Rectification structure, ultrasonic metering module and gas meter
By setting a rectifier structure inside the metering pipe of the gas meter, the gas flow velocity distribution is optimized, which solves the problem of uneven flow velocity inside the metering pipe and improves the metering accuracy of the ultrasonic metering module and the metering accuracy of the gas meter.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423303469.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-30
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the uneven distribution of gas velocity within the metering pipeline leads to a reduction in the metering accuracy of the ultrasonic metering module.
A rectification structure is designed, including a rectifier plate, on which a first region and a second region are provided. The area of the rectification holes in the first region is larger than that in the second region. The rectification holes are arranged in multiple rows and columns and are connected to a metering pipe through a folding part to optimize gas flow and make it evenly distributed in the metering pipe.
It improves the uniformity of gas flow rate, enhances the metering accuracy of the ultrasonic metering module, reduces metering errors, and improves the metering accuracy of the gas meter.
Smart Images
Figure CN223623660U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of gas meter technology, and in particular to a rectifier structure, an ultrasonic metering module, and a gas meter. Background Technology
[0002] Ultrasonic metering modules are instruments used to measure gas flow rate by detecting the gas velocity in metering pipelines. In such instruments, the uniformity of the gas flow field in the metering pipeline has a significant impact on the accuracy of the measurement results.
[0003] In related technologies, a rectifier structure is usually set on one side of the metering pipe to rectify the gas entering the metering pipe; however, the current metering pipe has an uneven flow velocity distribution, which reduces the metering accuracy of the ultrasonic metering module. Utility Model Content
[0004] In view of the above problems, this application provides a rectification structure, an ultrasonic metering module, and a gas meter, which can improve the uniformity of gas flow velocity in the metering pipeline, thereby improving the metering accuracy of the ultrasonic metering module.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application provide the following technical solutions:
[0006] A first aspect of this application provides a rectifier structure, which includes a rectifier plate, the rectifier plate being used to be installed on the metering pipe of an ultrasonic metering module;
[0007] The rectifier plate includes a first region and a second region surrounding the first region; the first region is provided with a first rectifier hole, and the second region is provided with a second rectifier hole, the area of the second rectifier hole being smaller than the area of the first rectifier hole.
[0008] In one possible implementation, both the first rectifier hole and the second rectifier hole include multiple ones, with the multiple first rectifier holes arranged in multiple rows and columns in the first region, and the multiple second rectifier holes arranged around the multiple first rectifier holes.
[0009] In one possible implementation, the plurality of second rectifier holes include a number of first sub-rectifier holes and a number of second sub-rectifier holes;
[0010] In the row direction, a plurality of first sub-rectifier holes are disposed on at least one side of the first rectifier hole; in the column direction, a plurality of second sub-rectifier holes are disposed on at least one side of the first rectifier hole; the area of each second sub-rectifier hole is smaller than the area of each first sub-rectifier hole.
[0011] In one possible implementation, the first sub-rectifier aperture is disposed on both sides of the first rectifier aperture in the row direction; the second sub-rectifier aperture is disposed on both sides of the first rectifier aperture in the column direction.
[0012] In one possible implementation, several second sub-rectifier holes are spaced apart along the row direction; and / or, several first sub-rectifier holes are arranged in multiple rows and columns.
[0013] In one possible implementation, the ratio of the sum of the areas of all the first rectifier holes to the sum of the areas of all the second sub-rectifier holes is 1 to 5:1.
[0014] In one possible implementation, the ratio of the sum of the areas of all the first rectifier holes to the sum of the areas of all the first sub-rectifier holes is 1:1 to 3:1.
[0015] In one possible implementation, the area of the rectifier orifice is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the metering pipe.
[0016] In one possible implementation, the thickness of the rectifier plate is 3mm to 12mm.
[0017] A second aspect of this application provides an ultrasonic metering module, which includes a metering pipe and the rectifier structure described in the first aspect;
[0018] The rectifier structure is detachably connected to the air inlet end of the metering pipe.
[0019] In one possible implementation, the air inlet end of the metering pipe includes a folded portion that extends away from the center of the metering pipe, and the extending direction of the folded portion is inclined to the axis of the metering pipe.
[0020] The first region of the rectifying structure is opposite to the metering pipe, and the second region of the rectifying structure is opposite to the folding section.
