Dual-Principle Flow Measuring Device for Variable State Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measurement systems face accuracy issues when dealing with media having variable states, as different transducers provide reliable measurements under different conditions, leading to inconsistent and potentially inaccurate calculations of flowed amounts, especially in applications like ship fueling where precise measurement is critical.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a combination of first and second flow measuring transducers, where the most reliable measurements from each are used based on current conditions, with an updated transfer function continuously adjusting to correct previous calculations, incorporating terms related to pressure difference and temperature, and a correction function to weigh the contributions of each measurement type over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single flow measuring transducer is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates when dealing with media having variable states
Solution Approach 1:
The flow measurement system is segmented into multiple transducers (e.g., Coriolis mass flow transducer and differential pressure transducer), each optimized for specific flow conditions. The system divides the measurement task among specialized components rather than relying on a single universal transducer, enabling accurate measurement across variable media states.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring station integrates multiple transducers that can each handle different flow conditions and media states. The system is designed to be multi-functional, switching between or combining measurements from different transducers based on the current operational conditions, thereby achieving universal applicability across various flow scenarios.
2Measurement precision
If multiple flow measuring transducers are used, then the measurement precision is improved for variable states, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects or weights measurements from different transducers based on current flow conditions and media states. The evaluation circuit continuously assesses which transducer provides the most reliable measurement and adjusts its selection or weighting accordingly, making the system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where measurement results from multiple transducers are continuously evaluated and compared. The evaluation circuit uses this feedback to determine the reliability of each transducer's measurement and adjusts the final flowed amount calculation accordingly, creating a self-correcting measurement system.
3Reliability
If measurements from different transducers are combined, then the reliability is improved for variable states, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation circuit automatically assesses the reliability of measurements from different transducers and performs the weighted combination without external intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of evaluating multiple measurement sources by implementing automated reliability assessment and selection algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters such as weighting factors for different transducers based on detected media states and flow conditions. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system simplifies the measurement evaluation process while maintaining high reliability across variable conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a flowed amount of a medium includes using a first flow measuring transducer according to a first measuring principle and a second flow measuring transducer according to a second measuring principle. The measured values of the first transducer are more reliable in first states of the medium than measured values of the second transducer, and the second measured values are more reliable in second states than the first measured values. A contribution to the flowed amount is ascertained based on the more reliable measured values. The contribution to the flowed amount based on the second measured values is ascertained via a transfer function. An updated version of the transfer function is ascertained when the first measured values are more reliable, and the flowed amount earlier ascertained based on the second measured values is corrected as a function of the updated transfer function.