Coriolis Flow Meter Zero Check Stability Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coriolis mass flow meters face challenges in accurately determining zero-flow time differences due to changes over time, leading to erroneous flow rate measurements, especially when environmental conditions cannot be strictly controlled during field zeroing, and users lack assurance about the accuracy of stored calibration values.
Innovation Solution
A method for performing a zero check on Coriolis flow meters that involves generating a new time difference value through multiple measurements under controlled conditions, comparing it to the stored value, and prompting the user to replace it only if it falls outside predetermined bounds, ensuring stability and accuracy of the zero-flow time difference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If zeroing is performed during field operation without strict environmental control, then the flow meter can be calibrated in situ, but the accuracy of the zero-flow time difference calibration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs multiple zero-flow time difference measurements and uses statistical feedback (standard deviation calculation) to assess measurement stability. The feedback mechanism determines whether the environmental conditions are suitable for calibration by comparing the variability of repeated measurements against a threshold, thereby ensuring calibration accuracy even in uncontrolled field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing a single zeroing operation, the system performs multiple measurements (excessive action) and uses statistical analysis to determine calibration validity. This partial repetition allows the system to filter out noise and assess stability, ensuring that calibration is only accepted when sufficiently accurate despite environmental variations.
2Measurement precision
If the zero-flow time difference is frequently re-calibrated, then measurement accuracy may be maintained, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-assessment of calibration quality through automated statistical analysis of multiple measurements. By calculating standard deviation and comparing against thresholds, the flow meter autonomously determines whether recalibration is necessary, eliminating the need for complex user judgment and reducing unnecessary calibration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual calibration judgment with automated statistical computation. Instead of requiring users to subjectively assess calibration quality, the system uses objective mathematical criteria (standard deviation, threshold comparisons) to determine calibration validity, simplifying the operational process.
3Reliability
If multiple measurements are taken to verify zero-flow time difference stability, then calibration reliability improves, but measurement time and operational steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a limited number of measurements (typically 3-5) rather than continuous monitoring, using statistical analysis of this partial data set to assess stability. This excessive yet bounded repetition provides sufficient reliability information without requiring excessive time investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being measured from single-point calibration to multi-point statistical characterization. By measuring the distribution of time difference values and analyzing standard deviation, the system gains reliability information about calibration stability without requiring proportionally more time.
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 approach allows for accurate validation of zero-flow time differences, preventing unnecessary re-zeroing and ensuring the reliability of mass flow measurements by confirming the stability of the fluid and the flow meter system, thus reducing errors and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a conduit is excited in one or more vibration modes as material flows through the conduit
Implementation Method 2
a conduit is excited in one or more vibration modes
Implementation Method 3
Coriolis mass flow meters calculate mass flow rate from a time delay measurement where time delay arises from the Coriolis effect and is directly proportionally to the mass flow rate
Implementation Method 4
an electromechanical device, such as a voice coil-type driver, that perturbs the conduit in a periodic fashion
Data Source
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AI summary
A vibratory flow meter (5, 300) is provided. The vibratory flow meter (5, 300) includes a flow meter assembly (10, 310) including at least two vibration sensors (170L and 170R, 303 and 305) that generate at least two vibrational signals and meter electronics (20, 320) that receives the at least two vibrational signals, generate a new time difference (?t) using multiple time difference measurements obtained for a flow material, and determine if the new time difference (?t) is within predetermined bounds of an old time difference (?t0).