Multifluid Vortex Flow Meter With Density-Based Totalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vortex flow meters struggle to automatically detect the type of fluid (gas vs. liquid) being measured and adjust settings accordingly, particularly in applications with multiple fluids of different densities, leading to potential inaccuracies in flow measurement and totalization.
Innovation Solution
A vortex flow meter that includes a shedder bar to generate vortices, a vortex sensor to detect these vortices, and a processor to calculate fluid velocity and density, allowing it to differentiate between fluids and assign flow measurements to appropriate totalizers based on amplitude and frequency analysis, with optional self-calibration and dual totalizers for accurate measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a vortex flow meter measures multiple fluids with different densities using a single totalizer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the meter cannot accurately differentiate between fluid types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the totalization function into multiple separate totalizers (first totalizer and second totalizer), each dedicated to measuring specific fluid types. This segmentation allows the system to maintain measurement precision for different fluids while using a single vortex flow meter, as each totalizer can be configured with appropriate parameters for its designated fluid type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic fluid type detection by continuously monitoring the relationship between vortex frequency and differential pressure. The system automatically identifies fluid type based on measured density characteristics and dynamically switches between totalizers or adjusts measurement parameters accordingly, enabling adaptive measurement without manual reconfiguration.
2Measurement precision
If the vortex flow meter manually configures settings for different fluid types, then the measurement precision can be optimized, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to required user input and calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex flow meter performs self-identification of fluid type by automatically measuring density through the relationship between vortex frequency and differential pressure. The system compares measured density against predefined thresholds to determine fluid type and automatically configures appropriate totalizer settings, eliminating the need for manual user input or calibration while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors flow measurements and uses feedback from the relationship between frequency and differential pressure to dynamically adjust totalizer configuration. This closed-loop approach ensures accurate measurement by automatically adapting to changing fluid conditions without requiring manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vortex flow meter uses density-based fluid type detection, then the adaptability improves for multiple fluid types, but the measurement precision may deteriorate when fluids have similar densities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes predefined density thresholds and totalizer configurations for different fluid types before operation. By preparing multiple totalizers with pre-configured parameters for various fluid types, the system can quickly and accurately identify fluids with similar densities by comparing measured values against these predetermined references, improving both adaptability and precision.
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 automatic detection and differentiation of fluid types, ensuring accurate flow measurement and totalization of multiple fluids with minimal user input, improving operational efficiency and accuracy in processes like plunger lift and chemical plants.
Implementation Method 1
Vortex flow meters employ an operating principle based on the phenomenon of vortex shedding known as the von Karman effect. As fluid passes a bluff body or shedder bar, it separates and generates small eddies or vortices that are shed alternately along and behind each side of the bluff body.
Implementation Method 2
These vortices cause areas of fluctuating pressure that are detected by a sensor. The frequency of vortex generation is essentially proportional to fluid velocity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vortex flow includes a flowtube configured to receive a flow of process fluid. A shedder bar is disposed within the flowtube and is configured to generate vortices in the flow of process fluid. A vortex sensor is disposed to sense vortices in the flow of process fluid generated by the shedder bar. Measurement electronics are operably coupled to the vortex sensor and are configured to detect an analog signal of the vortex sensor and provide a digital indication relative to the analog signal of the vortex sensor. A processor is configured to receive the digital indication and calculate velocity of the process fluid flow based on a frequency of the digital indication. The processor is also configured to measure an amplitude of the digital indication and estimate density of the process fluid based on the measured amplitude. The processor is further configured to determine a fluid type based on the measured amplitude and assign a unit of flow corresponding to the calculated velocity to a fluid totalizer corresponding to the detected fluid type.