support column D 314 on the structural ring 315 and communicates with the interior of the structural ring 315. The hollow structural ring support columns A 311 and B 312 do not communicate with the interior of the structural ring 315. The remaining structural ring support columns C 313 are solid columns.

[0093] The installation sequence of the transducer main lead 56 and the annular guide shroud 32 is as follows: Only after the transducer main lead 56 is led out from the transducer lead fixing seat 24 can the guide shroud hook 321 on the annular guide shroud 32 be engaged and locked with the edge of the structural ring 315. Each of the annular guide shroud 32 and the structural ring 315 has a side sealing ring 3156 to seal them internally, ensuring no leakage during internal glue filling. For IP68 protection, the glue filling process inside the structural ring 315 is as follows: Through the outlet of the lead-out oblique hole 3136, a flat-headed fine needle is used to inject two-component high-strength waterproof sealant into the structural ring 315 of the transducer horizontal fixing bracket, thus sealing and fixing the transducer 33, the transducer lead 56, and the interior of the structural ring.

[0094] The two transducer horizontal fixing brackets are located inside the pipe sleeve 21 at the inlet pipe flange 11 and the outlet pipe flange 12, respectively, which are the inlet and outlet of the flow meter. Since the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31 is used to install and fix 6 sets of multi-channel horizontal through-beam ultrasonic transducers, and the two transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31 can be placed at the inlet and outlet ends of the pipe sleeve 21, according to R=β·L·cos(α), where the ultrasonic transducers are horizontally through-beam, α=0, cos(α)=1, R=β·L, that is, by extending the distance L between the transmitting / receiving surfaces of the two ultrasonic transducers, the range ratio can be effectively improved.

[0095] Six sets of ultrasonic transducer signal lines 331 converge and are soldered onto the signal line adapter PCB 3153, outputting a single main lead 56, which includes the positive signal line of each transducer 33 and a common ground line, i.e., a 7-core wire. Since the two transducer horizontal mounting brackets 31 are located at both ends of the flowmeter sleeve 21, the main lead 56 is connected to the transducer lead fixing head 247 via the lead-out oblique hole 3136. This oblique hole structure is designed to facilitate welding of the transducer lead fixing seat 24, allowing the transducer to still be installed at the inlet and outlet ends even when positioned at a certain distance from the inlet flange 11 and outlet flange 12, thus ensuring the maximum sound path between transducers.

[0096] In addition to increasing the sound path, the advantages of this invention, which involves horizontally mounting paired transducers in the same direction as the water flow, include reducing ultrasonic energy reception loss due to transducer installation. Experiments show that for planar sound wave propagation, when transducers are installed with inclined holes or with inner linings, the sound path is long and the angle of the inclined hole is very important. Even a small deviation in angle can significantly reduce the sound wave reception intensity. However, unlike angular deviation, when two transducers are installed horizontally, even if there is a 1mm misalignment between the centers of the two transducer surfaces during installation, the sound energy loss at the receiving end can be ignored.

[0097] The partitioned flow guide baffle 42 is a rectangular thin metal plate, preferably a 1mm thick stainless steel plate. Six partitioned flow guide baffles 42 radiate outwards from the center horizontal line of the flow guide grid fixing tube 41, forming a grid structure. These baffles are fixed inside the flow guide grid fixing tube 41, dividing the flow channel of the flow meter into six fan-shaped small channels according to the number of six transducers on the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31. These channels are connected to the support columns on the transducer horizontal fixing brackets at both ends, with a pair of transducers located at the middle of the front and rear ends of each fan-shaped small channel. The partitioned flow guide baffles 42 and the two ends of the flow guide grid fixing tube 41 are fixed to the middle of the inner side of the tube sleeve 21 by the transducer horizontal fixing brackets.

[0098] The purpose of introducing the partitioned flow guide baffle 42 and the partitioning is to ensure that the Reynolds number of the fluid in the small-diameter straight pipe in the combined flow channel is less than that in the large-diameter straight pipe. This results in higher stability and less pulsation of the fluid flow in the small-diameter straight pipe within the combined flow channel, leading to more accurate ultrasonic measurement of the fluid velocity. Therefore, the combined flow channel metering method not only enables automatic fluid rectification but also eliminates or reduces the strict requirement of a 10-unit length of straight pipe before and after the flow meter installation, thus improving metering accuracy.

