Indium Coriolis Flow Sensor for Cryogenic Fluid Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensing the flow of cryogenic fluids is challenging due to materials becoming brittle at low temperatures, particularly with liquid hydrogen at 20K, which affects the functionality of existing sensors.
Innovation Solution
A Coriolis flow sensor using a flow member made of at least 50 wt% indium, which remains ductile at low cryogenic temperatures, allowing it to vibrate and detect flow changes through Coriolis deflections without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional materials are used for the flow member, then the sensor structure can be simple, but the material becomes brittle at cryogenic temperatures and cannot function reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter by using indium with at least 50 wt% content, which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties of the flow member to remain ductile at cryogenic temperatures (20K) where conventional materials become brittle. This material parameter change enables reliable operation in extreme cold environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow member is constructed as a composite material system where indium (at least 50 wt%) is combined with other metals to create a material that maintains ductility at cryogenic temperatures. This composite approach leverages the superior low-temperature properties of indium while potentially adding structural benefits from alloying elements.
2Reliability
If a flow member material is selected for ductility at low temperatures, then reliability is improved, but the material becomes more specialized and less common
Solution Approach 1:
By specifying indium content of at least 50 wt%, the patent establishes a clear material parameter threshold that ensures ductility at low temperatures while providing a practical guideline for manufacturing. This quantitative specification balances material performance requirements with manufacturing feasibility.
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 indium-based flow member effectively senses the presence, direction, and magnitude of cryogenic fluid flow, overcoming the brittleness issue and ensuring reliable operation at low temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a driver for vibrating the flow member; In the absence of fluid flow, the driver causes the flow member to vibrate in a particular (usually very regular) manner
Implementation Method 2
one or more detectors configured to generate output signals corresponding to Coriolis deflections of the vibrating flow member with flow of cryogenic fluid therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A Coriolis flow sensor for sensing a flow of a cryogenic fluid is disclosed having a flow member for the passage of a flow of cryogenic fluid therethrough, a driver for vibrating the flow member, and one or more detectors configured to generate output signals corresponding to Coriolis deflections of the vibrating flow member with flow of cryogenic fluid therethrough. The flow member includes at least 50 wt % indium.