Phase-control combined array type multichannel ultrasonic flow sensor and using method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of flow measurement, in particular to a phase-control combined array type multichannel ultrasonic flow sensor and a using method. The system comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducers used for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals and a time sequence control module used for controlling the transmitting time sequence of the ultrasonic transducers, and further comprises an independent sound channel processing module, a signal quality comparison module, a static measurement module and a dynamic measurement module, the using method comprises the steps of controlling the transmitting time sequence of the ultrasonic transducer, independently processing ultrasonic signals, contrastively analyzing signal quality and the like. According to the invention, the technical effects of component change identification and fault self-detection and accurate flow measurement in static and dynamic pulsating flow fields are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of flow measurement, and in particular to a phased-control combined array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor and its usage. Background Art

[0002] Ultrasonic flow sensors are currently widely used in industrial production, energy metering, and other fields. However, existing ultrasonic flow sensors suffer from insufficient measurement accuracy, weak anti-interference capabilities, and poor adaptability when faced with complex flow fields, pipes of varying diameters, and complex operating conditions. For example, in complex flow fields, the unstable flow state of the fluid can affect the propagation of the ultrasonic signal, leading to increased measurement errors. Different pipe diameters require sensors of varying specifications, increasing operational costs and maintenance difficulties. In complex operating conditions, such as electromagnetic interference and changes in fluid composition, existing sensors struggle to ensure measurement accuracy and stability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to improve the anti-interference capability, the present application provides a phased combination array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor and its usage.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides a phased array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor, which adopts the following technical solution: A phase-controlled combined array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor, comprising an ultrasonic transducer and a timing control module, There are multiple ultrasonic transducers, each of which is used to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals. The timing control module is connected to all ultrasonic transducers, and is used to control the emission timing of all ultrasonic transducers.

[0005] By adopting the above technical solution, multiple ultrasonic transducers transmit and receive ultrasonic signals, and the timing control module controls their transmission timing, thereby achieving anti-electromagnetic interference.

[0006] Preferably, it also includes an independent channel processing module and a signal quality comparison module, The independent channel processing module corresponds to the ultrasonic transducer one by one, the independent channel processing module is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and the independent channel processing module is used to process the ultrasonic signal received by the current ultrasonic transducer. The signal quality comparison module is connected to all independent channel processing modules, and is used to compare and analyze the quality of all signals.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the independent channel processing module processes the ultrasonic signal received by the current ultrasonic transducer, which can realize independent processing and redundant design of each channel, so that the sensor can still ensure the continuity and accuracy of measurement under complex working conditions, and improve the fault tolerance and overall stability; the signal quality comparison module compares and analyzes the quality of all signals, which can realize component change identification and fault self-detection functions, and improve the safety and maintainability of the system.

[0008] Preferably, it also includes a static measurement module, The static measurement module is connected to all independent channel processing modules; In a static state, the static measurement module is used to control any ultrasonic transducer to perform measurement.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, in static conditions, any ultrasonic transducer can be controlled to perform measurement, thereby achieving extremely low power consumption.

[0010] Preferably, it also includes a dynamic measurement module, The dynamic measurement module is connected to all independent channel processing modules; In a dynamic pulsating flow field, the dynamic measurement module is used to control all ultrasonic transducers to perform sampling.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, in the dynamic pulsating flow field, the dynamic measurement module controls all ultrasonic transducers to perform sampling, which can improve the measurement accuracy and provide more reliable data support for flow control and monitoring.

[0012] Preferably, all the ultrasonic transducers are distributed in an array, and adjacent ultrasonic transducers are detachably connected.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the sensor can flexibly adjust the array combination of ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasonic transducers can be combined according to different flow field conditions and pipe diameters to adapt to complex flow fields and different diameters. It is also convenient to replace, repair and upgrade a single ultrasonic transducer, reducing the cost of use and the difficulty of maintenance.

[0014] Preferably, the ultrasonic transducer comprises a housing and a latch. The housing is provided with a socket, One end of the plug is connected to the current shell, and the other end of the plug is used to be inserted into the socket of another shell.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, adjacent ultrasonic transducers can be detachably connected to form a combinable array. The array can adapt to complex flow fields, and the flexible multi-array combination can be suitable for different calibers.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present application provides a method for using a phased array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor, which adopts the following technical solution: A method for using a phase-controlled combined array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor, comprising: Control the transmission timing of all ultrasonic transducers distributed in an array.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the transmission timing can be controlled to resist electromagnetic interference and pulsation interference.

