Multidimensional Capacitance Flow Meter for Multi-Phase Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meter technologies are limited to single-phase flows and struggle with accuracy in multi-phase flows, especially when dealing with changing fluid conditions, density, viscosity, and air bubbles, and fail to perform well across the full range of volume fractions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-dimensional and multi-phase flow measurement instrument using capacitance electrodes to measure volume fraction and velocity, combined with thermal sensors for mass flow measurement, which integrates data collection and processing algorithms to enhance accuracy and detect fluid phases and flow conditions, allowing for the measurement of single, two, three, or more phases without the need for auxiliary sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If single-phase flow meter technologies are used, then the measurement is simple and accurate for single-phase flows, but the device cannot handle changing fluid conditions, density, viscosity, and air bubbles in multi-phase flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a single multi-dimensional capacitance sensor system to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously: volume fraction measurement, velocity measurement, and mass flow measurement. The sensor can handle single-phase and multi-phase flows, adjusting its operation based on flow conditions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensors for different measurement types and phases, resolving the contradiction between versatility and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-dimensional flow measurement to multi-dimensional measurement by capturing amplitude, phase, and frequency information from the capacitance sensor signals. This dimensional expansion enables the system to distinguish between different flow phases and conditions, improving both adaptability to multi-phase flows and measurement precision through richer data dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If existing multi-dimensional flow meters use combinations and correlations of single-phase technologies, then the device structure is simplified, but the meter does not perform well over the full range (0-100%) of volume fractions
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-dimensional capacitance sensor system performs self-characterization by using its own amplitude, phase, and frequency measurements to simultaneously determine volume fraction, velocity, and mass flow. The system processes its own signals through algorithms that adapt to different flow conditions, eliminating the need for external reference sensors or complex calibration systems. This self-service approach achieves full-range accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical parameters (amplitude, phase, frequency) of the capacitance sensor signals in response to varying flow conditions. By monitoring how these parameters change with volume fraction, the system can accurately track flow characteristics across the full 0-100% range. The algorithm dynamically adjusts its interpretation of sensor signals based on detected flow regime changes, maintaining precision without requiring complex hardware modifications.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to measure different flow parameters, then the measurement coverage is comprehensive, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement functions of multiple sensors into a single multi-dimensional capacitance sensor system. By combining volume fraction sensing, velocity sensing, and mass flow sensing capabilities into one integrated sensor, the system achieves comprehensive flow measurement without the complexity of multiple separate sensors. The merged sensor processes multiple signal dimensions simultaneously, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining measurement comprehensiveness.
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 precise measurement of individual components and flow rates in multi-phase flows, calculating volumetric and mass flow rates, and adjusting for density variations, improving accuracy and reliability across various flow regimes and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitance sensor having a plurality of plates... receives a signal from the data acquisition circuit... extract amplitude or phase data from the signal
Implementation Method 2
a thermal sensor operationally connected to the data acquisition circuit... obtain a mass flow rate of a single-phase flow based on information received from the thermal sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A non-intrusive multi-dimensional or multi-phase flow measurement instrument that uses capacitance electrodes to measure volume fraction (0-100%) and velocity for flows having single or multiple phases. It includes integrating the multi-dimensional capacitance sensing technology with several algorithms to increase accuracy and detect fluid phases and flow conditions. The multi-dimensional flow meter is a universal instrument to measure flows with single, two, three, or more phases using a set of multi-dimensional capacitance sensors. The multi-dimensional flow meter is capable of measuring the individual components and flow rates of virtually any multi-phase flow by using single amplitude and electric phase measurements or integrating multiple measurements of amplitude, phase (and at different frequencies), to identify the volumetric or mass flow rate of a passing flow.