[0099] like Figure 6As shown, the transducer lead wire fixing seat 24 is located outside the tube sleeve 21, and the lead wire fixing head 247 is located in the transducer lead wire fixing seat 24. The lower part of the lead wire fixing head 247 is embedded inside the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31, serving to position and fix the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31. Symmetrically positioned below the transducer lead wire fixing seat 24 on the tube sleeve 21, a pressure sensor fixing seat 22 or a temperature sensor fixing seat 23 is provided, respectively on the other side of the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31, serving to position and fix the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31. The lead wire fixing head 247 is height-positioned by the positioning surface 1 249 inside the transducer lead wire fixing seat 24, ensuring the height and flatness of the lead wire fixing head 247, and also ensuring that the lower sealing ring 246 at the bottom of the lead wire fixing head 247 has a reasonable amount of compression.

[0100] The lead wire fixing head 247 has an axial side sealing ring 1 245 on the outer middle part to ensure the side sealing of the lead wire fixing head 247. The lead wire fixing head 247 has a top sealing ring 244 and a lower sealing ring 246 at the upper and lower ends, which, together with the side sealing ring 1, form a multi-level seal with two different modes, resulting in a high level of sealing safety.

[0101] The elastic pressure ring 243 is located above the lead wire fixing head 247. Its function is to prevent damage to the top sealing ring 244 on the lead wire fixing head when rotating the lead wire fixing cap 241. The protruding edge of the lead wire fixing cap 241 presses against the copper washer 242 below it for sealing, and its lower end presses against the elastic pressure ring 243 above the lead wire fixing head, thus fixing the lead wire fixing head 247. The lead wire fixing head 247 serves to safely lead the transducer's main lead wire 56 out of its central hole, maintain a constant compression of the lower sealing ring 246, and embed a portion of it inside the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31, thereby positioning and fixing the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31.

[0102] As attached Figure 8 As shown, the temperature sensor mounting base 23 is located outside the pipe sleeve 21, near the inside of the outlet pipe flange 12. The temperature sensor mounting head 234 is located inside the temperature sensor mounting base 23. The temperature sensor mounting head 234 is positioned by the positioning surface 3236, and a part of it is embedded inside the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31, serving to position and fix the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31. The temperature sensor mounting cap 231 and the temperature measuring rod 235 are integrally welded together. The elastic pad 2233 is located between the temperature sensor mounting head 234 and the temperature sensor mounting cap 231. The temperature sensor mounting cap 231 presses the copper sealing gasket 2232 under its protruding edge for sealing, and at the same time, it presses the elastic pad 2233 to press the temperature sensor mounting head 234 tightly.

[0103] The temperature sensor's measuring rod 235 extends through the through-hole of the hollow ring support column B 312 into the middle of the transducer's horizontal fixed bracket structure to measure the temperature. Since the temperature sensor is installed at the water outlet, it does not affect the fluid's flow characteristics.

[0104] As attached Figure 7 As shown, the pressure sensor mounting base 22 is located outside the pipe sleeve 21 and close to the inside of the inlet pipe flange 11; the pressure sensor mounting head 224 is located inside the pressure sensor mounting base 22, and a part of the pressure sensor mounting head 224 is embedded inside the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31. The pressure sensor mounting head 224 is positioned by the positioning surface 2226, which serves to position and fix the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31.

[0105] The elastic pad 1 223 is located between the pressure sensor mounting head 224 and the pressure sensor mounting cap 221. The pressure sensor mounting cap 221 presses against the copper sealing pad 1 222 under its protruding edge for sealing, while simultaneously pressing the elastic pad 1223 to compress the pressure sensor mounting head 224.

[0106] The pressure sensor measuring port is located at the lower end of the pressure sensor fixing cap 221. Its opening is connected to the through hole 3116 of the hollow structure ring support column A 311 of the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure 31 through the middle through hole of the pressure sensor fixing head 224. The through hole leads directly to the support column space 225 in the middle of the pipe body, which facilitates the measurement of fluid pressure and does not affect the fluid flow characteristics.

[0107] The flow meter in this embodiment is equipped with temperature and pressure sensors to accommodate the simultaneous acquisition of temperature and pressure parameters when measuring hot water flow, to calculate the heat energy value, and to compensate for temperature changes in the flow value.

