Multimode Ultrasonic Flow Meter Cross-Flow Compensation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic flow meters face challenges in accurately measuring flow velocity, particularly at high velocities, due to lower signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) for upstream signals, and struggle to account for cross-flow caused by thermal effects, which reduces measurement accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a multimode ultrasonic flow meter system that uses a combination of upstream and downstream signals transmitted at different angles, allowing for the calculation of flow velocity using multiple time-of-arrival measurements and enabling the computation of cross-flow by employing multiple equations, thereby increasing accuracy and range of measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If upstream ultrasonic signals are used for flow velocity measurement, then bidirectional measurement capability is achieved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates at high flow velocities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional measurement capabilityVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between different measurement modes (single-path downstream-only, dual-path with different angles, or symmetric angles) based on flow velocity conditions and signal quality, allowing adaptive optimization of measurement precision while maintaining bidirectional capability when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If single-angle transmission paths are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to account for cross-flow is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission path configurationVSAvoidcross-flow compensation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces angular dimension diversity by using transmission paths at different angles from the flow direction, enabling the system to resolve cross-flow components in multiple directions and accurately compensate for thermal effects that cause flow deviations from the primary axis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If downstream-only signals are used, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but measurement accuracy at high velocities is maintained only with single-path configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidmeasurement mode flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic flow meter is designed with multi-functionality to operate in multiple measurement modes: downstream-only mode for high SNR requirements, dual-path mode with different angles for enhanced accuracy, and symmetric angle mode for cross-flow compensation, making the device adaptable to various flow conditions and application requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If multiple transmission paths at different angles are implemented, then cross-flow computation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-flow computation accuracyVSAvoidnumber of transceivers and transmission paths

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is segmented into modular transceiver units that can be configured in different arrangements (single-path, dual-path with different angles, or symmetric angles), allowing the complexity to be divided and selected based on specific measurement requirements rather than requiring all configurations simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach enhances the accuracy and range of flow velocity measurement, mitigates the effects of cross-flow, and provides a higher signal-to-noise ratio for upstream signals by averaging velocity values from both paths, effectively addressing the limitations of existing ultrasonic flow meters.

Implementation Method 1

A transit-time or time-of-flight ultrasonic flow meter uses the time of travel for both an ultrasonic upstream signal and downstream ultrasonic signal between the two transceivers to determine the flow velocity of the medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

Ultrasonic flow meters are used to measure the flow velocity of a medium, such as gas, flowing through a conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8919207B2Flow measuring device and method using transmission paths having different angles

Publication Date: 2014.12.30 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A multimode flow meter can use both the time-of-transit of upstream and downstream ultrasonic signals and time for transmission of downstream-only signals to determine a flow velocity of a medium flowing through a conduit. Based on factors, such as previously computed flow velocity and signal-to-noise ratio of the upstream signal, a mode of operation may be switched and only the time for transmission of the downstream signals may be used to determine flow velocity. The multimode flow meter can compute cross-flow to reduce its effect on the determination of flow velocity.