Flowmeter Stiffness Coefficient Verification Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowmeters face accuracy issues due to changes in stiffness coefficients over time, which are not efficiently monitored, leading to potential calibration errors and inefficient verification processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for determining when to verify the stiffness coefficient of a flowmeter by analyzing temperature, response frequencies, and driver currents, using averages and standard deviations to identify deviations from established ranges, thereby initiating a reassessment of the stiffness coefficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If meter verification is performed at pre-scheduled regular intervals, then flowmeasurement accuracy is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases due to unnecessary verifications when stiffness has not changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent monitors changes in physical parameters (temperature, response frequency, driver current) that correlate with stiffness coefficient changes. By detecting parameter deviations beyond threshold values, the system identifies when actual stiffness changes have occurred, triggering verification only when necessary. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision through condition-based verification while improving productivity by eliminating unnecessary scheduled verifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The flowmeter performs self-diagnosis by continuously monitoring its own operational parameters and automatically determining when verification is needed. The system uses its own sensor data (temperature, frequency, current) to assess stiffness coefficient stability, eliminating the need for external scheduling and enabling intelligent, demand-driven verification that balances accuracy maintenance with operational efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If meter verification is delayed until downtime opportunities arise, then operational disruption is minimized, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to unmonitored stiffness changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring of stiffness coefficient through real-time measurement of temperature, response frequency, and driver current. When these parameters indicate stiffness changes beyond acceptable thresholds, the system immediately triggers verification, providing feedback-driven accuracy maintenance without requiring process downtime. This resolves the contradiction by enabling continuous accuracy monitoring while maintaining operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of stiffness coefficient status by continuously analyzing operational parameters before actual verification is needed. By detecting early signs of stiffness degradation through parameter monitoring, the system prepares for timely verification while maintaining normal operations, thus preserving both measurement precision and operational continuity.
3Measurement precision
If stiffness coefficient monitoring is enhanced to detect changes promptly, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional sensors already present in the flowmeter (temperature sensors, frequency detectors, current monitors) to simultaneously perform their primary functions and stiffness coefficient monitoring. By reusing existing measurement capabilities for dual purposes, the system achieves improved stiffness monitoring accuracy without adding significant device complexity, as the same hardware infrastructure serves multiple measurement needs.
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 approach allows for targeted and efficient verification of flowmeter stiffness, reducing unnecessary calibration processes and maintaining accuracy by identifying probable changes in stiffness, thus optimizing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A flow tube is forced to vibrate at a resonant frequency, where the resonant frequency of the tube is proportional to the density of the fluid in the flow tube
Implementation Method 2
Excitation is typically provided by a driver, e.g., an electromechanical device, such as a voice coil-type driver, that perturbs the flow tube in a periodic fashion
Implementation Method 3
Properties associated with the material in the flow tube, such as mass flow, density and the like, may be determined by processing measurement signals received from motion transducers associated with the flow tube
Implementation Method 4
During flow, the vibrating tube and the flowing mass couple together due to Coriolis forces, causing a phase shift in the vibration between the ends of the tube. The phase shift is directly proportional to the mass flow
Data Source
AI summary
A method (300) for determining when to verify a stiffness coefficient K (202, 204) in a flowmeter (5) comprising receiving a first stiffness coefficient K (202), a plurality of temperatures T (206), a plurality of response frequencies ω (208), and a plurality of driver currents I (210), determining an average temperature T (212), a standard deviation temperature T (214), an average response frequency ω (216), a standard deviation response frequency ω (218), an average driver current I (224), and a standard deviation driver current I (226). A first subsequent value (236) comprising a subsequent temperature T (228), a subsequent response frequency ω (230), or a subsequent driver current I (232) is received. Upon determining that the first subsequent value (236) is outside a first respective range (237), a determination of a second stiffness coefficient K (204) is initiated.