[0108] The installation of the temperature sensor fixing cap 231 and pressure sensor fixing cap 221 described in this embodiment perfectly matches the horizontal fixing bracket structure 31 of the inlet and outlet water transducers. It not only serves to fix the horizontal fixing bracket structure 31 of the transducer, but also utilizes the hollow support column in the horizontal fixing bracket structure 31 of the transducer to pass through it and achieve the purpose of parameter measurement. It combines the two into one and meets the application requirements.

[0109] The lower casing 51A of the instrument box is located outside the pipe sleeve 21 between the inlet pipe flange 11 and the outlet pipe flange 12. It is fixed to the transducer lead wire mounting base 24 by tightening the fixing nut 2 52 through the hole in the lower casing 51A. The instrument box 51 contains the totalizing circuit PCB 53, the display screen 54, and the battery 55. If IP68 protection is required, waterproof glue can be potted inside the instrument circuit box.

[0110] This invention is not only applicable to liquid fluid measurement, but also, by adjusting the parameters of its components, such as the transducer frequency and circuit software, to gas measurement (e.g., gas metering). While liquid flow velocity can vary, it is incompressible; however, gas volume is compressible, and fluid velocity can vary. Therefore, this large-diameter, multi-channel, multi-turn, multi-zone structure, along with its precise zone calculation mode, greatly enhances and promotes gas metering applications, significantly improving metering accuracy.

[0111] This invention has a simple structure, low cost, is easy to implement, safe and reliable, and is easy to promote.

Claims

1. A large-diameter, multi-channel, horizontally zoned, through-beam ultrasonic flow meter, characterized in that... The components include: a tube sleeve (21), a transducer (33), a transducer horizontal fixing bracket, a transducer horizontal fixing bracket structural component (31), a structural ring support column A (311), a structural ring support column B (312), a structural ring support column C (313), a structural ring support column D (314), a partitioned flow guide baffle (42), a transducer lead wire fixing seat (24), a lead wire fixing head (247), an elastic pressure ring (243), a temperature sensor fixing seat (23), a pressure sensor fixing seat (22), and a fixing nut 2. (52); By setting two parallel transducer horizontal fixing bracket structures (31) inside the tube sleeve (21), a multi-channel ultrasonic transducer horizontal beam-to-beam installation structure is formed; the number of structural ring support columns A (311), structural ring support columns B (312), structural ring support columns C (313), and structural ring support columns D (314) of the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure (31) are combined with the radial n partition flow guide baffles (42). The partition flow guide baffles (42) are rectangular metal thin plates, which are formed by the n partition flow guide baffles (42) radiating outward from the center horizontal line of the flow guide grid fixing tube (41) to form a grid structure, which is fixed inside the flow guide grid fixing tube (41). The cross section inside the flow guide grid fixing tube (41) is divided and isolated into multiple fan-shaped small flow channels according to the number of transducers on the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure (31), and connected to the support on the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure (31) at both ends. The cylindrical surfaces are connected, and a pair of transducers are located in the middle of the front and rear ends of the fan-shaped flow channel; the two ends of the partition guide baffle (42) and the guide grid fixing tube (41) are fixed to the middle of the inner side of the tube sleeve (21) by the transducer horizontal fixing bracket; the transducers (33) are located in the center of the structural ring (315) of the transducer horizontal fixing bracket and are distributed in a ring. Each fan-shaped partition has a pair of transducers, which constitutes the structure of the multi-channel horizontal beam partition; through the lead wire oblique hole (3136) in the hollow structural ring support column D (314) of the transducer horizontal fixing bracket, the two transducer horizontal fixing bracket structural components can be placed as close as possible to the two ends of the tube sleeve, and the total lead wire (56) of the transducer can be led out from the transducer lead wire fixing seat (24) and introduced into the instrument box (51) to connect with the totalizing circuit PCB (53); in the temperature sensor fixing seat (23), pressure sensor fixing seat (22), instrument box (51) and its fixing nut 2 (52) In conjunction with the large-diameter multi-channel horizontal partitioned ultrasonic flow meter, under a given pipe sleeve (21) length, the metering range ratio is maximized, the starting flow value is minimized, and the amplitude of the sound wave energy transfer between ultrasonic transducers is maximized. It has anti-fluid turbulence interference characteristics and meets the requirements of ensuring high metering accuracy within the range under various practical application conditions.

