Ultrasonic flow metering device, fluid state detection method and device thereof and medium

Abstract

The invention discloses an ultrasonic flow metering device, a fluid state detection method and device of the ultrasonic flow metering device and a medium, and the fluid state detection method comprises the steps that in the same work period of the ultrasonic flow metering device, ultrasonic echo signals are collected in real time; determining a first characteristic wave, a second characteristic wave and a third characteristic wave according to the collected ultrasonic echo signals; according to the waveform information of the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave and the third characteristic wave, the state of fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined; the waveform information comprises half-wave periodic pulse width and / or amplitude voltage; the state of the fluid includes at least one of the absence of bubbles, the presence of a small amount of bubbles, and the presence of a large amount of bubbles. According to the technical scheme, the measurement precision and stability of the ultrasonic flow metering device can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ultrasonic flow metering technology, and in particular to an ultrasonic flow metering device and its fluid state detection method, apparatus and medium. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of ultrasonic flow metering, the most common method is to calculate flow velocity by the time difference between the propagation of sound waves in the fluid during upstream and downstream flows. However, in practical applications, abnormal fluid conditions in the pipeline, such as the presence of air bubbles, can severely affect the accuracy of ultrasonic flow metering. Specifically, when air bubbles are present in the liquid, they scatter or absorb some of the ultrasonic energy, leading to a weakening of the received ultrasonic echo signal. When the ultrasonic echo signal attenuates below a threshold voltage, the ultrasonic flow metering device may fail to recognize the first wave of the ultrasonic echo signal and instead use the second wave as the "first wave" for comparison with the threshold voltage, resulting in a "misaligned wave" phenomenon. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the fluid state within the ultrasonic flow metering device to prevent this "misaligned wave" phenomenon to a certain extent, thereby improving the measurement accuracy and stability of the ultrasonic flow metering device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides an ultrasonic flow metering device and its fluid state detection method, apparatus and medium to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and improve the measurement accuracy and stability of the ultrasonic flow metering device.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for detecting fluid state in an ultrasonic flow metering device, characterized in that it includes:

[0005] Ultrasonic echo signals are acquired in real time during the same working cycle of the ultrasonic flow metering device;

[0006] Based on the collected ultrasonic echo signals, the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave are determined;

[0007] The state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined based on the waveform information of the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave; the waveform information includes the half-wave period pulse width and / or amplitude voltage; the state of the fluid includes at least one of the following: no bubbles, a small number of bubbles, and a large number of bubbles.

[0008] Optionally, based on the acquired ultrasonic echo signals, a first characteristic wave, a second characteristic wave, and a third characteristic wave are determined, including:

[0009] The first characteristic wave whose amplitude voltage exceeds the first wave threshold voltage among the collected ultrasonic echo signals is identified as the first characteristic wave.

[0010] The characteristic wave at the zero-crossing point at the end of the timing is identified as the second characteristic wave;

[0011] The characteristic wave containing the maximum amplitude voltage in each of the collected ultrasonic echo signals is determined as the third characteristic wave.

[0012] Optionally, the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined based on the waveform information of the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave, including:

[0013] Based on the waveform information of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave, determine the pulse width ratio coefficient r of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave;

[0014] Based on the waveform information of the third characteristic wave, determine the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v of the third characteristic wave;

[0015] The state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined based on the pulse width ratio coefficient r and the amplitude voltage ratio coefficient v.

[0016] Optionally, based on the waveform information of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave, the pulse width ratio coefficient r of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave is determined, including:

[0017] The ratio of the half-wave period pulse width of the first characteristic wave to the half-wave period pulse width of the second characteristic wave is determined as the pulse width ratio coefficient r of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave.

[0018] Optionally, based on the waveform information of the third characteristic wave, the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v of the third characteristic wave is determined, including:

[0019] The ratio of the amplitude voltage of the third characteristic wave to the calibrated amplitude voltage is determined as the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v of the third characteristic wave.

[0020] Optionally, determining the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device based on the pulse width ratio coefficient r and the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v includes:

[0021] When the pulse width ratio coefficient r is in the range of a≤r≤b and the amplitude voltage ratio coefficient v is in the range of v≥x, the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined to be that there are no bubbles.

