Transit Time Flow Meter Probe with Skewed Transducer Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow measurement technologies using acoustic transit time methods face challenges in accurately determining flow rates due to limitations in signal transmission and reception efficiency across skewed acoustic paths, particularly in environments where signal dispersion and wettable surfaces interact with fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A transit-time flow metering probe with a metallic tubular portion and skewed transducer mounting tab portions that define an acoustic path, utilizing transducers on non-wettable surfaces to minimize signal loss and optimize signal transmission and reception, and optionally employing a repeating pair of transducers in parallel to extend the acoustic path length for improved measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transducers are mounted on wettable surfaces along the acoustic path, then signal transmission through the fluid is improved, but signal dispersion and loss increase due to interaction with the fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-wettable surfaces (such as Teflon coatings or hydrophobic materials) as intermediaries between the transducers and the fluid flow. These surfaces allow acoustic signals to pass through while preventing direct contact between the transducers and the fluid, thereby reducing signal dispersion and energy loss caused by fluid interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin non-wettable film coatings on the transducer surfaces that are acoustically transparent to ultrasonic waves but hydrophobic to the fluid. These thin films serve as barriers that minimize signal loss while maintaining acoustic transmission integrity.
2Measurement precision
If the acoustic path length is increased to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but signal transmission efficiency decreases due to greater signal dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
By using non-wettable surface intermediaries, the patent enables extended acoustic paths without the signal loss that would normally accompany increased path length. The non-wettable surfaces protect the signal from fluid-induced dispersion even over longer transmission distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface properties of the transducers from wettable to non-wettable, fundamentally altering the interaction between the acoustic signal and the fluid environment. This parameter change allows for longer acoustic paths while maintaining signal integrity by reducing fluid-related attenuation.
3Measurement precision
If a repeating pair of transducers is used to extend the acoustic path, then measurement accuracy doubles, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transducer elements into an integrated probe assembly where a repeating pair of transducers is mounted on a common structure with shared non-wettable surfaces and mounting mechanisms. This merging approach extends the acoustic path while consolidating complex elements into a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeating transducer pair serves multiple functions: it extends the acoustic path length for improved accuracy, provides redundant measurement capability, and maintains signal integrity through shared non-wettable surface protection. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity.
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
Enhances the accuracy and reliability of fluid flow rate measurements by optimizing signal transmission and reception across the acoustic path, reducing signal dispersion, and improving measurement quality by doubling the transit time for given fluid flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
Each transducer is operable to transmit and receive acoustic signals propagating through their tabs and along the acoustic path
Implementation Method 2
wettable surfaces of the tab portions define an acoustic path for signals generated by the transducers
Data Source
AI summary
A transit time flow sensor is configured as an insertable probe carrying transducers spaced apart along an acoustic path that may be segmented. The transducers are attached to non-wetted surfaces of respective tabs extending outwardly from the probe and functioning as acoustic windows. The tabs are selectively skewed with respect to the probe's flow axis so that acoustic signals from one transducer are detected by another. Directly communicating transducers may be on the same or opposite sides of the probe's flow axis.