Flow Conduit Insert Guide Elements Ultrasonic Flow Meter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic flow meters face inaccuracies in measuring liquid flows due to rotational and asymmetric flow patterns, which are not detected by traditional methods, leading to imprecise consumption measurements and increased production costs when trying to optimize signal paths or transducer configurations.
Innovation Solution
A flow conduit insert is designed to accommodate the entire path of the ultrasound signal, featuring guide elements that correct rotational and asymmetric flow, allowing for more uniform flow measurements and simplified production and assembly, thereby reducing dependency on complex signal paths or increased production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the complexity of the ultrasound signal path is increased to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flow correction function from the complex ultrasonic signal path design and implements it through a separate flow conduit insert with guide elements. This separates the measurement function (ultrasonic transducers) from the flow conditioning function (guide elements), allowing each to be optimized independently while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flow conduit insert acts as an intermediary component between the incoming liquid flow and the ultrasonic measurement path. The guide elements within the insert condition the flow (reduce swirl and asymmetry) before it reaches the measurement section, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring complex ultrasonic signal paths
2Measurement precision
If more reflectors and transducers are used to improve flow measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but production cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flow conditioning requirement from the transducer and reflector configuration and implements it through a dedicated flow conduit insert. This allows the ultrasonic measurement section to remain simple while the flow conditioning section handles the complexity of dealing with swirl and asymmetric flow
Solution Approach 2:
The flow conduit insert with guide elements provides a cost-effective solution compared to using additional expensive ultrasonic transducers and reflectors. The insert can be manufactured from standard materials and requires no complex electronics or calibration, making it a economical way to improve measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If the number of parts is increased to optimize ultrasonic signal path, then measurement precision improves, but assembly complexity and production vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the flow meter into distinct functional sections: the flow conduit insert with guide elements for flow conditioning, and the ultrasonic transducer section for measurement. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled together, reducing overall assembly complexity and production vulnerability
Solution Approach 2:
The flow conduit insert serves as an intermediary component that interfaces between the liquid flow and the ultrasonic measurement system. It provides a standardized connection point that simplifies assembly while ensuring proper flow conditioning before measurement
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 flow conduit insert enhances measurement accuracy by correcting rotational and asymmetric flows, allowing for more precise flow rate measurements across a wider range of flow rates, while maintaining low production costs and minimizing pressure drop.
Implementation Method 1
the flow conduit insert comprises a first and a second part forming the flow channel, said first and second parts each extending from said first end to said second end, wherein each of said first and second parts comprises one or more guide elements extending into the flow channel
Implementation Method 2
the ultrasonic utility flow meter being arranged to measure a flow of a liquid passing through the flow conduit by means of an ultrasound signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a flow conduit insert (FCI) for a flow conduit (CON) of an ultrasonic flow meter (UFM), the ultrasonic flow meter (UFM) being arranged to measure a flow of a liquid passing through the flow conduit (CON) by means of an ultrasound signal, the flow conduit insert (FCI) being adapted for being inserted into the inner space of the flow conduit (CON), the flow conduit insert (FCI) being adapted for accommodating the entire path (PTH) in the flow conduit (CON) of the ultrasound signal, the flow conduit insert (FCI) having a first end (1EN) and a second opposite (2EN) end and an inner flow channel (CUN), said first and second ends (1EN, 2EN) being connected by the flow channel (CUN), the flow conduit insert (FCI) being adapted such that the flow of liquid passes through the flow channel (CUN), wherein the flow conduit insert (FCI) comprises a first and a second part (IPA, 2PA) forming the flow channel (CUN), said first and second parts (IPA, 2PA) each extending from said first end (1EN) to said second end (2EN), wherein each of said first and second parts (IPA, 2PA) comprises one or more guide elements (GUE) extending into the flow channel (CUN). An ultrasonic flow meter (UFM) comprising such flow conduit insert (FCI) and use of a flow conduit insert (FCI) for correcting flow is also disclosed.