Acoustic Surface Wave Flow Measurement via Helical Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining physical, chemical, and biological properties of fluids in pipes face challenges such as high computational effort in signal processing and limited precision in flow profile measurement, especially for non-standard media and varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method using at least two transmitter-receiver pairs to excite and receive surface waves on the lateral surface of a curved guide element, with specific angles for propagation to enable precise flow measurement and flow profile correction, allowing for more accurate determination of physical, chemical, and biological properties by adjusting the angle of sound wave propagation relative to the pipe's longitudinal direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple transmitter-receiver pairs are used to improve measurement precision, then flow profile correction and measurement accuracy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple transmitter-receiver pairs positioned at different locations and angles around the pipe. Each pair independently measures flow properties along its specific path, allowing the system to capture the complete flow profile through segmentation of the measurement domain into multiple discrete acoustic paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-path or limited-path measurements to multi-dimensional flow characterization by positioning transmitters and receivers at various angular positions around the pipe circumference. This spatial dimensionality enables capture of the radial and angular flow profile, transforming one-dimensional flow rate measurement into comprehensive three-dimensional flow field characterization.
2Reliability
If signal processing methods are enhanced to extract more information from received signals, then measurement reliability improves, but computational effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary signal processing operations immediately upon receiving acoustic signals, including cross-correlation for time-of-flight determination and velocity calculation. By executing these computational tasks in real-time as signals are received, the system ensures measurement reliability without deferring computational effort to later stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where measured flow properties from multiple transmitter-receiver pairs are continuously processed and used to refine subsequent measurements. The evaluation unit integrates data from all pairs, applying correction algorithms that feed back into the measurement process, improving reliability through iterative refinement while optimizing computational resource utilization.
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 enables precise flow measurement and flow profile correction, improving measurement accuracy and reducing computational complexity, allowing for reliable determination of properties like flow rate, density, and temperature across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least two acoustic waves are generated by a transmitted signal... acoustic surface waves are generated that couple volume sound waves into the respective medium via a waveguide
Implementation Method 2
surface waves are received by means of a receiver of each transmitter-receiver pair, which are at least partially attributable to a first or second acoustic wave that was excited by acoustic surface waves propagating at the lateral surface, propagated in the adjacent medium and at least partially coupled back into the lateral surface of the guiding element as a surface wave
Implementation Method 3
From the received signals generated at the respective receivers, a time-of-flight difference can then be determined
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention in particular relates to a method for the determining of physical, chemical and/or biological properties of a medium (M), in which surface waves (OW1, OW2, OW3) are received by means of a receiver (SE2, SE3) of a first and second transmitter-receiver pair (SE1, SE2; SE1, SE3), which surface waves at least partially originate from a first or second acoustic wave (VW1, VW2,...) which is excited by acoustic surface waves (OW1, OW2, OW3) spreading on the external surface (11, 12, 21, 22) of a conductive element (R), spreads in the medium (M) and at least partially couples into the external surface (11, 12, 21, 22) of the conductive element, e.g. a tube (R) or tube segment, again as a surface wave (OW1, OW2, OW3). According to the present invention, it is provided that: surface waves (OW1, OW2) are excited by a transmitter (SE1) of the first transmitter-receiver pair (SE1, SE2), the spreading direction of said surface waves running parallel to a longitudinal extension direction (z) of the conductive element (R); and surface waves (OW3) are excited by a transmitter (SE1) of the second transmitter-receiver pair (SE1, SE3), the spreading direction of said surface waves being adjusted to a defined angle α relative to the longitudinal extension direction (z) of the conductive element (R), where 0° < α < 90°, so that surface waves (OW3) of the second transmitter-receiver pair (SE1, SE3) spread helically on the external surface (22) of the conductive element (R) in the direction of the second receiver (SE3).