High-viscosity fluid flow continuous measurement system and method

Abstract

The invention discloses a high-viscosity fluid flow continuous measurement system and method, and relates to the technical field of fluid flow measurement. The measuring system comprises a temperature adjusting device, a frequency meter and a power source, a turbine flowmeter, a temperature sensor, a circulating pump, a first liquid storage container and a second liquid storage container are arranged in the temperature adjusting device, and the frequency meter is connected with the turbine flowmeter and measures the output frequency of the turbine flowmeter. The power supply is respectively connected with the temperature adjusting device, the turbine flowmeter and the circulating pump; the first liquid storage container, the circulating pump, the turbine flowmeter and the second liquid storage container are sequentially connected through a fluid pipeline, and the temperature sensor is arranged on the inner wall of the fluid pipeline. According to the invention, continuous and real-time flow measurement of high-viscosity fluid on a micro platform under the condition of wide temperature change can be realized with low cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fluid flow measurement technology, and in particular to a continuous flow measurement system and method for high-viscosity fluids. Background Technology

[0002] For high-viscosity media, selecting a suitable flow meter is crucial to ensure measurement accuracy and stability. Typical flow meters are not suitable for measuring high-viscosity fluids. Common flow meters and their applicable fluid viscosity ranges are as follows.

[0003] Electromagnetic flow meters are typically suitable for fluids with low viscosity. Generally, the suitable viscosity range for using electromagnetic flow meters is between 0.1 and 100 centipoise (cP).

[0004] Liquid turbine flow meter: can be used to measure the flow rate of various liquid media. Measurable kinematic viscosity range is 0.5~200 centipoise (cP) for liquids.

[0005] Volumetric flow meters, such as gear flow meters and elliptical gear flow meters, are particularly suitable for measuring high-viscosity fluids. Gear flow meters are suitable for measuring high-viscosity media with low flow rates, offering high measurement accuracy and stability. Elliptical gear flow meters can measure liquids with viscosities up to millions of centipoises. Although their measurement accuracy may be slightly lower with high-viscosity media, they offer better practicality and economy in applications with slightly higher flow rates and lower viscosity. Under normal circumstances, they can measure liquids with a kinematic viscosity range of 0.3 to 1000 centipoise (cP).

[0006] Coriolis mass flow meter: The kinematic viscosity of fluids ranges from a few centipoises (cP) to millions of centipoises (cP).

[0007] Vortex flow meter: It measures flow rate by rotating sub-blades and is very effective for high-viscosity liquids, capable of measuring liquids with viscosities up to millions of centipoises.

[0008] Metal rotor flow meters are suitable for high-viscosity liquids, such as greases, asphalt, and colloids with a viscosity of 2,000 to 1,000,000 cP. Metal rotor flow meters are generally suitable for measuring liquids in the medium flow range, with a wide applicable viscosity range. Generally, metal rotor flow meters are suitable for measuring liquids with a viscosity of 0.1 to 1000 cP. For standard models of metal rotor flow meters, there are usually certain limitations on the applicable medium viscosity range. For example, in DN15 diameters, the medium viscosity should not exceed 5 cP; while in DN25 to DN150 diameters, the medium viscosity should not exceed 250 cP.

[0009] However, these flow meters have significant limitations in harsh environments with strict requirements on size and weight. Electromagnetic flow meters require conductive fluids, and the minimum pipe diameter is generally greater than 6mm, making them unsuitable for flow detection in micro-environments such as liquid-cooled systems. Furthermore, their large size makes them unusable when size and weight are limited. Turbine flow meters have varying flow coefficients at different viscosities, making them unsuitable for high-viscosity fluids. Positive displacement flow meters are complex due to the presence of gears, resulting in heavy weight and large size, making installation difficult. Coriolis mass flow meters and vortex flow meters are too bulky for micro-systems. Metal rotor flow meters require high directionality, cannot directly emit electrical signals, and are too large for practical micro-system applications.

