Vortex shedding flowmeter

By setting an annular groove structure, a conical fixing ring, and an elastic fixing ring at the interface of the vortex flow meter, the friction is enhanced, which solves the problem of movement gaps caused by fluid driving force after long-term use of the vortex flow meter, and achieves measurement accuracy and sealing.

CN223485225UActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28KAIFENG YOKOGAWA FLOW METER CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422731381.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-11
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2034-11-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

After a vortex flowmeter has been used for a long time, the driving force of the conveying fluid on the measuring tube and pipeline may cause the two to move, resulting in gaps and leakage, affecting the measurement accuracy.

Method used

The vortex flow meter employs a circular groove structure for fixing grooves and slots at the interface between the measuring tube and the fluid delivery pipeline. Combined with a conical fixing ring and an elastic fixing ring, this increases friction and prevents movement. The sensor is clamped by a conical fixing hole and a fixing sleeve, enhancing the fixing effect. The outer housing and reinforcing sleeve protect the sensor, and a sealing ring is used for sealing.

Benefits of technology

It effectively prevents gaps and leaks between pipes and measuring tubes, ensuring the accuracy of measurement results and the smooth flow of fluid, and improving the fixation and sealing of the sensor.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of fluid flow measuring instruments, in particular to a vortex shedding flowmeter which comprises a measuring tube, a generating body embedded in the measuring tube, a sensor arranged on one side of the generating body and a meter head arranged above the sensor. An insertion groove and a fixing groove are sequentially formed in the two sides of the measuring pipe in the direction away from the middle of the measuring pipe respectively, the fixing groove and the insertion groove are each of an annular groove-shaped structure, one end of the fixing groove is communicated with the insertion groove, the other end of the fixing groove is located on the end face of the measuring pipe, and a fixing ring is arranged in the fixing groove in a sleeved mode; the outer diameter of the fixing ring is matched with the groove diameter of the fixing groove, an inner cavity of the fixing ring is of a conical structure, the diameter of the inner cavity of the fixing ring is gradually decreased in the direction close to the inserting groove, a fixing ring made of elastic materials is sleeved with the fixing ring, and the outer structure of the fixing ring is matched with the structure of the inner cavity in the middle of the fixing ring. The vortex shedding flowmeter is good in sealing effect and accurate in measurement result.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fluid flow measurement instruments, specifically to a vortex flow meter. Background Technology

[0002] Flow rate refers to the total amount of fluid passing through a cross-sectional area per unit time, and is a core indicator for evaluating the velocity and volume of fluid flow. A flow meter is an instrument used to measure the flow rate of a fluid and / or the flow rate within a selected time interval, accurately capturing the measured flow rate or changes in flow rate within a specific time interval. Depending on their type, flow meters are classified into various types, including differential pressure flow meters, electromagnetic flow meters, turbine flow meters, and vortex flow meters. Each type of flow meter exhibits different usage characteristics due to its unique working mechanism and structural design. Vortex flow meters are particularly noteworthy; in the field of precise measurement of liquids, steam, and gases, they rival differential pressure flow meters in accuracy, demonstrating exceptional precision. Moreover, under the same operating conditions, vortex flow meters stand out among many types of flow meters due to their relatively low pressure loss.

[0003] The principle of vortex flowmeters for measuring flow rate is based on the theories of Karman and Strohal regarding vortex generation and the relationship between vortexes and flow rate. This allows for the measurement of the flow rate of gases, steam, liquids, and low-viscosity liquids. By placing one or more cylindrical generators within the operating pipeline, stable Karman vortices will continuously separate behind the generator when the fluid velocity reaches a certain range. The separation frequency of these vortices is proportional to the fluid velocity. Because the Karman vortices generate alternating pressures on both sides of the sensor, the generation of the vortices further induces alternating pressures on both sides of the sensor. This pressure change is converted into alternating force on the sensor, which is then converted into a detectable charge change frequency through a dedicated circuit. Combined with the pipe diameter information, the volumetric flow rate of the measured medium can be accurately calculated.