[0022] When the pulse width ratio coefficient r is in the range of 0 < r < a, and the amplitude voltage ratio coefficient v is in the range of y < v < x, the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined to be that there are a small number of bubbles.

[0023] When the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v is in the range of v < y, it is determined that the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device contains a large number of bubbles.

[0024] Optionally, the fluid state detection method in the ultrasonic flow metering device further includes:

[0025] An alarm is triggered when the fluid in the ultrasonic flow meter is determined to have a small number of bubbles and / or a large number of bubbles.

[0026] Secondly, the present invention also provides a fluid state detection device in an ultrasonic flow metering device, comprising:

[0027] An amplitude voltage acquisition module is used to acquire ultrasonic echo signals in real time during the same working cycle of the ultrasonic flow metering device.

[0028] The characteristic wave determination module is used to determine the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave based on the collected ultrasonic echo signals.

[0029] The fluid state determination module is used to determine the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device based on the waveform information of the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave; the waveform information includes the half-wave period pulse width and / or amplitude voltage of the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave; the fluid state includes at least one of the following: no bubbles, a small number of bubbles, and a large number of bubbles.

[0030] Thirdly, the present invention also provides an ultrasonic flow metering device, comprising: a controller; the controller being configured to execute the fluid state detection method in the ultrasonic flow metering device described in any of the preceding claims.

[0031] Fourthly, the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for causing a processor to execute and implement the fluid state detection method in the ultrasonic flow metering device described in any of the preceding claims.

[0032] The technical solution of this invention acquires ultrasonic echo signals in real time during the same working cycle of the ultrasonic flow metering device. Based on the acquired ultrasonic echo signals, a first characteristic wave, a second characteristic wave, and a third characteristic wave are determined. Based on the waveform information of the first, second, and third characteristic waves, including the half-wave period pulse width and / or amplitude voltage, the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined. This allows the presence of air bubbles in the fluid of the ultrasonic flow metering device, and whether there are a few or a large number of air bubbles, to be determined by the first, second, and third characteristic waves. Therefore, when air bubbles are present in the fluid of the ultrasonic flow metering device, an alert can be issued or the ultrasonic echo signals can be processed to avoid the impact of abnormal states such as air bubbles on the measurement results of the ultrasonic flow metering device, thereby improving the measurement accuracy and stability of the ultrasonic flow metering device.

[0033] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a fluid state detection method in an ultrasonic flow metering device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a fluid state detection method in an ultrasonic flow metering device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the pulse width and amplitude voltage of the ultrasonic echo signal when air bubbles are present in the fluid of an ultrasonic flow meter.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a fluid state detection method in an ultrasonic flow metering device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 The graph shows the change in pulse width ratio coefficient when the fluid in the ultrasonic flow meter is in the state of a single bubble.

[0040] Figure 6The graph shows the change in pulse width ratio coefficient when the fluid in the ultrasonic flow meter is in the state of a small number of bubbles.

[0041] Figure 7 The graph shows the change in pulse width ratio coefficient when the fluid in the ultrasonic flow meter is in the state of a large number of bubbles.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid state detection device in the ultrasonic flow metering device provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," "target," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a fluid state detection method in an ultrasonic flow metering device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This embodiment is applicable to situations where the fluid state in an ultrasonic flow metering device is detected. The method can be executed by a fluid state detection device within the ultrasonic flow metering device. This detection device can be implemented in hardware and / or software, and can be configured within the controller of the ultrasonic flow metering device. Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0047] S110. During the same working cycle of the ultrasonic flow metering device, the ultrasonic echo signal is acquired in real time.

[0048] Ultrasonic flow meters utilize ultrasonic technology to measure fluid velocity and flow rate. When using the time-of-flight method, the flow velocity is calculated by measuring the time difference between the propagation of ultrasonic waves in the upstream and downstream directions of the fluid. However, when impurities such as air bubbles are present in the fluid, the significant difference in acoustic impedance between the bubbles and the fluid causes scattering and reflection of the ultrasonic waves. This results in a substantial attenuation of the ultrasonic echo signal energy, making it difficult for the receiver of the flow meter to detect a sufficiently strong signal. Consequently, the first wave of the ultrasonic echo signal cannot be identified, and the second wave is mistakenly compared to the threshold voltage, leading to a misinterpretation phenomenon. Therefore, it is necessary to detect the fluid state within the ultrasonic flow meter to improve its measurement accuracy.

