Precession vortex flowmeter

Abstract

The utility model provides a precession vortex flow meter, which relates to the technical field of flow meters and comprises an inlet flange, an inlet pipe, a precession vortex mechanism, a Venturi tube structure, an outlet pipe and an outlet flange, a flow meter shell and a display are arranged outside the precession vortex flow meter, and the Venturi tube structure is provided with a piezoelectric sensor. The precession vortex mechanism generates vortex flow through a front flow guide spiral blade and a rotational flow section spiral blade on a blade main shaft, and a rear flow stabilization spiral blade optimizes the vortex core form. The buffer cavity of the vortex guide structure slows down sudden flow velocity change, the flow guide cone mechanically corrects a vortex core track, the magnetic field of the anti-bias magnetic ring assists centering, and double anti-bias is achieved. According to the Venturi tube structure, a flow field is enhanced through a contraction section flow guide edge, a sensor detects the vortex frequency through a throat pressure tapping opening, flow data are output through a displayer after signal processing, and the metering precision and the equipment stability are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of flow meter technology, and more specifically, to a vortex flow meter. Background Technology

[0002] When fluid enters the flow meter, it first flows through the vortex generator, where it is forced to circulate around it and form a group of vortices with precession motion. These vortices advance axially within the venturi-shaped expansion section, and their precession frequency is proportional to the fluid velocity. A sensor installed near the expansion section, such as a piezoelectric sensor, detects the vortex precession frequency. The signal is then transmitted to the meter head, where it is processed and converted into a flow rate signal, ultimately enabling flow measurement and display.

[0003] The vortex flow meter proposed in patent application number CN210625747U includes a housing. A connector is provided on the upper surface of the housing, and a flow display screen is located on the upper surface of the connector. The flow display screen is located inside a protective cover. The lower surface of the protective cover overlaps the upper surface of the housing. Fixing blocks overlap on both sides of the protective cover, and the lower surfaces of the two fixing blocks are fixedly connected to the upper surface of the housing. In this invention, a protective cover is provided around the flow display screen. The protective cover is fixed by locking blocks into slots. Simultaneously, pulling a pull ring moves the connecting plate, rope, and locking blocks to the right, causing the locking blocks to disengage from the slots and allowing the protective cover to be removed. This facilitates the installation and removal of the protective cover by workers. The protective cover also provides protection against wind and rain corrosion, preventing damage to the flow display screen from external impacts.

[0004] However, existing vortex flow meters have some shortcomings that need improvement. The lack of a vortex guiding structure during vortex induction causes the fluid vortex core to deviate from the central axis and directly impact the pipe wall, generating additional noise, accelerating pipe wall wear, and causing signal distortion. The offset vortex core leads to fluctuations in the vortex frequency detected by the sensor, affecting detection accuracy. Long-term impact of the high-speed vortex core on the pipe wall can leave marks on the inner wall of the expansion section, shortening the equipment's lifespan. Therefore, we propose an improved vortex flow meter. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to address the problems raised in the existing background technology. To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a vortex flow meter, including an inlet flange connected to an inlet pipe, the inlet pipe connected to a vortex initiation mechanism, a vortex guide structure inside the vortex initiation mechanism, the vortex initiation mechanism connected to a venturi tube structure, a piezoelectric sensor outside the venturi tube structure, a flow meter housing on the outer surface of the vortex initiation mechanism and the venturi tube structure, a display on the flow meter housing, and an outlet flange at the outer end of the venturi tube structure connected to an outlet pipe.

[0006] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the vortex induction mechanism includes a vortex generator housing, and a blade main shaft is provided inside the vortex generator housing. A front guide spiral blade, a vortex section spiral blade and a rear stabilizing spiral blade are sequentially sleeved on the blade main shaft.

