Coriolis Flow Meter Manifold Non-Circular Wall for CIP Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hygienic flow meters with compact designs face challenges in achieving the minimum required flow velocity of 5 ft/sec for effective cleaning-in-place (CIP) systems due to excessively large manifold areas, which are necessary for accommodating multiple line sizes, leading to insufficient cleaning velocities.
Innovation Solution
A non-circular cross-sectional configuration for the manifold is introduced, compressing the flow path while maintaining hygienic conditions and drainability requirements, reducing the manifold area and increasing flow velocities to meet CIP standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact flow meter design is used to maintain small size, then the manifold area is reduced, but the flow velocity becomes insufficient for effective CIP systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-circular wall portion that extends into the flow path from the manifold face, creating a three-dimensional flow compression structure. This dimensional addition allows the flow path cross-section to be compressed in specific directions while maintaining overall manifold compactness, thereby increasing flow velocity without significantly increasing the external dimensions of the flow meter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the flow path by introducing a non-circular wall portion with specific dimensional characteristics (extending a distance into the flow path, having a non-circular cross-section). This changes the flow path geometry from a standard circular or rectangular shape to a compressed non-circular shape, increasing flow velocity while maintaining the compact overall design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large manifold area is used to accommodate multiple line sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the flow velocity decreases below CIP requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a non-circular wall portion only in specific regions of the manifold where flow velocity needs to be increased. This localized structural modification allows different parts of the manifold to have different flow characteristics - areas with the wall portion have compressed flow paths for higher velocity, while other areas maintain their original geometry for adaptability to different line sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-circular wall portion extends into the flow path from the manifold face, creating a three-dimensional flow compression structure. This dimensional addition allows the flow path cross-section to be compressed in specific directions, increasing flow velocity without significantly increasing the external dimensions of the flow meter, thereby maintaining adaptability while improving flow velocity.
3Speed
If the flow path is compressed to increase velocity, then flow velocity is improved, but the manifold design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by introducing a non-circular wall portion with an asymmetric cross-section into the flow path. This asymmetric structure compresses the flow path in specific directions to increase velocity while maintaining a relatively simple overall manifold design. The asymmetric geometry allows for efficient flow compression without requiring complex multi-component assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the flow path by introducing a non-circular wall portion with specific dimensional characteristics. This single parameter change (adding the wall portion) achieves flow velocity increase without requiring multiple complex components, keeping the manifold design relatively simple while effective.
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 modified manifold design achieves flow velocities well above the minimum required for CIP systems, ensuring effective cleaning across a larger range of flow rates without compromising the compactness of the flow meter tubes.
Implementation Method 1
a non-circular bifurcated flow opening including a non-circular wall portion projecting from the first face and surrounding the first orifice and second orifice, wherein the non-circular wall portion is configured to change a cross section of a fluid flow path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A manifold (100) of a flowmeter (5) includes a body (120) having a first face (104) with a first orifice (108) and a second orifice (110) and an opposing second face (204) with a third orifice (114) and a fourth orifice (116), wherein the first orifice (108) and third orifice (114) each extend into the body (120) and meet to define a first flow path (170) traversing the body (120), and wherein the second orifice (110) and fourth orifice (116) each extend into the body (120) and meet to define a second flow path (180) traversing the body (120), wherein the third orifice (114) and fourth orifice (116) are each adapted to fluidly communicate with a first and second flow tube (13, 13') of the flowmeter (5), respectively; and a non-circular bifurcated flow opening (112), said non-circular bifurcated flow opening (112) including a non-circular wall portion (106, 106') projecting from said first face (104) and surrounding the first orifice (108) and second orifice (110), wherein said non-circular wall portion (106, 106') is configured to change a cross section of a fluid flow path exiting said first orifice (108) and said second orifice (110).