Multiphase Vortex Flowmeter Acoustic Detection Phase Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowmeters, such as Venturi and vortex flowmeters, face limitations in accurately measuring flowrate, especially during phase changes in multiphase fluids, leading to inaccuracies and interruptions in detection.
Innovation Solution
A multiphase flowmeter with a bluff body that introduces vortices, using piezo patch sensors to detect perturbations at multiple locations downstream, allowing for calculation of flowrate based on time differences, ensuring continuous flowrate measurement even during phase changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a Venturi flowmeter is used to measure flowrate, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to indirect measurement and amplification of pressure measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Venturi flowmeter with an acoustic vortex flowmeter that uses sound waves to measure flowrate directly. The acoustic sensors detect vortex frequency generated by the bluff body, eliminating the need for differential pressure measurements and their associated errors, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining reasonable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary to measure flowrate. Instead of directly measuring pressure drop or using complex mechanical sensors, the system uses acoustic sensors to detect the frequency of vortices generated by the bluff body, providing a more accurate and direct measurement of flowrate
2Measurement precision
If a vortex flowmeter is used to measure flowrate, then the measurement precision improves through direct measurement, but the reliability deteriorates during phase changes in multiphase fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from vortex frequency (which becomes unreliable during phase changes) to acoustic signal detection. By using acoustic sensors to detect sound waves generated by the bluff body, the system can maintain reliable measurement during phase changes when vortex frequency detection fails, thus improving both precision and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the flowmeter universal by enabling it to measure flowrate in single-phase and multiphase flows alike. The acoustic detection system works across different fluid phases and conditions, providing continuous reliable measurement whether the fluid is liquid, gas, or a mixture, thus eliminating the reliability issue during phase changes
3Adaptability or versatility
If a bluff body is introduced to generate vortices for flowrate measurement, then the measurement range expands, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and measurement locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single acoustic sensor system. Instead of using separate sensors at multiple locations to detect vortices and perturbations, the system uses acoustic sensors that can detect both vortex frequency and perturbation signals simultaneously, reducing device complexity while maintaining expanded measurement range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor arrays with an acoustic detection system. The acoustic sensors can detect both the regular vortex frequency and the perturbation signals from phase changes through sound wave propagation, simplifying the sensor configuration while providing comprehensive measurement capability across different flow conditions
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 solution provides accurate and continuous flowrate measurement across phase changes, enhancing the range and reliability of flowrate detection compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
A vortex flowmeter introduces a bluff body to a flow of fluid. A bluff body is an elongated structure that traverses a flow of fluid in a channel and is of a shape that is configured to encourage the formation of vortices. As the flow meets a generally flat surface face of the stationary bluff body, vortices of swirling fluid will form in a regular pattern
Implementation Method 2
A flowrate for the flow of fluid is calculated based on a time difference between the detections. The detecting of the perturbation is achieved with a sensor that is a piezo patch sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A multiphase flowmeter for detection of fluid flow by monitoring of vortex frequency or perturbation time of flight. The flowmeter includes a bluff body to facilitate formation of vortices during a consistent phase of a flowing fluid. Thus, monitoring frequency of the vortices may be employed to ascertain flowrate. Further, the bluff body may also facilitate formation of perturbations during transitioning phase of the fluid and include perturbation sensors at multiple known locations along the flow-path. Thus, analysis of perturbation detection times at the different locations may be used to ascertain flowrate even in the absence of vortices.