[0007] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the vortex guide structure includes a vortex guide cavity, a buffer cavity is provided inside the vortex guide cavity, a flow guide cone is provided at the center of the buffer cavity, and an anti-deflection magnetic ring is provided inside the vortex guide cavity.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the Venturi tube structure includes a contraction section tube body, a throat section tube body and an expansion section tube body connected in sequence, and the end of the contraction section tube body away from the throat section is connected to the vortex guide cavity.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the inner wall of the contraction section tube is provided with a contraction section guide rib, which extends along the axial direction of the contraction section tube.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the side wall of the throat section is provided with a throat pressure tapping port, and the detection end of the piezoelectric sensor passes through the flow meter housing and extends into the throat pressure tapping port.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the guide cone has a conical structure, with its tip facing the rear stabilizing spiral blade of the vortex mechanism.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the anti-bias magnetic ring is sleeved on the outer surface of the blade main shaft.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the spiral directions of the front guide spiral blade, the swirl section spiral blade and the rear stabilizing spiral blade are consistent, and they are interference-fitted with the blade main shaft.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the inlet flange and the inlet pipe, and the outlet flange and the outlet pipe are all bolted together, and a sealing gasket is provided at the connection.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0016] This invention generates a stable vortex flow through a vortex induction mechanism, precisely constrains the vortex core trajectory through a vortex guide structure, further enhances the flow field characteristics with a venturi tube structure, and finally calculates the flow rate by detecting the vortex frequency using a piezoelectric sensor. The dual mechanical and magnetic constraint structure of the vortex guide structure fundamentally solves the problem of vortex core misalignment in traditional equipment.

[0017] In this invention, the fluid being measured enters the inlet pipe through the inlet flange, and bolt connections and sealing gaskets ensure a leak-free pipeline. After the fluid flows into the vortex generator housing of the vortex inlet mechanism, it first contacts the front guide spiral blade on the main shaft of the blade. The guide spiral blade is interference-fitted with the main shaft and has a fixed spiral direction, thus transforming the disordered turbulence into a smooth flow field along the axis.

[0018] This invention introduces a vortex guide structure where the vortex flow enters the vortex guide cavity. The flow first passes through a buffer cavity to slow down sudden velocity changes, preventing backflow impact from causing vortex core displacement. An anti-deviation magnetic ring, fitted outside the blade's main shaft, generates an axial magnetic field. This magnetic force constrains minute impurities in the medium, indirectly centering the vortex core and achieving dual anti-deviation measures through both mechanical and magnetic fields.

[0019] The guided vortex flow of this invention enters the contraction section of the Venturi tube structure. As the cross-sectional area decreases, the flow velocity accelerates, and the guide ridges on the inner wall of the contraction section extend axially, further constraining the vortex flow into a regular spiral precession pattern. When the fluid reaches the throat section, the flow velocity reaches its maximum value, and the vortex core precession frequency tends to stabilize, providing a clear signal source for detection. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagram provided for this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the vortex mechanism and venturi tube structure provided by this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the vortex induction mechanism provided by this utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the vortex guiding structure provided by this utility model;

[0025] Figure 6A schematic diagram of the Venturi tube structure provided by this utility model;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the Venturi tube structure provided by this utility model.

[0027] The image shows:

[0028] 1. Imported flange; 2. Imported pipe; 3. Swirl inlet mechanism; 301. Swirl generator housing; 302. Front guide spiral blade; 303. Swirl section spiral blade; 304. Rear stabilizing spiral blade; 305. Blade main shaft

[0029] 4. Vortex-guided structure; 401. Vortex-guided cavity; 402. Buffer cavity; 403. Guide cone; 404. Anti-deflection magnetic ring;

[0030] 5. Venturi tube structure; 501, contraction section tube body; 5011, contraction section guide rib; 502, throat section; 5021, throat pressure tap; 503, expansion section tube body; 6. piezoelectric sensor; 7. flowmeter housing; 8. display; 9. outlet pipe; 10. outlet flange. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model.

[0032] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this utility model is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed utility model, but merely illustrates some embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features and technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0033] Example 1: A vortex flow meter includes an inlet flange 1, which is connected to an inlet pipe 2. The inlet pipe 2 is connected to a vortex inlet mechanism 3. A vortex guide structure 4 is provided inside the vortex inlet mechanism 3. The vortex inlet mechanism 3 is connected to a venturi tube structure 5. A piezoelectric sensor 6 is provided outside the venturi tube structure 5. A flow meter housing 7 is provided on the outer surface of the vortex inlet mechanism 3 and the venturi tube structure 5. A display 8 is provided on the flow meter housing 7. The venturi tube structure 5 is connected to an outlet pipe 9. An outlet flange 10 is provided at the outer end of the outlet pipe 9.

