Flow Meter Using Magnetic Polarization for Fluid Time Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measurement methods based on nuclear spin or electron spin properties require complex apparatus setups, particularly those using nuclear magnetic resonance methods.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures the flow time of a fluid by changing its nuclear or electron magnetic polarization at a manipulation location and detecting the resulting magnetic flux density change at a detection location, using magnetometry to determine the flow time without the need for additional markers, and employing a bias magnetization path and electromagnetic fields to control the polarization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nuclear magnetic resonance methods are used to measure flow time, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex NMR apparatus by using a simplified magnetometer that only detects magnetic flux density changes, eliminating the need for complete NMR equipment while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex NMR measurement systems with a magnetometer-based system that measures magnetic field changes, substituting a simpler mechanical/electromagnetic detection system for the more complex NMR apparatus
2Measurement precision
If additional markers are used to measure flow time, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fluid itself serve as the measurement marker by utilizing its inherent nuclear or electron magnetic properties, eliminating the need for external markers and simplifying the measurement system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from requiring external markers to detecting intrinsic magnetic properties of the fluid, transforming the measurement approach to use the fluid's own characteristics
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 approach simplifies the apparatus complexity and allows for accurate flow time measurement of fluids with nuclear or electron magnetic properties, applicable to any fluid containing protons or free electrons, without the need for additional markers, and can be adapted to different relaxation times.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a magnetic flux density of a magnetic field emanating from the fluid due to the nuclear magnetic or electron magnetic polarisation
Implementation Method 2
changing a nuclear magnetic or electron magnetic polarisation of the fluid at the manipulation location
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting a flow time which a fluid requires to flow through a measurement path from a manipulation location to a detection location spaced from the manipulation location in a flow direction of the fluid, the method including the steps A) providing a flow of the fluid, B) changing a nuclear magnetic or electron magnetic polarization of the fluid at the manipulation location at a first point in time, C) measuring a magnetic flux density of a magnetic field emanating from the fluid due to the nuclear magnetic or electron magnetic polarization as a function of time at the detection location, and D) determining the flow time as a difference between the first point in time and a second point in time. At the second point in time the changing of the nuclear magnetic or electron magnetic polarization at the manipulation location from step B) causes a change in the flux density of the magnetic field emanating from the fluid at the detection location, and a flow meter for carrying out such a method.