Combined enclosure for ultrasonic flow meter

Abstract

An acoustic or ultrasonic flow meter (200) is provided that includes a body (202) configured to be connected to a pipeline. The first connector (204) is located on a first end (206) of the body (202) and the second connector (208) is located on a second end (210) of the body (202). The meter electronics (220) are configured to couple with the sensor (235) and to indicate a degree of fluid flow through a pipeline connected to the flow meter (200) based on a signal received from the sensor (235). The meter electronics (220) includes an acquisition section (224) and an interface section (222). An acquisition module (234) of the acquisition section (224) is configured to communicate with the sensor (235). An attachment region (237) is defined by the body, with the acquisition section (224) attached to the attachment region. An enclosure formation (236) is sealingly attached to the body (202), the enclosure formation surrounding the acquisition module (234). The interface electronics (232) of the interface section (222) are received in an upper enclosure (226), where the upper enclosure (226) is coupled to the enclosure formation (236).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described below relate to ultrasonic flow meters, and more particularly to a bonded enclosure for an ultrasonic flow meter. Background Art

[0002] The use of ultrasonic flow meters to measure the flow rate of a medium flowing through a measuring tube is well known in the prior art. Ultrasonic flow meters typically include a measuring conduit and a plurality of ultrasonic transmitters / receivers disposed in the measuring conduit to measure the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the measuring conduit. An ultrasonic signal is typically transmitted between a pair of ultrasonic transducers. The propagation time of the signal between the transducer pair with the fluid flow will differ from the propagation time of the signal measured against the flow. The flow velocity can be determined based on this difference.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 9,528,866 B2, U.S. Patent No. 7,810,399 B2, and U.S. Patent Application No. 2015 / 0160052 A1 disclose various arrangements for ultrasonic flow meter transducers.

[0004] Ultrasonic meters are commonly used for regulatory delivery and fiscal oil and gas measurement. Ultrasonic meters measure the velocity of a fluid in a closed pipe and use a transducer to emit ultrasonic pulses (frequencies greater than 20kHz) from which the flow meter can calculate the average velocity along the path of the ultrasonic beam. The basic principle of ultrasonic meters makes ultrasonic meters suitable for gas or liquid measurement. Depending on the design, ultrasonic meters use either wet or non-wet transducers around the perimeter of the pipe to couple ultrasonic energy to the fluid in the pipe.

[0005] Some ultrasonic flow meters can operate using the Doppler effect. In such meters, the signal frequency is changed by reflection from particles and / or bubbles in the fluid. The change in frequency is proportional to the material flow rate through the sensor. Other flow meters can measure the difference in propagation time between sonic or ultrasonic signals, as described above.

[0006] Existing ultrasonic flow meter designs typically utilize two enclosures to house all of the electronics. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The upper enclosure 100 is typically a fireproof enclosure that houses the main CPU module, power supply, and user I / O points. The lower base enclosure 102 is an intrinsically safe base enclosure that houses the acquisition module electronics for coupling to the ultrasonic transducer sensor. The lower base enclosure is typically a casting.

[0007] The present invention improves upon the prior art design concept of the lower base enclosure 102. In this embodiment, the acquisition module electronics are mounted directly to the top of the meter body. This provides an easily manufactured design for the electronics enclosure and results in significant cost savings over prior art meter designs. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to an embodiment, a sonic or ultrasonic flow meter is provided. The sonic or ultrasonic flow meter comprises: a body configured to be connected to a pipeline; and a first connector located on a first end of the body and a second connector located on a second end of the body. The meter electronics is configured to couple with a sensor and indicate the degree of fluid flow through the pipeline to which the flow meter is connected based on a signal received from the sensor, wherein the meter electronics comprises an acquisition section and an interface section. The acquisition module of the acquisition section is configured to communicate with the sensor. An attachment area is defined by the body, wherein the acquisition section is attached to the attachment area. An enclosure forming member is sealingly attached to the body, and the enclosure forming member surrounds the acquisition module. The interface electronics of the interface section are housed in an upper enclosure, wherein the upper enclosure is coupled to the enclosure forming member.

[0009] According to an embodiment, a method for assembling an acoustic or ultrasonic flow meter is provided. The method includes: providing a body configured to be connected to a pipeline; and attaching a first connector to be located on a first end of the body and attaching a second connector to be located on a second end of the body. The meter electronics is coupled to a sensor. The meter electronics indicates the degree of fluid flow through the pipeline to which the flow meter is connected based on a signal received from the sensor, wherein the meter electronics includes an acquisition section and an interface section, and wherein an acquisition module of the acquisition section is configured to communicate with the sensor. An attachment area is defined on the body, wherein the acquisition section is attached to the attachment area. An enclosure is sealingly attached to the body, and the enclosure surrounds the acquisition module. The interface electronics of the interface section are housed in an upper enclosure, wherein the upper enclosure is coupled to the enclosure.

