Ultrasonic gas meter metering module with combined flow channel structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to an ultrasonic gas meter metering module with a combined flow channel structure. The air outlet pipe is used for improving air flow distribution of the stacked flow channels, the metering module is arranged on the flow channels, horn mouths extending towards two sides are arranged at the air inlet ends of the flow channels to form two-side horn mouth flow channels, and the air outlet pipe is arranged at the air outlet ends of the flow channels. The air outlet pipe is formed by integral injection molding; the stacked flow channels are connected by using the vertically stacked air outlet pipes, so that the measuring range of the ultrasonic meter is expanded; according to the air outlet pipes stacked up and down, the oblique angles are arranged on the air outlet pipes, and airflow is evenly distributed in an upper flow channel and a lower flow channel in a post-rectification mode; the left and right stacked gas outlet pipes are shifted to one side by a certain distance by changing gas outlet pipe rectangular flange plates connected with the gas outlet pipes and the flow channels, the flow speed of gas in the gas outlet pipes is changed, the metering area is improved through the flow speed of post rectification, and the gas flow is averagely distributed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure. Background Technology

[0002] Natural gas, as a widely available energy source, is experiencing a surge in demand nationwide due to policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Existing gas meters primarily employ a mechanically driven diaphragm meter structure. This structure transmits and measures gas flow mechanically, offering advantages such as simplicity and low cost. However, with technological advancements, diaphragm meters are gradually being replaced by more advanced ultrasonic meters. Ultrasonic meters utilize time-of-flight measurement and are non-contact, enjoying widespread application in homes and businesses due to their high accuracy, absence of moving parts during operation, and long-term stability.

[0003] However, widening the measurement range and ensuring the reusability of flow channels in ultrasonic meters has always been a difficult problem to solve. Wide-range ultrasonic meters are typically achieved by stacking flow channels and connecting stacked outlet pipes with rectangular flanges to form stacked modules. However, the spatial installation position of these stacked modules significantly impacts the airflow distribution within the stacked flow channels. Furthermore, the different inlet valves used by various manufacturers also greatly affect the flow field distribution, thus reducing the adaptability of the stacked modules. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a technical solution for an ultrasonic gas meter metering module with a combined flow channel structure.

[0005] The ultrasonic gas meter metering module with a combined flow channel structure is characterized by comprising two stacked flow channels, an outlet pipe for improving airflow distribution in the stacked flow channels, and a metering module disposed on the flow channels. The inlet end of the flow channel is provided with a flared opening extending to both sides to form a flared flow channel on both sides, and the outlet pipe is disposed at the outlet end of the flow channel. A transducer is disposed on the flared flow channel on both sides, with the transducer mounting side being the flared direction of the extension. A metering module slot is disposed on the side of the flared flow channel adjacent to the transducer mounting side, and the metering module is installed in the metering module slot.

[0006] The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure is characterized in that the stacked flow channel is divided into an upper and lower stacked structure and a left and right stacked structure, and different gas outlet pipes are set for different stacked structures; the upper and lower stacked structure has two flared flow channels on both sides that are matched with upper and lower stacked gas outlet pipes, and the left and right stacked structure has two flared flow channels on both sides that are matched with left and right stacked gas outlet pipes.

[0007] The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure is characterized in that the rectangular flange of the gas outlet pipe of the left and right stacked gas outlet pipes is an asymmetrical structure. That is, with the gas outlet pipe as the center, the rectangular flange of the gas outlet pipe is offset to one side of the left and right stacked gas outlet pipes by a certain distance to form a variable diameter structure, which can increase the gas flow velocity in one of the two flared flow channels and allow more gas to pass through.

[0008] The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure is characterized in that the upper and lower stacked gas outlet pipes have a baffle with a certain angle at the arc transition junction of the gas outlet pipes to form a distribution angle, thereby achieving the effect of evenly distributing the airflow entering the upper and lower stacked gas outlet pipes.

[0009] The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure is characterized in that the two horn-shaped flow channels on both sides are formed by one-time molding, and the horn openings and the side walls of the two horn-shaped flow channels have a certain angle, which expands the ventilation area of ​​the horn openings; the horn openings are formed by extending from the upper and lower walls of the outer sides of the two horn-shaped flow channels.

[0010] The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure is characterized in that several laminar flow plates are arranged in the flow channels at both sides.

[0011] The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure is characterized in that the transducer mounting side of the two flared flow channels is provided with a stacked fixing pin, a stacked positioning hole, an embedded copper nut post, and a stacked through hole. The two stacked flared flow channel structures are mirror images of each other. When the two flared flow channels are stacked, one stacked fixing pin cooperates with the other stacked positioning hole, and one embedded copper nut post cooperates with the other stacked through hole. After stacking, the two metering module slots are located on the outside of the stacked flow channels.

[0012] The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure is characterized in that a stacked flow channel rubber sealing ring is provided on the gas outlet side of the stacked flow channel, the stacked flow channel rubber sealing rings between the flow channels are sealed by compression, the stacked flow channel rubber sealing ring on the outer ring of the flow channel is sealed with the inner wall surface of the gas outlet pipe, and the stacked flow channel and the gas outlet pipe are connected by a rectangular flange of the gas outlet pipe.

[0013] The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure is characterized in that: the metering module is set inside the ultrasonic meter housing; an inlet meter connector and an outlet meter connector are set on the outside of the ultrasonic meter housing; an inner liner plate for the meter connector is set on the inside of the ultrasonic meter housing; the inlet meter connector is connected to an inlet valve set on the inside of the ultrasonic meter housing; the outlet of the outlet pipe is connected to the outlet meter connector; an outlet pipe sealing groove is set on the outlet pipe at the outlet of the outlet pipe; a sealing ring is set in the outlet pipe sealing groove; and the outlet pipe is sealed to the inner wall of the outlet meter connector through the sealing ring.

[0014] The ultrasonic gas meter metering module with a combined flow channel structure is characterized in that a gas pipe fixing end face is provided on the gas pipe below the gas pipe sealing groove, and a gas pipe positioning through hole and a gas pipe fixing waist-shaped hole are provided on the gas pipe fixing end face. The bolt passes through the gas pipe positioning through hole and the gas pipe fixing waist-shaped hole and can be connected to the inner lining plate threaded hole on the inner lining plate of the meter connector to realize the fixing of the gas pipe and the ultrasonic meter housing.

[0015] This invention, through the design of the rectangular flange of the outlet pipe and the rear rectification and distribution angle, ensures that the gas is evenly distributed to each flow channel involved in the stacking, thereby increasing the range of the ultrasonic meter and making it applicable to multiple meter models, thus improving the universality of the same product. The reuse of the same flow channel reduces mold development and lowers the cost of mass automated production. Simultaneously, each flow channel metering module can achieve independent measurement. By utilizing the combined metering modes of the stacked modules and the K-coefficient calibrated for each flow channel, total measurement or individual flow channel proportional measurement functions can be achieved. This allows for rapid switching to independent metering mode in the event of a metering failure in one flow channel of the stacked module, ensuring measurement accuracy and achieving good metering redundancy.

[0016] The exhaust pipe of this invention is integrally injection molded. By using stacked exhaust pipes connected to stacked flow channels, the measuring range of the ultrasonic meter is expanded. The upper and lower stacked exhaust pipes are angled, and the airflow is evenly distributed between the two flow channels through post-rectification. The left and right stacked exhaust pipes are modified by shifting the rectangular flange of the exhaust pipe connecting to the flow channel to one side, changing the gas flow velocity. This post-rectification accelerates and improves the measuring area, and evenly distributes the airflow. The stacked flow channel uses two mirror-shaped, flared flow channels on both sides. The two flow channels are integrated into a single unit through the cooperation of stacked fixing pins, stacked positioning holes, embedded copper nut pillars, and stacked through holes and bolts. By using rubber sealing rings for the stacked flow channels, the rectangular flanges of the upper and lower or left and right stacked exhaust pipes are connected to the flanges on the stacked flow channels through end-face sealing, giving the ultrasonic meter a larger measuring range, applicable up to G65.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0018] 1) This utility model adopts an upper and lower stacked air outlet pipe, which is intended to distribute the airflow evenly when the airflow in the upper and lower flow channels of the stacked module of the ultrasonic meter is uneven. This allows the stacked module to expand the range of the ultrasonic meter, while also ensuring the even distribution of airflow in the upper and lower flow channels and improving the measurement accuracy.

[0019] 2) This utility model adopts a left-right stacked air outlet pipe. When the gas flow field inside the housing of the stacked module in the ultrasonic meter is interfered with by the air inlet valve and cannot be evenly distributed to the left and right channels, the gas flow velocity in the channel with the larger diameter is increased by using a left-right stacked air outlet pipe with a rectangular flange offset to one side by a certain distance. This allows for more airflow and more even distribution of gas in the left and right channels of the stacked flow channel, thus expanding the range of the ultrasonic meter. At the same time, the asymmetrical structure of the rectangular flange of the air outlet pipe reduces the low gas flow velocity area, ensuring the accuracy of the measurement error and reducing the bandwidth of the error range.

[0020] 3) This utility model adopts a stacked flow channel, which is intended to be applicable to ultrasonic meters with a wider range. The two flared flow channels on both sides are connected by stacked fixing pins, stacked positioning holes, embedded copper nut pillars, and stacked through holes and bolts, which ensures the stable connection of the stacked flow channels on both sides, expands the range of ultrasonic meters, and increases the number of models of ultrasonic meters that can be applied.

[0021] 4) This utility model, by modifying the rectification structure after the outlet pipe, combines the functions of total metering of stacked flow channels and proportional metering of individual flow channels. The left and right stacked outlet pipes utilize the structural offset design of the rectangular flange, while the upper and lower stacked outlet pipes achieve uniform flow distribution across the stacked modules through the change in the angle of the distribution angle. The structural modification creates narrow (large diameter change side) and wide (small diameter change side) zones at the corners, resulting in a pressure difference between the two converging flow channels of the stacked modules. This stabilizes the fluid in the measurement area, preventing turbulence and mitigating the problem of uneven flow distribution caused by inlet valve interference. Total metering of the stacked flow channels is achieved based on pressure distribution, while flow distribution can be controlled by adjusting the offset of the rectangular flange. Combined with the K-coefficient calibrated for each flow channel, proportional metering of individual flow channels is achieved. This allows for rapid replacement of one metering module with another if one fails during the metering process, providing good redundancy and improving product reliability.

[0022] 5) The metering mode of this utility model is not only applicable to the stacking of two flow channels, but also to the stacking of multiple flow channels. Depending on the different air inlet valves used by different manufacturers of ultrasonic meters, the design of the stacked air outlet pipe can be modified. Through various post-rectification methods such as setting the distribution angle and offsetting the distance of the rectangular flange of the air outlet pipe, multiple flow channels can achieve proportional gas distribution for metering after stacking. This ensures that the product is not limited to a single ultrasonic meter manufacturer, broadens the universality of the stacked module, and increases the reusability of the same flow channel. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a front view of the ultrasonic meter of the left and right stacked modules of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the ultrasonic transducer of the left and right stacked modules of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the ultrasonic transducer of the left and right stacked modules of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a front view of the ultrasonic meter of the stacked module of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 5 An isometric view of the ultrasonic transducer of the stacked module of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the ultrasonic transducer of the stacked module of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 7 This is an isometric view of the stacked module of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the stacked module of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 9 This is an isometric view of the left and right stacked modules of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the left and right stacked modules of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 11 This is an isometric view of the stacked air outlet pipe of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Sectional view;

[0035] Figure 13 This is an isometric view of the left-right stacked air outlet pipe of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 14 for Figure 13 Partial sectional view;

[0037] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the fixed end face of the air outlet pipe of this utility model;

[0038] In the diagram: 1-Left and right stacked air outlet pipes, 2-Two side flared flow channels, 3-Ultrasonic meter housing, 4-Inlet valve, 5-Inlet meter connector, 6-Meter connector inner lining plate, 7-Stacked fixing pin, 8-Stacked positioning hole, 9-Stacked through hole, 10-Embedded copper nut post, 11-Threaded hole in inner lining plate, 12-Upper and lower stacked air outlet pipes, 13-Air outlet pipe fixing end face, 14-Air outlet pipe positioning through hole, 15-Metering module slot, 16-Two side flared mouths, 17-Flow channel inlet, 18-Flow channel outlet, 19-Stacked flow channel rubber sealing ring, 20-Rear rectification distribution angle, 21-Air outlet pipe rectangular flange, 23-Air outlet pipe end face threaded hole, 24-Air outlet pipe inlet, 25-Air outlet pipe sealing groove, 26-Air outlet pipe inner wall, 27-Air outlet pipe fixing waist-shaped hole, 28-Air outlet pipe outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0040] An ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure includes two stacked flow channels, an outlet pipe for improving airflow distribution in the stacked flow channels, and a metering module disposed on the flow channels. The flow channel inlet 17 is provided with a flared mouth extending to both sides to form two flared mouth flow channels 2, and the outlet pipe is disposed at the flow channel outlet 18. A transducer is disposed on the two flared mouth flow channels 2, and the transducer mounting side is the flared mouth extension direction. A metering module slot 15 is disposed on the side of the two flared mouth flow channels adjacent to the transducer mounting side, and the metering module is installed in the metering module slot.