[0004] After prolonged use, it has been found that the fluid transported by a vortex flow meter inevitably exerts a certain pushing force on the measuring tube of the vortex flow meter or the pipeline transporting the fluid during the long-term transport process. This pushing force may cause the measuring tube of the vortex flow meter and the pipeline transporting the fluid to move, resulting in gaps between them. More seriously, this movement may lead to leakage between the pipeline and the measuring tube. This situation not only adversely affects the fluid transport process but also significantly reduces the accuracy of the measurement results. Therefore, to avoid this situation, it is necessary to improve the interface between the vortex flow meter and the pipeline to ensure a good seal between the measuring tube and the pipeline transporting the fluid, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy of the measurement results and the smooth flow of fluid. This will better promote the application and popularization of vortex flow meters. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a vortex flow meter with good sealing performance and accurate measurement results, thereby overcoming the deficiencies in existing technologies.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a vortex flow meter, including a measuring tube, a generator embedded in the measuring tube, a sensor disposed on one side of the generator, and a meter head disposed above the sensor. Slots and fixing grooves are sequentially formed on both sides of the measuring tube along a direction away from the center of the measuring tube. Both the fixing groove and the slot adopt an annular groove structure. The diameter of the fixing groove is not less than the diameter of the slot. One end of the fixing groove is connected to the slot, and the other end of the fixing groove is located on the end face of the measuring tube. A fixing ring is fitted inside the fixing groove. The outer diameter of the fixing ring matches the diameter of the fixing groove. The inner cavity of the fixing ring adopts a conical structure, and the inner diameter of the fixing ring gradually decreases along the direction close to the slot. A fixing ring made of elastic material is fitted inside the fixing ring. The outer structure of the fixing ring matches the inner cavity structure of the middle part of the fixing ring. The inner diameter of the fixing ring is not greater than the diameter of the slot.

[0007] Preferably, the side wall of the measuring tube has a conical fixing hole, the diameter of which gradually decreases towards the meter head. A fixing sleeve is fixedly fitted on the upper middle part of the sensor, the external structure of which matches the inner cavity structure of the lower middle part of the fixing hole. A nut is provided above the fixing sleeve, and the nut is threaded onto the sensor. The bottom of the nut contacts the outer wall of the measuring tube. The sensor is clamped on the measuring tube by the fixing sleeve and the nut.

[0008] Preferably, a first sealing ring made of elastic material is provided in the fixing hole. The first sealing ring is interference-fitted onto the sensor. The outer shape of the first sealing ring matches the inner cavity structure of the upper middle part of the fixing hole. The first sealing ring is clamped between the nut and the fixing sleeve.

[0009] Preferably, the outer wall of the measuring tube is provided with a housing with openings on both sides. The bottom of the housing is installed on the measuring tube, the top of the sensor is located inside the housing, and a cover is provided on the top of the housing. The cover is fixed to the housing by screws. A support tube is provided between the cover and the meter head. The top of the support tube is installed on the meter head, and a reinforcing sleeve is fitted on the support tube. The reinforcing sleeve is installed at the bottom of the support tube. A threaded hole is provided on the cover, and the bottom of the reinforcing sleeve is threaded into the threaded hole.

[0010] Preferably, the shell cover has arrow-shaped directional grooves on both sides, the directional grooves are opened on the top surface of the shell cover, and a hexagonal reinforcing ring is fitted on the reinforcing sleeve. The reinforcing ring and the reinforcing sleeve are an integral part of the shell cover, and the bottom surface of the reinforcing ring is in contact with the top surface of the shell cover.

[0011] Preferably, a second sealing ring is interference-fitted into the slot, the inner diameter of the second sealing ring matching the diameter of the measuring tube, and the second sealing ring is located on the side of the slot near the generator.