[0010] aspect

[0011] According to one aspect, an acoustic or ultrasonic flow meter comprises: a body configured to be connected to a pipeline; and a first connector located on a first end of the body and a second connector located on a second end of the body. The meter electronics are configured to couple with a sensor and indicate the degree of fluid flow through the pipeline to which the flow meter is connected based on a signal received from the sensor, wherein the meter electronics include an acquisition section and an interface section. The acquisition module of the acquisition section is configured to communicate with the sensor. An attachment area is defined by the body, wherein the acquisition section is attached to the attachment area. An enclosure forming member is sealingly attached to the body, and the enclosure forming member surrounds the acquisition module. The interface electronics of the interface section are housed in an upper enclosure, wherein the upper enclosure is coupled to the enclosure forming member.

[0012] Preferably, the attachment area comprises a cavity.

[0013] Preferably, a form cover is coupled to the enclosure form and provides sealing for the access section from the external environment.

[0014] Preferably, the profile cover defines a mounting location for the upper enclosure.

[0015] Preferably, the upper enclosure includes a display.

[0016] Preferably, a shroud surrounding the acquisition section is attached to the body of the flow meter.

[0017] Preferably, the enclosure formation comprises at least one hole, and wherein the cable gland is mounted in the at least one hole.

[0018] According to one aspect, a method for assembling an acoustic or ultrasonic flow meter includes: providing a body configured to be connected to a pipeline; and attaching a first connector to be located on a first end of the body and attaching a second connector to be located on a second end of the body. A meter electronics device is coupled to a sensor. The meter electronics device indicates the degree of fluid flow through the pipeline to which the flow meter is connected based on a signal received from the sensor, wherein the meter electronics device includes an acquisition section and an interface section, and wherein an acquisition module of the acquisition section is configured to communicate with the sensor. An attachment area is defined on the body, wherein the acquisition section is attached to the attachment area. An enclosure is sealingly attached to the body, and the enclosure surrounds the acquisition module. The interface electronics of the interface section are housed in an upper enclosure, wherein the upper enclosure is coupled to the enclosure.

[0019] Preferably, the method comprises the step of defining a cavity in the attachment area.

[0020] Preferably, the method comprises the steps of: coupling a form cover to the enclosure form; and sealing the access section from the external environment.

[0021] Preferably, the method includes the step of defining a mounting location for the upper enclosure with a shaped member cover.

[0022] Preferably, the upper enclosure includes a display.

[0023] Preferably, the method comprises the steps of: attaching a shroud to the body; and surrounding the acquisition section with the shroud.

[0024] Preferably, the enclosure forming part comprises at least one hole, and the cable gland is mounted in the at least one hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Like reference numerals represent like elements throughout the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0026] Figure 1 A prior art ultrasonic meter is shown;

[0027] Figure 2 Another prior art ultrasonic meter is shown;

[0028] Figure 3 An ultrasonic meter according to an embodiment is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 Shown in a partially assembled state Figure 3 Ultrasonic meter;

[0030] Figure 5 Shown in another partially assembled state Figure 3 Ultrasonic meter;

[0031] Figure 6 The enclosure forming member is shown; and

[0032] Figure 7 Shown in yet another partially assembled state Figure 3 Ultrasonic meter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figures 1 to 7 The following description depicts specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of implementation of an acoustic or ultrasonic flow meter. For the purpose of teaching the principles of the invention, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will understand variations from these examples that fall within the scope of this specification. Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the implementation. Therefore, the implementations described below are not limited to the specific examples described below, but are only limited by the claims and their equivalents.

[0034] Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 7 An ultrasonic flow meter 200 according to an embodiment is shown. The ultrasonic flow meter 200 includes a body 202 configured to be connected to a pipeline (not shown). The body 202 includes a first connector 204 located on a first end 206 of the body 202 and a second connector 208 located on a second end 210 of the body 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the connectors 204, 208 are illustrated as flanges. It should be understood that other connection methods known in the art are also contemplated. Although the flow meter is referred to as an ultrasonic flow meter, embodiments also contemplate sonic flow meters.

[0035] Connectors 204, 208 are fixed to or integral with body 202. Body 202 defines a spacing between connectors 204, 208. When ultrasonic flow meter 200 is inserted into a pipeline (not shown) carrying a process fluid being measured, the process fluid enters ultrasonic flow meter 200 through first end 206, passes through body 202, where a total amount of process fluid is directed to exit ultrasonic flow meter 200 through second end 210.

