Fuel Flow Measurement Module with Venturi Constriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel flow rate measurement sensors in burners are prone to measurement errors due to confined flow imbalances, turbulence, and incorrect positioning, leading to non-optimal combustion conditions.
Innovation Solution
A module with a Venturi constriction device and a secondary conduit system that isolates a sample flow for precise measurement, using a hot film or hot wire anemometer sensor to measure fuel flow rate independently of installation conditions, ensuring accurate fuel flow rate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow rate measurement sensor is installed directly in the fuel conduit, then the measurement can be performed at the fuel source, but the sensor is affected by turbulence, confined flow imbalances, and positioning errors leading to measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts a portion of the fuel flow (sample flow) from the main fuel conduit through a tap or side channel, and directs it through a separate measurement conduit to the sensor. This removes the sensor from the turbulent main flow environment while still allowing accurate measurement of the overall fuel flow rate through proportional sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement conduit acts as an intermediary between the main fuel conduit and the sensor. It provides a controlled, laminar flow path that isolates the sensor from turbulence and flow imbalances in the main system, while still carrying a representative sample of the fuel flow for measurement.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sensor is positioned in a conduit with sudden section changes or incorrect positioning, then installation is simplified, but measurement errors increase due to flow disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a straightening section or flow conditioning elements in the measurement conduit before the sensor location. This preliminary action prepares the flow to be laminar and stable before it reaches the sensor, ensuring accurate measurement without requiring complex installation conditions in the main fuel conduit.
3Device complexity
If the fuel flow rate measurement is inaccurate, then the burner can operate with simpler control, but combustion becomes non-optimal and power requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the sensor continuously measures the fuel flow rate and sends this information to a control unit. The control unit adjusts the fuel supply and air intake based on the measured flow rate to maintain optimal combustion conditions, ensuring reliable and efficient burner operation across varying load conditions.
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 module provides a precise and stable fuel flow rate measurement, unaffected by turbulence and flow deviations, enabling optimal combustion control by isolating the measurement sensor from main flow instabilities and ensuring accurate air/gas ratio management.
Implementation Method 1
a Venturi constriction device (8) which reduces the speed of the first flow (F1) of fuel through a pressure reduction
Implementation Method 2
using a hot film or hot wire anemometer sensor to measure fuel flow rate
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A module (1 ) for measuring the flow rate of fuel, having an inlet portion (4a), an outlet portion (4b) and a primary conduit (3) for transporting the fuel extending between said inlet and outlet portions (4a, 4b) for transporting a first flow (F1 ) of fuel. The module (1 ) further has a secondary conduit (5) for transporting fuel, adjacent to the first conduit (3) and extending between a first section (7a) and a second section (7b) of the primary conduit (3) for transporting a second flow (F2) of fuel between the first and the second section (7a, 7b). The module (1 ) further has a measurement sensor (6) of the flow rate of fuel introduced into the secondary conduit (5) and a Venturi constriction device (8) arranged in the primary conduit (3) in proximity to or at the second section (7b).