[0018] Preferably, it also includes: The ultrasonic signals received by all ultrasonic transducers are processed independently. Compare and analyze the quality of all signals, and identify component changes and self-detect faults based on the analysis results.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the ultrasonic signals received by the ultrasonic transducer are independently processed and the signal quality is compared and analyzed, which can realize component change identification and fault self-detection, improve the reliability and stability of the sensor under complex working conditions, and ensure the accuracy of measurement.

[0020] Preferably, it also includes: In static condition, any ultrasonic transducer is controlled to perform measurement.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, in static conditions, only controlling any one ultrasonic transducer for measurement can achieve extremely low power consumption. It can also significantly reduce power consumption and extend the service life of the sensor while ensuring basic flow monitoring.

[0022] Preferably, it also includes: In a dynamic pulsating flow field, all ultrasonic transducers are controlled to perform sampling.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, all ultrasonic transducers can be controlled to perform sampling in a dynamic pulsating flow field, which can improve the measurement accuracy and provide more reliable data support for flow control and monitoring.

[0024] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. The timing control module controls the ultrasonic transducer emission timing, which can resist electromagnetic interference and improve the reliability and measurement accuracy of the sensor in complex electromagnetic environments; 2. The independent channel processing module processes ultrasonic signals independently and features redundant design, enabling the sensor to ensure measurement continuity and accuracy under complex working conditions, improving fault tolerance and overall stability. 3. The signal quality comparison module compares and analyzes signal quality, enabling component change identification and fault self-detection, improving system safety and maintainability; 4. The static measurement module controls any ultrasonic transducer to perform measurements in a static state, achieving extremely low power consumption; 5. The dynamic measurement module controls all ultrasonic transducers to take samples in a dynamic pulsating flow field, which can improve the measurement accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a phased-control array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of another phase-controlled combination array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of another phase-controlled combination array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor.

[0028] Figure 4 The structure diagram of a phase-controlled combined array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor.

[0029] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 1. Ultrasonic transducer; 11. Shell; 12. Pin; 13. Jack; 14. Connecting plate; 15. Connecting hole; 2. Timing control module; 3. Independent channel processing module; 4. Signal quality comparison module; 5. Static measurement module; 6. Dynamic measurement module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 or Figure 2 The embodiment of the present application discloses a phased array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor, comprising an ultrasonic transducer 1. The ultrasonic transducer 1 is used to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals.

[0032] There are multiple ultrasonic transducers 1. All ultrasonic transducers 1 are distributed around the pipe in an array, and adjacent ultrasonic transducers 1 can be detachably connected. For example, for large-diameter pipes, more ultrasonic transducers 1 can be selected to form an array to improve measurement accuracy; for complex flow fields, a specific array combination can be selected to better adapt to the flow field characteristics. Reference Figure 1 or Figure 2 The ultrasonic transducer 1 includes a housing 11 and a latch 12. A socket 13 is provided on one side of the housing 11 along the A axis. One end of the latch 12 is connected to the other side of the housing 11 along the A axis. In adjacent ultrasonic transducers 1 arranged along the A axis, the other end of the latch 12 is inserted into the socket 13 of the other housing 11. The latch 12 may be inserted into the socket 13 by interference fit.

[0033] Figure 1In the embodiment, one side of the housing 11 has three insertion holes 13, and the other side of the housing 11 is fixedly connected to three latches 12; two of the latches 12 are circular, and the other latch 12 is rectangular.

[0034] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 A connecting plate 14 is connected to one side of the housing 11 along the B direction, which is perpendicular to the A direction. The connecting plate 14 is provided with a connecting hole 15. For adjacent ultrasonic transducers 1 arranged along the B direction, the connecting holes 15 of two connecting plates 14 are coaxial and can be used to pass fasteners such as bolts and pins.

[0035] Reference Figure 4 A phased-control array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor also includes a timing control module 2, an independent channel processing module 3, a signal quality comparison module 4, a static measurement module 5 and a dynamic measurement module 6.

[0036] The timing control module 2 is connected to all ultrasonic transducers 1. It is used to control the transmission timing of all ultrasonic transducers 1. By precisely controlling the transmission timing, each ultrasonic transducer 1 transmits ultrasonic signals at different times, avoiding the effects of electromagnetic interference on the signal and improving anti-interference capabilities.

