vortex flowmeter

Abstract

The utility model discloses a vortex flowmeter, including casing, flow sensing module and pipeline joint. Among them, the inside of casing is provided with measuring pipe. Flow sensing module installs in the casing, is used for sensing the flow in the measuring pipe. The both ends of pipeline joint are connected with measuring pipe and external pipeline respectively, and make measuring pipe and external pipeline can rotate relatively. The vortex flowmeter of the utility model can still rotate and adjust the installation posture after completing the butt joint installation with the external pipeline, and the subsequent assembly connection and data observation are convenient, and the utility model discloses convenient to assemble, and the sealing is good. The internal pipeline of vortex flowmeter adopts the design of reducing the diameter, can accelerate the fluid velocity, expands the flow measurement lower limit, and improves the linearity and repeatability of measuring low flow point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of intelligent sensing technology, specifically relating to a vortex flow meter. Background Technology

[0002] Vortex flow meters are popular flow measurement instruments in the chemical industry, widely used for measuring the flow of gases, liquids, and steam in industrial production. Through continuous development, vortex flow meters are now widely used in industrial processes, energy metering, environmental protection engineering, transportation, metallurgy and power, coal chemical industry, construction and transportation, food and agriculture, and other fields. Currently, vortex flow meters on the market are increasingly featuring improved performance and integration in flow warning and pulse communication. Therefore, we propose a vortex flow meter that multiplexes switch warning and pulse communication.

[0003] With the continuous development of industrial control technology, customers require vortex flow meters to be smaller and smaller, with simple and convenient process connections, easy assembly and disassembly, and the ability to display measurement values ​​on a screen. The conventional installation method involves fixing the process connection and the flow meter body together. Once installed, the flow meter's orientation cannot be changed, often leading to difficulties in observation and connection.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of this utility model and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vortex flow meter that can adjust the installation posture.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by a specific embodiment of this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A vortex flow meter includes: a housing, wherein a measuring tube is disposed inside the housing; a flow sensing module, installed inside the housing, for sensing the flow rate in the measuring tube; and a pipe joint, wherein the two ends of the pipe joint are respectively connected to the measuring tube and an external pipe, and the measuring tube and the external pipe are rotatable relative to each other.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the vortex flow meter further includes a retaining ring, which is fixedly installed inside the measuring tube, and one end of the pipe joint is inserted into the measuring tube and rotatably engaged in the retaining ring.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the pipe joint is provided with a groove for engaging the retaining spring; and / or the pipe joint and the retaining spring are provided with a limiting structure, the limiting structure being used to limit the angle between the pipe joint and the retaining spring.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the vortex flow meter further includes a sealing ring disposed between the pipe joint and the measuring tube.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the pipe fitting includes a fitting and / or a movable fitting.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the cross-sectional area at the measuring point inside the measuring tube is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the vortex flowmeter.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the cross-section at the measuring point inside the measuring tube is elliptical.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the vortex flow meter further includes a display screen connected to the flow sensing module, the display screen being fixedly installed with the housing; and / or the vortex flow meter further includes a button connected to the flow sensing module, the button being sealed to the housing.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the vortex flow meter further includes an aviation plug connected to the flow sensing module.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the aviation plug and the housing are integrally injection molded.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, the vortex flow meter of this invention can be rotated and adjusted after being connected to an external pipeline, facilitating subsequent assembly, connection, and data observation. It is also easy to assemble and has good sealing performance. The internal pipe of the vortex flow meter adopts a reduced-diameter design, which can accelerate the fluid velocity, expand the lower limit of flow measurement, and improve the linearity and repeatability of measuring low flow points. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model 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 only some embodiments recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1This is an overall structural diagram of a vortex flowmeter in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a vortex flow meter in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a vortex flow meter in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pipe joint in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the retaining ring and pipe joint in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid flow channel inside the pipe joint and measuring tube in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this disclosure, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0026] The terms "coupled," "connected," or "linked" in this specification include both direct and indirect connections. Indirect connections are those made through an intermediate medium, such as those made through an electrically conductive medium, which may have parasitic inductance or capacitance. Indirect connections may also include connections made through other active or passive devices to achieve the same or similar functional purpose, such as connections through switches, follower circuits, or other circuits or components. Furthermore, in this specification, terms such as "first" and "second" are primarily used to distinguish one technical feature from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship, quantity, or order between these technical features.

