Magnetic-inductive Flowmeter Measuring Line with Variable Cross Section

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic-inductive flowmeters face challenges in achieving optimal structural design that balances mechanical strength, fluidic considerations, and measurement accuracy, particularly in providing sufficient compressive strength and pressure resistance while minimizing pressure drop and deformation.

Innovation Solution

The flowmeter incorporates a reinforcement connecting the measuring line to the housing in the central area, with multiple supports and a reinforcing ring, allowing for a design with varying radii of curvature and a thinner wall thickness in the central region, enabling improved mechanical strength and fluidic compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the measuring line is designed with thin wall thickness in the central area to improve fluidic compatibility and reduce pressure drop, then the mechanical strength and pressure resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure dropVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different wall thicknesses to different sections of the measuring line. The central area (measurement section) has reduced wall thickness to minimize pressure drop and improve fluidic compatibility, while the end sections maintain greater wall thickness for mechanical strength. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between energy loss reduction and strength maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring line is divided into multiple sections with different structural characteristics. The central measurement section is segmented from the end sections, allowing independent optimization of each segment's wall thickness according to its specific functional requirements - thin in the center for fluidic performance, thicker at ends for structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the measuring line is designed with varying radii of curvature to optimize measurement accuracy, then the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies different radii of curvature for different sections of the measuring line. The central measurement section has a first radius of curvature optimized for measurement accuracy, while the end sections have different radii. This local optimization of geometric parameters achieves superior measurement performance while the modular design approach keeps manufacturing manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the measuring line is made with uniform wall thickness to simplify manufacturing, then the pressure resistance and mechanical strength in the central area deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidpressure resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements non-uniform wall thickness distribution where the central measurement section has reduced thickness and the end sections have greater thickness. This local differentiation allows the thinned central area to be supported by the stronger end sections, maintaining overall pressure resistance while enabling the central area to achieve superior fluidic performance and measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Device complexity

If the measuring line is designed as a single piece to simplify construction, then the flexibility to optimize different sections for different functions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidfunctional optimization flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measuring line into multiple separable sections - a central measurement section and end sections - that can be manufactured independently with optimized characteristics for their specific functions, then assembled together. This segmentation enables functional optimization of each section while the modular assembly approach keeps overall construction manageable and flexible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enhances the flowmeter's mechanical strength, reduces pressure drop, and optimizes measurement accuracy by allowing for a more flexible and robust construction that meets both mechanical and fluidic requirements.

Implementation Method 1

Faraday's law of induction is used in magnetic-inductive flowmeters by generating a magnetic field using a magnetic field generating device, which usually has two energized magnetic coils, and at least partially passing it through a measuring line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a flowing medium that carries charge carriers and flows through a magnetic field produces an electric field strength perpendicular to the direction of flow and perpendicular to the magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrodynamic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2196779B1Magnetic-inductive flowmeter
Publication Date: 2017.08.09 KROHNE AG
  • EP2196779B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2196779B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2196779B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has a magnetic field generating device for generation of a magnetic field that is partially interfused at a measuring line (1). The measuring line has a variable cross section over the length, where the cross section in the middle area of the measuring line is smaller than at the ends of the measuring line. The measuring line has a rectangular or quadratic cross section at the middle area. Supports (5, 6) are connected with a housing (2) that has a circular cross section and holds the measuring line, where the supports are arranged within the middle area of the measuring line.