[0010] In summary, existing flow meters lack a complete solution for measuring low-temperature, high-viscosity fluids under limited volume and weight conditions. Various flow meters have limitations in their applicable viscosity range, volume and weight, measuring pipe diameter, or operating temperature. Therefore, a method is needed to achieve continuous and accurate flow measurement within limited spaces, in equipment with high weight requirements, and under harsh environmental temperature conditions, while also being relatively inexpensive. Summary of the Invention

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention proposes a continuous flow measurement system and method for high-viscosity fluids, which enables continuous, real-time flow measurement of high-viscosity fluids under wide temperature variations on a small platform at low cost.

[0012] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: A continuous flow measurement system for high-viscosity fluids includes a temperature control device, a frequency meter, and a power supply. The temperature control device houses a turbine flow meter, a temperature sensor, a circulating pump, a first liquid storage container, and a second liquid storage container. The frequency meter is connected to and measures the output frequency of the turbine flow meter. The power supply is connected to the temperature control device, the turbine flow meter, and the circulating pump. The first liquid storage container, the circulating pump, the turbine flow meter, and the second liquid storage container are connected sequentially via fluid pipelines. The temperature sensor is disposed on the inner wall of the fluid pipelines.

[0013] Furthermore, the temperature sensor and the turbine flow meter are located at the same flow cross section of the fluid pipeline.

[0014] Furthermore, the distance between the temperature sensor and the turbine flow meter does not exceed a preset distance value, which includes 5 times the diameter of the fluid pipeline.

[0015] Furthermore, the temperature regulating device is configured to apply a corresponding temperature to the fluid in the fluid pipeline, and the circulating pump is configured to drive the fluid to circulate within the fluid pipeline.

[0016] Furthermore, the first liquid storage container is configured to provide the fluid required for circulation, and the second liquid storage container is configured to store the fluid in circulation.

[0017] A method for continuous measurement of the flow rate of a high-viscosity fluid, comprising: Wide temperature range calibration: Set the voltage applied to the circulating pump by the power supply, and set the temperature applied to the fluid by the temperature regulating device; within a preset time, collect the fluid temperature T through the temperature sensor, collect the frequency F output by the turbine flow meter through the frequency meter, and collect the increased flow rate Q in the second storage container through the level gauge; change the voltage applied by the power supply and the temperature applied by the temperature regulating device, repeat the acquisition operation, establish the correlation between temperature T, frequency F and flow rate Q, and input it to the host computer; Continuous flow measurement: The actual temperature of the fluid to be measured is collected by a temperature sensor, and the actual output frequency of the turbine flow meter is collected by a frequency meter; the collected actual temperature and actual output frequency are input into the host computer, and the correlation is queried by the interpolation algorithm built into the host computer to obtain the actual flow rate value of the fluid to be measured.

[0018] Furthermore, the step of acquiring the fluid temperature T through a temperature sensor and acquiring the frequency F output by the turbine flow meter through a frequency meter includes: synchronously reading the temperature T acquired by the temperature sensor and the frequency F output by the turbine flow meter at a preset sampling rate based on a timer.

[0019] Furthermore, the method of changing the voltage applied by the power supply and the temperature applied by the temperature regulating device includes: By changing the voltage applied to the circulating pump by the power supply, the circulation speed of the fluid is adjusted, thereby changing the frequency F output by the turbine flow meter; By changing the temperature applied to the fluid by the temperature regulating device, the viscosity of the fluid is adjusted, thereby changing the relationship between the fluid flow rate Q and the frequency F.

[0020] Furthermore, establishing the correlation between temperature T, frequency F, and flow rate Q and inputting it to the host computer includes: storing the correlation between temperature T, frequency F, and flow rate Q in the host computer based on a three-dimensional table or a three-dimensional surface.

