Ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator

Abstract

The utility model relates to an ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator. The flow regulator is characterized in that the flow regulator is mounted at a flow channel air inlet of the flow channel and sequentially comprises a scattering layer, a developing layer and a rectifying layer which are integrally formed through injection molding or are assembled and connected in a split manner. The utility model aims to change the original gas flow field distribution, stabilize the flow field characteristics of the metering module and improve the metering precision of the ultrasonic gas meter, and has the characteristics of strong adaptability, convenience in installation and positioning, good flow field stability, high precision and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator. 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, the stability of the gas flow field in ultrasonic meters has always been a difficult problem to solve. Especially when the gas flow rate is between 0.5 m / s and 2 m / s, the inlet valve of the ultrasonic meter cannot completely rectify the gas flow effectively. This significantly affects the repeatability of the measurement error, resulting in poor gas metering accuracy in ultrasonic meters. This invention utilizes a novel rectification structure composed of circular holes of different sizes and elongated grids. This effectively improves the gas flow field distribution in the ultrasonic meter and greatly optimizes the repeatability of the measurement error. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a technical solution for an ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator.

[0005] The ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator is characterized in that: the flow regulator is installed at the air inlet of the flow channel, and the flow regulator is composed of a dispersing layer, a development layer and a rectifying layer in sequence, which are connected by injection molding as a whole or by separate assembly.

[0006] The ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator is characterized in that the dispersing layer is composed of four circular holes of different diameters arranged in a regular pattern, namely, circular hole A1, circular hole A2, circular hole A3, and circular hole A4; the circular hole A1 is located at the center of the dispersing layer and is used to disperse the complete airflow and change the integrated airflow field; the circular hole A3 is located adjacent to the circular hole A1 and is used to change the integrated airflow field and reduce pressure loss; the circular hole A2 is located at the edge of the dispersing layer and is used to change the boundary layer velocity; the circular hole A4 is located around the circular hole A2 and further accelerates the boundary layer velocity; the size of each circular hole is proportional to the height and width of the dispersing layer.

[0007] The ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator is characterized in that the diameters of the A1, A2, A3 and A4 round holes decrease sequentially.

[0008] The ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator is characterized in that the rectifying layer is composed of regular and uniform rectangular holes, the size of which is similar to the width-to-height ratio of the flow channel, for thoroughly rectifying the airflow.

[0009] The ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator is characterized in that the development layer is located between the dispersing layer and the rectifying layer, and is used to enable the airflow to develop fully.

[0010] The ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator is characterized in that the spacing of the development layers is related to the size of the rectangular holes in the rectifier layer. If it is integrally injection molded, the development layer needs to have a draft angle; if it is assembled separately, the spacing of the development layers is fixed.

[0011] The ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator is characterized in that a notch is provided at the bottom of the development layer.

[0012] The ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator is characterized in that laminar flow plates are provided in the flow channel.

[0013] The ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator is characterized in that the flow regulator is fixed to the flow channel by a snap-fit ​​groove.

[0014] The ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator is characterized in that the front end of the air inlet of the flow channel is provided with buckles on both the left and right sides of the flared opening, and the flow regulator is provided with buckle grooves on the left and right sides that cooperate with the buckles.

[0015] The flow channel and flow adjuster of this utility model are both injection molded, and the flow adjuster is fixed to the flow channel by snap-fit ​​groove.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0017] 1) This utility model adopts a flow regulator composed of a dispersing layer, a development layer and a rectifying layer in a sequential manner. After the fluid is initially dispersed, it flows to the development layer for further development, and finally completes the thorough rectification of the fluid through the rectifying layer, thus achieving thorough rectification of the fluid and ensuring the accuracy of ultrasonic gas metering.

[0018] 2) This utility model employs a dispersing layer to initially disperse the fluid. Four types of circular holes with related inner diameters are arranged according to a certain pattern. The A1 circular hole is located at the very center of the dispersing layer, its main function being to disperse the entire, unified airflow in the gas meter, changing its original integrated airflow field and dispersing it into airflow streams of multiple hole sizes. The A1 circular holes form a matrix arrangement at the center of the dispersing layer, with A3 circular holes positioned between adjacent A1 holes. The A3 circular holes, while changing the integrated airflow field, fully utilize space to reduce the pressure loss of the ultrasonic gas meter. A2 circular holes are located on the outer sides of the matrix A1 circular holes, i.e., on the four edges of the dispersing layer. The purpose of the A2 circular holes is to initially alter the boundary layer effect of the flow field, accelerating the flow velocity of the gas boundary layer, so that the gas velocity reaches a more uniform velocity after initial rectification by the dispersing layer.

[0019] 3) This utility model uses a development layer to allow the fluid dispersed by the dispersion layer to fully develop. The development layer reduces the fluid's friction loss and also reduces the pressure loss of the ultrasonic gas meter. At the same time, the development layer has a notch at the downward position relative to the entire module, which has a better effect on dust prevention of the flow regulator.