2. The large-diameter multi-channel horizontal zoned through-beam ultrasonic flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transducer horizontal fixing bracket consists of a transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure (31) and an annular flow guide (32), which are installed at both ends inside the tube sleeve (21) and are connected to the partition flow guide baffle (42) and the flow guide grid fixing pipe (41) to fix the partition flow guide baffle (42) and the flow guide grid fixing pipe (41); the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure (31) has a structural ring (315) in the center, and the structural ring is supported by a structural ring support column A (311). The structural ring support columns B (312), C (313), and D (314) are connected to the outer ring structure of the transducer horizontal fixed bracket structure; the structural ring (315) is provided with a transducer mounting hole (3155), and the transducer (33) and the side sealing ring 2 (332) are installed in the mounting hole (3155) in the structural ring and positioned by the rear protrusion (333) of the transducer; the transducer fixing plate (3151) is used for The transducer is clamped and fixed, and the transducer fixing plate (3151) is fixed to the structural ring (315) by the fixing nut 1 (3152); the structural ring has a signal line adapter PCB (3153), and the signal line adapter PCB is fixed by heat fusion through the PCB fixing head (3154) on the structural ring; the inlet and outlet ends of the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure (31) have annular guide shields (32), and for the convenience of the lead wire, only when After the main lead wire (56) of the transducer is led out from the lead wire fixing head (247), the guide shield hook (321) can be fastened to the structural ring (315) in the middle of the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure. In order to meet the IP68 protection requirements, a flat-headed fine needle is used to inject two-component high-strength waterproof sealant into the interior of the structural ring (315) through the lead wire hole and the lead wire oblique hole (3136) to seal and fix the transducer, the transducer lead wire and the interior of the structural ring.

3. A large-diameter multi-channel horizontally zoned through-beam ultrasonic flow meter according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the transducer horizontal fixed support structure (31), only the transducer's main lead wire (56) passes through the hollow structural ring support column D (314) on the outer ring of the structural ring (315) and communicates with the interior of the structural ring (315); the middle holes of the hollow structural ring support column B (312) and structural ring support column A (311) for installing temperature or pressure sensors are through holes and do not communicate with the interior of the structural ring (315); the structural ring support column C (313) is a solid column. The structural ring support column connects the outer ring of the structural ring (315) with the inner ring of the transducer horizontal fixed support structure, divides the inner tube of the tube sleeve (21) into a fan-shaped area, and corresponds one-to-one with the partition guide baffle (42).

4. A large-diameter multi-channel horizontally zoned through-beam ultrasonic flow meter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The two transducer horizontal fixed support structures (31) are located inside the pipe sleeve (21) at the inlet pipe flange (11) and outlet pipe flange (12), respectively, which are the inlet and outlet of the flow meter. Multiple transducer signal lines (331) are converged and soldered on the signal line adapter PCB (3153) to output a total lead-out line (56), which includes the positive signal line of each transducer and a common ground line. Since the two transducer horizontal fixed support structures (31) are placed at both ends of the flow meter pipe sleeve, the transducer total lead-out line (56) is connected to the lead-out line fixing head (247) through the lead-out line oblique hole (3136) to output the total lead-out line. The purpose of this lead-out line oblique hole structure is that when the transducer lead-out line fixing seat (24) is placed at a distance from the inside of the flange, the transducer (33) can still be installed at the end of the inlet and outlet, so that the spacing between the transducers remains at the maximum value.

5. A large-diameter multi-channel horizontally zoned through-beam ultrasonic flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transducer lead wire fixing seat (24) is located outside the tube sleeve (21), and the lead wire fixing head (247) is located in the transducer lead wire fixing seat (24). The lower part of the lead wire fixing head (247) is embedded inside the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure (31) to position and fix the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure. On the tube sleeve, symmetrically located below the transducer lead wire fixing seat (24), there is a temperature sensor fixing seat (23) or a pressure sensor fixing seat (22) on the other side of the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure (31) to position and fix the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure (31).

