Gamma-Ray Detector Array for Multiphase Flow Cross-Section Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiphase flowmeters face challenges in accurately measuring the mass flow rates of gas, liquid, and solid phases in multiphase flows due to spatial and temporal inhomogeneities, leading to inaccurate data and errors in phase fraction measurements, particularly with single-source gamma-ray detectors that sample limited cross-sections and suffer from interference and low accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a gamma-ray source and detector array with a differential pressure type flowmeter, where the gamma-ray source emits gamma rays covering the throat section's cross-section, allowing for total cross-section measurement without interference, using a multi-energy radiation source and silicon photomultiplier detectors to enhance accuracy and reduce errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-source gamma-ray detector is used to measure multiphase flow, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to spatial inhomogeneities and limited cross-section sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent detection units arranged in an array, with each unit measuring a specific cross-sectional region. This segmentation allows the system to capture spatial inhomogeneities across the entire flow cross-section while maintaining relatively simple individual detector components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point detection to multi-point spatial distribution detection by arranging detectors in a two-dimensional array across the flow cross-section. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive sampling of spatial inhomogeneities without requiring complex single-detector systems.
2Device complexity
If a single-source gamma-ray detector samples limited cross-section, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to spatial inhomogeneities
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple units distributed across the cross-section, with each unit independently measuring its local phase fraction. This allows comprehensive spatial sampling while keeping individual detector units relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detection units are merged into a unified array system that collectively measures the entire cross-section. The individual measurements are combined to provide comprehensive phase fraction data, achieving high precision without requiring any single complex detector.
3Measurement precision
If multiple radiation sources are used to cover total cross-section, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple radiation sources, the patent segments the detection function across multiple detectors arranged in an array. Each detector receives radiation from a single source while measuring different spatial locations, achieving comprehensive coverage without source interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the flow stream itself as an intermediary to separate and direct radiation paths to different detectors. This allows multiple measurement positions to be served by a single radiation source, eliminating source interference while maintaining comprehensive cross-section coverage.
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 solution provides more accurate mass flow rate measurements by spatially detecting the total cross-section of multiphase fluids, reducing errors from spatial inhomogeneities and eliminating interference, while maintaining accuracy across the cross-section.
Implementation Method 1
a gamma-ray source configured to emit gamma rays covering a measurement cross-section of the throat section, and a gamma-ray detector configured to receive the gamma rays passing through the measurement cross-section of the throat section
Data Source
AI summary
A device for total cross-section measurement of a mass flow rate of gas, liquid and solid in a multiphase flow includes a gamma-ray source, a gamma-ray detector, and a differential pressure type flowmeter. The differential pressure type flowmeter includes a throat section, and the gamma-ray source and the gamma-ray detector are respectively disposed at opposite positions on both sides of the throat section. The gamma-ray detector is an array including a plurality of detection units, and the gamma-ray source is configured to emit gamma rays covering the measurement cross-section of the throat section. The gamma-ray detector is configured to receive the gamma rays passing through the measurement cross-section of the throat section.