Wireless Accelerometer Flow Rate Measurement for Drilling Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring the flow rate of pumped fluids, such as concrete, in drilling machines are cumbersome, require invasive installations, and are not compatible with flexible pipes, leading to inefficiencies and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, easily installable flow rate measuring device that attaches to the motor pump or connection pipe, using accelerometers to detect vibrations and calculate flow rate, eliminating the need for invasive installations and compatibility issues with flexible pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors or proximity sensors are mounted on the pump to detect pump strokes, then the flow rate measurement can be achieved, but the installation becomes invasive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensors (pressure sensors, proximity sensors) that require invasive installation with an optical sensor system using a laser transmitter and receiver. The laser beam passes through the flexible pipe to detect pump strokes optically, eliminating the need for mechanical contact or invasive mounting while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If traditional sensor systems are used to measure pump strokes, then flow rate data can be obtained, but the system is not compatible with flexible pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical detection methods with optical detection. The laser transmitter and receiver can detect pump strokes through flexible pipes without requiring rigid pipe structures, making the system compatible with flexible pipes while maintaining accurate pump stroke detection.
3Measurement precision
If invasive sensor installation is performed on the motor pump, then accurate flow rate measurement is achieved, but maintenance time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical sensor installation with a non-invasive optical system. The laser transmitter and receiver are mounted externally on the motor pump housing, requiring no disassembly or modification of the pump. This maintains accurate flow rate measurement while significantly reducing maintenance effort, as the sensors can be easily removed and reinstalled without technical intervention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective means to measure flow rate, reducing maintenance time and effort, and ensuring compatibility with various piping systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmitting module (4), adapted to be rigidly mounted, in a removable manner, on the pumping plant and comprising at least one accelerometer (9), configured to detect the accelerations generated by the vibrations of the pumping plant during the pumping of the fluid
Data Source
Figure 1~8
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Device to measure the flow rate of a fluid, such as concrete, in a pumping plant connected to a drilling machine (3) provided with a drilling tool (21), said pumping plant comprising a motor pump (1) and a connection pipe (2) to lead the fluid from said motor pump (1) to the drilling tool (21). The device comprises: at least one transmitting module (4, 4a), adapted to be rigidly mounted and in a removable manner, on the pumping plant and comprising at least one accelerometer (9); a receiving module (5), adapted to be associated with the drilling machine (3). The transmitting module (4, 4a) is configured to detect the accelerations generated by the vibrations of the pumping plant during the pumping of the fluid, said accelerations indicating the flow rate of the fluid, and to send a signal, which is processed based on the detected accelerations, to the receiving module (5) through wireless transmission. The receiving module (5) is configured to receive the signal from the transmitting module (4, 4a) and to send a signal indicating the flow rate of the pumped fluid based on the received signal.