Multiphase Flowmeter Ultrasonic Transducer Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multiphase flowmeters are complex and costly due to the combination of detection devices, making it difficult to measure the flow quantity of multiphase fluids containing liquid, gas, and solid particles effectively.

Innovation Solution

A multiphase flowmeter with transducers disposed on the outside walls of vertical and horizontal pipes, using reflection correlation and Doppler methods to calculate flow velocities and determine the presence and quantity of gas bubbles and solid particles, with a simplified configuration that reduces costs and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple detection devices are combined to measure multiphase fluid flow, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow quantity measurementVSAvoidconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single ultrasonic flowmeter to perform multiple measurement functions. The flowmeter measures not only the flow quantity of the multiphase fluid but also detects the presence and quantity of gas bubbles and solid particles simultaneously. This is achieved by processing ultrasonic signals to extract multiple parameters (flow velocity, gas bubble presence, solid particle presence) from the same detection system, eliminating the need for separate detection devices for each parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated ultrasonic flowmeter device. Instead of combining separate flowmeters, gas bubble detectors, and solid particle detectors, the invention integrates all these functions into one device that uses ultrasonic transducers to detect and measure all parameters simultaneously, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If multiple detection devices are combined to measure multiphase fluid flow, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow quantity measurementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single ultrasonic flowmeter to perform multiple measurement functions. The flowmeter measures not only the flow quantity of the multiphase fluid but also detects the presence and quantity of gas bubbles and solid particles simultaneously. This is achieved by processing ultrasonic signals to extract multiple parameters (flow velocity, gas bubble presence, solid particle presence) from the same detection system, eliminating the need for separate detection devices for each parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated ultrasonic flowmeter device. Instead of combining separate flowmeters, gas bubble detectors, and solid particle detectors, the invention integrates all these functions into one device that uses ultrasonic transducers to detect and measure all parameters simultaneously, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If multiple detection devices are disposed along the flow direction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas bubble detectionVSAvoidconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single ultrasonic flowmeter to perform multiple measurement functions. The flowmeter measures not only the flow quantity of the multiphase fluid but also detects the presence and quantity of gas bubbles and solid particles simultaneously. This is achieved by processing ultrasonic signals to extract multiple parameters (flow velocity, gas bubble presence, solid particle presence) from the same detection system, eliminating the need for separate detection devices for each parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated ultrasonic flowmeter device. Instead of combining separate flowmeters, gas bubble detectors, and solid particle detectors, the invention integrates all these functions into one device that uses ultrasonic transducers to detect and measure all parameters simultaneously, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 accurate measurement of flow quantities, diameters, and numbers of gas bubbles and solid particles in multiphase fluids with a simple configuration similar to existing ultrasonic flowmeters, while detecting the presence of gas bubbles and solid particles, at a lower cost.

Implementation Method 1

When the ultrasonic wave which is transmitted by the upstream detector (4) is reflected by the gas bubble (3a) included in the fluid (2), the upstream detector (4) receives the reflected ultrasonic wave as a reflection signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

using reflection correlation and Doppler methods to calculate flow velocities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2913641B1Multiphase flowmeter
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2913641B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2913641B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2913641B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~6

AI summary

A multiphase flowmeter includes a first flow quantity measurer configured to transmit and receive a first measurement signal, the first flow quantity measurer being disposed on an outside wall of a vertical pipe line, a second flow quantity measurer configured to transmit and receive a second measurement signal, the second flow quantity measurer being disposed on an outside wall of a horizontal pipe line which is connected to the vertical pipeline, and a flow quantity parameter calculator configured to receive the first measurement signal from the first flow quantity measurer and the second measurement signal from the second flow quantity measurer, the flow quantity parameter calculating a flow quantity parameter in accordance with the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal.