Ultrasonic Flowmeter Signal Segmentation for Profile Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic flowmeters are expensive and inefficient in determining flow rates independently of flow profiles, with high measurement deviations between laminar and turbulent flows due to the need for multiple transducers and complex signal paths.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple signal components with different angles and reflections to create stable measurement paths with a reduced number of ultrasonic transducers, allowing precise measurement of flow profiles by intersecting these paths at various radii within the measuring tube, and suppression of parasitic signals using recesses or materials with structured surfaces to minimize errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic transducers are used to measure flow profile at several points, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic signal is segmented into multiple signal components that travel along different measurement paths within the same acoustic channel. Each signal component intersects the flow profile at different radii, enabling multi-point measurement without requiring multiple transducer pairs. This segmentation approach maintains measurement precision while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A single ultrasonic transducer pair is made multi-functional by generating multiple signal components that serve different measurement purposes. The same physical transducers measure flow characteristics at multiple radial positions simultaneously, making the device universal in its measurement capability while minimizing the number of components required.
2Device complexity
If ultrasonic signals travel along V-shaped or simple measurement paths through the center, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to high deviation between laminar and turbulent flow profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement approach transitions from a single central path (one-dimensional) to multiple radial paths at different distances from the center (multi-dimensional). By distributing measurement points across different radial dimensions (r = 0.5R, r = 0.8R, etc.), the system captures the three-dimensional flow profile structure, enabling accurate measurement of both laminar and turbulent flows without complex device geometry.
3Measurement precision
If acoustic paths include multiple reflections against the inner wall, then measurement precision is improved by capturing flow profile, but parasitic signals increase causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The parasitic signals resulting from multiple reflections are converted into beneficial measurement data. Instead of treating reflected signals as noise to be eliminated, the invention utilizes them as additional signal components that provide information about different regions of the flow profile. This approach transforms harmful interference into useful measurement information, improving overall 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 enables reliable and cost-effective determination of flow rates with reduced measurement errors, as it allows for precise scanning of flow profiles with fewer transducers and suppresses parasitic signals, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of flow measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the ultrasonic transducers are each configured as transmitters for emitting an ultrasonic signal and/or as receivers for receiving the ultrasonic signal
Implementation Method 2
the receiver receives the ultrasonic signal emitted by the transmitter after at least one reflection at the inner wall of the measuring tube
Implementation Method 3
Due to the tracking effect, the two ultrasonic signals described above reach their respective receivers after different transit times. The flow velocity of the medium can be determined from the time difference between the signals.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described and illustrated is an ultrasonic flowmeter (1) for measuring the flow rate of a medium flowing through a measuring tube (3), comprising at least two ultrasonic transducers (4, 5) and at least one control and evaluation unit (6), wherein the measuring tube (3) has an inner wall, wherein the ultrasonic transducers (4, 5) are each configured as transmitters for emitting an ultrasonic signal (7) and/or as receivers for receiving the ultrasonic signal (7), wherein the ultrasonic transducers (4, 5) are arranged offset in the direction of flow on the measuring tube (3) such that the respective transmitter emits an ultrasonic signal (7) in the direction of flow or against the direction of flow during operation and that the receiver receives the ultrasonic signal (7) emitted by the transmitter after at least one reflection at the inner wall of the measuring tube (3), wherein the ultrasonic signal (7) comprises a first signal component (8) and at least a second signal component (9).