Helical Baffle Inline Attenuator for Compact Ultrasonic Flow Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic gas flow meters require elbows at the front and back ends, increasing the footprint of the measurement skid and necessitating special permits for transportation, while existing attenuators require larger pipes and reducers, complicating installation and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
An in-line ultrasonic attenuator using helical baffles arranged coaxially with the pipe, eliminating the need for elbows and reducing the footprint by utilizing line pipe, with each baffle providing equivalent blind flange functionality and enhancing ultrasonic wave attenuation through a corrugated surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If elbows are used at the front and back ends of the flow meter section, then ultrasonic wave attenuation is achieved, but the footprint of the measurement skid increases and special permits are required for transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses helical baffles with curved, spiral geometry instead of straight elbows. The helical structure provides ultrasonic wave attenuation through its curved surface while maintaining a compact, in-line configuration that reduces the overall footprint of the measurement skid, eliminating the need for special transportation permits
2Area of stationary object
If in-line ultrasonic attenuator is used without elbows, then the footprint is reduced, but ultrasonic wave attenuation effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using planar blind flanges or elbows to three-dimensional helical baffles. The helical structure creates multiple reflection surfaces in different spatial orientations, providing effective ultrasonic wave attenuation in a compact in-line configuration that maintains small footprint while ensuring measurement accuracy
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing attenuator designs with plates and reducers are used, then ultrasonic attenuation is provided, but manufacturing complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated helical baffle structure. The helical baffle simultaneously provides ultrasonic wave attenuation, maintains flow direction, and eliminates the need for separate reducers and elbows, thereby simplifying the overall attenuator design and reducing manufacturing and installation complexity
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
Reduces manufacturing costs by two-thirds, minimizes the measurement skid footprint, and ensures accurate gas flow measurement without pressure drop, while eliminating the need for reducers and elbows.
Implementation Method 1
The pipe wall-facing surface of each baffle can be corrugated rather than smooth to provide more reflection points (and therefore attenuation surfaces)
Implementation Method 2
attenuating the ultrasonic waves of the meter with the in-line ultrasonic attenuator
Data Source
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AI summary
An in-line ultrasonic attenuator (10) of this disclosure includes a longitudinally extending pipe (20) having a first and second end (21, 31), and a constant inside diameter extending an entire distance between the first and second ends. Instead of plates, the attenuator includes at least one helical baffle (23 or 33), or a first and a second helical baffle (23, 33) arranged in series with one another, coaxial to the longitudinal center line of the longitudinally extending pipe. The first helical baffle has a first twist rotation and the second helical baffle has a second twist rotation opposite that of the first twist, each twist rotation being at least 180°. The pipe ID can be the same as that connected to the ultrasonic gas flow meter. No elbows are required at the front or back end of a measurement skid of which the attenuator is a part.