[0021] A third aspect of this application provides a gas meter including the ultrasonic metering module described in the second aspect.
[0022] The rectifying structure, ultrasonic metering module, and gas meter provided in this application embodiment improve the rectifying orifice so that the area of the second rectifying orifice located in the second region at the edge is smaller than the area of the first rectifying orifice located in the first region at the center. In this way, the gas flow velocity near the inner wall of the metering pipe can be changed, making it faster and as similar as possible to the gas flow velocity at the center of the metering pipe. This results in a more uniform surface velocity distribution on the ultrasonic propagation path, more accurate calculation of flight time, and smaller fluctuations in metering error, thereby improving the metering accuracy of the ultrasonic metering module.
[0023] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of this application, the technical features constituting the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions described above, other technical problems that can be solved by the rectification structure, ultrasonic metering module, and gas meter provided by the embodiments of this application, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further explained in detail in the specific implementation. Attached Figure Description
[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasonic metering module provided in related technologies;
[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ultrasonic metering module provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the metering pipeline provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a left view of the ultrasonic metering module provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0029] Figure 5 This is a right view of the ultrasonic metering module provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0030] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the rectification structure provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0031] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the rectifier structure provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0033] 1: Rectifying structure; 2: Metering pipeline;
[0034] 1000: Ultrasonic metrology module;
[0035] 100: Rectifier structure;
[0036] 110: Rectifier plate; 111: First rectifier aperture; 112: Second rectifier aperture; 1121: First sub-rectifier aperture; 1122: Second sub-rectifier aperture; 120: Clip;
[0037] 200: Metering pipe; 210: Folding section; 220: Installation section;
[0038] 300: First ultrasonic transducer; 400: Second ultrasonic transducer. Detailed Implementation
[0039] As described in the background section, current rectifying structures in related technologies cannot achieve uniform flow velocity distribution within the metering pipe. The inventors have discovered that the reason for this problem is... (Please refer to the appendix...) Figure 1 The rectifying holes of the rectifying structure 1 are composed of a grid structure consisting of several transverse and longitudinal ribs, and the shape and size of each rectifying hole are consistent. However, since the material actually used in the metering pipe 2 cannot be a perfectly smooth material, the inner wall surface of the metering pipe will generate friction with the gas and hinder the gas flow. This will cause the gas velocity near the inner wall of the metering pipe to be less than the velocity at the center of the metering pipe when the gas passes through the flow channel. Therefore, the surface velocity distribution of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the transducer is uneven along the propagation path, which will affect the calculation of the ultrasonic flight time and thus reduce the metering accuracy of the ultrasonic metering module.
[0040] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a rectifying structure, an ultrasonic metering module, and a gas meter. The rectifying orifice is improved so that the area of the second rectifying orifice located in the second region at the edge is smaller than the area of the first rectifying orifice located in the first region at the center. This alters the gas flow velocity near the inner wall of the metering pipe, accelerating it and making it as close as possible to the gas flow velocity at the center of the metering pipe. This results in a more uniform surface velocity distribution along the ultrasonic propagation path, more accurate time-of-flight calculations, and smaller fluctuations in metering error, thereby improving the metering accuracy of the ultrasonic metering module.
[0041] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0042] This application provides a gas meter, which may include a housing and an ultrasonic metering module 1000 disposed within the housing. The gas meter can be installed on a gas pipeline to measure gas consumption, thereby facilitating gas company billing.
[0043] Please refer to the appendix. Figure 2 To be continued Figure 5The ultrasonic metering module 1000 includes a metering pipe 200, which is used to supply the gas to be tested. The gas to be tested can be natural gas or other gases.
[0044] The metering pipe 200 has an inlet end and an outlet end arranged opposite to each other, and a first ultrasonic transducer 300 and a second ultrasonic transducer 400 are provided on the metering pipe 200. The first ultrasonic transducer 300 is disposed between the inlet end of the metering pipe 200 and the second ultrasonic transducer 400. Exemplarily, the metering pipe 200 also has two spaced-apart mounting portions 220, and each mounting portion 220 has a mounting chamber. The first ultrasonic transducer 300 is inserted into one mounting chamber, and the second ultrasonic transducer 400 is inserted into the other mounting chamber, so as to realize the detachable connection between the two ultrasonic transducers and the metering pipe 200.
