Magnetically Inductive Flow Meter Single Magnet System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magneto-inductive flow meters require multiple magnet systems, increasing material costs and complexity, with superimposed or angled magnetic fields leading to inefficiencies and spatial expansion issues.

Innovation Solution

A single magnet system with a coil and permanent magnet generating a selectable magnetic field, using a remanent magnetic field oriented transversely to the measuring tube, and an electronic operating circuit to switch between modes for flow rate and velocity measurements based on voltage changes, reducing material costs and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single magnet system with coil and permanent magnet is used, then material costs and device complexity are reduced, but the ability to generate selectable magnetic fields for different measurement modes becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnet system complexityVSAvoidmeasurement mode flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the coil system and permanent magnet system into a single integrated magnet system. The coil generates a first magnetic field while the permanent magnet provides a second magnetic field, and these fields are superimposed to create a homogeneous measurement magnetic field in the measuring tube, eliminating the need for separate magnet systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating circuit switches between different operating modes by periodically activating the coil to generate the first magnetic field. In the first operating mode, the coil is activated to create a time-varying magnetic field for accurate flow measurement. In the second operating mode, the coil remains inactive and only the permanent magnet's magnetic field is used for flow monitoring, reducing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If the magnetic field oscillates around a zero point, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the compact arrangement of magnet systems becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow measurement accuracyVSAvoidmagnet system arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coil and permanent magnet into a single magnet system where their magnetic fields are superimposed. The coil generates a first magnetic field that oscillates around zero, while the permanent magnet provides a second magnetic field. Together they create a homogeneous measurement magnetic field that oscillates around a zero point, ensuring accurate flow measurement while maintaining a compact structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating circuit dynamically changes the magnetic field parameters by switching the coil activation state. When the coil is activated, it generates a time-varying magnetic field with specific strength and direction. When inactive, only the permanent magnet's field remains. This parameter switching enables the magnetic field to oscillate around zero during measurement while maintaining compact arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If two different magnet systems are installed at an angle to one another, then magnetic field independence is improved, but spatial expansion and measurement accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field independenceVSAvoidmeasuring tube spatial expansion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the coil system and permanent magnet system into a single integrated magnet system arranged on the measuring tube. The coil and permanent magnet are positioned to generate magnetic fields that are superimposed in the measuring tube, creating a homogeneous measurement magnetic field without requiring angled installation or additional spatial expansion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution allows for accurate flow measurement with reduced material costs and complexity, using a single coil and permanent magnet to generate a homogeneous magnetic field, enhancing measurement accuracy and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A conductive medium flowing through a measuring tube is permeated with a magnetic field, which induces an electrical voltage in the medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one permanent magnet, which is set up to generate a remanent magnetic field, which magnetic field in the measuring tube is oriented essentially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the measuring tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

the coil is set up to set a direction of the remanent magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field orientation: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 4

the pair of measuring electrodes being set up to tap off the electrical measuring voltage induced by the remanent magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3390975B1Magnetically inductive flow meter
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 ENDRESS HAUSER FLOWTEC AG
  • EP3390975B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3390975B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3390975B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a magneto-inductive flow measuring device for measuring flow velocity or volume flow of a medium in a pipeline as well as to a method for implementing the magneto-inductive flow measuring device. In such case, the remanent magnetic field of at least one permanent magnet is applied for flow monitoring and flow measurement, wherein the flow measurement is performed upon achievement of criteria.