[0020] 4) The development layer of this utility model can be integrally injection molded from the flow regulator. In this case, the development layer is provided with a draft angle, and the spacing between the development layers is related to the size of the rectifier rectangular hole of the flow regulator rectifier layer. At the same time, the development layer can also be formed by ultrasonic welding, bonding or tenon and mortise assembly of the disintegration layer and the rectifier layer. The formation of the development layer in multiple ways is beneficial to the rectifier having better adaptability.

[0021] 5) This utility model uses a rectifier layer to thoroughly rectify the fluid. The rectifier layer is formed by regular and uniform rectangular holes. The size of the rectangular holes is related to the width-to-height ratio inside the flow channel. This allows the fluid that has passed through the dispersing layer and the development layer to be thoroughly rectified after passing through the rectifier layer. Then, the fluid is divided into multiple layers of almost identical flow fields by the flow plate in the flow channel, which ensures the metering accuracy of the ultrasonic gas meter. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is the overall assembly isometric drawing of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is the left view of the overall assembly of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a top sectional view of the overall assembly of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a side sectional view of the overall assembly of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 This is an isometric drawing of the flow adjuster of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a front view of the flow adjuster of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a side sectional view of the flow regulator of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the rectifier layer in the flow regulator of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the dispersing layer in the flow regulator of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the dispersing layer size principle in the flow adjuster of this utility model;

[0032] In the diagram: 1-flow channel, 2-flow adjuster, 3-development layer, 4-clamp, 5-flow channel inlet, 6-flow channel outlet, 7-dispersing layer, 8-rectifying layer, 9-laminar flow plate, 10-A1 round hole, 11-A2 round hole, 12-A3 round hole, 13-A4 round hole, 14-clamp groove, 15-rectangular hole. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0034] The purpose of this invention is to change the original gas flow field distribution, stabilize the flow field characteristics of the metering module, and improve the metering accuracy of the ultrasonic gas meter. This invention proposes a flow regulator structure for the ultrasonic gas meter. This structure features strong adaptability, easy installation and positioning, good flow field stability, and high accuracy.

[0035] To achieve the above objectives, the proposed technical solution is as follows: An ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator, wherein the flow regulator 2 is installed at the air inlet 5 of the flow channel, and the flow regulator 2 includes a dispersing layer 7, a developing layer 3, and a rectifying layer 8. The flow regulator 2 is integrally injection molded, or it can be divided into dispersing layer 7 and rectifying layer 8, which are injection molded separately and then connected by ultrasonic welding, bonding, or tenon and mortise assembly. The flow channel 1 structure includes a snap-fit ​​4 and a laminar flow plate 9, and is also integrally injection molded.

[0036] The flow channel 1 has two latches 4 on each side of the front end of the flared mouth of the air inlet 5. Each side of the flared mouth has two latches 4, one upper and one lower, which correspond to the two latch slots 14 on the left and right sides of the flow regulator 2. This allows the flow regulator 2 to be connected to the latches 4 of the flow channel 1 through the latch slots 14, forming a whole in the gas meter. This prevents the gas from flowing in through other paths, and it only flows in through the dispersing layer 7 at the front end of the flow regulator 2. The gas flows through the development layer 3 and reaches the rectification layer 8. After the gas is completely dispersed, it enters the air inlet 5 of the flow channel 1. Then, several flow plates 9 in the flow channel 1 stratify the completely dispersed gas, making the fluid state of each layer almost uniform and stable. This design stabilizes the flow field state while achieving accurate metering.

[0037] The dispersing layer 7 at the front end of the flow regulator 2 consists of four types of circular holes with varying inner diameters: A1 circular hole 10, A2 circular hole 11, A3 circular hole 12, and A4 circular hole 13. The hole diameters decrease sequentially, with the A1 circular hole 10 positioned at the very center of the dispersing layer 7. Its main function is to disperse the unified airflow within the gas meter, altering the original integrated airflow field and dispersing it into multiple airflow streams the size of the A1 circular holes 10. The A1 circular holes 10 form a matrix arrangement at the center of the dispersing layer 7, with A3 circular holes 12 positioned between adjacent A1 circular holes 10. The placement of A3 circular holes 12 not only alters the integrated airflow field but also fully utilizes space to reduce pressure loss in the ultrasonic gas meter. A2 circular holes 11 are positioned on the outer sides of the matrix A1 circular holes 10, i.e., on the four edges of the dispersing layer 7. The purpose of A2 circular holes 11 is to initially alter the boundary layer effect of the flow field, accelerating the flow velocity of the gas boundary layer and ensuring that the gas velocity reaches a more uniform velocity after initial rectification by the dispersing layer 7. Furthermore, A4 circular holes 13 are provided on all four sides of each A2 circular hole 11. This further accelerates the flow velocity of the fluid boundary layer. Further, as... Figure 10 As shown, H represents the height of the dispersing layer 7, and D represents the width of the dispersing layer 7. H1 and D1 represent the formation range of the A1 circular hole 10, and H2 and D2 represent the formation range of the A2 circular hole 11. H1 and D1, and H2 and D2 are all directly proportional to H and D. The dimensions of the A1 circular hole 10, A2 circular hole 11, A3 circular hole 12, and A4 circular hole 13 are d1, d2, d3, and d4, respectively. Among them, d1 and d2 are directly proportional to the height H, and d3 and d4 are directly proportional to d1 and d2, respectively. In summary, after the gas flow passes through the dispersing layer 7, it is dispersed by the intervals of the holes and flows through the holes to the development layer 3 to continue developing. The structure of the dispersing layer 7 avoids the low flow velocity region of 0.5m / s to 2m / s, making the overall module's metering more accurate.

