Ultrasonic Flow Meter With Parallel Paths for Low-Flow Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic flow meters experience measurement errors at low fluid flow speeds due to minimal differences in ultrasonic wave propagation speeds in opposite directions, and existing designs that reduce flow speed to mitigate this cause pressure loss.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic flow meter incorporates a measurement tube with a flow path sectional area reduction member featuring plates that form branch flow paths and a central path, reducing pressure loss and enhancing flow speed for accurate measurements at low flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the flow speed of the fluid is increased to improve measurement accuracy at low flow rates, then measurement precision is improved, but pressure loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple parallel channels using plates, which distributes the fluid flow and reduces the velocity increase required for accurate measurement, thereby minimizing pressure loss while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by creating multiple flow paths in parallel using plates arranged in a specific pattern, allowing the fluid to flow through multiple routes simultaneously, which reduces the velocity head loss while maintaining adequate flow speed for measurement
2Measurement precision
If the diameter of the flow channel is reduced to increase flow speed, then measurement precision is improved, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing the diameter of a single flow channel, the patent segments the flow path into multiple parallel channels using plates. This maintains the overall flow capacity while creating multiple pathways that reduce velocity head loss, achieving measurement precision without excessive pressure loss
Solution Approach 2:
The plates are strategically positioned to create localized flow path modifications only in the region where measurement is needed, rather than uniformly constricting the entire flow channel. This local modification increases flow speed at the measurement point while minimizing overall pressure loss
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 design maintains fluid flow and reduces measurement errors at low flow rates by increasing flow speed and ensuring accurate flow rate calculations.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic waves may be oscillated from a pair of ultrasonic transducers spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the flow direction of the fluid in order to measure the propagation speed of the ultrasonic waves in the flow direction of the fluid and the propagation speed of the ultrasonic waves in the direction opposite the flow direction of the fluid, and the difference between the measured propagation speeds of the ultrasonic waves may be compared to each other in order to calculate the speed of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a pair of reflectors located in the measurement tube
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic flow meter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises a measurement tube, an ultrasonic sensor module, and a pair of reflectors, wherein the measurement tube is configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough and comprises a pair of sensor holes spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction on an outer surface thereof, the ultrasonic sensor module comprises a pair of ultrasonic transducers mounted in the sensor holes, the ultrasonic transducers being configured to send and receive ultrasonic waves, and the pair of reflectors are located in the measurement tube, and wherein the measurement tube further comprises a flow path sectional area reduction member comprising a plurality of plates arranged such that a plurality of branch flow paths are formed in the longitudinal direction around a central flow path in between the pair of reflectors.