D-Shaped Conduit Flowmeter Width Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowmeters with circular conduits are too wide due to their combined diameter, making them less compact and requiring a larger profile to maintain accurate flow measurements across various flow rates.
Innovation Solution
The use of D-shaped conduits allows for closer placement without increasing the overall width, maintaining balance and accuracy by minimizing the profile of the flowmeter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two circular conduits are placed next to each other to maintain optimal flow rates, then accurate flow measurements are achieved, but the combined width exceeds the pipeline width making the flowmeter wider than the pipeline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the conduit cross-sectional shape from circular to D-shaped. The D-shaped conduit has a flat side and a curved side, allowing two conduits to be placed with their flat sides facing each other. This asymmetric configuration enables the conduits to be positioned closer together horizontally while maintaining the same cross-sectional area for accurate flow measurement, thereby reducing the overall width of the flowmeter to match the pipeline width.
2Length of stationary object
If the flowmeter width is reduced to match the pipeline width, then a compact profile is achieved, but maintaining minimum fluid velocity for accurate measurements becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the conduits - specifically changing from circular to D-shaped cross-sections. This shape parameter change allows the conduits to be arranged in a compact configuration while maintaining sufficient cross-sectional area. The D-shaped conduit with its flat side enables closer spacing without reducing the flow capacity, thus maintaining the minimum fluid velocity required for accurate Coriolis flow measurement while achieving a compact profile that matches the pipeline width.
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 configuration reduces the flowmeter's thickness by approximately 27% while maintaining the balance and accuracy of dual-tube flowmeters, enabling compact and efficient flow measurements across a range of flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
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) is provided having a sensor assembly (10) connected to meter electronics (20), wherein the sensor assembly (10) comprises at least one driver (104), at least one pickoff (105), and a first D-shaped conduit (400A) configured to receive a process fluid therein, as well as a second D-shaped conduit (400B) configured to receive a process fluid therein.