Vibrating Flow Meter Balance System with Phase-Opposed Driven Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single conduit vibrating flow meters face inherent imbalance issues due to changes in fluid density, leading to inaccurate measurements and sensitivity problems, as traditional balancing methods fail to effectively isolate vibrations and maintain node positions.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating flow meter design featuring a conduit with a cantilevered driven member and a base that switches between remaining stationary or moving in phase with the conduit or driven member to balance motion, utilizing a massive base and soft mounts to isolate the vibrating structure, ensuring balanced momentum and reduced torque on flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single conduit system is used to avoid pressure drops and clogging, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inherent imbalance problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by introducing a balance bar with a counterbalancing mass that oscillates in opposition to the conduit. This counterbalancing mass creates forces that cancel out the imbalance forces generated by the single conduit system, thereby maintaining measurement precision while allowing the use of a single conduit for ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the balance bar movable rather than fixed, allowing it to oscillate in response to changes in fluid density. The system dynamically adjusts the balance configuration based on operating conditions, enabling the flow meter to maintain accuracy across varying densities while using a single conduit.
2Measurement precision
If traditional balancing structures like dummy tubes or balance bars are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the balance bar with the case structure, integrating the balancing function into the existing housing rather than adding a completely separate component. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining the measurement precision benefits of active balancing.
Solution Approach 2:
The balance bar serves multiple functions: it provides counterbalancing forces to maintain measurement precision, acts as a structural component of the case, and enables dynamic adjustment for different fluid densities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the overall mass of the tube changes with fluid density, then adaptability is improved, but stability deteriorates because traditional balancing techniques cannot eliminate imbalance problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the balance bar movable and responsive to changes in fluid density. As the density changes and the overall mass of the conduit system changes, the balance bar dynamically adjusts its position and oscillation characteristics to maintain balancing forces, thereby maintaining stability despite adaptability to varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the oscillation sensors to detect changes in the system's balance state caused by density variations. This feedback information is used to adjust the oscillation parameters or balance configuration, maintaining stable operation across different fluid densities and demonstrating both adaptability and stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If dual conduits are used to create an inherently balanced system, then stability is improved, but productivity decreases due to pressure drops and clogging problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the counterweight principle with a balance bar that generates opposing forces to simulate the balancing effect of dual conduits. This allows the system to achieve the stability of a balanced configuration while using only a single conduit, thereby maintaining productivity by avoiding the pressure drops and clogging issues associated with dual-conduit systems.
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 design achieves improved balance and reduced torque on connecting structures, maintaining measurement accuracy across varying fluid densities by dynamically adjusting the vibration amplitude ratio and minimizing node relocation effects, thus enhancing measurement sensitivity and stability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one driver that vibrates the conduit and the driven member in phase opposition
Implementation Method 2
a base coupled to the conduit and the driven member, said base switching between remaining substantially stationary or moving substantially in phase with the conduit or moving substantially in phase with the driven member
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the present invention, a vibrating flow meter and method of operating a vibrating flow meter are provided. The vibrating flow meter includes a conduit (210), at least one pick-off (230, 231), a driven member (250), at least one driver (220), and a base (260). The conduit (210) defines a fluid flow path. The at least one pick-off (230, 231) measures the motion of the conduit (210). The at least one driver (220) vibrates the conduit (210) and the driven member (250) in phase opposition. The base (260) is coupled to the conduit (210) and the driven member (250) and switches between remaining substantially stationary or moving substantially in phase with the conduit (210) or moving substantially in phase with the driven member (250) in order to balance the motion of the conduit (210) and the driven member (250).