[0041] The two flared flow channels 2 are formed by one-time molding. The flared opening and the side wall of the two flared flow channels 2 have a certain angle, which increases the ventilation area of ​​the flared opening. The flared opening is formed by extending from the upper and lower walls of the outer side of the two flared flow channels 2. Several laminar flow plates are set in the two flared flow channels.

[0042] The transducer mounting side of the two flared flow channels 2 is provided with a stacked fixing pin 7, a stacked positioning hole 8, an embedded copper nut post 10, and a stacked through hole 9. The two stacked flared flow channels 2 are mirror images of each other. When the two flared flow channels 2 are stacked, one stacked fixing pin 7 cooperates with the other stacked positioning hole 8, and one embedded copper nut post 10 cooperates with the other stacked through hole 9. After stacking, the two metering module slots are located on the outside of the stacked flow channels.

[0043] A stacked flow channel rubber sealing ring 19 is provided on the side of the flow channel outlet 18. The stacked flow channel rubber sealing rings between the flow channels are sealed by compression. The stacked flow channel rubber sealing ring on the outer ring of the flow channel is sealed with the inner wall surface 26 of the outlet pipe. The stacked flow channel and the outlet pipe are connected by the outlet pipe rectangular flange 21.

[0044] The metering module is installed inside the ultrasonic meter housing 3. An air inlet connector 5 and an air outlet connector are installed on the outside of the ultrasonic meter housing. An inner liner plate 6 for the connector is installed on the inside of the ultrasonic meter housing 3. The air inlet connector 5 is connected to the air inlet valve 4 installed on the inside of the ultrasonic meter housing. The air outlet 28 of the air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet connector. An air outlet sealing groove 25 is installed on the air outlet pipe at the air outlet 28. A sealing ring is installed in the air outlet sealing groove 25. The air outlet pipe is sealed to the inner wall of the air outlet connector through the sealing ring.

[0045] An air outlet pipe fixing end face 13 is provided on the air outlet pipe below the air outlet pipe sealing groove. An air outlet pipe positioning through hole 14 and an air outlet pipe fixing waist-shaped hole 27 are provided on the air outlet pipe fixing end face 13. The bolt passes through the air outlet pipe positioning through hole 14 and the air outlet pipe fixing waist-shaped hole 27 and can be connected to the inner lining plate threaded hole on the inner lining plate of the meter connector to realize the fixing of the air outlet pipe and the ultrasonic meter housing.

[0046] The stacked flow channel is divided into upper and lower stacked structure and left and right stacked structure. Different stacked structures are equipped with different air outlet pipes. The upper and lower stacked structure is equipped with upper and lower stacked air outlet pipe 12 on both sides of the flared flow channel, and the left and right stacked structure is equipped with left and right stacked air outlet pipe 1 on both sides of the flared flow channel.

[0047] The rectangular flange 21 of the gas outlet pipe 1 of the left and right stacked gas outlet pipes has an asymmetrical structure. That is, with the gas outlet pipe as the center, the rectangular flange of the gas outlet pipe is offset to one side of the left and right stacked gas outlet pipes by a certain distance to form a variable diameter structure, which can increase the gas flow velocity in one of the two flared flow channels 2 and allow more gas to pass through.

[0048] The stacked air outlet pipe 12 has a baffle with a certain angle at the arc transition junction of the air outlet pipe, forming a distribution angle 20, which achieves the effect of evenly distributing the airflow entering the stacked air outlet pipe 12. Example

[0049] An ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure uses two identical flow channels 2 with flared ends on both sides. The two flow channels are initially connected by stacked fixing pins 7 and stacked positioning holes 8 on both sides of the flow channels 2. Then, they are secured with screws using embedded copper nut posts 10 in the flow channels 2 and stacked through holes 9, thus forming a stacked flow channel. Two metering modules are then installed into the left and right metering module slots 15 of the stacked flow channel. Utilizing the combined metering mode of the stacked module, and through the K coefficient calibrated by each flow channel working independently, the module achieves total metering or individual flow channel proportional metering functions. This allows for rapid replacement of one metering module with another if one fails during the metering process, providing good redundancy and improving product reliability. By stretching the stacked flow channel rubber sealing ring 19, the stacked flow channel rubber sealing ring 19 is fastened in the end face sealing groove of the stacked flow channel. Then, the stacked flow channel rubber sealing ring 19 is interference-fitted with the inner wall surface 26 of the four air outlet pipes of the stacked air outlet pipe. Finally, four screws are used to fasten the stacked flow channel through the through hole to the threaded hole 23 of the air outlet pipe end face, achieving a better sealing effect and thus forming a stacked module. A rubber sealing ring for the gas outlet is placed in the gas outlet sealing groove 25 on the outer edge of the gas outlet 28. Through an interference fit, the rubber sealing ring for the gas outlet is tightly connected to the inner circular surface of the gas inlet connector 5. Then, four screws are used to fasten the gas outlet positioning through hole 14 and the gas outlet fixing waist-shaped hole 27 on the gas outlet fixing end face 13 on the outer edge of the gas outlet 28 to the inner lining plate threaded hole 11 on the inner lining plate 6 of the connector. This achieves a good sealing effect, with gas entering only from the flow channel inlet 17 and exiting only from the gas outlet 28.