[0045] In practical use, ultrasonic waves are first transmitted from the first ultrasonic transducer 300 to the second ultrasonic transducer 400, and the flight time T1 of the ultrasonic waves is measured. Then, the second ultrasonic transducer 400 transmits ultrasonic waves to the first ultrasonic transducer, and the flight time T2 of the ultrasonic waves is measured. Since the flow of the gas to be detected affects the two flight times, they are different. The gas velocity can be obtained using a pre-defined formula, and thus the gas flow rate can be calculated. It should be noted that each ultrasonic transducer has the function of reflecting and receiving ultrasonic waves; the formula set in this embodiment is existing technology, and will not be elaborated further here.
[0046] The ultrasonic metering module 1000 also includes a rectifier structure 100, which is detachably connected to the air inlet of the metering pipe 200. The rectifier structure 100 can uniformly enter the gas to be tested in the metering pipe 200, making the gas flow field of the gas to be tested more uniform, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the ultrasonic metering module 1000.
[0047] It is important to understand that the rectifier structure 100 and the metering pipe 200 can be connected by snap-fit, plug-in, or bolts to achieve a detachable connection. For example, the rectifier structure 100 includes at least two clips 120 that are engaged with the air inlet end of the metering pipe 200. This design allows the rectifier structure 100 to be easily removed from the metering pipe 200, facilitating routine maintenance and replacement of the ultrasonic metering module. When the rectifier structure 100 needs cleaning, repair, or replacement, workers do not need to disassemble the entire ultrasonic metering module 1000, significantly improving work efficiency.
[0048] It should be noted that the air inlet end of the metering pipe 200 includes a locking surface, which is perpendicular to the axis of the metering pipe 200. The buckle of the rectifier structure 100 is locked on the locking surface, thereby improving the connection strength between the metering pipe 200 and the rectifier structure 100.
[0049] In this embodiment, the air inlet of the metering pipe 200 includes a folded portion 210. The folded portion 210 extends away from the center of the metering pipe 200, and the extending direction of the folded portion is inclined to the axis of the metering pipe 200. In other words, along the direction from the air inlet to the air outlet of the metering pipe 200, the inner diameter of the folded portion 210 gradually decreases, so that the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the folded portion 210 is trapezoidal.
[0050] This increases the air inlet area of the metering pipe 200, reducing pressure loss, and also helps to gather gas into the metering pipe 200. Furthermore, this structure increases the gap between the rectifier plate 110 and the air inlet end of the metering pipe 200, allowing the gas to flow more smoothly without corner obstruction after entering the metering pipe 200. This enables the rectifier structure 100 to perform its proper rectification function, thereby increasing the gas flow velocity close to the inner wall and improving the metering accuracy of the ultrasonic metering module 1000.
[0051] Please refer to the attached document. Figure 2 Appendix Figure 6 and attached Figure 7 The rectifier structure 100 includes a rectifier plate 110, which is used to connect to the air inlet of the metering pipe 200 of the ultrasonic metering module 1000.
[0052] The rectifier plate 110 includes a first region and a second region, with the second region surrounding the outside of the first region. It should be noted that the first and second regions are adjusted according to the structure of the metering pipe 200. In one example, when the air inlet of the metering pipe 200 does not include the bend, or in other words, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the metering pipe 200 is rectangular with equal areas, the first region is opposite to the central region of the metering pipe 200, and the second region is opposite to the outer edge of the metering pipe 200. In another example, when the air inlet of the metering pipe 200 includes the bend, or in other words, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the metering pipe 200 is rectangular with unequal areas, the first region can be opposite to the metering pipe 200; that is, the first region can be opposite the region in the metering pipe 200 corresponding to the area excluding the bend, and the second region can be opposite the bend 210.
[0053] The first region is provided with a first rectifier hole 111, and the second region is provided with a second rectifier hole 112. The shapes of the first rectifier hole 111 and the second rectifier hole 112 can be the same or different. For example, the first rectifier hole 111 and the second rectifier hole 112 can be the same, both being square holes. It should be noted that the square hole can be a rectangular hole or a square hole.
[0054] In this embodiment, the area of the second rectifier hole 112 is smaller than the area of the first rectifier hole 111. Thus, the small rectifier hole at the edge can accelerate gas flow, reducing the velocity reduction caused by friction on the inner wall of the metering pipe 200, and making the flow velocity as close as possible to the gas velocity at the center of the metering pipe 200. This results in a more uniform surface velocity distribution along the ultrasonic wave propagation path, more accurate time-of-flight calculations, and smaller fluctuations in metering error, thereby improving the metering accuracy of the ultrasonic metering module 1000.