[0012] Preferably, a guide groove is provided at an angle at the edge of the fixing ring, and the guide groove is formed on the inner cavity of the fixing ring.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: First, the slot on the measuring tube allows the end of the fluid conveying pipe to be inserted into the measuring tube. The fixing groove on the measuring tube facilitates the assembly of the fixing ring inside the measuring tube. Since both the inner cavity of the fixing ring and the outer shape of the fixing ring adopt a conical structure, the inner cavity of the fixing ring is interference-fitted onto the fluid conveying pipe, and the fixing ring is fitted inside the fixing ring. When the conveyed fluid pushes the pipe or measuring tube to move, the fixing ring moves towards the narrow port of the fixing ring, thereby increasing the friction between the fixing ring and the fixing ring, thus hindering the movement of the pipe or measuring tube and preventing gaps from appearing between the pipe and the measuring tube. This facilitates long-term use of the sensor to measure the flow rate of the fluid.

[0014] Secondly, this invention uses a conical fixing hole in the measuring tube, a fixing sleeve on the sensor, and a nut threaded onto the sensor to clamp and fix the sensor to the measuring tube, thus facilitating sensor installation and removal. Because the fixing hole is conical, it guides the sensor into the fixing hole. When the sensor moves towards the meter head under fluid pressure, the fixing sleeve moves towards the narrow end of the fixing hole, increasing the friction between the fixing sleeve and the fixing hole, thereby hindering the sensor's movement towards the meter head. Furthermore, the conical design of the outer surface of the fixing sleeve increases the contact area between the fixing sleeve and the fixing hole, preventing excessive stress concentration on the sensor and improving the sensor's fixation on the measuring tube. Moreover, this invention uses a first sealing ring to seal the gap between the fixing hole and the sensor, preventing leakage of the supplied fluid from this gap.

[0015] Furthermore, this invention protects the sensor protruding from the measuring tube by providing a housing on its outer wall. Reinforcing sleeves are installed on both the meter head and the housing cover, and the housing cover is then installed on the housing, connecting the meter head to the housing. Additionally, the housing cover has a directional groove to indicate the direction of fluid delivery. A hexagonal reinforcing ring on the reinforcing sleeve allows for easy rotation using a wrench or similar tool, facilitating the installation and removal of the reinforcing sleeve. Finally, a second sealing ring seals the gap between the fluid delivery pipe and the slot, preventing fluid leakage. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a sectional perspective view of the present invention without the meter head installed.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of point A in the middle.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention and the fluid conveying pipeline.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged diagram of point B in the middle.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the fixing ring in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0022] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, a vortex flow meter includes a measuring tube 1, a generator 2 embedded within the measuring tube 1, a sensor 3 disposed on one side of the generator 2, and a meter head 4 disposed above the sensor 3. Slots 5 and fixing grooves 6 are sequentially formed on both sides of the measuring tube 1 along a direction away from the middle of the measuring tube 1. Both the fixing groove 6 and the slot 5 adopt an annular groove structure. The diameter of the fixing groove 6 is not less than the diameter of the slot 5. One end of the fixing groove 6 is connected to the slot 5, and the other end of the fixing groove 6 is located on the end face of the measuring tube 1. The slot 5 is used to accommodate a fluid conveying pipe, such that the end of the pipe is inserted into the measuring tube 1. A fixing ring 7 is fitted inside the fixing groove 6. The outer diameter of the fixing ring 7 is the same as that of the fixing groove 6. The groove diameter matches, and the inner cavity of the fixing ring 7 adopts a conical structure. The inner diameter of the fixing ring 7 gradually decreases along the direction close to the slot 5. A fixing ring 8 made of elastic material is fitted inside the fixing ring 7. The external structure of the fixing ring 8 matches the middle inner cavity structure of the fixing ring 7. The inner diameter of the fixing ring 8 is not greater than the groove diameter of the slot 5, so that the fixing ring 8 can be interference-fitted onto the pipeline that transports the fluid. Therefore, when the transported fluid pushes the pipeline or measuring tube 1 to move, there will be a relative displacement between the fixing ring 7 and the fixing ring 8, causing the fixing ring 8 to move toward the narrow port of the fixing ring 7, thereby hindering the movement of the pipeline or measuring tube 1 and preventing leakage between the pipeline and the measuring tube 1.