[0021] Furthermore, the interpolation algorithm built into the host computer includes a three-dimensional interpolation algorithm.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention obtains the different temperatures of the fluid from a temperature sensor in the fluid pipeline. Simultaneously, the output signal of the traditional turbine flow meter in the existing system can still be used. Temperature changes cause changes in liquid viscosity, and the output signal of the turbine flow meter measuring the liquid flow rate is no longer linearly related to the flow rate. This invention allows for direct lookup of the corresponding flow rate value in the host computer based on the relationship between different temperatures (viscosities), flow rates, and output frequencies obtained through prior experiments. Compared to volumetric flow measurement systems and ultrasonic flow measurement systems commonly used for high-viscosity fluid flow measurement, this invention utilizes turbine flow meters and temperature sensors commonly found in existing pipelines to achieve continuous flow measurement over a wide temperature range, a wide flow range, and a wide viscosity range. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a high-viscosity fluid flow rate continuous measurement system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a method for continuous measurement of high-viscosity fluid flow rate according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0025] Reference numerals: 1-Power supply, 2-Frequency meter, 3-Turbine flow meter, 4-Temperature control device, 5-Temperature sensor, 6-Circulation pump, 7-First liquid storage container, 8-Second liquid storage container. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments are now described. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention; that is, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the invention, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] Example 1 like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a continuous flow measurement system for high-viscosity fluids, including a temperature regulating device, a frequency meter, and a power supply. The temperature regulating device is equipped with a turbine flow meter, a temperature sensor, a circulating pump, a first liquid storage container, and a second liquid storage container. The frequency meter is connected to and measures the output frequency of the turbine flow meter. The power supply is connected to the temperature regulating device, the turbine flow meter, and the circulating pump. The first liquid storage container, the circulating pump, the turbine flow meter, and the second liquid storage container are connected in sequence through a fluid pipeline. The temperature sensor is disposed on the inner wall of the fluid pipeline.

[0028] Specifically, the temperature regulating device is configured to apply a corresponding temperature to the fluid in the fluid pipeline, the circulation pump is configured to drive the fluid to circulate in the fluid pipeline, the first liquid storage container is configured to provide the fluid required for circulation, and the second liquid storage container is configured to store the fluid in circulation.

[0029] Specifically, the temperature sensor and the turbine flow meter are located at the same flow cross section of the fluid pipeline, and the distance between them does not exceed a preset distance value, such as 5 times the diameter of the fluid pipeline.

[0030] Specifically, the temperature sensor can be a PT100 platinum resistance thermometer, installed on the inner wall of the fluid pipeline, and connected to the signal processing circuit via a three-wire system.

[0031] Specifically, the turbine flow meter retains the original pulse output type turbine, and its magnetoelectric sensor outputs a square wave frequency signal (0.1Hz~10kHz).

[0032] Example 2 This embodiment is based on embodiment 1: like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for continuous measurement of the flow rate of high-viscosity fluids, including: Wide temperature range calibration: Set the voltage applied to the circulating pump by the power supply, and set the temperature applied to the fluid by the temperature regulating device; within a preset time, collect the fluid temperature T through the temperature sensor, collect the frequency F output by the turbine flow meter through the frequency meter, and collect the increased flow rate Q in the second storage container through the level gauge; change the voltage applied by the power supply and the temperature applied by the temperature regulating device, repeat the acquisition operation, establish the correlation between temperature T, frequency F and flow rate Q, and input it to the host computer; Continuous flow measurement: The actual temperature of the fluid to be measured is collected by a temperature sensor, and the actual output frequency of the turbine flow meter is collected by a frequency meter. The collected actual temperature and actual output frequency are input into the host computer, and the correlation relationship is queried by the built-in interpolation algorithm of the host computer to obtain the actual flow rate value of the fluid to be measured.

[0033] Preferably, the temperature T of the fluid is acquired by a temperature sensor, and the frequency F output by the turbine flow meter is acquired by a frequency meter, including: synchronously reading the temperature T acquired by the temperature sensor and the frequency F output by the turbine flow meter at a preset sampling rate (e.g., 10Hz) based on a timer.

[0034] Preferably, changing the voltage applied by the power supply and the temperature applied by the temperature regulating device includes: adjusting the circulation speed of the fluid by changing the voltage applied to the circulation pump by the power supply, thereby changing the frequency F output by the turbine flow meter; and adjusting the viscosity of the fluid by changing the temperature applied to the fluid by the temperature regulating device, thereby changing the relationship between the fluid flow rate Q and the frequency F.

[0035] Preferably, establishing the correlation between temperature T, frequency F, and flow rate Q and inputting it to the host computer includes: storing the correlation between temperature T, frequency F, and flow rate Q in the host computer based on a three-dimensional table or a three-dimensional surface.