[0027] In the detailed description of this specification, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, wherein like reference numerals always denote like parts, and wherein exemplary embodiments are shown by way of example that may be implemented. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural or logical changes may be made, without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting.

[0028] The various operations in the specification may be described sequentially as multiple discrete actions or operations in a manner most conducive to understanding the claimed subject matter. However, the order of description should not be construed as implying that these operations must be sequentially related. Specifically, these operations may not be performed in the order presented. The described operations may be performed in a different order than in the described embodiments. Various additional operations may be performed in additional embodiments and / or the described operations may be omitted.

[0029] For the purposes of this application, the phrase "A and / or B" means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of this application, the phrase "A, B and / or C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).

[0030] Various components and devices may be mentioned or shown in the singular form herein, but only for the convenience of discussion, and any element mentioned in the singular form may include multiple such elements as taught herein.

[0031] The description uses the phrases "in one embodiment," "in other embodiments," or "in some embodiments," each of which can refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," etc., used in relation to embodiments of this application are synonymous.

[0032] Combination Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a vortex flow meter in one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 10, a flow sensing module, a pipe connector 20, a display screen 30, and an aviation plug 40.

[0033] The housing 10 contains a measuring tube 11. The measuring tube 11 contains a flow barrier 12. When the fluid flows through the flow barrier 12, regular vortices (Karman vortex streets) are generated alternately on both sides downstream of it.

[0034] A flow sensing module is installed inside the housing 10 to sense the flow rate within the measuring tube 11. Exemplarily, the flow sensing module may include a piezoelectric element 51 and a circuit board 52. The piezoelectric element 51 may be distributed inside the measuring tube 11 to detect vortices and convert the vortex street signal into an electrical signal. The circuit board 52 is equipped with a signal processing circuit connected to the piezoelectric element 51, which amplifies, filters, and shapes the original electrical signal to output a clear detection signal. It is understood that the flow sensing module may employ existing vortex street detection and conversion devices.

[0035] The display screen 30 is connected to the flow sensing module and is fixedly installed to the housing 10. The display screen 30 can be used to display flow data. The aviation connector 40 is connected to the flow sensing module and can be used to connect to a host computer or other devices to output flow detection signals. Preferably, the aviation connector 40 and the housing 10 are integrally injection molded to effectively prevent the aviation connector 40 from falling off due to vibration.

[0036] Combination Figure 4 As shown, the two ends of the pipe joint 20 are connected to the measuring tube 11 and the external pipe respectively, and the measuring tube 11 and the external pipe can rotate relative to each other, thereby adjusting the installation angle of the vortex flow meter.

[0037] In one embodiment, the vortex flow meter further includes a retaining ring 60, which is fixedly installed inside the measuring tube 11. One end of the pipe connector 20 is inserted into the measuring tube 11 and rotatably engaged in the retaining ring 60.

[0038] Specifically, the pipe fitting 20 is provided with a groove 21 for engaging the retaining spring 60. When the pipe fitting 20 is inserted into the measuring tube 11, the elasticity of the retaining spring 60 can be used to open it, causing the retaining spring 60 to be locked in the groove 21, thus restricting the axial movement of the pipe fitting 20. The surface of the retaining spring 60 that contacts the pipe fitting 20 can be designed as an arc shape to facilitate the rotation of the pipe fitting 20 within the retaining spring 60.

[0039] Preferably, a limiting structure is provided on the pipe joint 20 and the retaining ring 60 to limit the angle between the pipe joint 20 and the retaining ring 60.

[0040] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the retaining ring 60 and a cross-sectional view of the groove 21 of the pipe connector 20 are shown in one embodiment. Exemplarily, the limiting structure includes a first plane 61 on the retaining ring 60 and a second plane 211 on the pipe connector 20. The first plane 61 may be formed on the contact surface between the retaining ring 60 and the pipe connector 20, and the second plane 211 may be formed on the groove 21. Multiple first planes 61 and second planes 211 may be provided. When the pipe connector 20 rotates within the retaining ring 60, it is more easily restricted to the state where the first plane 61 and the second plane 211 are opposite, facilitating the fixing of the angle between the pipe connector 20 and the retaining ring 60, thereby facilitating manual adjustment of the installation angle of the vortex flow meter.

