Ultrasonic Flow Meter Noise Sensor for Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting anomalies such as leaks in utility piping networks require specialized equipment and expertise, making them costly and inefficient for widespread implementation.
Innovation Solution
A consumption meter integrated with an ultrasonic flow meter that includes a noise measurement sub-circuit, allowing for the detection of noise levels within the flow tube or fluid using either a dedicated noise level sensor or the ultrasonic transducers used for flow measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated noise level sensors and sophisticated equipment are deployed for anomaly detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducers used for flow measurement are made to serve dual purposes: measuring fluid flow rate and detecting acoustic signals for anomaly detection. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated noise sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the same physical component performing multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the flow measurement function and noise detection function into a single integrated device. The control circuit processes both flow rate data and acoustic signal data, merging what were previously separate systems into one unified anomaly detection and measurement device, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If dedicated noise level sensors are integrated into the consumption meter, then anomaly detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducers are designed to perform both their original flow measurement function and the new acoustic signal detection function. By making the existing components multi-functional rather than adding separate dedicated sensors, the anomaly detection capability is enhanced without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing ultrasonic transducers and control circuit are utilized to perform the additional noise detection function. The system serves itself by using its own existing components for the new function, avoiding the need for additional dedicated hardware and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple consumption meters are deployed across the utility network for monitoring, then productivity of anomaly detection is improved, but loss of substance increases due to fluid consumption through flow tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/intrusive measurement methods with acoustic field-based detection. Ultrasonic transducers send acoustic signals through the fluid and pipe walls to detect anomalies, eliminating the need for physical sampling or intrusive probes that would consume fluid. This allows multiple meters to be deployed without additional fluid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Acoustic signals serve as an intermediary medium for detecting anomalies. Instead of directly interacting with or consuming the fluid, the system uses sound waves that propagate through the fluid and pipe structure to carry information about leaks and anomalies, enabling monitoring without substance loss.
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
Enables the detection of anomalies like leaks in utility networks by providing a cost-effective, simple device that can be deployed across multiple positions in the network, improving the precision of anomaly detection and location.
Implementation Method 1
first and second ultrasonic transducers arranged at the flow tube for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals transmitted through the fluid
Implementation Method 2
detect acoustic signals of the flow tube or of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A consumption meter, e.g. a water or heat meter, for measuring a flow rate of a fluid supplied in a flow tube. First and second ultrasonic transducers are arranged at the flow tube for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals transmitted through the fluid and operated by a flow measurement sub-circuit for generating a signal indicative of the flow rate of the fluid. A noise measurement sub-circuit operates a sensor arranged at the flow tube for detection of acoustic signals of the flow tube, and being arranged to generate a signal indicative of a noise level of the flow tube accordingly. This sensor may comprise a separate transducer, or the sensor may be constituted by one or both of the first and second ultrasonic transducers. The consumption meter may communicate data representative of the noise level via a communication module along with data consumed amount of water, heat etc. Such consumer noise level measurement at the consumer site allows collection of noise level data to assist in locating fluid leakages in a fluid supply pipe system.