Fluid Flow Measurement in Discrete Network Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring fluid flow into and out of discrete areas in fluid supply networks are costly and complex, requiring expensive flow meters and sophisticated installations, which are difficult to implement, especially in networks with large main pipes and complex topography.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using pressure sensors and consumption gauges installed on distribution pipes to measure fluid pressure and consumption, calculating fluid flow through the main pipe by applying the Darcy-Weisbach equation and Kirchhoff's system of equations, eliminating the need for costly flow meters on main pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow meters are installed on main pipes to measure fluid flow into and out of discrete areas, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses distribution pipes as intermediary elements to indirectly measure main pipe flow. By installing pressure sensors and consumption gauges on accessible distribution pipes and using hydraulic calculations (Darcy-Weisbach equation and Kirchhoff's laws), the system computes main pipe flow without direct installation on the main pipe itself, thus reducing installation complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical flow measurement (flow meters on main pipes) with a computational approach using pressure sensors and hydraulic equations. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical installations on large main pipes while achieving accurate flow measurement through mathematical modeling of the hydraulic system
2Measurement precision
If flow meters are installed on main pipes to measure fluid flow, then measurement precision is improved, but installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive flow meters designed for large main pipes with cheaper pressure sensors and consumption gauges installed on smaller distribution pipes. These cheaper sensing elements, combined with computational methods, achieve the same measurement objective at significantly lower installation and equipment costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses distribution pipes and their associated measurement devices as intermediaries to obtain main pipe flow data. This approach avoids the high cost of installing flow meters directly on main pipes by using a computational model that leverages data from more economically installable distribution pipe sensors
3Measurement precision
If multiple flow meters are installed throughout the network to measure discrete area flow, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the main pipe system and relocates it to the distribution pipe level. By removing the need for main pipe flow meters and using a computational model based on distribution pipe data, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining the ability to measure discrete area flow accurately
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a distributed mechanical measurement system (multiple flow meters throughout the network) with a centralized computational approach. Using pressure sensors at strategic locations and hydraulic equations (Darcy-Weisbach and Kirchhoff's laws), the system calculates flows throughout the network, reducing device complexity while preserving 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 approach allows for accurate and cost-effective measurement of fluid flow in and out of discrete areas, reducing installation complexity and costs, while maintaining precision and flexibility in equipment placement.
Implementation Method 1
each pressure sensor being adapted to perform a measurement of fluid pressure P1, P2 in the distribution pipe (5, 13) where the pressure sensor is installed
Implementation Method 2
calculating fluid flow through the main pipe by applying the Darcy-Weisbach equation
Implementation Method 3
calculating fluid flow through the main pipe by applying the Darcy-Weisbach equation and Kirchhoff's system of equations
Data Source
AI summary
A method for fluid flow measurement for a discrete area of a fluid supply network, where the fluid supply network includes a network of pipes that includes a main pipe for transporting fluid from a source into the fluid supply network for delivery to consumers, wherein the main pipe crosses a boundary between the discrete area and a further area of the fluid supply network, which is outside of the discrete area, and a plurality of distribution pipes each transport fluid from the main pipe to a consumer, where fluid pressure and the fluid consumption on at least two selected key metering points located inside and outside of the discrete area are measured, and where the fluid pressure and the fluid consumption measured on these selected key metering points the fluid flow in the main pipe that crosses the boundary of the discrete area is calculated.