[0041] Understandably, the limiting structure can also adopt other structural forms, such as mutually matching grooves and protrusions.

[0042] In one embodiment, the vortex flow meter further includes a sealing ring 70 disposed between the pipe joint 20 and the measuring tube 11.

[0043] Specifically, the sealing ring 70 is fitted onto the pipe fitting 20, and is positioned closer to the interior of the measuring tube 11 than the retaining ring 60. The pipe fitting 20 may also have a sealing groove for accommodating the sealing ring 70. After the pipe fitting 20 is inserted into the measuring tube 11, the sealing ring 70 abuts against the inner wall of the measuring tube 11 to form a seal.

[0044] In one embodiment, the other end of the pipe joint 20 is provided with an internal thread adapted to an external pipe, allowing for threaded connection between the external pipe and the pipe joint 20 after insertion. In other embodiments, the other end of the pipe joint 20 can also be connected to the external pipe via a flange, clamp, or other means, or it can adopt the same design as the mating end of the measuring tube 11.

[0045] In other embodiments, the pipe fitting 20 may also include a union joint or a swivel joint. A union joint, also called a swivel joint, is a common pipe connector that allows for easy installation and disassembly. The two ends of the union joint are fixedly installed to the measuring pipe 11 and the external pipe, respectively. During adjustment, the locking ring must be loosened before the vortex flowmeter can be rotated. A swivel joint, also called a swivel fitting, typically consists of a male, a female, and a nut. During use, the male and female ends are threaded to the external pipe and the measuring pipe 11, respectively. The male and female ends can achieve relative rotation and sealing through the nut. However, swivel joints can only be used for G-thread installations; RC threads pose a risk of leakage. Furthermore, both union joints and swivel joints are additional components and cannot be integrated with the main body of the vortex flowmeter. After installation, they affect the product's aesthetics and increase the overall cost.

[0046] When the pipe joint 20 is a union joint or a movable joint, the retaining ring 60 can be omitted, and it can be directly threaded, welded, or glued to the measuring tube 11. A sealing ring 70 can be installed between the union joint, the movable joint, and the measuring tube 11. Since the measuring tube 11 has an inlet and an outlet, both of which need to be connected to external pipes, the inlet and outlet can use the same pipe joint 20 structure or different pipe joint 20 structures.

[0047] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the cross-sectional area at the measuring point inside the measuring tube 11 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the vortex flow meter.

[0048] The cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet refers to the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal through-hole at the junction of the pipe joint 20 and the external pipe (diameter D in the diagram), which is generally the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the external pipe. For example, the junction of the external pipe and the pipe joint 20 is circular in shape and has the same inner diameter.

[0049] The measurement point is the area where vortices are generated inside the measuring tube 11 and the vortex signal is measured. For example, the part of the measuring tube 11 that is detached from the pipe joint 20 has the same cross-sectional area and shape, and the cross-sectional area is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet.

[0050] The cross-sectional areas mentioned above refer to the area occupied by the section inside the pipe that is perpendicular to the pipe axis.

[0051] Since vortex flowmeters rely on the generation of Karman vortex streets for measurement, this requires the fluid velocity to be within a specific range. At low flow rates, the velocity is too low to generate a stable vortex street. By reducing the pipe cross-sectional area at the measurement point and increasing the local velocity, the required velocity range can be achieved even at low flow rates, thereby generating a Karman vortex street downstream of the obstructing fluid 12.

[0052] According to the law of conservation of flow ,in, and These are the cross-sectional areas inside the pipe joint 20 and the cross-sectional areas at the measuring points inside the measuring pipe 11, respectively. and These represent the fluid velocity at the corresponding locations. Therefore, under the same flow rate Q, the velocity after the diameter reduction... The flow rate is significantly higher than the external flow rate, making it easier to generate Karman vortex streets at low flow rates.

[0053] In flow rate calculation, the frequency f of vortex shedding is directly proportional to the fluid velocity v and inversely proportional to the characteristic width d of the obstructing fluid 12, that is: .

[0054] Where St is the Strouhal number. The Strouhal number St remains essentially constant within a certain Reynolds number range (Re > 2 × 10^4), while the Reynolds number Re is a dimensionless number used to determine the fluid flow state (laminar / turbulent). ,in, For fluid density, Where is the fluid velocity and D is the pipe inner diameter. This refers to dynamic viscosity.