[0055] In this embodiment, the thickness of the rectifier plate 110 is 3mm to 12mm. For example, the thickness of the rectifier plate 110 is 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, or any range between two values. Preferably, the thickness of the rectifier plate 110 is 6mm. This effectively balances the flow state of the gas within the metering pipe 200, reduces the formation of eddies and turbulence, and makes the flow velocity distribution more uniform. At the same time, it does not increase the pressure loss of the metering pipe 200, which helps to improve the uniformity of the surface velocity of the ultrasonic wave along the propagation path, thereby improving the metering accuracy of the ultrasonic metering module 1000.
[0056] It should be understood that there are multiple first rectifier holes 111 and multiple second rectifier holes 112. The multiple first rectifier holes 111 are spaced apart within a first region, and the multiple second rectifier holes 112 are spaced apart within a second region. In one possible implementation, the multiple first rectifier holes 111 are arranged in multiple rows and columns within the first region, and the multiple second rectifier holes 112 can be arranged around the multiple first rectifier holes 111. (See attached diagram.) Figure 6 Taking the structure shown as an example, multiple first rectifier holes 111 are arranged in three rows and three columns.
[0057] In this embodiment, by arranging multiple first rectifying holes 111 evenly in multiple rows and columns in the first region, it is possible to ensure that the gas in the central region is fully rectified, reducing the non-uniformity of the flow velocity. This layout helps to form a more stable flow field, making the medium velocity encountered by the ultrasonic waves more consistent during propagation.
[0058] Meanwhile, the multiple second rectifier holes 112 arranged around the multiple first rectifier holes 111 can further adjust the gas flow velocity in the edge region to match the flow velocity in the central region. This design not only optimizes the flow velocity distribution but also reduces measurement errors caused by uneven flow velocity.
[0059] In this embodiment, the plurality of first rectifier holes 111 and the plurality of second rectifier holes 112 can be formed by a number of transverse and longitudinal ribs.
[0060] It should be understood that the areas of the multiple second rectifier holes 112 may be the same or different. For example, the multiple second rectifier holes 112 include several first sub-rectifier holes 1121 and several second sub-rectifier holes 1122.
[0061] In the row direction, a plurality of first sub-rectifier holes 1121 are disposed on at least one side of the first rectifier hole 111; in the column direction, a plurality of second sub-rectifier holes 1122 are disposed on at least one side of the first rectifier hole 111. The area of each second sub-rectifier hole 1122 is smaller than the area of each first sub-rectifier hole 1121.
[0062] For example, the first sub-rectifier hole 1121 is disposed on both sides of the first rectifier hole 111 in the row direction; the second sub-rectifier hole 1122 is disposed on both sides of the first rectifier hole 111 in the column direction.
[0063] This embodiment also adjusts the area of the first sub-rectifier orifice 1121 and the second sub-rectifier orifice 1122 according to the different positions of the edge area of the metering pipe 200. This allows for more precise control of the flow in different directions, helps to balance the overall flow, reduces eddies and turbulence, and thus improves the rectification effect and the accuracy of flow measurement.
[0064] Please continue to refer to the appendix. Figure 5 Several second sub-rectifier holes 1122 are arranged at intervals along the row direction, and several first sub-rectifier holes 1121 are arranged in multiple rows and columns. The design of the second sub-rectifier holes 1122 being arranged at intervals along the row direction and the first sub-rectifier holes 1121 being arranged in multiple rows and columns makes the rectifier plate 110 more structurally balanced, which helps to disperse the pressure generated by the gas flow, reduce the stress concentration of the rectifier plate 110, and thus enhance the structural strength and durability.
[0065] With attachment Figure 6 Taking the structure shown as an example, several first sub-rectifier holes 1121 are arranged in three rows and two columns, wherein the areas of the first sub-rectifier holes 1121 in the two columns can be the same or different. For example, the area of the first sub-rectifier holes 1121 near the edge is smaller than the area of the first sub-rectifier holes 1121 on the inner side.
