Coriolis Flowmeter Buoyancy Correction for Mass Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass flow measurement technologies, such as Coriolis flowmeters, do not account for buoyancy effects, which can lead to inaccuracies when measuring less dense fluids compared to dense calibration standards, causing discrepancies in weight indications during gravimetric testing.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that directly measures mass flow rate and density of a material, using the measured density to convert the mass flow rate into a value that accounts for buoyancy, allowing for accurate mass determination regardless of fluid density, employing a Coriolis flowmeter and associated electronics to process sensor signals and calculate apparent mass values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Coriolis flowmeter directly measures mass flow rate, then measurement precision is improved, but the measurement does not account for buoyancy effects causing discrepancies when comparing to weigh scale indications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by measuring the density of the fluid and using it to calculate a buoyancy correction factor. This correction factor is then applied to the directly measured mass flow rate to produce a buoyancy-corrected mass flow rate that matches weigh scale indications, thereby maintaining measurement precision while ensuring compliance with gravimetric testing standards.
2Measurement precision
If dense calibration mass standards are used to calibrate weigh scales, then calibration accuracy is improved, but the buoyancy force acting on the standards differs from that acting on less dense fluids causing measurement discrepancies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures the density of the actual fluid being measured and uses this parameter to calculate the appropriate buoyancy correction. This allows the system to adapt from calibration with dense mass standards to accurate measurement of fluids with different densities, resolving the contradiction between calibration accuracy and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces density measurement and buoyancy correction calculation as an intermediary between the weigh scale calibration and the actual fluid measurement. This intermediary process translates the calibration accuracy achieved with dense standards into accurate measurements for fluids of varying densities.
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
Enables accurate mass measurement by accounting for buoyancy effects, ensuring that mass flow rates are correctly represented, matching weigh scale indications without the need for buoyancy corrections, thus improving measurement precision and compliance with standards like NIST Handbook 44.
Implementation Method 1
As material begins to flow through the flowmeter, Coriolis forces cause each point along the conduit(s) to have a different phase.
Implementation Method 2
air surrounding the less dense cylinder LC is applying a net upward force on the less dense cylinder LC due to the less dense cylinder LC displacing the air.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of converting a directly measured mass flow rate to account for buoyancy is provided. The method includes directly measuring a mass flow rate of a material, measuring a density of the material, and using the measured density of the material to convert the directly measured mass flow rate into a mass value including a buoyancy of a fluid.