[0050] This invention employs a stacked air outlet pipe 12 to evenly distribute airflow when the upper and lower flow channels of the stacked module in an ultrasonic meter exhibit uneven airflow. The stacked air outlet pipe 12, with a distribution angle of 20°, is designed to address this issue. In previous technologies, wide-range ultrasonic meters typically used stacked modules for wide-range flow detection, but often only a single flow channel was measured. Furthermore, accurate measurement of wide-range gas flow and flow field stability generally required a pre-flow rectifier or an additional rectifier at the inlet valve 4. This not only increases mold development and economic costs but also results in higher pressure loss. Therefore, to ensure a stable flow field and accurate measurement in a wide-range ultrasonic meter while reducing mold development, lowering economic costs, and maintaining low pressure loss, this design utilizes a stacked air outlet pipe 12 with a rear-rectified distribution angle of 20°. The specific design principle is as follows: Gas flows through the inlet valve 4 and diffuses into the ultrasonic meter cavity, filling the entire cavity from top to bottom. At higher flow rates, the gas velocity is faster, and the flow distribution within the two stacked channels is less affected by the rectifier. However, in the low-velocity region, the gas fills the cavity more slowly, causing the upper channel to be prioritized for gas flow. Consequently, the gas flow through the lower channel is significantly reduced, resulting in a larger error bandwidth for wide-range error detection. Therefore, this design sets a post-rectifier distribution angle 20 at the end of the stacked outlet pipe 12 corresponding to the lower channel. This allows the lower channel to accelerate its flow velocity at low gas velocities through the post-rectifier distribution angle 20, allowing more gas to pass through. By changing the angle, the two channels 2 ultimately achieve an even gas distribution in the low-velocity region. This also allows the flow channel to avoid the low-velocity area that is difficult to detect, thus enabling the stacked module to expand the range of the ultrasonic meter, while also allowing the gas to be evenly distributed between the upper and lower flow channels of the stacked module and improving the gas metering accuracy.

[0051] This invention employs a left-right stacked gas outlet pipe 1 to evenly distribute the gas in the left and right channels of the stacked flow channel, thereby reducing the gas metering error bandwidth between the left and right channels. In previous technologies, the front and rear sealed ultrasonic meters caused the inner liner plate 6 of the meter connector in the ultrasonic meter to be out of center. Furthermore, the disturbance of the flow field in the ultrasonic meter housing 3 by the air inlet valve 4 reduced the air intake of the channel near the air inlet valve 4 in the stacked flow channel, resulting in a large error bandwidth between the two stacked channels. Therefore, this design offsets the rectangular flange 21 of the gas outlet pipe 1 by a certain distance towards the channel affected by the air inlet valve 4. This creates an angle between the rear end of the rectangular flange 21 and the outer edge of the venting cylinder of the gas outlet 28, changing the ratio of the venting cross-sectional area of ​​the rear ends of the two channel outlets 18 in the stacked flow channel. This allows the gas flow velocity in the channel affected by the air inlet valve 4 to increase, enabling more gas to pass through. By changing the offset distance to achieve a relative angle, the ventilation cross-sectional area reaches a certain ratio, ultimately achieving an even distribution of gas intake in the two channels of the left and right stacked flow channels. This results in a smaller error bandwidth while also reducing the low gas flow velocity region, ensuring the accuracy of the measurement error.

[0052] This invention utilizes a single-piece molded flow channel 2 with two flared openings. The flared openings on both sides are at a certain angle to the sidewalls of the flow channel, increasing the ventilation area and reducing gas pressure loss. Furthermore, the upper and lower structures of the two flared openings at the front end of the flow channel extend from the upper and lower walls of the outer side of the flow channel, ensuring the stacking design of the two flared opening flow channels 2. This allows for the reuse of the flow channel structure of the same product, reducing the need for mold development for different ultrasonic meter models and lowering economic costs.

