Differential Pressure Flow Control With Viscosity Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow controllers face challenges in accurately measuring and controlling liquid or gas flow due to variations in fluid viscosity and density, which are influenced by temperature, pressure, and other physical parameters, leading to measurement inaccuracies and control irregularities.
Innovation Solution
A flow controller system that receives data on fluid temperature, differential pressure, and flow rate, using sensors and a processor to calculate and adjust flow settings, compensating for viscosity and density variations, and implementing a feedback loop to maintain precise flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flow measurement methods are used, then the device structure is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to viscosity and density variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously receives temperature and pressure data from sensors, calculates the actual fluid density and viscosity, and adjusts the flow control actuator to compensate for deviations from the target flow rate. This closed-loop feedback system maintains high measurement precision despite variations in fluid properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by measuring temperature and pressure, calculating the corresponding fluid density and viscosity, and using these parameter changes to adjust the flow control. The processor modifies the control signal to the actuator based on real-time parameter variations, enabling accurate flow measurement and control under varying conditions.
2Reliability
If flow control adjustments are made frequently, then control precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated measurements and adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of fluid density and viscosity based on measured temperature and pressure before making flow control adjustments. The processor pre-computes the required actuator position to achieve the target flow rate, reducing the time needed for iterative adjustments and improving response time while maintaining control precision.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to measure temperature and pressure, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature and pressure sensors serve multiple functions: they provide data for calculating fluid density, determine viscosity corrections, enable compensation for environmental variations, and support diagnostic capabilities. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of sensors by providing comprehensive fluid characterization with a single sensor system.
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 system achieves accurate and precise flow measurement and control by correlating temperature, pressure, and fluid parameters, enhancing the operational range and reliability of flow controllers across various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a flow sensor to provide a flow rate signal corresponding to a fluid flow rate through the capillary
Implementation Method 2
first and second pressure sensors to provide pressure signals corresponding to a differential pressure across the capillary
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor to provide a temperature signal corresponding to a temperature of the fluid in the capillary
Implementation Method 4
compensating for viscosity and density variations
Implementation Method 5
compensating for viscosity and density variations
Implementation Method 6
control actuator to provide a control signal to the control element to control the fluid flow through the capillary
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid system includes a capillary and a first and second temperature sensor, a first and second pressure sensor, and a processor coupled to the sensors. The processor is configured to execute instructions to determine an output using the sensor data and using fluid parameter data received via an interface coupled to the processor. The processor is coupled to a control in fluid communication with the capillary.