Multi-probe Ultrasonic Fluid Level Measurement in Turbulent Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to accurately measure fluid contents in piping systems under turbulent flow conditions due to refraction and scattering of ultrasonic waves, leading to erroneous measurements and potential pipe failures from water hammer effects.
Innovation Solution
A multi-probe system with multiplexed piezoelectric transducers that transmit and receive ultrasound signals, allowing for real-time fluid level determination by activating and deactivating transducers based on signal energy and time-of-flight thresholds, providing accurate measurements under both steady-state and turbulent flow conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single piezoelectric transducer is used to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates under turbulent flow conditions due to refraction and scattering of ultrasonic waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single transducer system into multiple segmented transducers arranged in an array. Each transducer element can be independently controlled to transmit or receive ultrasonic signals at different angles, allowing the system to segment the measurement task across multiple sensors to overcome turbulence-induced signal degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point measurement (one transducer) to a distributed spatial measurement system (array of transducers). By adding spatial dimensionality through multiple transducer elements positioned at different locations and angles, the system can capture ultrasonic signals from multiple paths, enabling accurate fluid level measurement even when individual signal paths are affected by turbulence.
2Measurement precision
If multiple multiplexed piezoelectric transducers are used to improve measurement accuracy under turbulent flow, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transducer elements into a single integrated transducer array system with shared control electronics. The multiplexing scheme allows all transducer elements to share common signal generation and processing circuitry, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each transducer while maintaining the benefits of multiple measurement paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer array system is designed with multi-functionality where the same array can perform both transmission and reception functions, and can be configured to measure fluid levels under various flow conditions. The multiplexed control system provides universal functionality for managing multiple transducers through a single control interface, reducing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If ultrasonic signals are transmitted through turbulent flow, then real-time monitoring capability is maintained, but the reliability of measurements deteriorates due to signal refraction and scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the received ultrasonic signals from multiple transducer elements are processed to detect signal characteristics affected by turbulence. The system uses this feedback information to adjust measurement parameters or select optimal signal paths, maintaining reliable real-time monitoring even under turbulent flow conditions by continuously adapting to changing flow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary signal processing and analysis on ultrasonic signals before final fluid level determination. By pre-processing signals from multiple transducer elements to identify and compensate for turbulence effects in advance, the system establishes more reliable measurements that can then be used for real-time monitoring without being degraded by flow conditions.
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 multi-probe system enables accurate and reliable real-time monitoring of fluid levels in pipes, reducing the risk of pipe failures by providing precise data even under dynamic conditions, with an average error of less than 5% compared to observed fluid levels.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of multiplexed piezoelectric transducers separated from a fluid by a wall of a pipe, each configured, when activated, to transmit an ultrasound signal through the pipe and receive a corresponding ultrasound signal that is reflected by a surface of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
receive a corresponding ultrasound signal that is reflected by a surface of the fluid in the pipe that is away from the wall of the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-probe system for real-time measurement of a fluid level in a pipe with steady-state and turbulent flow conditions is presented. The multi-probe system includes a plurality of multiplexed transducers attached in a non-destructive fashion to walls of the pipe. Multiplexing of the transducers activate and deactivate the transducers in sequence to generate independent pairs of transmit and receive wave signals through the pipe. Each transmit and receive signal pair can be used to independently establish a time-of-flight from the transducer and back to the transducer as reflected by a surface of the fluid. The transducers can be arranged as longitudinal and/or circumferential arrays on the walls of the pipe. An algorithm that determines the time-of-flight eliminates received signals having an energy level lower than or equal to a predefined minimum energy level and eliminates any time-of-flight that is shorter than a minimum threshold time.