Ultrasonic Flow Meter Transducer Assembly with Rotatable Receptacle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic flow meters face challenges in measurement accuracy due to electrical charge hazards for maintenance personnel, susceptibility of transformers to corrosive fluids, and reduced longevity from wear and tear, especially in harsh environments, leading to undesirable interruptions in fluid flow and potential damage to components.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a transducer assembly with a piezoelectric capsule and a transformer capsule isolated from the corrosive fluid, using a 90° push-pull plug coupling and spacers to maintain the transformer and receptacle capsule outside the fluid's direct exposure, allowing for improved signal quality and reduced maintenance time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the transformer is positioned within the transducer assembly and exposed to the fluid environment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the transformer and electrical connections become susceptible to corrosive fluid damage
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer assembly is divided into two separate replaceable modules: a piezoelectric element module and a transformer module. This segmentation allows the transformer to be isolated from the corrosive fluid environment while maintaining a compact overall structure, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and component reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer is extracted from the fluid-exposed transducer assembly and positioned in a separate, protected location. This extraction eliminates the transformer's exposure to corrosive fluids while maintaining electrical connection to the piezoelectric element, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Ease of repair
If the entire transducer assembly is removed to replace the piezoelectric element or transformer, then component replacement is simplified, but fluid flow interruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer assembly is segmented into modular components (piezoelectric element module and transformer module) that can be independently replaced. This modular design allows maintenance personnel to access and replace specific components without removing the entire assembly, thereby reducing fluid flow interruption time while maintaining ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer assembly incorporates dynamic, easily detachable connections that allow rapid replacement of individual modules. This dynamic design enables quick component swaps without requiring complete assembly removal, balancing ease of repair with minimal operational disruption.
3Reliability
If the piezoelectric element is isolated from the fluid environment, then its protection from corrosion is improved, but its ability to generate ultrasonic waves in the fluid is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A matching layer or coupling medium is introduced as an intermediary between the piezoelectric element and the fluid. This intermediary allows the piezoelectric element to generate ultrasonic waves effectively in the fluid while providing protective isolation from direct corrosive fluid contact, thus maintaining both reliability and measurement precision.
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
This configuration enhances measurement accuracy, reduces maintenance interruptions, and increases the longevity of ultrasonic flow meter components by isolating sensitive parts from corrosive fluids and allowing for easier maintenance without disrupting fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
Each transducer assembly includes a piezoelectric element, and when an alternating current is applied to the piezoelectric element of the first transducer assembly, the piezoelectric element responds by radiating an ultrasonic wave in the fluid being transported through the flow meter
Implementation Method 2
When the wave is incident upon the piezoelectric element of the second transducer assembly, that transducer assembly responds by generating an electric signal
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An ultrasonic flow meter for measuring the flow of a fluid through a pipeline. In an embodiment, the flow meter comprises a spool piece including a throughbore and a transducer port extending to the throughbore. In addition, the flow meter comprises a transducer assembly disposed in the transducer port. The transducer assembly comprises a piezoelectric capsule including a piezoelectric element. Further, the transducer assembly comprises a transformer capsule including a transformer. The transformer capsule is coupled to the piezoelectric capsule. Still further, the transducer assembly comprises a receptacle capsule coupled to the transformer capsule. The receptacle capsule includes a receptacle housing and a receptacle coaxially disposed within the receptacle housing. The receptacle is electrically coupled to the transformer. Moreover, the receptacle is rotatable relative to the receptacle housing between a first position and a second position.