Ultrasonic Flow Meter Conduit Structure for Sidewall Noise Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic flow meters suffer from insufficient signal-to-noise ratios due to acoustic energy being transmitted through the sidewall of the conduit rather than the fluid, which limits the accuracy of flow rate calculations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of geometric structures on the sidewall of the conduit, such as protrusions and baffles, to alter the acoustic path and absorb or reflect acoustic energy, combined with a dampening material to further reduce noise, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic transducers are used to measure flow rate, then flow measurement capability is provided, but acoustic noise is transmitted through the sidewall reducing signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
A dampening material is introduced as an intermediary layer between the sidewall and the ultrasonic transducers. This material serves as a mediator that selectively absorbs acoustic noise while allowing ultrasonic measurement signals to pass through, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio without compromising flow measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful acoustic noise transmission path through the sidewall is extracted and isolated from the measurement system. By applying dampening material to the external surface of the sidewall, the noise transmission mechanism is separated and eliminated without affecting the primary measurement function
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dampening material is applied to the sidewall, then acoustic noise is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening material is applied locally only to the external surfaces of the sidewall where acoustic noise transmission occurs, rather than modifying the entire conduit structure. This localized approach reduces noise effectively while minimizing added complexity and material usage
3Object-affected harmful factors
If geometric structures are added to the sidewall, then noise transmission is mitigated, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewall is segmented into multiple sections with geometric structures (such as ridges or protrusions) that disrupt coherent acoustic wave paths. This segmentation approach mitigates noise transmission by breaking up wave coherence while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through standard molding or machining techniques
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 geometric structures and dampening material effectively mitigate acoustic noise, enhancing the accuracy of flow rate measurements by reducing noise transmission through the sidewall, particularly at low velocities and low flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
The geometric structures are configured to mitigate a coherent transfer of acoustic energy through the sidewall
Implementation Method 2
a dampening material positioned about an exterior surface of the sidewall of the conduit. The dampening material is configured to receive and absorb acoustic energy transferred through a structure of the sidewall
Implementation Method 3
The geometric structures are configured to inhibit the coherent transfer of acoustic energy through the sidewall by a combination of at least one or more of reflection, resonance, or interference
Implementation Method 4
multiple transducers. The ultrasonic transducers are positioned in corresponding ones of the recesses or ports
Implementation Method 5
a controller configured to receive signals from the ultrasonic transducers and estimate a flow rate of the fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A flow meter includes a conduit, and ultrasonic transducers. In some embodiments, the conduit includes a sidewall, an inner volume through which a fluid flows defined by the sidewall, and recesses. In some embodiments, each of the ultrasonic transducers is positioned in a corresponding one of the recesses. In some embodiments, the sidewall defines geometric structures configured to mitigate a transfer of energy through the sidewall.