Magneto-inductive Flowmeter Tube Holder Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic-inductive flowmeters with reduced cross-section measuring tubes face challenges in manufacturing complexity and measurement errors due to pressure fluctuations, particularly with plastic tubes that expand or contract, affecting electrode distance and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic-inductive flowmeter design featuring a measuring tube with a tube holder, specifically a plate-bolt construction, that surrounds the middle segment to stabilize the cross-section and prevent deformation, ensuring a constant electrode distance and accurate measurements under varying pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a plastic measuring tube is used, then the measuring tube can be easily manufactured, but the tube expands or contracts under pressure changes causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the plastic tube through thermal treatment. The measuring tube is heated to a temperature above its glass transition temperature, causing it to expand and assume a predetermined corrected shape that compensates for pressure-induced deformations. This thermal parameter change allows the tube to maintain dimensional stability during operation while retaining the manufacturing advantages of plastic material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material principles by combining plastic material with metal reinforcement elements. Strengthening ribs made of metal are integrated into the plastic tube structure, creating a composite that maintains the ease of plastic manufacturing while adding mechanical strength and dimensional stability to prevent pressure-induced expansion or contraction.
2Speed
If the measuring tube cross-section is reduced, then the flow velocity increases, but the tube is more prone to deformation under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by integrating metal strengthening ribs into the plastic tube wall. These ribs are positioned strategically to provide structural support in the reduced cross-section area, preventing deformation under pressure while maintaining the high flow velocity enabled by the reduced diameter. The composite structure combines the flow efficiency of the reduced cross-section with the mechanical stability of metal reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by thermally treating the plastic tube to modify its dimensional parameters. The tube is heated above its glass transition temperature, causing it to expand to a predetermined corrected shape that compensates for expected pressure-induced deformations. This pre-correction of dimensional parameters ensures stability is maintained during high-velocity flow conditions.
3Strength
If a metal tube with plastic liner is used, then the structural strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by using a plastic tube with integrated strengthening ribs instead of a metal tube with a separate plastic liner. The plastic tube itself forms the structural shell, and the thin metal ribs are embedded within it to provide reinforcement. This eliminates the need for separate liner installation, welding operations, and complex assembly steps required by traditional metal-lined tubes, while still providing the necessary structural strength.
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 allows for easy and cost-effective production of flowmeters with reduced cross-section measuring tubes, minimizing measurement errors caused by pressure changes and maintaining measurement accuracy across a range of pressures.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic-inductive flow meter
Implementation Method 2
a tube holder, specifically a plate-bolt construction, that surrounds the middle segment to stabilize the cross-section and prevent deformation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A magneto-inductive flowmeter (1) comprises a measuring tube (2) on which a magnet system and two or more measuring electrodes (3) are arranged and/or mounted; the measuring tube (2) has an inlet region and outlet region (11, 12) having a first cross-section as well as a central segment (10) which is located between the inlet and outlet regions (11, 12) and which has a second cross-section; the measuring electrodes (3) are arranged in the central segment (10) of the measuring tube (2); at least in the area of the measuring electrodes (3), the central segment (10) is surrounded by a tube holder (15) which prevents the second cross-section from deforming.