Electromagnetic Flow Meter Single Coil Offset Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of electromagnetic flow meters due to materials and labor costs, as well as inaccuracies caused by Reynold's Number effects on velocity profiles in existing designs.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective electromagnetic flow meter design using a single coil positioned to surround a segment of the measuring section with an effective segment angle between 120 degrees and 180 degrees, and electrodes offset from being diametrically opposite to improve accuracy, potentially using a saddle-shaped coil and a lightweight, robust insert manufactured from plastics or rubber materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two coils are used to generate magnetic field, then magnetic field homogeneity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate coils into a single coil structure that generates the magnetic field across the measuring section. This single coil is positioned to extend along the length of the measuring section and is curved around an outer wall, integrating the functions of what would traditionally require two coils while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single coil is configured to extend along the length of the measuring section rather than being positioned only at the ends. This longitudinal extension adds a dimensional aspect to the coil configuration, allowing it to generate a more uniform magnetic field across the entire measuring section while remaining a single integrated structure.
2Measurement precision
If electrodes are positioned diametrically opposite, then measurement accuracy is improved, but accuracy deteriorates due to Reynold's Number effects in single coil design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry by offsetting one or both electrodes from their traditional diametrically opposite positions. This asymmetric electrode positioning compensates for the velocity profile distortions caused by Reynold's Number effects in single-coil designs, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy despite the simplified coil configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameters of the electrodes relative to the coil center. By adjusting the offset angles of the electrodes from the centerline, the measurement system compensates for flow profile variations and maintains accuracy across different flow conditions and Reynold's Numbers.
3Strength
If traditional materials and construction methods are used, then structural integrity is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lightweight, robust insert that can be manufactured from plastics or rubber materials. This insert forms the structural core of the flow meter, providing necessary structural integrity while being significantly more cost-effective than traditional metallic constructions. The insert can be manufactured using cost-effective processes such as injection molding or rotational molding.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow meter construction utilizes composite material approaches by combining the plastics or rubber insert with other materials (such as metallic components for electrodes or coil supports). This composite construction maintains structural integrity where needed while minimizing cost through the use of inexpensive polymer materials for the main body.
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 design minimizes inaccuracies and reduces costs by using a single coil and offset electrodes, achieving accurate flow measurements while maintaining structural integrity and reducing turbulence, thus providing a more economical and reliable flow meter.
Implementation Method 1
a single coil positioned adjacent a portion of said measuring section for generating a magnetic field across said measuring section
Implementation Method 2
The operating principles are based on Faraday's Law of induction, which states that the voltage induced across any conductor as it moves at right angles through a magnetic field will be proportional to the velocity of that conductor. The metered fluid effectively constitutes a series of fluid conductors moving through the magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
the voltage induced across any conductor as it moves at right angles through a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic flow meter for measuring flow rate of a fluid passing therethrough includes a conduit defining a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a measuring section positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The flow meter also includes a single coil for generating a magnetic field across the measuring section and electrodes for detecting induced electrical potential due to the fluid passage. The coil may be arranged to surround a section of the measuring section over a segment angle of between 140 and 180 degrees. The electrodes may be positioned so that they are offset from being opposite each other on the centerline of the measuring section, by an offset angle of between 5 degrees and 45 degrees.