[0049] One working cycle of an ultrasonic flow metering device refers to the process required to complete one fluid flow measurement, including transmitting ultrasonic signals, receiving ultrasonic echo signals, and calculating time differences and flow rates. Real-time acquisition of ultrasonic echo signals can be achieved, but is not limited to, through the transducer at the receiving end.

[0050] In one optional embodiment, after real-time acquisition of the ultrasonic echo signal, it is further determined whether a TDC overflow signal exists. If a TDC overflow signal exists, it is determined that no fluid is flowing through the ultrasonic flow metering device, i.e., the pipe where the ultrasonic flow metering device is located is an empty pipe. In another optional embodiment, after real-time acquisition of the ultrasonic echo signal, if the calculated time difference result is time difference Δt < 0, it is determined that the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is flowing in reverse.

[0051] S120. Based on the collected ultrasonic echo signals, determine the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave.

[0052] The first characteristic wave is the first wave of the ultrasonic echo signal within the same working cycle, specifically the echo signal waveform received by the transducer at the receiving end when its amplitude voltage exceeds the first wave threshold voltage. The second characteristic wave is the timing wave of the ultrasonic echo signal within the same working cycle, specifically the echo signal waveform when the timing stops. The third characteristic wave is the ultrasonic echo signal waveform with the largest amplitude voltage within the same working cycle.

[0053] In an optional embodiment, S120 includes: determining the first characteristic wave whose amplitude voltage exceeds the first wave threshold voltage among the acquired ultrasonic echo signals as the first characteristic wave; determining the characteristic wave at the zero crossing point at the end of the timing as the second characteristic wave; and determining the characteristic wave at the maximum value among the acquired ultrasonic echo signals as the third characteristic wave.

[0054] Specifically, by acquiring ultrasonic echo signals in real time during the same working cycle of the ultrasonic flow metering device, the amplitude voltage V of the ultrasonic echo signals can be analyzed based on the acquired ultrasonic echo signals, thereby determining the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave.

[0055] S130. Determine the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device based on the waveform information of the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave.

[0056] The waveform information includes the half-wave period pulse width and / or amplitude voltage. The fluid state includes at least one of the following: no bubbles, a small number of bubbles, and a large number of bubbles. In this embodiment, the absence of bubbles, the presence of a small number of bubbles, and the presence of a large number of bubbles are relative concepts. The absence of bubbles in the fluid state can be understood as the amount of bubbles in the fluid being extremely small and negligible, while the presence of a small number of bubbles can be understood as the number of bubbles in the fluid being less than the number of bubbles in the presence of a large number of bubbles.

[0057] The half-wave period pulse width can be understood as the duration of a single positive or negative half-cycle. The amplitude voltage is the peak voltage of the ultrasonic echo signal. The half-wave period pulse width and amplitude voltage are key parameters measuring the characteristics of ultrasonic echo signals, and together they constitute key indicators for flow status detection. When there are no air bubbles in the fluid, the half-wave period pulse width of the echo signal is stable, and the amplitude voltage is high; conversely, when air bubbles are present in the fluid, the bubbles scatter the ultrasonic waves, causing the half-wave period pulse width of the echo signal to broaden, while the amplitude voltage relatively attenuates. Therefore, the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device can be determined by the half-wave period pulse width and / or amplitude voltage of the first, second, and third characteristic waves.

[0058] S140. When the fluid in the ultrasonic flow meter is determined to have a small number of bubbles and / or a large number of bubbles, an alarm is triggered.

[0059] The alarm methods may include, but are not limited to, sound, light, or text messages. In one exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic flow metering device is equipped with a speaker and an LED light; the alarm is triggered by sound from the speaker and by light from the LED light. In another exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic flow metering device includes a display screen or is communicatively connected to a display terminal; the alarm is triggered by displaying text messages on the display screen or display terminal.

