Electro-kinetic Flow Sensor for Low Pressure Drop Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial process transmitters face challenges in accurately measuring flow rates and pressures using energy-limited two-wire loops, particularly in environments where traditional methods like orifice plates and venturi tubes create significant pressure drops, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in signal transmission and power supply.
Innovation Solution
A process control transmitter coupled with an electro-kinetic element that generates a potential related to fluid flow, using micro-channels to separate ions and create an electro-kinetic potential, which is measured to correlate with flow rates or pressures, and can power the measurement circuitry, eliminating the need for a separate power source in some configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flow meters like orifice plates and venturi tubes are used, then flow rate measurement is achieved, but significant pressure drop is created across the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical flow measurement methods (orifice plates, venturi tubes) with an electro-kinetic sensor that measures flow-induced electrical potentials. The electro-kinetic element detects flow rates by measuring electrical signals generated by fluid motion through micro-channels, eliminating the need for mechanical pressure-drop-based measurement and thereby reducing energy loss.
2Use of energy by moving object
If energy-limited two-wire loops are used for signal transmission, then power consumption is limited, but signal transmission reliability and measurement accuracy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-kinetic sensor generates its own measurement signal through the electro-kinetic effect, where fluid flow through micro-channels directly produces electrical potentials. This self-generating capability eliminates the need for external power sources for signal generation, allowing reliable operation on energy-limited two-wire loops while maintaining signal transmission reliability.
3Measurement precision
If electro-kinetic element with micro-channels is used, then flow rate measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an electro-kinetic element containing micro-channels or porous structure that generates flow-induced electrical potentials. The micro-channels provide precise flow measurement through the electro-kinetic effect while the element is designed as a compact, integrated component that can be coupled to standard process piping, balancing measurement precision with practical device complexity.
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 solution enables accurate measurement of flow rates and pressures while potentially reducing power consumption and enhancing signal transmission reliability by harnessing the electro-kinetic potential generated within the process fluid, improving the efficiency of industrial process monitoring and control systems.
Implementation Method 1
An electro-kinetic element is positioned within the impulse piping and configured to generate an electro-kinetic potential related to the primary flow
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitter senses flow or pressure of a process fluid in a process pipe. The process pipe may include a flow restrictor positioned therein that carries a primary flow of a process fluid. Impulse piping is configured to carry a secondary flow of the process fluid from an upstream side of the flow restrictor to a downstream side. An electro-kinetic element is positioned within the impulse piping and is configured to generate an electro-kinetic potential related to the primary flow. Measurement circuitry in the transmitter is configured to measure the electro-kinetic potential across the electro-kinetic element and relate the electro-kinetic potential to the flow of process fluid through the process pipe.