[0053] This invention expands the measuring range of an ultrasonic meter by stacking a pair of flared flow channels 2 with flared openings on both sides. The flared opening structure on both sides of the flow channel is a key design feature, which facilitates the convergence of gas at the air inlet of the flow channel and makes it easier to stack the flow channels. To ensure a more stable connection between the two flared flow channels 2, stacked fixing pins 7 and stacked positioning holes 8 are provided on the two flared flow channels 2 to provide an initial fixed connection. The positions of a pair of stacked fixing pins 7 and stacked positioning holes 8 must be adjacent to the front end of the two flared flow channels on the left and right sides, and it is necessary to ensure that the stacked fixing pin 7 on one flared flow channel matches the stacked positioning hole 8 on the other flared flow channel. Next, embedded copper nut pillars 10 and stacked through holes 9 are provided in the middle section of the two flared flow channels. The positions of two pairs of embedded copper nut pillars 10 and stacked through holes 9 must be adjacent to the middle section of the two flared flow channels 2 on the left and right sides, and it is necessary to ensure that the embedded copper nut pillar 10 on one flared flow channel 2 matches the stacked through hole 9 on the other flared flow channel 2. By using screws to fasten the connection from the stacked through hole 9 to the embedded copper nut post 10, the flow channels 2 on both sides are made into a stable whole, thereby expanding the range of the ultrasonic meter and increasing the number of models that the ultrasonic meter can be used for.

[0054] This invention utilizes a stacked flow channel connected to upper and lower stacked air outlet pipes 12 and left and right stacked air outlet pipes 1 to form a stacked module. The aim is to increase the range of the ultrasonic meter, allowing the same flow channel to be connected to different air outlet pipes for different ultrasonic models. Although the stacked module has different air outlet pipes, the connection method between the air outlet of the air outlet and the ultrasonic meter housing remains the same. All are connected by using a rubber sealing ring installed in the air outlet sealing groove 25 on the outer edge of the air outlet 28, and then an interference fit with the meter inlet connector 5. Finally, four screws are used to secure the stacked module to the inner lining plate threaded hole 11 on the inner lining plate 6 of the meter connector inner lining plate through the two air outlet positioning through holes 14 and the air outlet fixing waist-shaped hole 27 on the outer edge of the air outlet 28. This ensures that the stacked module maintains its original connection configuration in most environments.

[0055] This utility model employs a stacked air outlet pipe 12 and a stacked flow channel connected by an end-face seal to form a stacked module. The flow channel end-face sealing flange and the stacked air outlet pipe end-face sealing flange (i.e., the air outlet pipe rectangular flange 21) are then fastened together with screws. A stacked flow channel rubber sealing ring 19 is installed in the flow channel sealing groove on the outer edge of the air outlet 18 of the stacked flow channel. This creates an interference fit between the stacked flow channel rubber sealing ring 19 installed in the flow channel sealing groove at the rear end of the stacked flow channel and the inner wall surface 26 of the air outlet pipe of the stacked air outlet pipe 12, achieving a good sealing effect. This structure is intended to allow the use of a stacked air outlet pipe 12 when the transverse structure of the ultrasonic meter housing 3 is limited and a stacked flow channel cannot be used. This expands the range of the ultrasonic meter by extending the stacked flow channel in the longitudinal space.

[0056] This utility model employs a left-right stacked air outlet pipe 1 and a stacked flow channel connected by an end-face seal to form a left-right stacked module. Then, the flow channel end-face sealing flange and the stacked air outlet pipe end-face sealing flange (i.e., the air outlet pipe rectangular flange 21) are fastened together with screws. A stacked flow channel rubber sealing ring 19 is installed in the flow channel sealing groove at the rear end of the stacked flow channel outlet 18, creating an interference fit between the stacked flow channel rubber sealing ring 19 installed in the flow channel sealing groove at the rear end of the stacked flow channel and the inner wall surface 26 of the left-right stacked air outlet pipe 1, achieving a good sealing effect. This structure is intended to allow the use of a left-right stacked air outlet pipe 1 when the longitudinal structure of the ultrasonic meter housing 3 is limited and a stacked flow channel cannot be used, thereby expanding the range of the ultrasonic meter by extending the stacked flow channel in the lateral space. Simultaneously, by modifying the original symmetrical structure of the outlet pipe, while laterally expanding the rectangular flange 21 connecting the bottom of the outlet pipe to the two flared flow channels 2 on both sides to accommodate the stacked flow channels, this rectangular flange 21 is offset to one side by a certain distance. This increases the gas flow velocity in the flow channel on the side with the reduced diameter, allowing more gas to pass through and forming two flow channels that evenly distribute the gas. This reduces the low-velocity gas region, ensures the accuracy of measurement errors, and reduces the bandwidth of the error range.