[0036] The process fluid may include a liquid.The process fluid may include a gas.The process fluid may include, for example and without limitation, a multiphase fluid such as a liquid including entrained gas and / or entrained solids.

[0037] The body 202 houses at least one ultrasonic transducer (not shown) for sending and / or receiving ultrasonic signals. Such a transducer transmits an ultrasonic signal (or sound wave signal) which is generally received by an opposing transducer. The transducer includes transducers known in the art, such as piezoelectric transducers.

[0038] The flow meter 200 includes a meter electronics 220 for providing a measurement signal indicating the extent of fluid flow through a pipe to which the flow meter is connected. The measurement signal is based on a signal received by a transducer. It should be understood that the meter electronics 220 may include various combinations of combined and / or discrete components.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the meter electronics 220 is divided into two main sections: 1) an interface section 222 ; and 2) an acquisition section 224 .

[0040] The interface section 222 includes an upper enclosure 226 and interface electronics 232. The interface electronics 232 may include a display 230 and interface electronics 232 so that the meter electronics can send signals to and receive signals from other electronics. The interface section 222 provides input devices and output devices that allow the meter electronics 220 to interact with an operator. The interface electronics 232 may include one or more of wireless communication and physical connections.

[0041] In operation, the ultrasonic flow meter 200 provides various measurements that can be output, including one or more of flow direction, flow rate, temperature, pressure, turbulence, eddy current, symmetry, cross-flow, and any other measurements known in the art. These values ​​can be monitored, recorded, saved, aggregated, and / or output.

[0042] The meter electronics 220 may include an interface electronics 232, a processing system, an acquisition module 234, and a storage system in communication with the processing system. It should be understood that the meter electronics 220 may include various combinations of combined and / or discrete components. The processing system may include any manner of processing system. The processing system is configured to retrieve and execute stored routines to operate the ultrasonic flow meter 200. The storage system may store instructions, routines, measured values, received values, operating values, constants, and other information.

[0043] The acquisition section 224 includes an acquisition module 234. The acquisition module 234 includes electronics that also includes a transducer interface and includes or communicates with a processing system and a storage system. In an embodiment, the acquisition module 234 is mounted directly to the meter body 202. In an embodiment, the acquisition module 234 is mounted in a machined recess 239 in the top of the meter body 202. Mounting is typically accomplished with mechanical fasteners.

[0044] The measurements made and / or received by the acquisition module 234 may include substantially instantaneous values, may include samples, may include averages over a time interval, or may include cumulative values ​​over a time interval. The time interval may be selected to correspond to a period of time during which certain fluid conditions are detected, such as a fluid state of only liquid, or alternatively a fluid state including liquid and entrained gas. Moreover, other flow rates and related quantifications are contemplated and are within the scope of the specification and claims.

[0045] The acquisition module 234 is configured to communicate with the sensor 235 of the ultrasonic flow meter 200. For example, the acquisition module 234 can be configured to be connected to a lead wire (not shown in the embodiment, but in the prior art). Figure 1The interface electronics 232 may also be configured to communicate with external devices using a physical connection and / or wirelessly.

[0046] Figure 6 An enclosure forming 236 is illustrated that is used to define an acquisition section enclosure to sealingly enclose and protect an acquisition module 234. The enclosure forming 236 may be machined, cast, and / or additively manufactured. The enclosure forming 236 may include one or more channels 238 that receive seals, such as, for example, gaskets or O-rings. The seals may abut the body 202 and / or the forming cover 240. The body is cast and / or machined, such as to define an attachment area 237, and wherein the acquisition module 234 may be attached. The enclosure forming 236 may surround the acquisition module 234.

[0047] The attachment area may be a relatively flat area of ​​the body 202 that is configured to be attached to the acquisition module 234 and / or enclosure forming piece 236. In an embodiment, the attachment area 237 defines a cavity in which the acquisition module 234 may be installed. In an embodiment, the attachment area 237 defines a space in which a seal may be seated to seal the enclosure forming piece 236 and / or the acquisition module 234 relative to the body 202.