[0023] In this embodiment, the side wall of the measuring tube 1 has a conical fixing hole 9. The diameter of the fixing hole 9 gradually decreases towards the meter head 4. A fixing sleeve 10 is fixedly fitted onto the upper middle part of the sensor 3. The external structure of the fixing sleeve 10 matches the internal cavity structure of the lower middle part of the fixing hole 9. A nut 11 is provided above the fixing sleeve 10. The nut 11 is threaded onto the sensor 3, and the bottom of the nut 11 contacts the outer wall of the measuring tube 1. The sensor 3 is clamped onto the measuring tube 1 by the fixing sleeve 10 and the nut 11, thereby fixing the sensor 3 onto the measuring tube 1 and facilitating the installation and removal of the sensor 3. During the process of inserting the sensor 3 into the fixing hole 9, the fixing hole 9 adopts a conical structure to guide the sensor 3 into the fixing hole 9. Furthermore, when the sensor 3 is squeezed by the fluid and moves toward the meter head 4, it drives the fixing sleeve 10 to move toward the narrow end of the fixing hole 9, thereby increasing the friction between the fixing sleeve 10 and the fixing hole 9, thus hindering the sensor 3 from moving toward the meter head 4. In addition, the tapered design of the outer surface of the fixing sleeve 10 increases the contact area between the fixing sleeve 10 and the fixing hole 9, thereby avoiding excessive stress concentration on the sensor 3 and improving the fixing effect of the sensor 3 on the measuring tube 1.

[0024] Please refer to it again. Figure 3 A first sealing ring 12 made of elastic material is provided in the fixing hole 9. The first sealing ring 12 is interference-fitted onto the sensor 3. The outer shape of the first sealing ring 12 matches the inner cavity structure of the upper middle part of the fixing hole 9. The first sealing ring 12 is clamped between the nut 11 and the fixing sleeve 10, thereby sealing the gap between the fixing hole 9 and the sensor 3 to prevent the fluid being transported from leaking out from the gap between the fixing hole 9 and the sensor 3.

[0025] In this embodiment, a housing 13 with openings on both sides is provided on the outer wall of the measuring tube 1. The bottom of the housing 13 is installed on the measuring tube 1, and the top of the sensor 3 is located inside the housing 13, thereby protecting the part of the sensor 3 that protrudes from the housing 13. A cover 14 is provided on the top of the housing 13, and the cover 14 is fixed to the housing 13 by screws. A support tube 15 is provided between the cover 14 and the meter 4. The top of the support tube 15 is installed on the meter 4, and a reinforcing sleeve 16 is fitted on the support tube 15. The reinforcing sleeve 16 is installed at the bottom of the support tube 15. A threaded hole is provided on the cover 14, and the bottom of the reinforcing sleeve 16 is threaded into the threaded hole, thereby connecting the meter 4 to the cover 14, and allowing the wire connecting the meter 4 and the sensor 3 to pass through the inner cavity of the support tube 15 for protection of the wire.

[0026] Specifically, the shell cover 14 has arrow-shaped pointing grooves 17 on both sides. The pointing grooves 17 are located on the top surface of the shell cover 14, and the pointing direction of the pointing grooves 17 is parallel to the direction of the fluid being transported. By observing the direction of the pointing grooves 17, the direction of the fluid being transported can be quickly determined. A hexagonal reinforcing ring 18 is fitted on the reinforcing sleeve 16. The reinforcing ring 18 and the reinforcing sleeve 16 are an integral part of the reinforcing ring 18. The bottom surface of the reinforcing ring 18 is in contact with the top surface of the shell cover 14. By using a wrench or other tools to turn the reinforcing ring 18, the reinforcing sleeve 16 can be turned, thus facilitating the installation and removal of the reinforcing sleeve 16.

