Annular Groove on Flowmeter Outlet Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vortex flowmeters face reduced accuracy due to flow noise generated by non-uniformities downstream from the sensor, which couples back and interferes with the measurement process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an annular groove on the flowmeter outlet surface that interacts with undesired local vortices shed from the flow passage outlet, reducing backflow and noise sensed by the sensor, thereby enhancing measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the flow passage outlet is directly connected to the downstream pipe without additional structures, then the device complexity is low, but flow noise is generated that reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The flowmeter body is segmented into distinct functional zones: a flow passage for measuring flow, an annular groove region for vortex management, and an outlet region for flow discharge. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally - the measurement zone remains undisturbed while the outlet zone handles vortex dissipation, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The annular groove acts as an intermediary structure between the flow passage outlet and the downstream pipe. It mediates the interaction between the shed vortices and the downstream flow, allowing vortices to dissipate in the groove rather than coupling back to the sensor, thus improving measurement accuracy while adding only a simple geometric feature to the device
2Measurement precision
If non-uniformities are present downstream from the sensor, then the flow passage can be simple, but flow noise couples back to the sensor reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The annular groove converts the harmful effect of vortex shedding into a beneficial outcome. Instead of allowing vortices to couple back to the sensor and create noise, the groove provides a designated region where vortices can form and dissipate harmlessly. The harmful vortex generation phenomenon is thus redirected to serve the beneficial purpose of preventing noise coupling, improving measurement precision
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 annular groove effectively reduces flow noise, leading to increased accuracy of fluid flow measurements by minimizing the disturbance of local vortices and their impact on the sensor.
Implementation Method 1
The flow noise reduces the accuracy of the flow measurement and presents a problem that limits performance of the flowmeter. The annular groove is positioned to interact with local vortices shed from the flow passage outlet.
Data Source
AI summary
A flowmeter body (100) comprises a flow inlet (102), a flow passage (104) and a flow passage outlet (106). A shedder bar (108) is disposed in the flow passage (104). A sensor (110) couples to the flow passage. The sensor senses flow vortices (148) shed from the shedder bar. A flowmeter outlet surface (114) is joined to the flow passage outlet (106) and extends to an outer rim (116). The flowmeter outlet surface (114) includes an annular groove (118) positioned to interact with local vortices (120, 122) shed from the flow passage outlet.