Parallel Flow Metering Layout for Accurate Low-Flow Pipe Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow metering technologies face challenges in achieving accurate low flow measurements, especially in large pipes, as existing methods are either inaccurate or economically unfeasible, and fail to maintain accuracy across full flow ranges.
Innovation Solution
A fluid metering system with multiple parallel fluidic pipe sections and flow control devices, each configured to operate within different flow rate ranges, allowing for accurate measurement of various flow rates through the use of flow metering and sensing devices connected in series and parallel configurations, with electronic controllers managing the flow control devices to optimize metering accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If compound meter arrangements are used to improve low flow accuracy, then low flow measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase significantly for large pipe sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow measurement task into multiple parallel paths, each containing a flow metering device. By segmenting the flow into separate measurable streams and recombining them, the system achieves accurate low flow measurement without requiring a single complex compound meter, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate flow control devices and recombination chambers as mediators between the main flow and measurement devices. These intermediaries enable precise control and measurement of low flow rates without directly complicating the main metering structure, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If larger pipe sections are used to accommodate high flow rates, then flow rate capacity increases, but low flow measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large pipe flow into multiple smaller parallel streams, each measured by individual flow metering devices. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high overall flow rate capacity while achieving accurate low flow measurements in each parallel channel, effectively resolving the contradiction between quantity of substance and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional measurement approach to a multi-dimensional parallel measurement system. By measuring flow across multiple parallel dimensions rather than through a single large pipe, the system achieves both high capacity and high precision simultaneously.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional flow metering devices are used in large pipes, then installation simplicity is maintained, but low flow accuracy becomes economically unfeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function into multiple standard flow metering devices that can be installed in parallel using conventional methods. This approach maintains ease of manufacture and installation while achieving the required low flow accuracy through the combined capability of multiple devices, making the solution economically feasible.
4Measurement precision
If multiple parallel flow paths are introduced to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the parallel flow paths and control devices to serve multiple functions: flow measurement, flow control, and flow recombination. By making each component multi-functional, the system achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same components perform multiple roles in the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid metering system includes a first and a second fluidic pipe section disposed in parallel between a fluidic pipe inlet and outlet. The first fluidic pipe section includes a first flow control device and a first flow metering device each connected in fluidic series. The second fluidic pipe section includes a second flow metering device connected in fluidic series. The fluidic pipe inlet and the fluidic pipe outlet have the same cross-sectional area and/or flow rate capacity. The first fluidic pipe section has an equal or smaller cross-sectional area and/or flow rate capacity in comparison to the fluidic pipe inlet and outlet. The second fluidic pipe section has a smaller cross-sectional area and/or flow rate capacity in comparison to the cross-sectional area and/or flow rate capacity of the first fluidic pipe section. Alternatively, the second fluidic pipe section may include a second flow control device connected in fluidic series.