[0027] Please refer to it again. Figure 5 The slot 5 is fitted with a second sealing ring 19 with an interference fit. The inner diameter of the second sealing ring 19 matches the diameter of the measuring tube 1. The second sealing ring 19 is located in the slot 5 on the side near the generator 2. One end of the fluid conveying pipe is pressed tightly against the second sealing ring 19 to seal the gap between the slot 5 and the pipe, preventing the conveyed fluid from leaking out from the gap between the slot 5 and the pipe.

[0028] In this embodiment, a guide groove 20 is obliquely formed at the edge of the fixing ring 8. The guide groove 20 is formed on the inner cavity of the fixing ring 8, thereby facilitating the interference fit of the fixing ring 8 onto the pipeline for conveying fluid.

[0029] The assembly method for this product is as follows: (e.g.) Figures 1 to 6 As shown, firstly, the first sealing ring 12 is installed on the top of the sensor 3 with an interference fit, so that the bottom end of the first sealing ring 12 is in close contact with the top surface of the fixing sleeve 10. Then, the sensor 3 is placed inside the measuring tube 1, with the top of the sensor 3 protruding from the fixing hole 9. Next, the nut 11 is screwed onto the top of the sensor 3. Through the synergistic action of the fixing sleeve 10 and the nut 11, the sensor 3 is securely clamped to the measuring tube 1. Then, the wire connecting the meter head 4 and the sensor 3 is passed through the internal space of the support tube 15, and both ends of the wire are fixed to the meter head 4 and the sensor 3 respectively, so that the sensor 3 and the meter head 4 are connected through the wire. Then, the cover 14 is assembled onto the housing 13, the pointing direction of the pointing groove 17 is adjusted to be parallel to the direction from the generator 2 to the sensor 3, and the bottom of the reinforcing sleeve 16 is screwed into the threaded hole of the cover 14. By using a wrench or other tools to tighten the reinforcing ring 18, the reinforcing sleeve 16 is securely screwed onto the cover 14. After completing the above installation steps, the entire product can be installed on the test run pipeline equipped with a standard flow meter. After ensuring that its position is correct, start the flow delivery of the test run pipeline so that the fluid delivered during the test run can smoothly enter the measuring tube 1. By observing the readings of the standard flow meter and the meter 4, it can be determined whether the flow information of the two is within the allowable error, that is, whether the product is qualified.

[0030] The assembly method of this product and the fluid delivery pipeline is as follows: First, precisely insert the second sealing ring 19 into the slot 5 using an interference fit, and then securely fit the retaining ring 7 into the retaining groove 6. Next, properly install the retaining ring 8 onto the fluid delivery pipeline. Then, fit one side of the measuring tube 1 onto the fluid delivery pipeline, so that the second sealing ring 19 is pressed into the slot 5 through the pipeline, while the retaining ring 8 and retaining ring 7 are tightly fitted between the measuring tube 1 and the fluid delivery pipeline. Finally, securely connect the flange between the measuring tube 1 and the fluid delivery pipeline using bolts to complete the installation process of this product on the fluid delivery pipeline.

[0031] In this embodiment, the slot 5 on the measuring tube 1 allows the end of the fluid delivery pipe to be inserted into the measuring tube 1. The fixing groove 6 on the measuring tube 1 facilitates the assembly of the fixing ring 7 inside the measuring tube 1. Since both the inner cavity of the fixing ring 7 and the outer shape of the fixing ring 8 are conical, the inner cavity of the fixing ring 8 is interference-fitted onto the fluid delivery pipe, and the fixing ring 8 is fitted inside the fixing ring 7. When the delivered fluid pushes the pipe or measuring tube 1 to move, the fixing ring 8 moves toward the narrow port of the fixing ring 7, thereby increasing the friction between the fixing ring 8 and the fixing ring 7, thus hindering the movement of the pipe or measuring tube 1 and preventing gaps from forming between the pipe and the measuring tube 1. This facilitates long-term use of the sensor 3 to measure the flow rate of the fluid.

