Flowmeter With Asymmetric Inflow Reducer for Backward Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flowmeters that cannot distinguish flow direction in detecting flow rates face measurement errors due to backward fluid flow, as dynamic pressure reduction at the outlet allows fluid to flow back, leading to negative pressure on the inlet side and potential measurement inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first and second passage with a flow rate detector and an inflow reducer, where the second passage includes a protrusion or partition to generate a vortex, restricting backward fluid flow and reducing measurement errors by creating a higher flow resistance for backward flow compared to forward flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If dynamic pressure reduction is implemented at the outlet of the detecting passage, then backward fluid flow is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to negative pressure on the inlet side
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting passage is divided into a first detecting passage and a second detecting passage that branch off from the first passage. Each passage has its own flow rate detector, allowing independent measurement of forward and backward flow rates. This segmentation enables the system to distinguish between forward and backward flow directions, eliminating measurement errors caused by backward flow while maintaining accurate flow rate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The second passage includes an inflow reducer configured to restrict fluid flow in one direction (backward flow) while allowing forward flow. This asymmetric flow restriction creates different flow characteristics for forward and backward directions, enabling the flow rate detector to distinguish flow direction and accurately measure flow rates without being affected by backward flow interference.
2Measurement precision
If an inflow reducer is added to restrict backward flow, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflow reducer is integrated into the second detecting passage structure itself, combining the flow restriction function with the passage geometry. The inflow reducer is formed as part of the passage wall structure rather than being a separate component, which reduces device complexity while still achieving the desired flow restriction effect for improving 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
The solution effectively restricts backward fluid flow into the flowmeter, reducing measurement errors and ensuring accurate flow rate detection by generating a vortex that blocks reverse fluid flow, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the flowmeter.
Implementation Method 1
the second passage includes at least one end opening at the other end of the second passage and an inflow reducer configured to restrict the fluid from flowing into the second passage through the at least one end opening
Data Source
AI summary
A flowmeter is disposed in a passage through which a fluid flows. The flowmeter includes a first passage and a second passage. The first passage defines an opening through which a part of the fluid flows into the flowmeter from the passage. The second passage branches off from the first passage and includes a flow rate detector configured to detect a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the second passage from the first passage. The second passage has one end at which the second passage branches off from the first passage and the other end. The second passage includes at least one end opening at the other end and an inflow reducer configured to restrict the fluid from flowing into the second passage through the at least one end opening.