Coriolis Meter Speed of Sound Measurement via Acoustic Waveguide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the speed of sound of a process fluid within the flow tubes of a Coriolis meter are costly, complex, and impractical, especially in environments where mechanical access to the flow tubes is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses an array of pressure sensors positioned upstream and downstream of the Coriolis meter to determine the speed of sound of the process fluid within the flow tubes without direct mechanical access, utilizing passive listening techniques and beam forming algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned on the flow tubes of a Coriolis meter to measure speed of sound, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary fluid communication path that connects the Coriolis meter flow tubes to the sensor array location. This intermediary pathway allows acoustic signals from within the flow tubes to be transmitted to sensors positioned in accessible piping, eliminating the need to directly mount sensors on the flow tubes while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a replicated acoustic environment by establishing fluid communication between the flow tubes and the sensor measurement location. This copying approach allows sensors to measure acoustic properties that accurately represent the flow tube conditions without requiring direct contact with the flow tubes themselves
2Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned on the flow tubes of a Coriolis meter, then speed of sound measurement is achieved, but ease of operation and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary fluid communication path that connects the Coriolis meter flow tubes to the sensor array location. This intermediary pathway allows acoustic signals from within the flow tubes to be transmitted to sensors positioned in accessible piping, eliminating the need to directly mount sensors on the flow tubes while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors and components are added to measure speed of sound, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing Coriolis meter serve multiple functions: it continues to measure mass flow rate while simultaneously acting as an acoustic waveguide that transmits speed of sound information to external sensors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensing components within the flow tubes, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a replicated acoustic environment by establishing fluid communication between the flow tubes and the sensor measurement location. This copying approach allows sensors to measure acoustic properties that accurately represent the flow tube conditions without requiring direct contact with the flow tubes themselves
4Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned on the flow tubes, then speed of sound measurement is achieved, but reliability decreases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing Coriolis meter serve multiple functions: it continues to measure mass flow rate while simultaneously acting as an acoustic waveguide that transmits speed of sound information to external sensors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensing components within the flow tubes, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary fluid communication path that connects the Coriolis meter flow tubes to the sensor array location. This intermediary pathway allows acoustic signals from within the flow tubes to be transmitted to sensors positioned in accessible piping, eliminating the need to directly mount sensors on the flow tubes while maintaining measurement accuracy
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 provides an accurate and cost-effective means to measure the speed of sound within the Coriolis flow tubes, improving the accuracy of Coriolis meters in multiphase flows without increasing the complexity or cost of the measurement.
Implementation Method 1
determining a speed of sound of a process fluid within the region of interest
Implementation Method 2
a first sensor positioned within the inlet region and a second sensor positioned within the outlet region
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a flow measuring device may include a piping network having a region of interest, an inlet region, and outlet region, where the region of interest is configured to provide fluid communication between the inlet region and the outlet region. In addition, the flow measuring device may include a first sensor positioned within the inlet region and a second sensor positioned within the outlet region. The flow measuring device may include a processing unit that determines a speed of sound of a process fluid within the region of interest using the first sensor and the second sensor.