Flow Rate Assembly Using Pressure Differential Near Pipe Bends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measurement technologies face challenges in accurately measuring fluid flow rates through pipes, particularly in regions with turns, bends, and other flow path phenomena, often requiring precise spacing and complex configurations.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate assembly with a fluid flow interface portion and a sensor body, featuring inlet and outlet passages, apertures, and a moving indicator, which measures flow rates without electronic components, and includes a signal generator for flow control, allowing for installation on pipes without metal fasteners, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If velocity-measuring devices are used to measure fluid flow rate, then flow rate measurement is achieved, but the devices must be spaced certain distances from turns, bends, restrictions, and other flow path phenomena, which complicates installation and reduces adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow measurement function from traditional velocity-measuring devices and implements it through a differential pressure sensor that measures pressure differential across an obstruction. This extraction allows measurement without requiring the device to be positioned in the flow path at specific distances from bends or restrictions, thereby improving installation flexibility while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate assembly is designed to function as a multi-component system that can be installed in various pipe configurations. The assembly includes an obstruction element, pressure differential sensor, and housing that work together to provide universal applicability across different installation scenarios, including positions near turns and bends where traditional devices cannot be placed.
2Measurement precision
If traditional flow measurement devices are installed in pipes, then flow rate can be measured, but metal fasteners and components are used which are susceptible to oxidation and structural degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the flow rate assembly from traditional metals to oxidation-resistant materials such as stainless steel, titanium, or plastic. This parameter change maintains the structural integrity and measurement capability of the device while eliminating the susceptibility to oxidation and structural degradation that plagues traditional metal components.
3Measurement precision
If complex flow measurement configurations are used to achieve accurate measurement in various pipe conditions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: an obstruction element that creates the pressure differential, a pressure differential sensor that measures the differential, and a housing that contains and protects these components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall installation process, as the entire assembly can be installed as a single unit without complex configuration.
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 provides accurate flow rate measurement within ±10% to ±5% accuracy across a range of 2 to 10 feet per second, enabling effective flow control and maintaining proper chemical levels in systems like pool treatment systems, while avoiding oxidation and structural degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure differential sensor positioned within the sensor body and configured to detect a pressure differential between the inlet passage and the outlet passage
Implementation Method 2
a moving indicator configured to move in response to fluid flow into the at least one inlet aperture of the fluid flow interface portion
Data Source
AI summary
A flow rate assembly can include a fluid flow interface portion having a front facing wall and a back facing wall. The flow interface portion can include an inlet passage within the fluid flow interface portion, an outlet passage within the fluid flow interface portion, at least one inlet aperture extending through the front facing wall of the fluid flow interface portion into the inlet passage, and at least one outlet aperture extending through the back facing wall of the fluid flow interface portion into the outlet passage. In some cases, the fluid flow interface portion includes a plug forming at least a portion of the inlet passage.