[0057] The metering mode of this invention is not only applicable to stacked two-channel systems, but also to multi-channel stacked systems. Depending on the different inlet valves 4 of the ultrasonic meters used by different manufacturers or the varying dimensions of the ultrasonic meter housing 3, the design of the stacked outlet pipe can be modified. By setting the distribution angle 20 and offsetting the distance of the rectangular flange 21 of the outlet pipe, the multiple channels can achieve proportional gas distribution for metering after stacking. Alternatively, increasing the number of bends in the outlet pipe can cause the inlet 18 of the multi-channel stacked module to sink to the bottom of the ultrasonic meter housing 3, allowing the gas to be forced into the multiple channels by pressure. This reduces the interference of various structures within the ultrasonic meter housing 3 on the flow field, ensuring that the gas in low-velocity areas enters the channels directly without being affected by the various structures within the ultrasonic meter housing 3. Alternatively, when the ultrasonic meter housing 3 has a relatively wide upper and lower structure, a metering channel can be added to the bottom of the air outlet pipe. This reduces gas pressure loss and alters the airflow ratio of multiple channels, allowing the multi-channel stacked module to significantly mitigate the disturbance to the flow field caused by structures such as the air inlet valve 4 when achieving total metering. This design enables the present invention to be applicable to ultrasonic meters and air inlet valves 4 from different manufacturers, broadening the versatility of the stacked module and increasing the reusability of the same flow channel.

[0058] This invention achieves total metering of stacked flow channels or proportional metering of individual flow channels by modifying the rectification structure after the exhaust pipe. The left and right stacked exhaust pipes control the flow distribution between the two flow channels of the stacked module by changing the offset of the rectangular flange, thereby altering the pressure in the measurement areas of the two flow channels. The offset structure creates narrow and wide zones at the corners of the exhaust pipes. Since the two flow channels ultimately converge into the same pipe, these narrow and wide zones cause pressure differences in the measurement areas of the two flow channels, thus affecting the flow field conditions in the measurement area. In other words, changing the offset of the rectangular flange allows for control of the flow field pressure in the measurement area. When the offset distance of the rectangular flange is large, and the pressure difference between the narrow and wide zones reaches a certain value, the flow field in the channel is less susceptible to secondary flow caused by structural abrupt changes, reducing flow field disturbance. This solution, through the design of the exhaust pipe offset structure, reduces the uneven flow distribution caused by the interference of the inlet valve at the front end of the flow channel. Therefore, by controlling the flange offset, the flow distribution between the two channels is controlled. Then, by using the K-coefficient calibrated for each channel working independently, the proportional metering function of each channel is achieved. Similarly, the stacked exhaust pipes control the pressure change at the corner of the stacked module's exhaust pipe by changing the distribution angle, thus enabling uniform flow distribution in the stacked channels. Furthermore, by changing the angle of the distribution angle, a certain pressure ratio is formed at the corner of the exhaust pipe corresponding to the rear ends of different channels. Then, by using the K-coefficient calibrated for each channel working independently, the proportional metering function of each channel is achieved. Simultaneously, the set distribution angle guides the airflow inside the lower channel to the exhaust outlet section of the upper channel. This changes the secondary flow generated by the direct collision of the airflow from the upper channel with the inner wall of the exhaust pipe cylinder after measurement. The gas flowing out of the lower channel guides the gas flowing out of the upper channel, reducing the generation of secondary flow and minimizing the impact of secondary flow caused by the collision of the airflow at the exhaust outlet of the rear channel with the inner wall of the exhaust pipe cylinder on metering. In summary, both the left-right stacked modules and the top-bottom stacked modules utilize two metering modules installed in the upper and lower metering module slots 15 of the stacked flow channel. By using the K coefficient calibrated for each flow channel's independent operation, they achieve total metering or individual flow channel proportional metering. This allows for rapid replacement of one metering module with another if one fails during the metering process, providing good redundancy and improving product reliability.