[0034] The vortex induction mechanism 3 includes a vortex generator housing 301, inside which is a blade shaft 305. A front guide spiral blade 302, a swirl section spiral blade 303, and a rear stabilizing spiral blade 304 are sequentially mounted on the blade shaft 305. The vortex guide structure 4 includes a vortex guide cavity 401, inside which is a buffer cavity 402. A guide cone 403 is located at the center of the buffer cavity 402, and an anti-deflection magnetic ring 404 is installed inside the vortex guide cavity 401.

[0035] The Venturi tube structure 5 includes a contraction section tube body 501, a throat section tube body 502 and an expansion section tube body 503 connected in sequence. The end of the contraction section tube body 501 away from the throat section tube body 502 is connected to the vortex guide cavity 401.

[0036] The inner wall of the contraction section pipe body 501 is provided with a contraction section guide rib 5011, which extends along the axial direction of the contraction section pipe body 501. The side wall of the throat section pipe body 502 is provided with a throat pressure tap 5021, and the detection end of the piezoelectric sensor 6 passes through the flowmeter housing 7 and extends into the throat pressure tap 5021.

[0037] The guide cone 403 has a conical structure, with its tip pointing towards the rear stabilizing spiral blade 304 of the vortex mechanism 3. The anti-deflection magnetic ring 404 is sleeved on the outer surface of the blade main shaft 305.

[0038] The front guide spiral blade 302, the swirl section spiral blade 303, and the rear stabilizing spiral blade 304 all have the same spiral direction and are interference-fitted with the blade main shaft 305. The inlet flange 1 and the inlet pipe 2, and the outlet flange 10 and the outlet pipe 9 are all bolted together, and sealing gaskets are provided at the connection.

[0039] The working principle of the vortex flow meter: The fluid to be measured enters the flow meter through the inlet flange 1. The bolt connection between the inlet flange 1 and the inlet pipe 2, along with the sealing gasket, ensures a sealed pipeline, preventing media leakage from affecting the measurement. The fluid enters the vortex generator housing 301 of the vortex mechanism 3 through the inlet pipe 2, and first contacts the front guide spiral blade 302 on the blade main shaft 305. Because the front guide spiral blade 302 is interference-fitted with the blade main shaft 305 and the spiral direction is fixed, the fluid is initially organized into a stable flow field flowing along the axis.

[0040] The fluid, after initial guidance, flows through the spiral blade 303 in the swirl section. Since its spiral direction is consistent with that of the preceding guide spiral blade 302, the fluid is forced to rotate around the blade's main axis 305, forming a vortex flow with a high-speed vortex core.

[0041] The vortex flow enters the rear-mounted stabilizing spiral blade 304 region, which further suppresses the radial diffusion of the vortex, keeping the vortex core in a compact shape, and preparing it for entry into the guide structure.

[0042] After the vortex flow enters the vortex guide cavity 401 of the vortex guide structure 4, it first contacts the guide cone 403 at the center of the buffer cavity 402. The guide cone 403 is conical in shape with its tip pointing towards the rear stabilizer spiral blade 304. The flow channel structure of the buffer cavity 402 slows down the sudden change in fluid velocity and avoids backflow impact that could cause the vortex core to shift.

[0043] The anti-deflection magnetic ring 404, fitted onto the outer surface of the blade main shaft 305, generates a magnetic field distributed along the axis. Tiny impurities or polarized media in the vortex flow are constrained near the axis under the influence of the magnetic field, indirectly keeping the vortex core centered. This dual mechanical and magnetic constraint effectively solves the problem of vortex core impacting the pipe wall in traditional structures, reducing fluid noise and pipe wall wear.

[0044] The guided vortex flow enters the contraction section 501 of the Venturi tube structure 5. As the flow cross-sectional area gradually decreases, the fluid velocity accelerates according to Bernoulli's principle. At this time, the contraction section guide rib 5011 on the inner wall of the contraction section extends axially and is parallel to the axis of the guide cone 403, further constraining the vortex flow into a spiral precession pattern along the axis and avoiding asymmetric flow field interference.

[0045] When the fluid reaches the throat section 502, the flow velocity reaches its maximum value, the pressure drops to its minimum, and the vortex precession frequency tends to stabilize. The throat pressure tap 5021 on the side wall of the throat section 502 directly contacts the high-speed swirling flow, providing a clear signal source for sensor detection.

