Fluid Flow Measurement Using Spatial Sensor Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring fluid flow parameters in industrial processes, such as velocity, density, and composition, face challenges in accurately capturing stochastic parameters like unsteady temperature, conductivity, and resistivity, especially in turbulent and multi-phase flows, leading to inefficiencies and noise in measurements.
Innovation Solution
A spatial array of sensors, including microphones, temperature sensors, and magnetic flow meters, is used to detect stochastic parameters, which are then processed using signal processing techniques to determine fluid velocity and other parameters, allowing for improved accuracy and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sensor is used to measure fluid flow parameters, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to capture stochastic parameters accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the measurement system into multiple spatially distributed sensors instead of using a single sensor. The array of sensors captures stochastic parameters at different locations, improving measurement precision through spatial sampling while managing complexity through modular sensor deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point spatial measurement by adding the spatial dimension to the measurement system. This dimensional expansion allows capture of stochastic variations in fluid flow parameters across different locations, significantly improving measurement precision
2Reliability
If traditional sensing technology is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability deteriorates in turbulent and multi-phase flows due to noise and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through signal processing that analyzes data from multiple sensors and uses statistical methods to distinguish true fluid flow parameters from noise. The system continuously processes and refines measurements, improving reliability in turbulent and multi-phase flows through adaptive signal analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach by monitoring multiple stochastic parameters simultaneously across the sensor array rather than relying on a single deterministic parameter. This parameter diversification enables the system to maintain reliability under varying flow conditions including turbulence and multi-phase scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring velocity of a fluid passing through a pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a spatial array of sensors having at least two sensors disposed at different axial locations along the pipe, wherein the sensors provide at least one signal indicative of a stochastic parameter associated with a characteristic of the fluid, wherein the characteristic includes at least one of unsteady temperature, density, consistency, transparency, conductivity, capacitance, resistivity, and inductance. A signal processor is also provided, wherein the signal processor is configured to receive the at least one signal and determine the velocity of the fluid using the at least one signal.