Coriolis Flow Meter Inserts for Laminar Flow Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior Coriolis flow meters undermeasure fluid flow due to laminar flow conditions, which result in smaller mass flow measurements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a plurality of inserts within the flow tube conduit, such as rods or fins, to induce turbulent flow and enhance measurement accuracy by increasing Coriolis forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior Coriolis flow meters are used without inserts, then the device structure is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates under laminar flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The flow tube interior surface is segmented by adding multiple discrete inserts (rods or fins) at different positions. These inserts divide the flow path into multiple zones, creating turbulence in each zone. This segmentation approach transforms the smooth laminar flow into turbulent flow without requiring complete redesign of the flow tube, thus improving measurement accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Inserts are introduced as intermediary elements between the flow tube wall and the process material. These inserts act as mediators that interact with the flowing material to generate turbulence and enhance Coriolis forces. The inserts are coupled to the interior surface of the conduit and extend into the flow path, serving as intermediate structures that improve measurement without requiring complete flow tube replacement.
2Force
If laminar flow conditions occur, then the flow tube structure remains simple, but the Coriolis forces become smaller leading to undermeasurement
Solution Approach 1:
The inserts coupled to the interior surface of the conduit create mechanical disturbances in the flow path. As process material flows over these inserts, turbulence is generated which enhances the mechanical interactions and increases the magnitude of Coriolis forces acting on the flow tube. This mechanical vibration/turbulence approach directly addresses the issue of small Coriolis forces under laminar flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserts change the flow parameters by transforming laminar flow into turbulent flow. This parameter change increases the velocity fluctuations and enhances the Coriolis forces generated during turbulent flow conditions. By modifying the flow regime parameter from laminar to turbulent, the measurement accuracy is improved without changing the fundamental flow tube structure.
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 inserts generate turbulent flow, reducing measurement errors associated with laminar flow, thereby improving the accuracy of mass flow rate calculations.
Implementation Method 1
Once flow begins through the vibrating tubes, however, a Coriolis force is induced on the tubes.
Implementation Method 2
Pick-off sensors 170L and 170R measure the displacement of flow tubes 130 and 130′ as they vibrate.
Implementation Method 3
The inserts generate turbulent flow, reducing measurement errors associated with laminar flow
Data Source
AI summary
A Coriolis flow meter (100) comprises a driver (180) coupled to a flow tube (800,900), the driver (180) configured to oscillate the flow tube in a drive direction, a pick-off sensor (170L, 170R) coupled to the flow tube (800,900), configured to measure a movement of the flow tube (800,900), and the flow tube (800,900) comprises a conduit (852) having an interior surface (854), and a plurality of inserts (856a, 856b, 856c, 856d, 956a, 956b), each respective insert of the plurality of inserts (856a, 856b, 856c, 856d, 956a, 956b) being coupled to at least a first position (858) on the interior surface (854) of the conduit (852).