[0046] After the fluid enters the expansion section pipe 503, the flow cross-sectional area increases, the flow velocity gradually decreases, and the pressure partially recovers. During this process, the vortex advance characteristic remains stable until the fluid flows out of the Venturi tube structure 5 and into the outlet pipe 9.

[0047] The detection end of the piezoelectric sensor 6 extends through the flowmeter housing 7 to the throat pressure tap 5021, using the piezoelectric effect to convert the mechanical vibration generated by the vortex into an electrical signal. Since the vortex frequency is proportional to the fluid velocity, the frequency of this electrical signal directly reflects the flow velocity.

[0048] The electrical signal is transmitted to the signal processing module inside the flowmeter housing 7. After amplification, filtering, and digitization, the frequency signal is converted into parameters such as instantaneous flow rate and cumulative flow rate through an algorithm. The final parameters are displayed in real time on the display 8 on the flowmeter housing 7 for the user to read.

[0049] The fluid that has completed the test is discharged from the flow meter through outlet pipe 9 and outlet flange 10. The sealing structure of outlet flange 10 ensures that there is no leakage at the end of the pipeline.

[0050] The working process of the vortex flow meter: The flow meter is bolted to the upstream process pipeline through the inlet flange 1, and connected to the downstream pipeline through the outlet flange 10. The sealing gasket at the connection ensures that there is no medium leakage in the pipeline. Before starting, the valve status should be confirmed and the upstream valve should be opened slowly. After the medium fills the inlet pipe 2, the downstream valve should be opened to avoid water hammer effect impacting the internal structure.

[0051] The gas medium being measured, such as natural gas or compressed air, enters the inlet pipe 2 through the inlet flange 1 and flows axially into the vortex generator shell 301 of the vortex mechanism 3. At this time, the fluid is in a disordered turbulent state and needs to be combed by multiple stages of blades to form a stable flow field.

[0052] The fluid first comes into contact with the front guide spiral blade 302 on the blade main shaft 305. Since the spiral directions of the three are consistent and they are interference fit, the blade guides the turbulence into a smooth laminar flow along the axis through the surface flow guiding effect, eliminating lateral disturbances.

[0053] The initially combed fluid flows through the spiral blade 303 in the swirl section. Under the forced rotation of the blade, a vortex flow is formed that rotates at high speed around the main axis 305 of the blade. The pitch and blade angle parameters of the spiral blade 303 in the swirl section ensure that the initial state of the vortex core is distributed along the axis, avoiding inherent deviation.

[0054] The vortex flow enters the rear-mounted stabilizing spiral blade 304 region, which further suppresses the radial diffusion of the vortex, keeping the vortex core in a stable columnar shape, thus preparing it for entry into the guide structure.

[0055] The vortex flow enters the vortex guide cavity 401 of the vortex generator shell 301 from the vortex generator shell 4. It first flows through the gradual structure of the buffer cavity 402 flow channel to slow down the sudden change in flow velocity, avoid backflow impact that causes the vortex core to deviate from the axis, and provide stable initial conditions for subsequent guidance.

[0056] The buffered vortex flow contacts the guide cone 403 at the center of the buffer cavity 402. The tip of its conical structure faces the rear stabilizing spiral blade 304. When the vortex core deviates slightly, the pressure difference on the conical surface will generate a radial correction force, which will correct the vortex core to the center trajectory, thus achieving mechanical constraint.

[0057] The anti-deflection magnetic ring 404, fitted onto the outer surface of the blade main shaft 305, generates a stable magnetic field distributed along the axis. Tiny impurities or polarized media entrained in the vortex flow are attracted to the vicinity of the axis under the action of the magnetic field force, and indirectly keep the vortex core centered through the viscous force between the media. This dual constraint controls the vortex core offset to within 5% of the flow channel radius, significantly reducing impact noise and pipe wall wear.

[0058] The guided vortex flow enters the contraction section 501 of the Venturi tube structure 5. As the flow cross-sectional area gradually decreases, the fluid velocity increases linearly according to Bernoulli's principle. At this time, the contraction section guide rib 5011 on the inner wall of the contraction section extends axially and is parallel to the axis of the guide cone 403, further constraining the vortex flow into a regular spiral precession pattern and avoiding interference from the asymmetric flow field on the precession frequency.

[0059] When the fluid reaches the throat section 502, the flow velocity reaches its maximum value, the pressure drops to its minimum, and the vortex precession frequency tends to stabilize. The throat pressure tap 5021 on the side wall of the throat section 502 is in direct contact with the high-speed swirling flow, forming a detection area with a clear signal.

