Flowmeter Rectifier Structure for Symmetric Gas Flow Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic gas flowmeters are sensitive to flow fields, requiring lengthy upstream straight tubes to develop a symmetrical flow field, which increases installation space and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A rectifier with a cowl design, featuring a first rectifying section upstream, a reduced diameter section midstream, and a second rectifying section downstream, which includes rectifying passages and a through-hole to improve fluid uniformity and reduce vortex formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lengthy upstream straight tube is used to develop a symmetrical flow field, then measurement precision is improved, but installation space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rectifier is divided into multiple functional sections: a first rectifying section with rectifying plates arranged in a first direction, a second rectifying section with rectifying plates arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a streamlined section. This segmentation allows each section to address specific flow field issues independently, achieving symmetrical flow field development in a compact structure that replaces the need for lengthy upstream straight tubes.
2Length of stationary object
If a rectifier is introduced to reduce upstream straight tube length, then installation space is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rectifier combines multiple flow conditioning functions into a single integrated structure. The first rectifying section, second rectifying section, and streamlined section are merged into one component that simultaneously performs flow straightening, symmetry development, and vortex reduction, thereby reducing installation space without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectifier serves multiple functions: it straightens flow, develops symmetrical flow field, and reduces vortex formation. By making the rectifier multi-functional, the patent avoids the need for separate devices for each function, thus reducing overall installation space while keeping the added complexity manageable through a single unified structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rectifier designs are used, then flow field symmetry is achieved, but pressure loss and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The streamlined section features a curved surface that transitions smoothly from the rectifying sections to the outlet. This curvature design reduces flow separation and turbulence, minimizing pressure loss and energy consumption while maintaining the symmetrical flow field developed by the rectifying sections.
Data Source
AI summary
A rectifier and a flowmeter, the rectifier including a fairing, wherein a first rectifying section (1) positioned at the upstream, a reducing section (2) positioned at the midstream and a second rectifying section (3) positioned at the downstream, can be arranged in the fairing. The first rectifying section and the second rectifying section are respectively provided with a group of rectifying channels parallel to the flow direction of fluid, and a through-hole (21) can be formed in the reducing section. The rectifier can provide improved rectification effects.