Multipath Ultrasonic Gas Flow Measurement for Fouling-Prone Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic flow measurement systems for gas channels face challenges in accurately measuring flow due to limited coverage and inadequate consideration of flow profiles, leading to inaccuracies and sensitivity to fouling.
Innovation Solution
The system employs at least two ultrasonic transducers arranged in a flow direction within the channel, emitting and receiving ultrasonic pulses along multiple paths, including reflections, to determine transit times and account for flow profiles, with a processor using these times to calculate gas flow accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single ultrasonic transducer pair is used for flow measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to limited coverage and inadequate consideration of flow profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement task is segmented into multiple ultrasonic paths, each contributing to different regions of the channel cross-section. By dividing the measurement into multiple paths with different inclination angles, the system achieves comprehensive coverage of the flow profile without requiring a single complex transducer assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point measurement to multi-path measurement by introducing the dimension of path inclination angles. Multiple ultrasonic paths are arranged at different angles (including 45 degrees and other angles) relative to the channel axis, enabling three-dimensional sampling of the flow field and improving measurement accuracy through spatial distribution.
2Area of stationary object
If ultrasonic transducers are mounted on opposing surfaces of the channel, then the coverage is improved, but the sensitivity to fouling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by selecting specific mounting locations and angles for ultrasonic transducers that optimize measurement coverage while minimizing exposure to fouling-prone areas. Transducers are positioned to achieve optimal inclination angles for flow profile measurement while avoiding direct contact with heavily soiled channel surfaces.
3Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic paths with different inclination angles are used, then the measurement precision is improved by accounting for flow profiles, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducers are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as transmitters and receivers for multiple paths. Each transducer pair can measure multiple ultrasonic paths at different inclination angles, eliminating the need for separate transducer assemblies for each path and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement 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
This approach enhances measurement accuracy by increasing coverage and reducing sensitivity to fouling, allowing for precise determination of gas flow even in channels with varying cross-sections and flow profiles.
Implementation Method 1
configured to emit an ultrasonic pulse into the channel and to receive an ultrasonic pulse in the channel
Implementation Method 2
determine and store the transit times of ultrasonic pulses propagating in and against flow direction
Data Source
AI summary
A flow measurement system includes an ultrasonic flowmeter including two or more ultrasonic transducers arranged in flow direction, when the ultrasonic flowmeter is fixed to the channel, and emitting and receiving an ultrasonic pulse in the channel, and a processor connected to the transducers. The processor determines and stores transit times of ultrasonic pulses propagating in and against a flow direction along a path in the channel, and determines a flow of gas using the transit times. The flow measurement system further includes a damper system has a damper blade arranged in the channel downstream of the ultrasonic flowmeter. The ultrasonic transducers receive one or more reflections of an ultrasonic pulse in the channel, and the processor determines and stores transit times of ultrasonic pulses propagating in and against flow direction along one or more reflection paths, and determines the flow of gas using the transit times.