[0059] The specific examples described in this utility model are merely illustrative of the spirit of this utility model. Those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific examples or use similar methods to replace them, but without departing from the spirit of this utility model or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0060] Although this utility model frequently uses terms such as ultrasonic meter, flow channel, air outlet pipe, stacking, flared mouth, air inlet, air outlet, air inlet valve, rectifying structure, rectangular structure, and flange, the possibility of using other terms is not excluded. The use of these terms is merely for the convenience of describing and explaining the essence of this utility model; interpreting them as any additional limitation would contradict the spirit of this utility model.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure, characterized in that... It includes two stacked flow channels, an exhaust pipe to improve the airflow distribution of the stacked flow channels, and a metering module installed on the flow channels. The air inlet end of the flow channel is provided with a flared mouth extending to both sides to form a flared mouth flow channel on both sides, and the exhaust pipe is located at the air outlet end of the flow channel. A transducer is installed on the flared mouth flow channel on both sides, and the installation side of the transducer is the extension direction of the flared mouth. A metering module slot is provided on the side of the flared mouth flow channel adjacent to the installation side of the transducer, and the metering module is installed in the metering module slot.

2. The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that... The stacked flow channel is divided into upper and lower stacked structure and left and right stacked structure. Different air outlet pipes are set for different stacked structures. The upper and lower stacked structure is equipped with upper and lower stacked air outlet pipes on both sides of the flared flow channel, and the left and right stacked structure is equipped with left and right stacked air outlet pipes on both sides of the flared flow channel.

3. The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure according to claim 2, characterized in that... The rectangular flange of the gas outlet pipe of the stacked left and right gas outlet pipes has an asymmetrical structure. That is, with the gas outlet pipe as the center, the rectangular flange of the gas outlet pipe is offset to one side of the stacked left and right gas outlet pipes by a certain distance to form a variable diameter structure, which can increase the gas flow velocity in the flared flow channel on one side and allow more gas to pass through.

4. The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure according to claim 2, characterized in that... The stacked air outlet pipe has a baffle with a certain angle at the arc transition junction of the air outlet pipe, forming a distribution angle to achieve the effect of evenly distributing the airflow entering the stacked air outlet pipe.

5. The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that... The two flared flow channels are formed by one-time molding. The flared opening and the side wall of the two flared flow channels have a certain angle, which increases the ventilation area of ​​the flared opening. The flared opening is formed by extending from the upper and lower walls of the outer side of the two flared flow channels.

6. The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that... Several laminar flow plates are installed inside the flow channels at both sides of the flared opening.

7. The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that... The transducer mounting side of the two flared flow channels is provided with stacked fixing pins, stacked positioning holes, embedded copper nut pillars and stacked through holes. The stacked two flared flow channel structures are mirror images. When the two flared flow channels are stacked, one stacked fixing pin cooperates with the other stacked positioning hole, and one embedded copper nut pillar cooperates with the other stacked through hole. After stacking, the two metering module slots are on the outside of the stacked flow channels.

8. The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that... The stacked flow channels are provided with stacked flow channel rubber sealing rings on the air outlet side. The stacked flow channel rubber sealing rings between the flow channels are sealed by compression. The stacked flow channel rubber sealing ring on the outer ring of the flow channel is sealed by fitting with the inner wall surface of the air outlet pipe. The stacked flow channels and the air outlet pipe are connected by the air outlet pipe rectangular flange.

9. The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metering module is installed inside the ultrasonic meter housing. An air inlet connector and an air outlet connector are installed on the outside of the ultrasonic meter housing. An inner liner plate for the connector is installed on the inside of the ultrasonic meter housing. The air inlet connector is connected to an air inlet valve located inside the ultrasonic meter housing. The air outlet of the air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet connector. An air outlet sealing groove is installed on the air outlet pipe at the air outlet, and a sealing ring is installed in the air outlet sealing groove. The air outlet pipe is sealed to the inner wall of the air outlet connector through the sealing ring.

10. The ultrasonic gas metering module with a combined flow channel structure according to claim 9, characterized in that... An air outlet pipe fixing end face is provided on the air outlet pipe below the air outlet pipe sealing groove. An air outlet pipe positioning through hole and an air outlet pipe fixing waist-shaped hole are provided on the air outlet pipe fixing end face. The bolt passes through the air outlet pipe positioning through hole and the air outlet pipe fixing waist-shaped hole and can be connected to the inner lining plate threaded hole on the inner lining plate of the meter connector to realize the fixing of the air outlet pipe and the ultrasonic meter housing.

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