Insert Vortex Flowmeter Element Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insertion-type flow meters face challenges in accurately measuring fluid velocity due to external forces and noise, such as vibrations and non-uniform flow, which affect the accuracy of vortex shedding signals, especially at lower velocities.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical flowmeter with an elongate body and a vortex-generating element that directs vortices to impinge alternately on top and bottom walls, featuring offset sensors and a flow conditioning space to minimize noise interference and maintain signal uniformity across a range of velocities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a physical detection member is designed to be deflected by vortices for velocity measurement, then fluid flow velocity can be measured, but external forces and vibrations are also detected causing measurement inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vortex-generating element as an intermediary between the fluid flow and the detection system. This element converts fluid flow into controlled vortex patterns that can be detected optically, separating the measurement function from direct physical contact with the fluid, thereby eliminating interference from external forces and vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical deflection-based detection system with an optical detection system. Instead of using a physical member that deflects under vortex force, the invention uses light interaction with vortex patterns to determine fluid velocity, eliminating mechanical sensitivity to external vibrations and forces.
2Measurement precision
If vortex shedding is used for flow measurement, then fluid velocity can be determined from vortex frequency, but at lower velocities the vortex strength is diminished and noise has greater effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vortex shedding phenomenon itself as a controlled vibration source. By generating regular vortex patterns at known frequencies proportional to fluid velocity, the system creates a measurable vibration signal that remains detectable even at low velocities, allowing the detection system to distinguish signal from noise through frequency analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical vibration detection with optical detection of vortex patterns. This substitution allows for more sensitive detection of weak vortex structures at low velocities, as optical methods can detect subtle flow patterns without being subject to mechanical noise thresholds.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an insertion-type flow meter is designed to fit different pipe diameters, then versatility and cost-effectiveness are improved, but the flow meter must be insertable and removable for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow meter into separable components: an insertion section that interfaces with the pipe and a measurement section containing the vortex-generating element and optical sensors. This segmentation allows the device to be inserted and removed from pipes of different diameters while maintaining measurement functionality, facilitating easy installation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the insertion section with universal interface characteristics that accommodate multiple pipe diameters. The optical measurement system is configured to function across different flow conditions and pipe sizes, making the device versatile for various applications without requiring model-specific customization.
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 solution effectively reduces noise interference and maintains signal accuracy by using a flow conditioning space and offset sensors, allowing for precise fluid velocity measurement despite external disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
placing an elongated obstruction transverse to the direction of fluid flow within a conduit will result in the generation of vortices in the wake of the obstruction. The vortices are induced by and shed alternately from opposite sides of the obstruction
Implementation Method 2
Two pressure elements are disposed within said elongate body for sensing vortices impinging inside said body. The pressure elements are generating an output signal indicative of a force applied onto each of them
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An insertion-type flowmeter adapted for removable insertion into a fluid conduit includes an elongate body having a flow opening and a vortex-generating element disposed within the flow opening at distance from the opening entry that is correlated to the size of the flow opening to define a flow conditioning space in the flow opening between the opening entry and the vortex-generating element.