Phased-Array Flowmeter With Secant Paths for Accurate Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measurement technologies using ultrasound are complex, require multiple transducer units, and produce inaccurate results for non-axisymmetric flow profiles, especially in fluids with few scattering particles or high flow velocities.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter utilizing a phased-array ultrasonic transducer unit that emits and receives ultrasonic signals at different angles, combined with reflectors to create secant measurement paths that do not run through the pipe's central axis, allowing for improved measurement accuracy with reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic transducer units are used for differential transit time measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple transducer units into a single phased array transducer unit. The phased array contains multiple individual transducer elements that can be independently controlled to emit ultrasonic signals in different directions, effectively replacing the need for multiple separate transducer units while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The single phased array transducer unit performs multiple functions: it can emit ultrasonic signals in different directions to create multiple measurement paths, receive signals from different directions, and adapt to various flow conditions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate transducer units for different measurement paths
2Reliability
If intrusive probes are used to ensure coupling between fluid and ultrasonic transducer, then measurement coupling is improved, but flow disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the pipe wall as an intermediary medium to transmit ultrasonic signals. The phased array transducer unit is mounted on the outer circumference of the pipe, and ultrasonic signals are transmitted through the pipe wall into the fluid. This indirect coupling method maintains reliable ultrasonic transmission without requiring the transducer to intrude into the flow channel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between the transducer and fluid with acoustic wave transmission through the pipe wall. Instead of using intrusive mechanical probes that physically contact the fluid, the system uses ultrasonic waves that can penetrate through the pipe wall material to couple with the fluid
3Device complexity
If diametrically opposed measurement paths through pipe axis are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates for non-axisymmetric flow profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measurement path configuration dynamic and adaptable. The phased array transducer unit can electronically steer ultrasonic beams to create measurement paths at different angles and positions without physically moving or reconfiguring the transducer itself. This allows the system to adapt to different flow conditions while maintaining a simple fixed device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the measurement paths by varying the emission angles and target positions of the ultrasonic beams. The control unit can select different path configurations (different angles, different distances from pipe axis) to optimize measurements for specific flow conditions, transforming a static measurement system into one with variable measurement parameters
4Object-generated harmful factors
If ultrasonic transducers are mounted externally on pipe wall, then flow disruption is prevented, but measurement paths are limited to diametrically opposed configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ultrasonic transducer into multiple individual elements within the phased array. Each element can be independently controlled to emit ultrasonic signals in different directions. This segmentation allows the creation of multiple measurement paths from a single external mounting position, providing configuration flexibility without requiring physical intrusion into the flow channel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds angular dimensionality to the measurement path configuration. Instead of being limited to straight-line diametric paths, the phased array can emit ultrasonic beams at various angles relative to the pipe axis and create measurement paths that converge at different points on the inner wall. This angular freedom provides versatile path configuration while maintaining external mounting
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 solution provides accurate flow measurement in non-axisymmetric profiles with reduced complexity by using a single transducer unit and reflectors, minimizing flow disruption and enhancing measurement precision across various flow conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic transducers used to generate ultrasound have a vibrating body, often made of ceramic. This body converts an electrical signal into ultrasound and vice versa, for example based on the piezoelectric effect.
Implementation Method 2
a measuring sensor (12) having a pipeline (14) for the fluid (18) with a pipe wall (16), at least one phased-array ultrasonic transducer unit (20), wherein the measuring sensor has at least one reflector (30) for reflecting the ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic transducer unit (20) back to the ultrasonic transducer unit (20)
Implementation Method 3
This body converts an electrical signal into ultrasound and vice versa, for example based on the piezoelectric effect.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a flowmeter for measuring the flow of a fluid, said flowmeter comprising: a measuring sensor which has a pipe for the fluid with a pipe wall; at least one phased-array ultrasound transducer unit which can emit ultrasound signals at different beam angles and can receive ultrasound signals from different reception angles; a control and evaluation unit which is designed to control the ultrasound transducer unit in order to emit the ultrasound signals along a measurement path and to evaluate the received ultrasound signals and determine a flow using transit times of the ultrasound signals, wherein the measuring sensor has at least one reflector which is designed to reflect the ultrasound signals emitted by the ultrasound transducer unit back to the same ultrasound transducer unit, wherein the ultrasound signals pass through the measurement path from the ultrasound transducer unit to the reflector and back to the ultrasound transducer unit on path sections that are at least in part different and the measurement path is a secant path which does not extend diametrically through a centre axis of the pipe.