[0036] Preferably, the interpolation algorithm built into the host computer can be a three-dimensional interpolation algorithm.

[0037] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the concept described herein through the above teachings or related technologies or knowledge. Modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

[0038] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some steps may be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to this application. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used only for distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

Claims

1. A high viscosity fluid flow continuous measurement system, characterized by, The temperature adjusting device, the frequency meter and the power supply, the temperature adjusting device is provided with a turbine flowmeter, a temperature sensor, a circulating pump, a first liquid storage container and a second liquid storage container, the frequency meter is connected and measures the output frequency of the turbine flowmeter, and the power supply is connected with the temperature adjusting device, the turbine flowmeter and the circulating pump respectively; the first liquid storage container, the circulating pump, the turbine flowmeter and the second liquid storage container are sequentially connected through a fluid pipeline, and the temperature sensor is arranged on the inner wall of the fluid pipeline.

2. A continuous flow measurement system for high viscosity fluids as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The temperature sensor and the turbine flowmeter are arranged on the same flow cross section of the fluid pipeline.

3. The continuous flow measurement system of high viscosity fluids of claim 1, wherein, The distance between the temperature sensor and the turbine flowmeter is not more than a preset distance value, and the preset distance value includes 5 times the diameter of the fluid pipeline.

4. The high viscosity fluid flow continuous measurement system of claim 1, wherein, The temperature adjusting device is configured to apply a corresponding temperature to the fluid in the fluid pipeline, and the circulating pump is configured to drive the fluid to circulate in the fluid pipeline.

5. The high viscosity fluid flow continuous measurement system of claim 1, wherein, The first liquid storage container is configured to provide the fluid required for circulation, and the second liquid storage container is configured to store the fluid in circulation.

6. A method for continuously measuring the flow rate of a high viscosity fluid, applied to the system for continuously measuring the flow rate of a high viscosity fluid according to claim 1, characterized by, The method comprises: Wide temperature range calibration: set the voltage applied to the circulating pump by the power supply and the temperature applied to the fluid by the temperature adjusting device; in a preset time, collect the temperature T of the fluid by the temperature sensor, collect the frequency F output by the turbine flowmeter by the frequency meter, and collect the increased flow Q in the second liquid storage container by the liquid level meter; change the voltage applied by the power supply and the temperature applied by the temperature adjusting device, repeat the collection operation, establish the correlation between the temperature T, the frequency F and the flow Q, and input to the upper computer; Continuous flow measurement: collect the actual temperature of the fluid to be measured by the temperature sensor, and collect the actual output frequency of the turbine flowmeter by the frequency meter; input the collected actual temperature and actual output frequency into the upper computer, and query the correlation by the interpolation algorithm built in the upper computer to obtain the actual flow value of the fluid to be measured.

7. A method of continuously measuring the flow of a high viscosity fluid according to claim 6, wherein, The temperature T of the fluid collected by the temperature sensor and the frequency F output by the turbine flowmeter collected by the frequency meter include: based on the timer mode, the temperature T collected by the temperature sensor and the frequency F output by the turbine flowmeter are synchronously read at a preset sampling rate.

8. The method of continuously measuring the flow of a high viscosity fluid of claim 6, wherein, The change of the voltage applied by the power supply and the temperature applied by the temperature adjusting device includes: By changing the voltage applied to the circulating pump by the power supply, the circulating flow rate of the fluid is adjusted, and then the frequency F output by the turbine flowmeter is changed; By changing the temperature applied to the fluid by the temperature adjusting device, the viscosity of the fluid is adjusted, and then the corresponding relationship between the fluid flow Q and the frequency F is changed.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein, The correlation between the temperature T, the frequency F and the flow Q is established and input to the upper computer, which includes: based on the form of three-dimensional table or three-dimensional surface, the correlation between the temperature T, the frequency F and the flow Q is stored in the upper computer.

10. The method of continuously measuring the flow of a high viscosity fluid of claim 9, wherein, The interpolation algorithm built in the upper computer includes a three-dimensional interpolation algorithm.

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