[0060] After the fluid enters the expansion section pipe 503, the flow cross-sectional area gradually increases and the flow velocity slowly decreases. During this process, the spiral precession characteristics of the vortex remain stable until it flows out of the Venturi tube structure 5 and enters the outlet pipe 9.

[0061] The detection end of the piezoelectric sensor 6 extends through the flowmeter housing 7 to the throat pressure tap 5021. Utilizing the vibration-charge conversion characteristics of the piezoelectric crystal, it converts the mechanical vibration generated by the vortex propagation into a weak electrical signal. Since the vortex propagation frequency is strictly proportional to the fluid velocity, the frequency of this electrical signal directly reflects the magnitude of the medium flow rate. The converted measurement parameters are transmitted in real time to the display 8 on the flowmeter housing 7 and presented in digital form for user reading. Simultaneously, the measured medium exits the flowmeter through the outlet pipe 9 and outlet flange 10, returning to the downstream process pipeline, achieving simultaneous metering and delivery.

[0062] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present utility model and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, the present utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Therefore, any modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present utility model, and all technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the utility model, are covered within the scope of the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A spin vane flowmeter comprising an inlet flange (1), characterized in that, The import flange (1) is connected with the import pipe (2), the import pipe (2) is connected with the spiral vortex mechanism (3), the spiral vortex mechanism (3) is connected with the venturi structure (5), the venturi structure (5) is provided with the piezoelectric sensor (6), the outer surface of the spiral vortex mechanism (3) and the venturi structure (5) is provided with the flowmeter shell (7), the flowmeter shell (7) is provided with the display (8), the venturi structure (5) is connected with the outlet pipe (9), and the outer end of the outlet pipe (9) is provided with the outlet flange (10).

2. A progressing cavity flowmeter according to claim 1 wherein, The spiral vortex mechanism (3) comprises a vortex generator shell (301), and the vortex generator shell (301) is internally provided with a blade main shaft (305); a front guide spiral blade (302), a spiral flow section spiral blade (303) and a rear stable flow spiral blade (304) are sequentially sleeved on the blade main shaft (305).

3. A progressing cavity flowmeter according to claim 2 wherein, The spiral vortex guide structure (4) comprises a vortex guide cavity (401), and the vortex guide cavity (401) is internally provided with a buffer cavity (402); the buffer cavity (402) is provided with a guide cone (403) at the center; and the vortex guide cavity (401) is provided with a magnetic deviation prevention ring (404).

4. The progressing cavity flowmeter of claim 3 wherein, The venturi structure (5) comprises a contraction section pipe body (501), a throat pipe section (502) and an expansion section pipe body (503) which are sequentially connected; and the end, away from the throat pipe section (502), of the contraction section pipe body (501) is connected with the vortex guide cavity (401).

5. The progressing cavity flowmeter of claim 4 wherein, A contraction section guide rib (5011) is arranged on the inner wall of the contraction section pipe body (501) and extends along the axial direction of the contraction section pipe body (501).

6. A progressing cavity flowmeter according to claim 5 wherein, A throat pressure taking port (5021) is formed in the side wall of the throat pipe section (502), and the detection end of the piezoelectric sensor (6) extends into the throat pressure taking port (5021) through the flowmeter shell (7).

7. A progressing cavity flowmeter according to claim 6 wherein, The guide cone (403) is in a conical structure, and the tip thereof faces the rear stable flow spiral blade (304) of the spiral vortex mechanism (3).

8. The progressing cavity flowmeter of claim 7 wherein, The magnetic deviation prevention ring (404) is sleeved on the outer surface of the blade main shaft (305).

9. The progressing cavity flowmeter of claim 8 wherein, The spiral directions of the front guide spiral blade (302), the spiral flow section spiral blade (303) and the rear stable flow spiral blade (304) are consistent, and the front guide spiral blade (302), the spiral flow section spiral blade (303) and the rear stable flow spiral blade (304) are in interference fit with the blade main shaft (305).

10. The progressing cavity flowmeter of claim 9 wherein, The import flange (1) and the import pipe (2) and the outlet flange (10) and the outlet pipe (9) are all connected by bolts, and sealing washers are arranged at the connecting positions.

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