Alternating Magnetic Field Flow Meter for Conductive and Non-Conductive Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic flow meters are limited in measuring non-conductive fluids and do not provide quality assurance and control for fluid flow measurements, which is essential in various industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
An alternating magnetic field flow meter system that uses a free-moving magnet within a conduit, generating alternating magnetic fields to measure fluid flow rates, and includes a detector to capture electrical signals associated with the magnet's movement, enabling the measurement of both conductive and non-conductive fluids, along with embedded quality assurance and control features for salinity determination and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic flow meters are used to measure fluid flow, then flow rate measurement is achieved for conductive fluids, but the measurement capability is lost for non-conductive fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from electrical conductivity-based voltage induction to magnetic field-based velocity variance detection. By using a free-moving magnet and detecting its velocity differences in alternating magnetic fields, the system can measure both conductive and non-conductive fluids, thus expanding the fluid conductivity range while maintaining measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic induction measurement system with a mechanical-magnetic hybrid system. A free-moving magnet is introduced that physically responds to fluid flow velocity, and its movement is detected through magnetic field interactions. This substitution enables measurement of non-conductive fluids that cannot be measured by traditional electromagnetic induction methods
2Loss of information
If traditional electromagnetic flow meters are used, then flow rate measurement is provided, but quality assurance and control for fluid salinity is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple measurement functions into a single flow meter system. The same alternating magnetic field generator and detector used for flow rate measurement are also capable of determining fluid salinity through conductivity measurements. This multi-functionality reduces information loss about fluid quality while avoiding the need for separate dedicated measurement devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines flow rate measurement and salinity determination functions into one integrated system. The magnetic field generator and detector serve dual purposes: measuring velocity variance for flow rate and detecting electrical conductivity for salinity. This merging of functions provides comprehensive fluid characterization without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a free-moving magnet is used in alternating magnetic field, then measurement of both conductive and non-conductive fluids is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alternating magnetic field generator serves multiple functions: it drives the free-moving magnet for flow rate measurement and simultaneously enables conductivity measurement for salinity determination. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive fluid measurement capabilities in a single integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The free-moving magnet serves itself as both the measurement object and the measurement indicator. Its velocity variance in alternating magnetic fields directly reflects fluid flow velocity, and its interaction with the magnetic field provides conductivity information. This self-service approach reduces the need for additional separate measurement components
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 system effectively measures fluid flow rates for both conductive and non-conductive fluids, providing integrated quality assurance and control, enabling accurate and reliable measurements in diverse industrial applications such as oil and gas, water, and utility sectors.
Implementation Method 1
generate a first magnetic field to move the magnetic token along a direction of the flow path, and generate a second magnetic field to move the magnetic token opposite to the direction of the flow path
Implementation Method 2
generate a first magnetic field to move the magnetic token along a direction of the flow path
Implementation Method 3
a detector configured to detect: a first electrical signal associated with the movement of the magnetic token along the direction of the flow path, and a second electrical signal associated with the movement of the magnetic token opposite to the direction of the flow path
Implementation Method 4
the detector is configured to: detect a first voltage signal when the magnetic token is moved to deform the second surface along the direction of the flow path, the first electrical signal including the first voltage signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of characterizing a fluid flow by an alternating magnetic field flow meter, comprising determining a flow rate of a fluid flowing through a conduit by generating a first magnetic field to move a magnetic token along a direction of a flow path of a fluid flowing through a conduit, detecting a first electrical signal based on the movement of the magnetic token, generating a second magnetic field to move the magnetic token opposite to the direction of the flow path, detecting a second electrical signal based on the movement of the magnetic token, and determining a conductivity of the fluid flowing through the conduit by generating a current along the flow path and detecting a third electrical signal based on the current generated along the flow path, and determining a conductivity measurement of the fluid flow based on the detected third electrical signal.