[0060] Specifically, when the fluid in the ultrasonic flow meter is in a state of having a small number of bubbles or a large number of bubbles, the detection results of the ultrasonic flow meter may be affected by the bubbles, resulting in inaccurate data. Therefore, an alarm can be triggered when the fluid in the ultrasonic flow meter is in a state of having a small number of bubbles and / or a large number of bubbles, to remind technicians that the presence of bubbles in the fluid may affect the flow detection results. This allows technicians to take timely action and ensure the accuracy of the flow calibration results.

[0061] In this embodiment, ultrasonic echo signals are acquired in real time during the same working cycle of the ultrasonic flow metering device. Based on the acquired ultrasonic echo signals, a first characteristic wave, a second characteristic wave, and a third characteristic wave are determined. Based on the waveform information of the first, second, and third characteristic waves, including the half-wave period pulse width and / or amplitude voltage, the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined. This allows the presence of air bubbles in the fluid of the ultrasonic flow metering device, and whether there are a few or a large number of air bubbles, to be determined through the first, second, and third characteristic waves. Therefore, when air bubbles are present in the fluid of the ultrasonic flow metering device, an alert can be issued or the ultrasonic echo signal can be processed to avoid abnormal states such as air bubbles from affecting the measurement results of the ultrasonic flow metering device, thereby improving the measurement accuracy and stability of the ultrasonic flow metering device.

[0062] Example 2

[0063] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a fluid state detection method in an ultrasonic flow metering device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment further adds a step on how to determine the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device based on the waveform information of a first characteristic wave, a second characteristic wave, and a third characteristic wave. Figure 2 As shown, the method specifically includes:

[0064] S210. During the same working cycle of the ultrasonic flow metering device, the ultrasonic echo signal is acquired in real time.

[0065] S220. Based on the collected ultrasonic echo signals, determine the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave.

[0066] S230. Based on the waveform information of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave, determine the pulse width ratio coefficient r of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave.

[0067] The first characteristic wave is the first characteristic wave in the ultrasonic echo signal whose amplitude voltage exceeds the first wave threshold. The second characteristic wave is the characteristic wave in the ultrasonic echo signal where the zero-crossing point occurs at the end of the timing. The waveform information of the first and second characteristic waves includes the half-wave period pulse width and / or amplitude voltage of the first and second characteristic waves. The pulse width ratio coefficient r of the first and second characteristic waves can be understood as the ratio of the pulse widths of the first and second characteristic waves, which can reflect the quality of the ultrasonic echo signal and the characteristics of the monitored fluid. The ratio of the pulse widths of the first and second characteristic waves can be determined by the pulse widths of the first and second characteristic waves or the half-wave period pulse width. In an optional embodiment, the ratio of the pulse widths of the first and second characteristic waves is determined by the pulse widths of the first and second characteristic waves. Since the pulse widths of the first and second characteristic waves can be directly obtained by an oscilloscope, the process of determining the ratio of the pulse widths of the first and second characteristic waves can be simplified. However, the pulse widths of the first and second characteristic waves are greatly affected by fluid attenuation and require wide probes to obtain them accurately, which makes the accuracy of the ratio of the pulse widths of the first and second characteristic waves easily affected.

[0068] In an optional embodiment, S230 includes: determining the ratio of the half-wave period pulse width of the first characteristic wave to the half-wave period pulse width of the second characteristic wave as the pulse width ratio coefficient r of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave, so that the determination of the ratio of the half-wave period pulse width of the first characteristic wave to the half-wave period pulse width of the second characteristic wave can be achieved at low cost through a zero-crossing detection circuit, while improving the accuracy of the ratio of the pulse widths of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave.

[0069] S240. Based on the waveform information of the third characteristic wave, determine the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v of the third characteristic wave.

[0070] Among them, the third characteristic wave is the characteristic wave in which the maximum amplitude voltage of each ultrasonic echo signal is located, so the third characteristic wave can better reflect the intensity of the ultrasonic echo signal.

[0071] The amplitude-voltage ratio coefficient v of the third characteristic wave can be understood as the ratio of the amplitude voltage of the third characteristic wave in the current working cycle to the amplitude voltage of the third characteristic wave when there are no bubbles. Since the waveform signal of the third characteristic wave includes the pulse width of the half-wave period and / or the amplitude voltage of the third characteristic wave, the amplitude-voltage ratio coefficient v of the third characteristic wave can be determined based on the waveform information of the third characteristic wave.