[0066] In one possible implementation, the ratio of the sum of the areas of all first rectifier holes 111 to the sum of the areas of all second sub-rectifier holes 1122 is 3:1 to 5:1. Preferably, the ratio of the sum of the areas of all first rectifier holes 111 to the sum of the areas of all second sub-rectifier holes 1122 is 4:1.
[0067] And / or, the ratio of the sum of the areas of all first rectifier holes 111 to the sum of the areas of all first sub-rectifier holes 1121 is 1:1 to 3:1. Preferably, the ratio of the sum of the areas of all first rectifier holes 111 to the sum of the areas of all first sub-rectifier holes 1121 is 2:1.
[0068] This embodiment, by optimizing the ratio of the sum of the areas of all first rectifier holes 111 to the sum of the areas of all second sub-rectifier holes 1122, and / or the ratio of the sum of the areas of all first rectifier holes 111 to the sum of the areas of all first sub-rectifier holes 1121, can better utilize the first sub-rectifier holes 1121 and second sub-rectifier holes 1122 to accelerate gas flow, reduce the velocity reduction caused by friction on the inner wall of the metering pipe 200, and accelerate the flow to be as close as possible to the gas velocity at the center of the metering pipe 200, thereby making the surface velocity distribution on the ultrasonic propagation path more uniform.
[0069] In one possible implementation, the area of the rectifying orifice 111 is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the metering pipe 200. This significantly reduces the resistance encountered by the gas as it enters the metering pipe 200 through the rectifying orifice 111, helping to reduce pressure loss, improve overall flow efficiency, and allow the gas to flow more smoothly. Furthermore, the accuracy of flow measurement largely depends on the uniformity of gas flow; by designing a sufficiently large rectifying orifice area, measurement errors caused by uneven flow velocity or eddies can be significantly reduced, improving the reliability of flow measurement.
[0070] The various embodiments or implementation methods described in this specification are presented in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other.
[0071] It should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., mentioned in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.
[0072] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.
Claims
1. A rectifier structure, characterized in that, Includes a rectifier plate, which is used to install on the metering pipeline of the ultrasonic metering module; The rectifier plate includes a first region and a second region surrounding the first region; the first region is provided with a first rectifier hole, and the second region is provided with a second rectifier hole, the area of the second rectifier hole being smaller than the area of the first rectifier hole.
2. The rectifier structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first rectifier hole and the second rectifier hole include multiple ones. The multiple first rectifier holes are arranged in multiple rows and columns in the first region, and the multiple second rectifier holes are arranged around the multiple first rectifier holes.
3. The rectifier structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple second rectifier holes include several first sub-rectifier holes and several second sub-rectifier holes; In the row direction, a plurality of first sub-rectifier holes are disposed on at least one side of the first rectifier hole, and in the column direction, a plurality of second sub-rectifier holes are disposed on at least one side of the first rectifier hole; the area of each second sub-rectifier hole is smaller than the area of each first sub-rectifier hole.
4. The rectifier structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first sub-rectifier aperture is disposed on both sides of the first rectifier aperture in the row direction; the second sub-rectifier aperture is disposed on both sides of the first rectifier aperture in the column direction.
5. The rectifier structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, Several second sub-rectifier holes are arranged at intervals along the row direction; and / or, several first sub-rectifier holes are arranged in multiple rows and columns.
6. The rectifier structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ratio of the sum of the areas of all the first rectifier holes to the sum of the areas of all the second sub-rectifier holes is 3:1 to 5:
1. And / or, the ratio of the sum of the areas of all the first rectifier holes to the sum of the areas of all the first sub-rectifier holes is 1:1 to 3:
1.
7. The rectifier structure according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The area of the rectifier orifice is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the metering pipe; And / or, the thickness of the rectifier plate is 3mm to 12mm.
8. An ultrasonic metering module, characterized in that, Includes a metering pipe and a flow rectification structure as described in any one of claims 1-7; The rectifier structure is detachably connected to the air inlet end of the metering pipe.
9. The ultrasonic metering module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The air inlet of the metering pipe includes a folded portion, which extends away from the center of the metering pipe, and the extending direction of the folded portion is inclined to the axis of the metering pipe. The first region of the rectifying structure is opposite to the metering pipe, and the second region of the rectifying structure is opposite to the folding section.
10. A gas meter, characterized in that, Includes the ultrasonic metering module as described in claim 8 or claim 9.