Liquid Metering Module Gas Situation Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid consumption measurement systems are compromised by the presence of gas, leading to inaccurate flow measurements due to disruptions in the metering instruments, necessitating a method to characterize and address the presence of gas to ensure accurate data transmission and appropriate corrective actions.
Innovation Solution
A calculator that receives flow rate and gas presence information from sensors to detect and characterize different situations associated with gas presence in liquid consumption measurement modules, using predefined ranges and additional data like temperature to discriminate between various phenomena such as breaks, fraud, or cavitation, without requiring hardware modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas is present in the measurement module, then the metering instrument can detect flow rate, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to disruption of liquid flow and ultrasonic signal propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary characterization system that processes raw measurement data and gas presence information to identify and classify the type of gas-related situation (e.g., air ingress, cavitation, frost protection). This intermediary layer translates complex sensor data into actionable situation types, allowing the system to maintain measurement reliability by compensating or flagging affected measurements based on the characterized situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being measured from simple flow rate to a composite set of parameters including flow rate, gas presence indicators, temperature, and derived situation classification. By monitoring multiple parameters simultaneously and analyzing their relationships, the system can distinguish between different gas-related phenomena and maintain measurement accuracy through situation-aware processing.
2Loss of information
If the manager needs to characterize gas presence to identify causes and assess data accuracy, then the ability to take appropriate measures improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using existing sensors in the measurement module for multiple purposes: the primary flow measurement function and the secondary gas presence detection function. The same ultrasonic transducers and flow sensors that measure liquid flow are also used to detect gas bubbles and characterize gas-related situations, eliminating the need for dedicated additional hardware while providing comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-characterization by automatically analyzing its own measurement data and gas presence indicators to identify the type of situation occurring. The measurement module itself generates and processes the information needed to characterize gas presence, rather than requiring external complex analysis systems. This self-service approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining complete information.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to characterize gas situations, then the characterization precision improves, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high characterization precision by making existing sensors perform multiple functions. The ultrasonic transducers used for flow measurement also detect gas bubbles through changes in signal propagation. The flow rate sensors simultaneously provide information about flow conditions that help characterize cavitation or air ingress situations. This multi-functional use of existing components achieves precise gas situation characterization without adding manufacturing 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
Enables accurate characterization of gas-related situations, allowing network managers to assess data accuracy, severity, and take appropriate measures, while utilizing existing sensors and minimizing additional hardware needs.
Implementation Method 1
The gas can thus create instability in the metering instrument's measurement, for example by unevenly disrupting the propagation of an ultrasonic signal used to perform the measurement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a computer (2) for the characterization of situations associated with the presence of gas in a measurement module (C) of the consumption of a liquid, the computer being able to receive information (Di) representative of the flow rate of a liquid passing through the measurement module and information (Gi) relating to the presence of gas in the measurement module; the computer being configured to detect, from the information representative of the flow rate of the liquid passing through the measurement module and the information relating to the presence of gas in the measurement module during a first given period (P1), the occurrence or occurrences of one or more situations (Sj) during said first period, among a set of predetermined situations (Sj).