[0037] For example, the timing control module 2 includes: A timing generation unit, configured to generate precise timing control signals; and The timing distribution unit is connected to the timing generation unit and the ultrasonic transducer 1 , and is used to distribute the timing control signal to each ultrasonic transducer 1 , and control the transmission timing of all ultrasonic transducers 1 .

[0038] Each independent channel processing module 3 corresponds to and is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 1. It processes the ultrasonic signal currently received by the ultrasonic transducer 1. Each channel's processing is independent. A failure in one channel (ultrasonic transducer 1) does not affect the normal operation of other channels. This achieves redundancy and improves the sensor's reliability under complex operating conditions.

[0039] For example, the independent channel processing module 3 includes: A signal amplifying unit, connected to the ultrasonic transducer 1, for amplifying the ultrasonic signal; A signal filtering unit, connected to the signal amplifying unit, for filtering the amplified signal; a signal digitizing unit connected to the signal filtering unit, and configured to convert the filtered analog signal into a digital signal; and The independent processing unit is connected to the signal digitization unit and is used to independently process and analyze the digital signal.

[0040] The signal quality comparison module 4 is connected to all independent channel processing modules 3. It is used to compare and analyze the quality of all signals. For example, when the fluid composition changes, the characteristic parameters of each channel signal will change accordingly. This change can be identified through comparative analysis. If the signal characteristic parameters of a channel differ significantly from those of other channels, it can be determined that the channel may be faulty.

[0041] For example, the signal quality comparison module 4 includes: A signal feature extraction unit, used to extract feature parameters of each channel signal; a comparison and analysis unit connected to the signal feature extraction unit, for performing comparison and analysis on the signal feature parameters of each channel; and The identification and judgment unit is connected to the comparison and analysis unit and is used to identify the change of fluid components and judge whether there is a fault based on the comparison and analysis results.

[0042] The static measurement module 5 is connected to all independent channel processing modules 3. In static mode, it controls any ultrasonic transducer 1 to measure heartbeats. This not only enables basic flow monitoring but also significantly reduces power consumption and extends the sensor's service life.

[0043] For example, the static measurement module 5 includes: A random channel selection unit, configured to randomly select an ultrasonic transducer 1 for heartbeat measurement in a static state; and The low power consumption control unit is connected to the random channel selection unit and the independent channel processing module 3 and is used to control the power consumption during the measurement process to achieve extremely low power consumption.

[0044] The dynamic measurement module 6 is connected to all independent channel processing modules 3. In a dynamic, pulsating flow field, it controls all ultrasonic transducers 1 for rapid sampling. When the flow field is highly pulsating, the sampling frequency is increased to capture rapid flow rate changes and improve measurement accuracy. When the flow field is less pulsating, the sampling frequency is appropriately reduced to conserve energy.

[0045] For example, the dynamic measurement module 6 includes: a pulsation detection unit, for detecting the pulsation of the flow field; and The fast sampling control unit is connected to the pulsation detection unit and the independent sound channel processing module 3, and is used to control all ultrasonic transducers 1 to perform fast sampling according to the pulsation of the flow field.

[0046] The implementation principle of a phased array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor in the embodiment of the present application is as follows: the detachably connected ultrasonic transducers 1 enable the sensor to be combined according to different flow field conditions and pipe diameters, thereby enhancing the sensor's adaptability to complex flow fields and pipes of different diameters, and reducing usage costs and maintenance difficulties. Compared with the existing fixed layout of ultrasonic transducers 1, the design of this embodiment is more flexible and can better meet the diverse needs of practical applications. The timing control module 2 precisely controls the emission timing of the ultrasonic transducer 1, effectively resisting electromagnetic interference; the independent channel processing module 3 independently processes the signals of each channel, realizing a redundant design and improving the reliability of the sensor under complex working conditions; the signal quality comparison module 4 can identify changes in fluid components and judge faults; the static measurement module 5 achieves extremely low power consumption when static, and the dynamic measurement module 6 improves measurement accuracy in a dynamic pulsating flow field.

