Ultrasonic Flowmeter V-Shaped Signal Path Disturbance Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic flowmeters face inaccuracies due to flow disturbances such as axial, tangential, and radial disturbances in pipes, which are not completely eliminated by existing methods using multiple transducer pairs and V-shaped signal paths, resulting in measurement errors of around 0.15%.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of ultrasonic transducer pairs and reflectors on opposite halves of the circumference, with V-shaped signal paths in different planes that do not intersect, effectively eliminates tangential and radial disturbances by ensuring constant error elimination across the axial direction, and additional pairs provide diagnostic functions for detecting dirt accumulation and improving measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic transducer pairs are used to eliminate tangential and radial disturbances, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional transducer pockets required in the measuring tube wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple transducer pairs into a single transducer pair by using multiple V-shaped signal paths that originate from and return to the same transducer locations. This merging approach eliminates the need for additional transducer pockets while maintaining the capability to eliminate tangential and radial flow disturbances through signal processing of multiple paths
Solution Approach 2:
The single transducer pair is made multi-functional by enabling it to execute multiple V-shaped signal paths with different geometries and orientations. Each signal path serves a specific purpose in sampling different flow regions and eliminating specific disturbance components, allowing one transducer pair to perform the work previously requiring multiple pairs
2Measurement precision
If V-shaped signal paths are used to eliminate tangential and radial velocity components, then measurement accuracy is improved, but residual errors of approximately 0.15% persist due to axial disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by using V-shaped signal paths that extend in multiple spatial directions and planes. By configuring signal paths with different angles and orientations, the system samples flow characteristics from multiple dimensional perspectives, enabling more complete elimination of axial disturbances through comprehensive spatial averaging
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system uses a composite approach by combining multiple V-shaped signal paths with different geometric characteristics into a unified measurement strategy. Each signal path contributes different information about the flow field, and their combined processing creates a more robust measurement that eliminates various disturbance components more effectively than any single path could achieve
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 significantly reduces measurement errors to near zero, enhances accuracy, and allows for self-draining transducer pockets, improving maintenance and operation by eliminating unwanted coupling and ensuring accurate flow rate determination.
Implementation Method 1
One of the transducers emits an ultrasonic signal that travels through the flowing medium and is received by the other transducer. The system is generally configured so that the second transducer can also emit an ultrasonic signal, which is received by the first. In this way, ultrasonic signals travel alternately with and against the flow direction through the medium. Due to the propagation effect in the flowing medium, different travel times result when traveling with or against the flow direction.
Implementation Method 2
Another approach to solving the problem mentioned above involves using V-shaped signal paths. This involves placing the two ultrasonic transducers of a pair on a common side of the measuring tube, while an ultrasonic reflector is provided on the opposite side. Depending on the curvature of the measuring tube in the respective plane, such an ultrasonic reflector may be formed solely by the inner wall of the measuring tube, or a separate ultrasonic reflector, e.g., in the form of a flat plate, may be provided. An ultrasound signal emitted by one transducer travels along a V-shaped signal path via the ultrasound reflector to the other transducer in the pair.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The flowmeter has two ultrasonic converters (3) with ultrasound reflectors (4), and mounted on a circumferential half in a mutually offset position as viewed in a longitudinal direction of a measuring tube (1). The reflectors are positioned on an opposite circumferential half in the direction of the tube between the converters. An ultrasound signal emitted by one of the converters travels along a V-shaped signal path (5) via one of the reflectors to the other converter. The converters and the reflectors are positioned on the circumferential halves of the tube, respectively.