[0038] The flow regulator 2 has a development layer 3 between the dispersing layer 7 and the rectifying layer 8. The spacing of the development layer 3 is related to the rectangular size of the rectifying layer 8 at the rear end of the flow regulator 2. The rectangular hole consists of a width 'a' and a length 'b'. If the flow regulator 2 is integrally injection molded, the development layer 3 needs to have a draft angle; further, the narrowest part of the development layer 3 is 'a', and the widest part is 'b'. If the flow regulator 2 is formed by ultrasonic welding, bonding, or mortise and tenon assembly of the dispersing layer 7 and the rectifying layer 8, the development layer 3 does not have a draft angle; in this case, the spacing of the development layer 3 is set to 'b'. The various formation methods of the development layer are beneficial to the rectifier's versatility. The development layer 3 not only reduces the fluid's friction loss but also reduces the overall pressure loss of the ultrasonic gas meter. Simultaneously, the development layer 3 has a notch, allowing for integral injection molding through core demolding. Furthermore, the development layer 3 is placed with the notch facing downwards, ensuring that tiny particles in the gas do not accumulate inside the development layer. This achieves the dustproof effect of the flow regulator 2.

[0039] The rectifying layer 8 at the rear end of the flow regulator 2 consists of regular and uniform rectangular holes. Each rectangular hole in the rectifying layer 8 has a width of 'a' and a length of 'b'. The size of these rectangular holes is approximately proportional to the width-to-height ratio of the flow channel, ensuring that the flow field, initially altered by the dispersing layer 7, is further developed by the development layer and finally thoroughly rectified after passing through the rectifying layer 8. This ensures that the fluid is thoroughly rectified before entering the flow channel inlet 5, and then further divided into multiple layers of almost uniform flow fields by the laminar flow plate 9 in the flow channel 1, guaranteeing the metering accuracy of the ultrasonic gas meter.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Although this utility model uses terms such as ultrasonic meter, flow channel, horn, air inlet, air outlet, rectification structure, and laminar flow plate frequently, 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 meter flow regulator, characterized in that: The flow conditioner is installed at the air inlet of the flow channel. The flow conditioner consists of a dispersing layer, a development layer and a rectifying layer in sequence. The three are connected by injection molding as a whole or by separate assembly. The dispersing layer is composed of four circular holes of different diameters arranged in a regular pattern: A1, A2, A3, and A4. The A1 hole is located at the center of the dispersing layer and is used to disperse the entire airflow mass, altering the unified airflow field. The A3 hole is located adjacent to the A1 hole and is used to alter the unified airflow field and reduce pressure loss. The A2 hole is located at the edge of the dispersing layer and is used to change the boundary layer velocity. The A4 hole is located around the A2 hole, further accelerating the boundary layer velocity. The size of each hole is proportional to the height and width of the dispersing layer. The rectifying layer consists of regular and uniform rectangular holes, the size of which is in a similar proportion to the width-to-height ratio of the flow channel, and is used to thoroughly rectify the airflow.

2. The ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator according to claim 1, characterized in that... The diameters of the holes A1, A2, A3, and A4 decrease sequentially.

3. The ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator according to claim 1, characterized in that... The development layer is located between the dispersing layer and the rectifying layer, and is used to allow the airflow to develop fully.

4. The ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator according to claim 3, characterized in that... The spacing of the development layers is related to the size of the rectangular holes in the rectifier layer. If it is integrally injection molded, the development layer needs to have a draft angle; if it is assembled separately, the spacing of the development layers is fixed.

5. An ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator according to claim 4, characterized in that... The development layer has a gap at the bottom.

6. The ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator according to claim 1, characterized in that... Laminar flow plates are installed in the flow channel.

7. The ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator according to claim 1, characterized in that... The flow adjuster is fixed to the flow channel by a snap-fit ​​groove.

8. An ultrasonic gas meter flow regulator according to claim 7, characterized in that... The air inlet of the flow channel has buckles on both sides of the front end of the flared opening, and the flow adjuster has buckle grooves on both sides that cooperate with the buckles.

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