Coriolis Flow Meter Segmented Oscillator Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Coriolis flow meters face challenges in bioprocessing systems due to material constraints, contamination sensitivity, and the need for customizable geometries and disposability, which affect measurement accuracy and process integrity.
Innovation Solution
A Coriolis flow meter design with a functionally separate fluid flow sub-system and mechanical oscillator sub-system, using polymer flow conduits that are modular and configurable, allowing for optimal material selection and disposable components to address contamination, bio-sensitivity, and corrosive fluid handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal flow tubes are used in traditional Coriolis flow meters, then structural strength and durability are improved, but contamination sensitivity and bio-sensitivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter is divided into two functionally separate subsystems: a disposable fluid flow subsystem containing polymer flow conduits that contact the fluid, and a reusable mechanical oscillator subsystem containing the sensors and actuators. This segmentation allows the fluid-contacting portion to be easily replaced to prevent contamination while maintaining the expensive sensing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow conduits are designed as disposable polymer components that can be easily replaced. This eliminates the need to sterilize or replace entire metal flow meters, reducing contamination risk and operational costs while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If metal flow tubes with fixed geometry are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the fluid flow subsystem from the mechanical oscillator subsystem, the patent enables independent optimization of each. The fluid flow subsystem can be customized with different polymer geometries for specific applications without affecting the precision engineering of the oscillator subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows changing material parameters (from metal to polymer) and geometric parameters (custom flow conduit shapes) in the fluid flow subsystem while maintaining the precise mechanical properties of the oscillator subsystem, enabling adaptation to different bioprocessing requirements.
3Device complexity
If integrated flow tube and oscillator design are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into distinct functional modules: the fluid flow subsystem handles fluid containment and transport, while the mechanical oscillator subsystem performs precise measurements. This modular segmentation actually simplifies the design by allowing each subsystem to be optimized independently rather than compromising either function in an integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism between the fluid flow subsystem and mechanical oscillator subsystem acts as an intermediary that transmits oscillations and Coriolis forces while maintaining functional separation. This intermediary connection enables precise measurements without requiring direct integration of the fluid path with the oscillator structure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If polymer flow conduits are used, then contamination resistance and disposability are improved, but structural strength worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The structural strength requirements are separated from the fluid contact requirements. The polymer flow conduits only need to contain the fluid and transmit oscillations, not provide the primary structural strength for the entire flow meter. The mechanical oscillator subsystem provides the robust structural framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The system effectively creates a composite structure where polymer flow conduits are coupled to a rigid mechanical oscillator framework. This combination allows the polymer to provide contamination resistance while the metal framework provides overall structural strength and durability.
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
This design enhances measurement accuracy, reduces contamination risks, and allows for flexible configurations, improving the longevity and cost-effectiveness of the flow meter while maintaining process integrity in bioprocessing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical oscillator sub-system and a fluid flow sub-system functionally separate from one another, wherein the mechanical oscillator sub-system comprises: a mechanical oscillator linked with the fluid flow sub-system in a closed-loop arrangement for transmission of oscillations to the fluid and receipt of a Coriolis response from the fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A Coriolis flow meter for measuring one or more properties of a fluidis described herein which involves a modular configuration, and includes a fluid flow sub-system and a mechanical oscillator sub-system, both functionally separate, and are coupled in a closed loop arrangement, such that the flow conduit is not directly vibrated, and instead receives induced oscillations from the mechanical oscillator sub-system. The Coriolis flow meter is useful for high purity applications, as well as for the bioprocessing applications. Bioprocessing systems incorporating the Coriolis flow meter are also described herein. Method for measuring one or more properties of a fluid using the disclosed Coriolis flow meter are also described herein.