Parallel Measuring Tubes for Viscosity Measurement in Pipelines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibration-type measuring transducers face challenges in achieving high precision and compact design for measuring viscosity and Reynolds number at high mass flow rates and large nominal diameters, leading to increased sensitivity issues and excessive geometric dimensions, which are economically and technically unfeasible for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A measuring system with two parallel straight measuring tubes that perform opposite torsional vibrations, utilizing an electromechanical excitation arrangement to generate torsional and bending vibrations, allowing for precise viscosity and Reynolds number measurement with a compact design suitable for high mass flow rates and large diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional vibration-type measuring transducers are used for measuring viscosity at high mass flow rates and large nominal diameters, then measurement capability is achieved, but geometric dimensions become excessively large and sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single measuring tube into two parallel measuring tubes (first and second measuring tubes) that oscillate in opposite phases. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high measurement precision for viscosity at large nominal diameters while reducing the overall geometric dimensions compared to conventional single-tube designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single tube oscillating in one direction, the invention employs two tubes oscillating in opposite phases (one tube moves while the other moves in the opposite direction). This inverted approach of using counter-phase oscillation enables compact design while maintaining sensitivity for viscosity measurement at high mass flow rates.
2Productivity
If conventional measuring transducers are designed for high mass flow rates, then measurement range is extended, but sensitivity and measurement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically oscillates two measuring tubes in opposite phases, creating a dynamic measurement system that maintains high sensitivity across a wide range of mass flow rates. The counter-phase oscillation creates differential motion that enhances the detection of viscosity effects even at high flow rates where conventional static or single-tube dynamic systems lose sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the oscillation parameters by using two tubes with opposite phase relationships rather than a single tube. This parameter change in the oscillation mode enables the system to maintain measurement accuracy across extended productivity ranges, including high mass flow rates that would overwhelm conventional single-tube systems.
3Length of stationary object
If compact design is implemented in measuring transducers, then geometric dimensions are reduced, but manufacturing complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two measuring tubes into a single compact assembly with shared support structures, flow dividers, and oscillation drive mechanisms. By combining these components into an integrated unit where the two tubes work together in counter-phase, the design achieves compact dimensions while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized component assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring tubes serve multiple functions: they are both the structural elements guiding the medium flow and the oscillating sensing elements for viscosity measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing while achieving compact design. The flow dividers and support structures also serve dual purposes of flow management and mechanical support.
4Device complexity
If single measuring tube is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement sensitivity and accuracy for viscosity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs mechanical vibration of two measuring tubes in opposite phases to enhance viscosity measurement sensitivity. The counter-phase oscillation creates amplified differential motion that increases the measurable effect of viscosity on the oscillation characteristics, providing higher sensitivity without requiring excessive device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a second measuring tube as a copy of the first tube, both having identical dimensions and properties, oscillating in opposite phases. This copying approach creates a differential measurement system where the two identical tubes working in opposition provide enhanced sensitivity for viscosity detection while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 system achieves high measuring accuracy and compactness, reducing pressure loss and production costs, making it suitable for large-caliber pipelines and high mass flow rates, such as those found in the petrochemical industry.
Implementation Method 1
an electromechanical excitation arrangement, in particular with the aid of a vibration exciter, acting on the at least two measuring tubes for converting electrical excitation power into torsional vibrations of the at least two measuring tubes
Implementation Method 2
These systems generate reaction forces in the medium, such as Coriolis forces corresponding to mass flow
Implementation Method 3
inertial forces corresponding to density
Implementation Method 4
frictional forces corresponding to viscosity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The measuring system according to the invention comprises a vibration-type measuring transducer, through which the medium flows during operation and which is intended to generate oscillation signals that are dependent on a viscosity of the flowing medium and/or on a Reynolds number of the flowing medium, and transducer electronics which are electrically coupled to the measuring transducer and are intended to drive the measuring transducer and to evaluate oscillation signals provided by the measuring transducer. The measuring transducer has an inlet-side flow divider (201) with at least two flow openings (201A, 201B) which are at a distance from one another, an outlet-side flow divider (202) with at least two flow openings (202A, 202B) which are at a distance from one another, at least two straight measuring tubes (181, 182) which are parallel to one another, are connected to the flow dividers (201, 202) so as to form a tube arrangement with at least two flow paths connected in parallel in terms of flow technology and are intended to guide flowing medium, and an electromechanical exciter arrangement (4) for exciting and maintaining mechanical oscillations of the at least two measuring tubes (181, 182). An inlet-side measuring tube end of each of the at least two measuring tubes opens into a flow opening (201A) of the inlet-side flow divider (201) and an outlet-side, second measuring tube end of each of said measuring tubes opens into a flow opening (202A) of the outlet-side flow divider (202). The transducer electronics use one of the electrical driver signals supplied to the exciter arrangement to feed electrical exciter power into the exciter arrangement, while the exciter arrangement at least proportionately converts electrical exciter power into mirror-image torsional oscillations of the at least two measuring tubes (181, 182).