[0048] The shaped piece cover 240 provides a seal for the acquisition section 224 from the external environment and also provides a mounting location for the interface section 222. In an embodiment, the interface section 222 is directly attached to the enclosure shaped piece 236. The interface section 222 is attached to the shaped piece cover 240 with mechanical fasteners. The points that receive the mechanical fasteners are shown as elements 250. Additionally, the enclosure shaped piece 236 includes a cable gland 242 (not shown) for routing a transducer cable (not shown) to the transducer. Figure 5 and Figure 7 ). The cable gland 242 is installed in the hole 244 defined by the enclosure forming piece 236. In an embodiment, the cable shroud 246 can be installed above the access section 224 or installed adjacent to the access section 224 and provide a reduced profile to allow the cables to be fully contained and protected under the cable shroud 246 and also provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The shroud is coupled to at least one of the body 202 and the enclosure forming piece 236.

[0049] It should be noted that wherever mechanical fasteners are described, it is contemplated that in alternative embodiments welding, brazing, adhesives, and other connection means known in the art may be employed.

[0050] The detailed description of the above embodiments is not an exhaustive description of all embodiments that the inventors envision to fall within the scope of this specification. In fact, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above embodiments may be variously combined or removed to produce other embodiments, and these other embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of this specification. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the above embodiments may be combined in whole or in part to produce additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of this specification.

[0051] Therefore, although specific embodiments are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications within the scope of this specification are possible as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art. The teachings provided herein can be applied to other sensors, sensor holders, and catheters, and not just to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the scope of the above embodiments should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sonic or ultrasonic flow meter (200), comprising: a body (202), the body (202) being configured to be connected to a pipeline; a first connector (204) located on a first end (206) of the body (202) and a second connector (208) located on a second end (210) of the body (202); a meter electronics (220) configured to couple to a sensor (235) and indicate a degree of fluid flow through the pipeline to which the flow meter (200) is connected based on a signal received from the sensor (235), wherein the meter electronics (220) includes an acquisition section (224) and an interface section (222); an acquisition module (234) of the acquisition section (224), the acquisition module (234) being configured to communicate with the sensor (235); an attachment area (237) defined by the body (202), wherein the acquisition section (224) is attached to the attachment area (237); an enclosure forming member (236) sealingly attached to the body (202), the enclosure forming member (236) surrounding the acquisition module (234); The interface electronics (232) of the interface section (222) are housed in an upper enclosure (226), wherein the upper enclosure (226) is coupled to the enclosure forming member (236).

2. The sonic or ultrasonic flow meter (200) according to claim 1, wherein: The attachment area (237) includes a cavity.

3. The sonic or ultrasonic flow meter (200) according to claim 1, wherein: A form cover (240) is coupled to the enclosure form (236), and the form cover (240) provides sealing for the access section (224) from the external environment.

4. The sonic or ultrasonic flow meter (200) according to claim 3, wherein: The forming member cover (240) defines a mounting location for the upper enclosure (226).

5. The sonic or ultrasonic flow meter (200) according to claim 1, wherein: The upper enclosure (226) includes a display (230).

6. The sonic or ultrasonic flow meter (200) according to claim 1, wherein: The body (202) of the flow meter (200) has attached thereto a shroud (246) surrounding the acquisition section (224).

7. The sonic or ultrasonic flow meter (200) according to claim 1, wherein: The enclosure forming member (236) includes at least one hole (244), and wherein a cable gland (242) is installed in the at least one hole (244).

8. A method for assembling a sonic or ultrasonic flow meter (200), the method comprising: providing a body (202) configured to be connected to a pipeline; Attaching a first connector (204) to a first end (206) of the body (202), and attaching a second connector (208) to a second end (210) of the body (202); coupling the meter electronics (220) to the sensor (235); Indicating, using the meter electronics (220), a degree of fluid flow through the pipeline to which the flow meter (200) is connected based on a signal received from the sensor (235), wherein the meter electronics (220) includes an acquisition section (224) and an interface section (222), and wherein an acquisition module (234) of the acquisition section (224) is configured to communicate with the sensor (235); defining an attachment area (237) on the body, wherein the acquisition section (224) is attached to the attachment area (237); sealingly attaching an enclosure forming member (236) to the body (202), the enclosure forming member (236) surrounding the acquisition module (234); The interface electronics (232) of the interface section (222) are housed in an upper enclosure (226), wherein the upper enclosure (226) is coupled to the enclosure forming member (236).

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of defining a cavity on the attachment area (237).

10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the steps of: coupling a form cover (240) to the enclosure form (236); and The access section (224) is sealed from the external environment.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of defining a mounting location for the upper enclosure (226) on the former cover (240).

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The upper enclosure (226) includes a display (230).

13. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the steps of: attaching a shroud (246) to the body (202); and The access section (224) is surrounded by the shield (246).

14. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The enclosure forming member (236) includes at least one aperture (244); and A cable gland (242) is installed in the at least one hole (244).

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