Non-Intrusive Adhesive Flow Meter Using Thermal Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measurement devices are complex and costly, and measuring fluid flow inside an existing pipe without modifying the pipe is particularly challenging.
Innovation Solution
A non-intrusive flow measurement method and apparatus that senses the temperature of a conduit's exterior surface, changes its temperature, and determines fluid flow based on the time required for the surface to return to its original temperature, using a thermally insulated setup with a heat source and microcontroller to calculate flow rates without affecting the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flow meters are used to measure fluid flow, then flow measurement can be achieved, but the devices are complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical flow meters with a thermal-based measurement system. Instead of using mechanical impellers, gears, or moving parts, the invention uses a temperature sensor and heating element to measure flow rate by detecting temperature changes in the conduit wall caused by fluid flow, thereby eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the conduit wall as an intermediary medium for flow measurement. Rather than placing sensors directly in the fluid stream, the system measures temperature changes in the conduit wall that are caused by the flowing fluid, using the wall as a thermal intermediary to indirectly detect flow characteristics
2Measurement precision
If traditional flow meters are modified to fit existing pipes, then flow measurement is possible, but pipe modification is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the fluid stream itself and places it on the external surface of the conduit. By positioning the temperature sensor and heating element on the outer wall of the pipe rather than inside the fluid flow, the system enables measurement without requiring any modification to the existing pipe structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the measurement from a one-dimensional internal fluid stream measurement to a two-dimensional external surface measurement. By measuring temperature changes on the external surface of the conduit rather than within the fluid flow, the system eliminates the need for pipe modification while maintaining measurement capability
3Measurement precision
If the conduit surface is heated to measure flow, then flow rate can be determined, but ambient temperature affects measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the temperature sensor serve multiple functions: it both heats the conduit surface (when acting as a heating element) and measures temperature changes. This multi-functionality allows the system to actively control the thermal environment while simultaneously monitoring temperature, enabling compensation for ambient conditions and improving measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the temperature sensor continuously monitors the conduit surface temperature and provides this information back to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts the heating element to maintain a controlled thermal environment, thereby compensating for ambient temperature variations and ensuring accurate flow measurement
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
Enables reliable and cost-effective measurement of fluid flow within conduits without modifying the pipe, providing accurate flow rate calculations through temperature changes and cooling times, unaffected by ambient conditions or flow direction.
Implementation Method 1
sensing a first temperature of an exterior surface of the conduit, changing the temperature of the exterior surface of the conduit to a second temperature, measuring the time required for the exterior surface of the conduit to return to the first temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for non-intrusively measuring fluid flow in a conduit, such as a pipe or tubing. The apparatus includes an insulator having self-adhesive inner surface attachable to the conduit, a temperature sensor on the inner surface of the insulator that senses the conduit surface temperature, a heat source on the inner surface of the insulator that imparts heat into the conduit, and a microcontroller connected to the heat source activator and the sensor assembly. In one embodiment, a baseline conduit temperature is measured, and the heat source raises the temperature of the conduit by a predetermined amount. When the conduit reaches target temperature, the heat source is deactivated and the cooling time for the conduit to return to its baseline temperature is measured. Fluid flow rate is determined from the cooling time, the temperature rise within a predetermined time, a temperature drop within a predetermined time, and/or a temperature gradient over time.