Coriolis Flowmeter Conduit Array Turndown Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowmeters face challenges in accurately measuring low flow rates due to reduced Coriolis forces, leading to errors and limited turndown rates, as the Coriolis force changes with velocity squared, making it difficult to maintain accurate measurements at lower flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A flowmeter design featuring a conduit array with a selectable number of small conduits that adjust the beta ratio and cross-sectional area, allowing for optimal Coriolis force enhancement by varying the number of active conduits as flow decreases, thereby increasing turndown capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional flowmeter with fixed conduit configuration is used, then the structure is simple, but the turndown rate is limited and measurement accuracy deteriorates at low flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The flowmeter divides the single conduit into multiple parallel conduits (e.g., 3-10 conduits) within the sensor assembly. Each conduit can be independently configured or activated, allowing the system to segment the flow path to optimize performance across different flow rates while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flowmeter employs a dynamic conduit configuration where conduits can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the detected flow rate. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt its internal flow path geometry in real-time, optimizing measurement accuracy across a wide turndown range without requiring a completely different device for each flow condition.
2Measurement precision
If the conduit cross-sectional area is reduced to increase Coriolis force, then measurement accuracy improves at low flow rates, but pressure drop increases and turndown capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single small-area conduit that would cause high pressure drop, the invention segments the flow into multiple parallel conduits. Each conduit has a moderate cross-sectional area, so the pressure drop across each individual conduit remains acceptable while the combined effect provides sufficient Coriolis force for accurate low-flow measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple conduit paths in parallel within the sensor assembly. By merging the flow through several conduits simultaneously, the system achieves the equivalent effect of a larger total flow area (reducing pressure drop) while each individual conduit contributes to the Coriolis measurement signal, maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the beta ratio is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the turndown rate remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flowmeter implements a dynamic beta ratio adjustment system where the effective beta ratio changes automatically based on flow rate conditions. By selectively activating different conduit configurations, the system dynamically optimizes the beta ratio for each operating condition, achieving high adaptability without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed with multi-functionality, where the same physical structure can operate in multiple conduit configurations. This universal design allows a single device to handle a wide range of flow rates and beta ratio requirements without needing separate specialized components for each operating condition.
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 and turndown rate by increasing Coriolis force and maintaining sensitive and accurate measurements across a wide range of flow rates, even at low velocities, by adjusting the conduit array to optimize fluid flow and beta ratio.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet and an opposing drive coil have received great success in the flowmeter industry. An alternating current is passed to the drive coil for vibrating the conduit(s) at a desired conduit amplitude and frequency
Implementation Method 2
the pickoffs can use the motion provided by the driver to induce a voltage
Implementation Method 3
As material begins to flow through the flowmeter, Coriolis forces cause each point along the conduit(s) to have a different phase
Data Source
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AI summary
A flowmeter (5) having a sensor assembly (10) connected to meter electronics (20) is provided. The sensor assembly (10) comprises at least one driver (104), at least one pickoff (105), and a conduit array (300). The conduit array (300) comprises a plurality of small conduits (302) therein that are configured to receive a process fluid, and further configured to selectably adjust the beta ratio of the flowmeter (5).