[0032] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent changes or modifications made to the structure, features and principles described in the patent claims of this utility model should be included within the scope of the patent application of this utility model.

Claims

1. A vortex flow meter, comprising a measuring tube (1), a generator (2) embedded within the measuring tube (1), a sensor (3) disposed on one side of the generator (2), and a meter head (4) disposed above the sensor (3), characterized in that: The measuring tube (1) has slots (5) and fixing slots (6) on both sides, respectively, along the direction away from the middle of the measuring tube (1). Both the fixing slot (6) and the slot (5) adopt a circular groove structure. The groove diameter of the fixing slot (6) is not less than the groove diameter of the slot (5). One end of the fixing slot (6) is connected to the slot (5), and the other end of the fixing slot (6) is located on the end face of the measuring tube (1). A fixing ring (7) is fitted inside the fixing slot (6). The outer diameter of the fixing ring (7) matches the groove diameter of the fixing slot (6). The inner cavity of the fixing ring (7) adopts a conical structure. The inner diameter of the fixing ring (7) gradually decreases along the direction close to the slot (5). A fixing ring (8) made of elastic material is fitted inside the fixing ring (7). The outer structure of the fixing ring (8) matches the inner cavity structure of the middle part of the fixing ring (7). The inner diameter of the fixing ring (8) is not greater than the groove diameter of the slot (5).

2. The vortex flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The measuring tube (1) has a conical fixing hole (9) on its side wall. The diameter of the fixing hole (9) gradually decreases along the direction close to the meter head (4). The upper middle part of the sensor (3) is fixedly fitted with a fixing sleeve (10). The external structure of the fixing sleeve (10) matches the inner cavity structure of the lower middle part of the fixing hole (9). A nut (11) is set above the fixing sleeve (10). The nut (11) is threaded onto the sensor (3). The bottom of the nut (11) contacts the outer wall of the measuring tube (1). The sensor (3) is clamped on the measuring tube (1) by the fixing sleeve (10) and the nut (11).

3. The vortex flow meter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fixing hole (9) is provided with a first sealing ring (12) made of elastic material. The first sealing ring (12) is interference-fitted onto the sensor (3). The outer shape of the first sealing ring (12) matches the inner cavity structure of the upper middle part of the fixing hole (9). The first sealing ring (12) is clamped between the nut (11) and the fixing sleeve (10).

4. The vortex flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the measuring tube (1) is provided with a housing (13) with openings on both sides. The bottom of the housing (13) is installed on the measuring tube (1). The top of the sensor (3) is located inside the housing (13). A cover (14) is provided on the top of the housing (13). The cover (14) is fixed to the housing (13) by screws. A support tube (15) is provided between the cover (14) and the meter (4). The top of the support tube (15) is installed on the meter (4). A reinforcing sleeve (16) is fitted on the support tube (15). The reinforcing sleeve (16) is installed at the bottom of the support tube (15). A threaded hole is provided on the cover (14). The bottom of the reinforcing sleeve (16) is threaded into the threaded hole.

5. The vortex flow meter according to claim 4, characterized in that: The shell cover (14) has arrow-shaped pointing grooves (17) on both sides. The pointing grooves (17) are opened on the top surface of the shell cover (14). A hexagonal reinforcing ring (18) is fitted on the reinforcing sleeve (16). The reinforcing ring (18) and the reinforcing sleeve (16) are an integral mechanism. The bottom surface of the reinforcing ring (18) is in contact with the top surface of the shell cover (14).

6. The vortex flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slot (5) is fitted with a second sealing ring (19) with an interference fit. The inner diameter of the second sealing ring (19) matches the diameter of the measuring tube (1). The second sealing ring (19) is located in the slot (5) on the side close to the generator (2).

7. The vortex flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed ring (8) is provided with a guide groove (20) at an angle at its edge, and the guide groove (20) is provided on the inner cavity of the fixed ring (8).

Citation Information

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