Nested Flow Meter Conduits for High-Pressure Noise Attenuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meter systems face challenges in accurately measuring high-pressure fluid flow rates and viscosity, particularly in harsh industrial environments like hydrocarbon extraction and injection processes, due to issues such as cavitation, noise interference, and material stress from high pressures.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter system comprising a metal outer conduit and a non-metal inner conduit with an attenuative material, forming a fluid annulus to balance pressure and absorb ultrasound noise, along with an axial distance and angled inlet to reduce cavitation, and metal seals axially offset from ultrasonic crystals for improved noise attenuation and pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a metal conduit is used to withstand high pressure, then pressure resistance is improved, but noise attenuation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is divided into two separate conduits: an outer metal conduit for pressure resistance and an inner non-metal conduit for noise attenuation. This segmentation allows each conduit to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between pressure resistance and noise attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite construction with different materials serving different purposes: metal outer conduit for structural strength and pressure containment, and non-metal inner conduit for acoustic absorption. This composite approach combines the advantages of both material types without compromising either function.
2Device complexity
If a single conduit structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously withstand pressure and attenuate noise deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter system is segmented into functional components: outer conduit for pressure containment, inner conduit for noise reduction, and fluid annulus for pressure balancing. This segmentation enables each component to optimize its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid annulus acts as an intermediary between the inner and outer conduits, providing pressure balancing that protects the inner conduit from high pressure while allowing the outer conduit to withstand the full pressure load. This intermediary structure enables both conduits to function optimally.
3Speed
If the flow sensor is placed close to the conduit entrance, then measurement responsiveness is improved, but cavitation damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The angled inlet structure performs preliminary action by directing fluid flow in a manner that prevents cavitation formation before the fluid reaches the sensor. This preliminary flow conditioning allows the sensor to be positioned close to the inlet while avoiding cavitation damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid chamber provides beforehand cushioning by creating a buffer zone between the inlet and the sensor, allowing cavitation-prone flow conditions to stabilize before reaching the sensitive measurement area, thus protecting the sensor from cavitation damage.
4Reliability
If metal seals are placed at the sensor interface, then sealing reliability is improved, but noise attenuation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The metal seals are extracted from the direct path between the ultrasonic crystals and the outer conduit by placing them axially offset. This extraction removes the noise-conductive metal seals from the acoustic path while maintaining their sealing function, thus preserving noise attenuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid or attenuative material acts as an intermediary between the metal seals and the ultrasonic crystals, blocking noise transmission through the seals while allowing the seals to maintain their sealing function. This intermediary prevents direct acoustic coupling between the metal seals and the measurement path.
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 laminar flow rates and viscosity in high-pressure systems, with the non-metal inner conduit absorbing noise and the metal outer conduit withstanding pressure, while the fluid annulus maintains pressure balance, allowing for reliable operation in extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The second fluid flow conduit is attenuative to absorb ultrasound along non-fluid paths
Implementation Method 2
The fluid annulus may be configured to receive a fluid to balance the fluid pressure across the second fluid flow conduit
Implementation Method 3
The axial distance forms a fluid chamber, and in some embodiments, the fluid chamber disposed between the fluid flow conduits and the sensor is operable to reduce fluid cavitation
Data Source
AI summary
A flow meter system is disclosed that includes a first flow sensor and first and second fluid flow conduits extending from the first flow sensor. The second fluid flow conduit may be disposed inside the first fluid flow conduit thereby forming a fluid annulus between the first and second fluid flow conduits. The first fluid flow conduit may be metal to resist a fluid pressure differential and the second fluid flow conduit may be non-metal to balance a fluid pressure across the second fluid flow conduit and attenuate noise therein. The fluid annulus may be configured to receive a fluid to balance the fluid pressure across the second fluid flow conduit.