[0072] In an optional embodiment, S240 includes: determining the ratio of the amplitude voltage of the third characteristic wave to the calibrated amplitude voltage as the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v of the third characteristic wave.

[0073] The calibrated amplitude voltage can be understood as the amplitude voltage of the third characteristic wave in a fluid without bubbles, calibrated through experiments.

[0074] S250. Determine the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device based on the pulse width ratio coefficient r and the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v.

[0075] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the pulse width and amplitude voltage of the ultrasonic echo signal when air bubbles are present in the fluid within an ultrasonic flow meter. (Reference) Figure 3 It is evident that when air bubbles are present in the fluid within the ultrasonic flow metering device, the interference from the air bubbles narrows the pulse width of the ultrasonic echo signal, and simultaneously reduces the amplitude voltage of the ultrasonic echo signal.

[0076] Specifically, when the fluid in the ultrasonic flow meter contains a small number of air bubbles, the interference from these bubbles weakens the ultrasonic echo signal. Simultaneously, the pulse width ratio of the first and second characteristic waves also decreases; that is, the pulse width ratio coefficient *r* decreases while the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient *v* decreases. Conversely, when the fluid in the ultrasonic flow meter contains a large number of air bubbles, the interference from these bubbles causes the intensity of the ultrasonic echo signal, i.e., the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient *v* of the third characteristic wave, to be below 0.5. Therefore, the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow meter can be determined based on the pulse width ratio coefficient *r* and the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient *v*.

[0077] In this embodiment, by determining the pulse width ratio coefficient r of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave and the amplitude voltage ratio coefficient v of the third characteristic wave, and based on the pulse width ratio coefficient r and the amplitude voltage ratio coefficient v, the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined, making the determined state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device more accurate.

[0078] Example 3

[0079] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a fluid state detection method in an ultrasonic flow metering device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment further adds a step on how to determine the fluid state in the ultrasonic flow metering device according to the pulse width ratio coefficient r and the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v. Figure 4 As shown, the method specifically includes:

[0080] S310. During the same working cycle of the ultrasonic flow metering device, the ultrasonic echo signal is acquired in real time.

[0081] S320. Based on the collected ultrasonic echo signals, determine the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave.

[0082] S330. Based on the waveform information of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave, determine the pulse width ratio coefficient r of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave.

[0083] S340. Based on the waveform information of the third characteristic wave, determine the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v of the third characteristic wave.

[0084] S350. When the pulse width ratio coefficient r is in the range of a≤r≤b and the amplitude voltage ratio coefficient v is in the range of v≥x, the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined to be that there are no bubbles.

[0085] In ultrasonic flow meters, the more air bubbles in the fluid, the weaker the ultrasonic echo signal becomes due to bubble interference, and the smaller the pulse width ratio of the first and second characteristic waves. When the pulse width ratio coefficient r is in the range of a ≤ r ≤ b, and the amplitude voltage ratio coefficient v is in the range of v ≥ x, the ultrasonic echo signal belongs to the high-quality signal range. In this case, the fluid in the ultrasonic flow meter is considered to be free of air bubbles. The values ​​of a, b, and x are determined based on the transmitted signal of the ultrasonic flow meter, and are sufficient to indicate that the ultrasonic echo signal belongs to the high-quality signal range. In an exemplary embodiment, a = 0.6, b = 0.7, and x = 2 / 3.

[0086] S360. When the pulse width ratio coefficient r is in the range of 0 < r < a, and the amplitude voltage ratio coefficient v is in the range of y < v < x, it is determined that the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device contains a small number of bubbles.

[0087] In this embodiment, when a small number of air bubbles are present in the fluid within the ultrasonic flow meter, the pulse width ratio coefficient r becomes smaller compared to when no air bubbles are present, and the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v decreases. The value of y is determined based on the transmitted signal of the ultrasonic flow meter; in an exemplary embodiment, y = 1 / 2.

[0088] S370. When the amplitude voltage proportional coefficient v is in the range of v < y, the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined to be the presence of a large number of bubbles.

[0089] When the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device contains a large number of bubbles, the pulse width ratio coefficient r changes drastically over a wide range due to the interference of the bubbles. At the same time, the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v of the third characteristic wave is below 0.5. Therefore, when the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v is in the range of v < y, it can be determined that the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device contains a large number of bubbles.