[0055] At low flow rates, the flow velocity is measured by narrowing the diameter of measuring tube 11. It can be increased to a level that significantly increases the Reynolds number Re, but with little effect from the pipe inner diameter D, thus stabilizing the Reynolds number Re within the range required for vortex street operation (Re > 2 × 10^4). This generates a sufficiently strong vortex signal for clear detection by the flow sensing module.

[0056] Finally, by measuring the vortex shedding frequency f, the flow velocity v can be calculated, and then the flow rate Q can be calculated based on the pipe cross-sectional area.

[0057] Preferably, the cross-section at the measuring point inside the measuring tube 11 is elliptical. For example, the cross-section of the portion of the measuring tube 11 detached from the pipe joint 20 is a uniform ellipse, and the diameter d shown in the figure is its minor axis. The elliptical cross-section improves the linearity of flow monitoring.

[0058] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the vortex flow meter also includes a button 80 connected to the flow sensing module, and the button 80 is sealed to the housing 10.

[0059] In one embodiment, the housing 10 includes a bottom shell 13 and a top cover 14 that are mounted to each other. A transparent cover plate 15 is mounted on the top cover 14, and key holes are provided. The vortex flow meter also includes a mounting bracket 16 disposed within the housing 10, and a display screen 30 is mounted on the mounting bracket 16, with its position corresponding to the transparent cover plate 15. The circuit board 52 in the flow sensing module is also mounted on the mounting bracket 16. Key holes corresponding to the key holes on the top cover 14 are provided on the mounting bracket 16. The key holes on the mounting bracket 16 and the key holes on the top cover 14 are sealed with adhesive.

[0060] The button 80 is made of silicone and includes a main body 81 and a base 82. The base 82 is soldered and fixedly connected to the circuit board 52 to achieve the press-triggered function. The main body 81 passes through the button holes on the top cover 14 and the mounting bracket 16 and contacts the base 82. The circuit board 52 can press the base 82 and the mounting bracket 16 together to ensure a seal between the button 80 and the mounting bracket 16. The main body 81 can cover the button holes on the mounting bracket 16 and achieves a seal through an interference fit with the button holes on the top cover 14.

[0061] Compared with existing technologies, the vortex flow meter in this solution can be rotated and adjusted after being connected to the external pipeline, facilitating subsequent assembly, connection, and data observation. It also offers convenient assembly and excellent sealing. The internal pipe of the vortex flow meter features a reduced diameter design, which accelerates fluid velocity, extends the lower limit of flow measurement, and improves the linearity and repeatability at low flow points.

[0062] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this disclosure. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0063] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A vortex flow meter, characterized in that, include: A housing, wherein a measuring tube is disposed inside the housing; A flow sensing module, installed inside the housing, is used to sense the flow rate in the measuring tube; A pipe joint, the two ends of which are connected to the measuring tube and the external pipe respectively, and the measuring tube and the external pipe are able to rotate relative to each other.

2. The vortex flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vortex flow meter also includes a retaining ring, which is fixedly installed inside the measuring tube. One end of the pipe joint is inserted into the measuring tube and rotatably engaged with the retaining ring.

3. The vortex flow meter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pipe joint is provided with a groove for engaging the retaining spring; and / or The pipe joint and the retaining ring are provided with a limiting structure, which is used to limit the angle between the pipe joint and the retaining ring.

4. The vortex flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vortex flow meter also includes a sealing ring disposed between the pipe joint and the measuring tube.

5. The vortex flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipe fittings include fittings made of metal and / or movable fittings.

6. The vortex flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area at the measuring point inside the measuring tube is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the vortex flow meter.

7. The vortex flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the measuring point inside the measuring tube is elliptical.

8. The vortex flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vortex flow meter also includes a display screen connected to the flow sensing module, the display screen being fixedly installed to the housing; and / or The vortex flow meter also includes a button connected to the flow sensing module, and the button is sealed to the housing.

9. The vortex flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vortex flow meter also includes an aviation connector that is connected to the flow sensing module.

10. The vortex flow meter according to claim 9, characterized in that, The aviation plug is integrally injection molded with the housing.

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