6. A large-diameter multi-channel horizontally zoned through-beam ultrasonic flow meter according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lead wire fixing head (247) is positioned by the positioning surface 1 (249) inside the transducer lead wire fixing seat (24) to ensure the height and flatness of the lead wire fixing head (247). It ensures that the lower sealing ring (246) at the bottom of the lead wire fixing head has a reasonable amount of compression. In addition, the lower part of the lead wire fixing head (247) is embedded inside the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure (31) to play the role of positioning and fixing the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure.

7. A large-diameter multi-channel horizontally zoned through-beam ultrasonic flow meter according to claim 6, characterized in that: The lead wire fixing head (247) has a side sealing ring 1 (245) in the middle of its outer side to ensure the side sealing of the lead wire fixing head; and the lead wire fixing head has a top sealing ring (244) and a bottom sealing ring (246) on its top and bottom, which are combined with the side sealing ring 1 (245) to form a multi-level seal with two different modes, thereby improving the safety level of the seal.

8. A large-diameter multi-channel horizontally zoned through-beam ultrasonic flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic pressure ring (243) is located above the lead wire fixing head (247). Its function is to prevent damage to the top sealing ring (244) of the lead wire fixing head (247) when rotating the lead wire fixing cap (241). The lead wire fixing cap (241) has its protruding edge pressing against the copper washer (242) below it for sealing, and its lower end presses against the elastic pressure ring (243) to fix the lead wire fixing head (247). The lead wire fixing head (247) plays the role of safely leading out the main lead wire (56) and positioning and fixing the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure (31).

9. A large-diameter multi-channel horizontally zoned through-beam ultrasonic flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature sensor mounting base (23) is located outside the pipe sleeve (21) and close to the inside of the outlet pipe flange (12); the temperature sensor mounting head (234) is located inside the temperature sensor mounting base (23), and the temperature sensor mounting head (234) has a height positioning surface 3 (236) inside the temperature sensor mounting base (23).

10. A large-diameter multi-channel horizontally zoned through-beam ultrasonic flow meter according to claim 9, characterized in that: A portion of the temperature sensor fixing head (234) is embedded inside the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure (31), serving to position and fix the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure; the elastic pad 2 (233) is located above the temperature sensor fixing head (234), and the temperature sensor fixing cap (231) is located above the elastic pad 2 (233); the temperature sensor fixing cap (231) is sealed by pressing the copper sealing pad 2 (232) below it, and also presses down the temperature sensor fixing head (234); the temperature sensor fixing cap (231) and the temperature measuring rod (235) are integrally welded together, and the temperature measuring rod (235) extends from the middle through hole of the hollow structural ring support column B (312) to the center position of the tube sleeve.

11. A large-diameter multi-channel horizontally zoned through-beam ultrasonic flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure sensor mounting base (22) is located outside the pipe sleeve (21) and close to the inside of the inlet pipe flange (11). The pressure sensor mounting head (224) is located inside the pressure sensor mounting base (22). The pressure sensor mounting head (224) has a height positioning surface 2 (226) inside the pressure sensor mounting base (22).

12. A large-diameter multi-channel horizontally zoned through-beam ultrasonic flow meter according to claim 11, characterized in that: A portion of the pressure sensor fixing head (224) is embedded inside the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure (31), serving to position and fix the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure (31); the pressure sensor fixing cap (221) is located in the pressure sensor fixing seat (22) and contacts the elastic pad 1 (223) above the pressure sensor fixing head (224); there is a copper sealing pad 1 (222) below the pressure sensor fixing cap (221), and by pressing the copper sealing pad 1 (222), the pressure sensor fixing head (224) is also pressed; the installation of the pressure sensor is different from that of the temperature sensor, the pressure measuring part of the pressure sensor does not need to extend from the middle through hole of the hollow structural ring support column A (311), so it is suitable to be installed at the water inlet end and does not obstruct the water flow; a portion of the pressure sensor fixing head (224) is embedded inside the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure (31), serving to position and fix the transducer horizontal fixing bracket structure.

13. A large-diameter multi-channel horizontal zoned through-beam ultrasonic flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing nut 2 (52) is located above the lower shell of the instrument box (51A), while the lower shell of the instrument box (51A) is located outside the pipe sleeve (21) between the two flanges, and is fixed by screwing the fixing nut 2 (52) into the fixing screw hole (248).

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