Vibrating Flow Meter Case Connect Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single conduit vibrating flow meters face imbalance issues due to changes in fluid density, leading to inaccurate measurements and node relocation problems, which traditional balancing methods fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating flow meter design featuring a second case connect with deformable members that allow the flow conduit to rotate about its axis while being supported between flanges and connectors, maintaining the active conduit length and preventing translational movement, thus self-balancing the system.
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 imbalance problems from fluid density changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a balance conduit that acts as a counterweight to the measurement conduit. The balance conduit is configured to have equal mass and opposite vibration to the measurement conduit, creating a balanced system that eliminates imbalance problems caused by fluid density changes while maintaining accurate measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the single conduit system into two separate conduits: a measurement conduit for actual flow measurement and a balance conduit for counterbalancing. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the advantages of single-conduit operation while eliminating its inherent imbalance problems through the dedicated balance conduit.
2Measurement precision
If traditional balancing structures like dummy tubes are used, then attempt to balance the system is made, but measurement precision remains insufficient because the overall mass changes with fluid density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the balancing system dynamic by configuring the balance conduit to actively track and match the mass changes of the measurement conduit. The balance conduit's vibration characteristics are continuously adjusted to maintain equilibrium despite fluid density variations, ensuring reliable and precise measurements under varying operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conduit is allowed to rotate freely to accommodate density changes, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to node relocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different constraints to different parts of the conduit system. The measurement conduit is constrained at specific points to prevent rotation and node relocation, while the balance conduit is allowed to adjust its characteristics to maintain mass balance. This localized differentiation of constraints allows the system to adapt to density changes without compromising measurement precision.
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 effectively isolates vibrations to the active conduit portion, maintaining measurement accuracy across varying fluid densities by allowing rotational movement without altering the active conduit length, thereby reducing measurement errors and node relocation impacts.
Implementation Method 1
deformable members extending radially from the first portion and coupled to the case such that the second end portion can rotate about the conduit axis
Implementation Method 2
The one or more conduits are vibrated by at least one driver at a resonance frequency in one of these modes for purposes of determining a characteristic of the flowing substance
Implementation Method 3
The pick-off is typically a magnet/coil combination, with the magnet typically being affixed to one conduit and the coil being affixed to a mounting structure or to another conduit. The pick-off signal is transmitted to the one or more electronics
Data Source
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AI summary
A vibrating flow meter (205) is provided. The vibrating flow meter (205) comprises a flow conduit (210) including a first end portion (211) and a second end portion (212). The vibrating flow meter (205) further includes a case (300) surrounding at least a portion of the flow conduit (210). The vibrating flow meter (205) also includes a first case connect (290). The first case connect (290) comprises a first portion (295) coupled to the first end portion (211) of the flow conduit (210) and one or more deformable members (292, 293, 294) extending radially from the first portion (295) and coupled to the case (300) such that the first end portion (211) can rotate about a conduit axis (X).