Liquid Flow Measurement With Internal Impeller Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional liquid flow measurement devices in pumps, such as centrifugal pumps, are large in size and require additional parts and sealings for external bypass systems, leading to increased pressure loss and installation space.
Innovation Solution
A liquid flow measurement device with an internal bypass system that uses a partition wall within the liquid channel to divide the flow into parts directed towards and bypassing the impeller, minimizing pressure loss and reducing the number of parts and sealings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an external bypass system is used to measure flow rate, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bypass channel and main channel into a single integrated housing structure. The bypass channel is formed within the housing by partition walls, eliminating the need for separate external bypass piping and multiple sealings. This integration maintains the dual-channel functionality for measurement while reducing component count and installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller is nested within the bypass channel, utilizing the bypass channel space for measurement purposes. The partition walls are arranged to create the bypass channel while the impeller rotates within this channel, effectively nesting the measurement mechanism within the flow path structure.
2Measurement precision
If an external bypass system is used to measure flow rate, then measurement precision is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass channel is merged with the main channel housing, forming a compact integrated structure. The partition walls divide the single housing into functional zones for bypass flow and main flow, eliminating the need for separate external bypass piping and reducing the overall installation footprint.
3Measurement precision
If the impeller extends further into the liquid channel, then measurement capability is improved, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid channel is segmented into two distinct flow paths by partition walls: a bypass channel that diverts flow around the impeller and a main channel for the primary flow. This segmentation allows the impeller to extend into the liquid channel for measurement while the bypass channel provides a separate path that minimizes pressure loss in the main flow path.
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 internal bypass system allows accurate measurement of liquid flow at low and high rates with minimal pressure loss, requiring less installation space and fewer components.
Implementation Method 1
The partition wall divides the liquid flow coming from the inlet into a first part which is directed towards the impeller, and a second part which bypasses the impeller
Implementation Method 2
The impeller is adapted to rotate about an impeller axle such that the impeller at least partially extends in the liquid channel
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid flow measurement device (100) includes a housing (200) defining a liquid channel (202), which further defines an inlet (204) and an outlet (206) for a liquid flow. Further, an impeller housing (208) is defined by the housing (200) such that an impeller (400) is disposed within the impeller housing (208). The impeller (400) is adapted to rotate about an impeller axle (402). The impeller (400) extends in the liquid channel (202) up to a first length (L1) from the impeller axle (402). The liquid flow measurement device (100) is characterized in that the liquid flow measurement device (100) includes a partition wall (224) disposed within the liquid channel (202) such that the partition wall (224) is disposed at a second length (L2) from the impeller axle (402) such that the first length (L1) is smaller than or equal to the second length (L2). The partition wall (224) divides the liquid flow coming from the inlet (204) into a first part which is directed towards the impeller (400), and a second part which bypasses the impeller (400).