[0047] The present application also discloses a method for using a phased array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor, including: S1, controlling the emission timing of all ultrasonic transducers 1 distributed in an array; First, the timing scheme required for measurement is determined. Then, the timing generation unit of the timing control module 2 generates accurate timing control signals. The timing distribution unit then distributes these signals to each ultrasonic transducer 1 to ensure that each ultrasonic transducer 1 can transmit ultrasonic signals according to the predetermined timing. S2, independently processing the ultrasonic signals received by all ultrasonic transducers 1; The signal amplification unit in the independent channel processing module 3 first amplifies the weak ultrasonic signal, then the signal filtering unit filters the amplified signal to remove noise and interference signals, then the signal digitization unit converts the filtered analog signal into a digital signal, and finally the independent processing unit independently processes and analyzes the digitized signal to calculate various signal parameters; S3, compares and analyzes the quality of all signals, and realizes component change identification and fault self-detection based on the analysis results; The signal feature extraction unit in the signal quality comparison module 4 extracts the characteristic parameters of each channel signal, the comparison and analysis unit compares and analyzes these characteristic parameters, and the identification and judgment unit determines whether the fluid composition has changed and whether there is a fault based on the comparison and analysis results; S4, in static state, controlling any ultrasonic transducer 1 to perform measurement; The random channel selection unit of the static measurement module 5 randomly selects a channel, and then the low power control unit controls the power consumption during the measurement process to achieve extremely low power consumption; S5, in the dynamic pulsating flow field, controlling all ultrasonic transducers 1 to perform sampling; The pulsation detection unit of the dynamic measurement module 6 first detects the pulsation of the flow field, and then the rapid sampling control unit controls each channel to perform rapid sampling according to the pulsation of the flow field.

[0048] The implementation principle of a phased combination array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor and its usage in the embodiment of the present application is: by orderly controlling the emission timing of the ultrasonic transducer 1, independently processing signals, comparing signal quality, and adopting different measurement methods under different conditions, accurate measurement of flow is achieved. At the same time, it has the functions of anti-interference, adaptability to complex working conditions, identification of component changes and fault self-detection, thereby improving the overall performance of the ultrasonic flow sensor and overcoming the shortcomings of the existing ultrasonic flow sensor usage.

[0049] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, any equivalent changes made based on the structure, shape, and principle of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A phased array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor, characterized in that: It includes an ultrasonic transducer (1) and a timing control module (2), The ultrasonic transducer (1) is provided in plurality, and the ultrasonic transducer (1) is used to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals. The timing control module (2) is connected to all ultrasonic transducers (1), and the timing control module (2) is used to control the emission timing of all ultrasonic transducers (1).

2. The phase-controlled combined array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an independent channel processing module (3) and a signal quality comparison module (4), The independent channel processing module (3) corresponds to the ultrasonic transducer (1) on a one-to-one basis, the independent channel processing module (3) is connected to the ultrasonic transducer (1), and the independent channel processing module (3) is used to process the ultrasonic signal currently received by the ultrasonic transducer (1). The signal quality comparison module (4) is connected to all independent sound channel processing modules (3), and the signal quality comparison module (4) is used to compare and analyze the quality of all signals.

3. The phased-control combined array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes a static measurement module (5), The static measurement module (5) is connected to all independent channel processing modules (3); In a static state, the static measurement module (5) is used to control any ultrasonic transducer (1) to perform measurement.

4. The phase-controlled combined array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes a dynamic measurement module (6), The dynamic measurement module (6) is connected to all independent sound channel processing modules (3); In a dynamic pulsating flow field, the dynamic measurement module (6) is used to control all ultrasonic transducers (1) to perform sampling.

5. The phase-controlled combined array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: All the ultrasonic transducers (1) are distributed in an array, and adjacent ultrasonic transducers (1) are detachably connected.

6. The phased-control combined array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ultrasonic transducer (1) comprises a housing (11) and a latch (12). The housing (11) is provided with a socket (13), One end of the latch (12) is connected to the current housing (11), and the other end of the latch (12) is used to be embedded in the socket (13) of another housing (11).

7. A method for using a phased array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor, characterized in that: include: Control the emission timing of all ultrasonic transducers (1) distributed in an array.

8. The method of using the phased-control array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that: Also includes: The ultrasonic signals received by all ultrasonic transducers (1) are processed independently. Compare and analyze the quality of all signals, and identify component changes and self-detect faults based on the analysis results.

9. The method for using the phased-control array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that: Also includes: In static state, any ultrasonic transducer (1) is controlled to perform measurement.

10. The method of using the phased-control array multi-channel ultrasonic flow sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that: Also includes: In a dynamic pulsating flow field, all ultrasonic transducers (1) are controlled to perform sampling.

Images