Multiphase Emission Flowmeter with PINN Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GHG emission measurement technologies fail to accurately and continuously quantify mass flow rates from a distance, are affected by environmental factors, and assume single-phase flows devoid of humidity and impurities, leading to inconsistent data and unreliable forecasts.
Innovation Solution
A multiphase emission flowmeter system with an active air intake and dual pressure differential approach, combined with gas and VOC sensors, and advection-diffusion analysis using Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) to measure mass flow rates, accounting for wind velocity and direction, and handling multiphase environments with humidity and impurities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-phase flowmeters with gas sensors are used for emission measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental factors and assumptions about single-phase flow without humidity or impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter assumption from single-phase to multiphase flow measurement. The flowmeter is specifically designed to handle and measure multiphase flows containing gas, liquid droplets, and particulate matter, eliminating the need to assume single-phase conditions and thereby improving measurement precision in real-world emission scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite measurement approach that combines multiphase flowmetering technology with environmental sensing capabilities. This composite system integrates multiple measurement functions into a unified device that can simultaneously measure flow rate, composition, and environmental parameters, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If emission measurement is performed at the source or very close to it, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for inline measurement systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sampling system as an intermediary between the emission source and the measurement device. This sampling interface captures representative samples of the multiphase emission stream and delivers them to the flowmeter, enabling accurate measurement without requiring the device to be positioned at or immediately next to the emission source, thus reducing installation complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If gas sensors are used to infer emission flow rates from concentration data, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to substantial assumptions in modeling and susceptibility to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the software-based inference approach (using sensors and computational models to estimate flow rates) with a direct mechanical measurement approach. The multiphase flowmeter provides direct physical measurement of emission flow rates through flow-induced signals, eliminating the need for complex modeling assumptions and reducing susceptibility to environmental factors that affect sensor-based inference methods.
4Manufacturing precision
If devices assume single-phase flow without humidity or impurities, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when moisture or impurities are present in the gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the design parameter from single-phase to multiphase flow measurement capability. The device is engineered to accommodate variable composition including gas, liquid droplets, and particulate matter, allowing it to adapt to real-world emission conditions with humidity and impurities while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized multiphase measurement technology.
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 system provides continuous, accurate, and reliable measurements of GHG and VOC mass flow rates at remote sources, unaffected by environmental variations, offering comprehensive and precise emission data.
Implementation Method 1
A multiphase emission flowmeter system with an active air intake and dual pressure differential approach
Implementation Method 2
advection-diffusion analysis using Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs)
Implementation Method 3
advection-diffusion analysis using Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs)
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring the emission mass flow rates of pollutants that uses a flow unit remote from the emission site and multiple layers of physics-informed neural networks, or PINN. The system allows for continuously monitoring, measuring, and quantifying of a variety of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (e.g. CH4, CH3Br, C2H6, C3H8, COx, NxO, SOx, SF6, H2, MOX, HCHO, VOC, and HC). The systems can include measuring the flow of GHG emissions that are emitted by, oil and gas facilities, industrial farming facilities, manufacturing facilities, waste management facilities, and high-density residential buildings/complexes and other locations of interest.