[0090] In this embodiment, to verify the feasibility of the fluid state detection method in the ultrasonic flow metering device, a fluid state detection test bench for the ultrasonic flow metering device was constructed. The test bench includes a pipe made of DN15 transparent PVC material, in which a flow regulating valve and a bubble generator are installed. The ultrasonic flow metering device is installed in the pipe, and with 1 m³ / h as the experimental flow rate, the bubble generator is used to create different bubble states, and a high-speed camera is used to record the bubble states as water flows through. Figure 5 This is a graph showing the change in pulse width ratio coefficient when the fluid in the ultrasonic flow meter is in the state of a single bubble. Figure 6 This graph shows the variation of the pulse width ratio coefficient when the fluid in the ultrasonic flow meter is in the state of a small number of bubbles. Figure 7 This graph shows the change in pulse width ratio coefficient when the fluid in an ultrasonic flow meter is in the state of numerous bubbles. (Reference) Figure 5 It is evident that when a single bubble passes through the ultrasonic flow meter, the pulse width ratio coefficient r decreases, and a momentary abnormality in flow velocity occurs. At this point, it is determined that the fluid state in the ultrasonic flow meter is that there are no bubbles, and the ultrasonic flow meter only records the data without triggering an alarm; (Reference) Figure 6 As shown, when a small number of bubbles continuously pass through the ultrasonic flow meter, the pulse width ratio coefficient r fluctuates continuously between 0.1 and 0.7. At this time, the fluid state in the ultrasonic flow meter is determined to be the presence of a small number of bubbles, and the ultrasonic flow meter records the data and issues an alarm. (Reference) Figure 7 As shown, when a large number of bubbles pass through the ultrasonic flow metering device continuously, the pulse width ratio coefficient r fluctuates continuously between 0.1 and 0.9.

[0091] In this embodiment, by determining the pulse width ratio coefficient r of the first and second characteristic waves based on the waveform information of the first and second characteristic waves, and determining the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v of the third characteristic wave based on the waveform information of the third characteristic wave, when the pulse width ratio coefficient r is in the range of a≤r≤b and the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v is in the range of v≥x, the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined to be free of bubbles. When the pulse width ratio coefficient r is in the range of 0<r<a and the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v is in the range of y<v<x, the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined to be free of a small number of bubbles. When the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v is in the range of v<y, the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined to be free of a large number of bubbles. This further makes the determined state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device more accurate.

[0092] Example 4

[0093] This embodiment provides a fluid state detection device in an ultrasonic flow metering device. The detection device can be implemented in hardware and / or software and can be integrated into the controller of the ultrasonic flow metering device. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid state detection device in the ultrasonic flow metering device provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, the detection device includes:

[0094] The amplitude voltage acquisition module 410 is used to acquire ultrasonic echo signals in real time during the same working cycle of the ultrasonic flow metering device.

[0095] The characteristic wave determination module 420 is used to determine the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave based on the collected ultrasonic echo signals.

[0096] The fluid state determination module 430 is used to determine the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device based on the waveform information of the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave and the third characteristic wave; the waveform information includes the half-wave period pulse width and / or amplitude voltage of the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave and the third characteristic wave; the fluid state includes at least one of the following: no bubbles, a small number of bubbles, and a large number of bubbles.

[0097] The fluid state detection device in the ultrasonic flow metering device provided in this embodiment of the invention can execute the fluid state detection method in the ultrasonic flow metering device provided in any embodiment of the invention, and has the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects of the execution method. The similarities can be referred to the above description.

[0098] Example 5

[0099] This invention provides an ultrasonic flow metering device, which includes at least a controller. The controller may integrate a fluid state detection device in any embodiment of the ultrasonic flow metering device provided by this invention, and can execute the fluid state detection method in any embodiment of the ultrasonic flow metering device provided by this invention.

[0100] Since the ultrasonic flow metering device provided in this embodiment of the invention includes the controller described above, and the controller can integrate the fluid state detection device in the ultrasonic flow metering device provided in this embodiment of the invention, and can execute the fluid state detection method in the ultrasonic flow metering device provided in this embodiment of the invention, it can have the corresponding structure and features to execute the fluid state detection method in the ultrasonic flow metering device provided in this embodiment of the invention, and can achieve the beneficial effects of the fluid state detection method in the ultrasonic flow metering device provided in this embodiment of the invention. The similarities can be referred to the above description.

