Differential Pressure Sensor Eliminates Tubing Clogs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional differential pressure measuring apparatuses face issues with clogged flow, leakage, and reduced sensitivity due to the use of connecting tubes and capillary tubes, especially when dealing with liquids of high viscosity or temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs first and second sensor units to directly detect pressures at different positions within a tube, eliminating the need for connecting tubes and capillary tubes, and includes a calculation unit to calculate differential pressure, with optional temperature sensing for accurate flow rate calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connecting tubes are used to draw liquid from the tube, then pressure can be transmitted to detectors, but the liquid may cause clog in the connecting tube or leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the connecting tubes from the pressure transmission path. Instead of using connecting tubes to draw liquid from the tube to detectors, the detectors are positioned to directly detect pressure within the tube, removing the source of clog and leakage problems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a membrane as an intermediary between the liquid and the detector. The membrane transmits pressure from the liquid to the detector without allowing direct contact between the liquid and the detector's internal components, thus preventing clog and leakage while maintaining reliable pressure transmission
2Reliability
If capillary tubes filled with sealed liquid are used, then pressure can be transmitted without clog risk, but the liquid viscosity increases at decreased ambient temperature reducing sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the capillary tubes and sealed liquid from the system. Detectors are positioned to directly detect pressure in the tube or through a membrane, removing the temperature-sensitive sealed liquid that causes viscosity increase and sensitivity reduction at low temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and composition of the pressure transmission medium. Instead of using sealed liquid in capillary tubes, the system uses either direct liquid contact (without narrow tubes) or gas-filled connecting tubes, fundamentally changing the parameters of the transmission medium to eliminate temperature-dependent viscosity issues
3Reliability
If capillary tubes are used, then pressure transmission is possible, but temperature difference causes local thermal expansion disturbing pressure travel
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the capillary tubes from the system. By positioning detectors to directly detect pressure in the tube or through membranes, the system removes the capillary tubes that are susceptible to thermal expansion and local volumetric changes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a membrane as an intermediary that is less sensitive to thermal expansion effects. The membrane transmits pressure changes accurately without the local volumetric changes that occur in sealed capillary tubes under temperature variations
4Reliability
If connecting tubes narrower than the tube are used, then pressure can be transmitted to detectors, but liquid flow may be blocked causing clog
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the connecting tubes from the liquid flow path. Detectors are positioned to measure pressure directly in the tube or through membranes, removing the narrow connecting tubes that restrict liquid flow and cause clogs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the pressure detection function from the liquid flow path. By using separate membranes or direct detection points, the system allows full liquid flow through the tube while independently measuring pressure without obstruction
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 enhances accuracy and reliability by avoiding flow clogs and sensitivity issues, while reducing the number of components and costs, and allows for synchronized data acquisition to improve measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor unit is configured to detect directly a first pressure of a substance at a first position
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor unit...configured to calculate a differential pressure between the first and second positions with reference to the first and second detection results
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring differential pressure includes first and second sensor units. The first sensor unit detects directly a first pressure of a substance at a first position and acquires a first detection result that indicates the first pressure. The second sensor unit detects directly a second pressure of the substance at a second position different from the first position. The second sensor unit acquires a second detection result that indicates the second pressure and receives the first detection result from the first sensor unit. The second sensor unit calculates a differential pressure between the first and second positions with reference to the first and second detection results.