Micro Flow Rate Measurement Using Fluid Level Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring micro flow rates of fluids, especially condensate water, face challenges such as interference with fluid flow and difficulty in measuring high-temperature multi-phase flows, leading to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A device that measures micro flow rates using a container with a fluid level gauge and control valve, which calculates flow rates based on fluid level changes over time intervals, and is integrated into systems like nuclear power plants to accurately measure condensate water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flowmeters are used to measure micro flow rates, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to interference with fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical flowmeters with a level-change-based measurement system. Instead of using mechanical components that directly interact with and interfere the fluid flow, the invention uses a container with a fluid level gauge that measures the rise in fluid level over time, thereby substituting mechanical flow measurement with a non-intrusive level measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a container as an intermediary element between the fluid source and the measurement system. The container accumulates the micro flow, and the level gauge measures the resulting level change, which indirectly reflects the flow rate. This intermediary approach allows measurement without direct contact between the measurement device and the flowing fluid.
2Measurement precision
If pressure drop method is used to measure flow rate, then measurement is enabled, but fluid flow is interfered with because pressure drop exerts greater influence than flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the pressure drop method with a level measurement system. Instead of measuring pressure differential that directly affects fluid flow, the invention measures the height of fluid accumulation in a container over time, replacing pressure-based measurement with gravity-based level measurement that does not interfere with the micro flow.
3Measurement precision
If vortex measurement method is used, then flow measurement is possible, but micro flow rate cannot be measured because vortex cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the measurement approach by instead of trying to generate and measure vortices in micro flow, it measures the level rise caused by the accumulation of micro flow in a container. This inversion transforms an impossible vortex-based measurement into a feasible level-based measurement for micro flow rates.
4Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to measure condensate water flow rate, then measurement attempt is made, but accurate measurement is difficult because flow rate is too small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by accumulating condensate water in a container before measurement. The level gauge is positioned to detect when the accumulated fluid reaches a predetermined height, allowing the system to measure very small flow rates by accumulating them over time until a measurable level change occurs.
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 measures micro flow rates with minimal interference, providing reliable and accurate measurements even for high-temperature multi-phase flows, enhancing system stability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid level gauge configured to sense whether a level of a fluid collected in the container rises to a predetermined height to conduct or block flow of an electric current
Implementation Method 2
a control valve disposed in the outflow line and configured to open or close the outflow line according to a state in which the control valve is electrically connected to or disconnected from the fluid level gauge
Implementation Method 3
a condenser configured to condense a transferred vapor
Implementation Method 4
a steam generator configured to receive condensate water condensed by the condenser, transform the received condensate water into a vapor, and transfer the transformed vapor to the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a device for measuring a micro flow rate. The device includes a container having an internal space for containing a fluid flowing therein and an inflow line and an outflow line formed in communication with the internal space, a fluid level gauge configured to sense whether a level of a fluid collected in the container rises to a predetermined height to conduct or block flow of an electric current, a control valve disposed in the outflow line and configured to open or close the outflow line according to a state in which the control valve is electrically connected to or disconnected from the fluid level gauge such that the outflow line is opened or closed according to a change in the fluid level; and a control unit configured to calculate a micro flow rate of the fluid collected in the container using information acquired from at least one of the fluid level gauge and the control valve.