[0101] Example 6

[0102] Based on the same concept, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for causing a processor to execute the method provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0103] In the context of this invention, a computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible medium that may contain or store a computer program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. Alternatively, a computer-readable storage medium may be a machine-readable signal medium. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media include electrical connections based on one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0104] The above specific embodiments do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions may be made based on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting fluid state in an ultrasonic flow metering device, characterized in that, include: Ultrasonic echo signals are acquired in real time during the same working cycle of the ultrasonic flow metering device; Based on the collected ultrasonic echo signals, the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave are determined; The state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined based on the waveform information of the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave; the waveform information includes the half-wave period pulse width and / or amplitude voltage; the state of the fluid includes at least one of the following: no bubbles, a small number of bubbles, and a large number of bubbles.

2. The fluid state detection method in the ultrasonic flow metering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the collected ultrasonic echo signals, the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave are determined, including: The first characteristic wave whose amplitude voltage exceeds the first wave threshold voltage among the collected ultrasonic echo signals is identified as the first characteristic wave. The characteristic wave at the zero-crossing point at the end of the timing is identified as the second characteristic wave; The characteristic wave containing the maximum amplitude voltage in each of the collected ultrasonic echo signals is determined as the third characteristic wave.

3. The fluid state detection method in the ultrasonic flow metering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device based on the waveform information of the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave includes: Based on the waveform information of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave, determine the pulse width ratio coefficient r of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave; Based on the waveform information of the third characteristic wave, determine the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v of the third characteristic wave; The state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined based on the pulse width ratio coefficient r and the amplitude voltage ratio coefficient v.

4. The fluid state detection method in the ultrasonic flow metering device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Based on the waveform information of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave, the pulse width ratio coefficient r of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave is determined, including: The ratio of the half-wave period pulse width of the first characteristic wave to the half-wave period pulse width of the second characteristic wave is determined as the pulse width ratio coefficient r of the first characteristic wave and the second characteristic wave.

5. The fluid state detection method in the ultrasonic flow metering device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Based on the waveform information of the third characteristic wave, the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v of the third characteristic wave is determined, including: The ratio of the amplitude voltage of the third characteristic wave to the calibrated amplitude voltage is determined as the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v of the third characteristic wave.

6. The fluid state detection method in the ultrasonic flow metering device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Determining the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device based on the pulse width ratio coefficient r and the amplitude voltage ratio coefficient v includes: When the pulse width ratio coefficient r is in the range of a≤r≤b and the amplitude voltage ratio coefficient v is in the range of v≥x, the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined to be that there are no bubbles. When the pulse width ratio coefficient r is in the range of 0 < r < a, and the amplitude voltage ratio coefficient v is in the range of y < v < x, the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device is determined to be that there are a small number of bubbles. When the amplitude voltage proportionality coefficient v is in the range of v < y, it is determined that the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device contains a large number of bubbles.

7. The fluid state detection method in the ultrasonic flow metering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An alarm is triggered when the fluid in the ultrasonic flow meter is determined to have a small number of bubbles and / or a large number of bubbles.

8. A fluid state detection device in an ultrasonic flow metering device, characterized in that, include: An amplitude voltage acquisition module is used to acquire ultrasonic echo signals in real time during the same working cycle of the ultrasonic flow metering device. The characteristic wave determination module is used to determine the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave based on the collected ultrasonic echo signals. The fluid state determination module is used to determine the state of the fluid in the ultrasonic flow metering device based on the waveform information of the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave; the waveform information includes the half-wave period pulse width and / or amplitude voltage of the first characteristic wave, the second characteristic wave, and the third characteristic wave; the fluid state includes at least one of the following: no bubbles, a small number of bubbles, and a large number of bubbles.

9. An ultrasonic flow metering device, characterized in that, include: Controller; The controller is used to execute the fluid state detection method in the ultrasonic flow metering device according to any one of claims 1-7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the fluid state detection method in the ultrasonic flow metering device according to any one of claims 1-7.

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