Piezoelectric Alternating Magnetic Field Flow Meter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic flow meters are limited in measuring non-conductive fluids, as they rely on electrodynamic induction in conductive fluids, making it impossible to measure the flow of non-conductive fluids effectively.
Innovation Solution
An alternating magnetic field flow meter system that uses a free-moving magnet within a conduit, generating alternating magnetic fields to detect fluid flow rates by measuring the movement of a magnetic token along and against the flow path, allowing for the measurement of both conductive and non-conductive fluids through electrical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic flow meters are used to measure fluid flow, then flow measurement capability is provided, but the ability to measure non-conductive fluids is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement principle from electromagnetic induction (requiring electrical conductivity) to magnetic field interaction with moving magnets (works with any fluid). By altering the physical parameter being measured - from electrical voltage to mechanical displacement of magnetic tokens - the system gains universality across conductive and non-conductive fluids
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic detection system with a mechanical detection system. Instead of measuring induced voltage in conductive fluids, the system uses physical magnets that move with the fluid flow and are detected by mechanical sensors (capacitive, inductive, or optical), enabling measurement of non-conductive fluids
2Adaptability or versatility
If a magnetic token is moved by alternating magnetic fields to enable bidirectional movement for flow measurement, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic alternating magnetic fields to move the magnetic token back and forth along the flow path. By applying magnetic fields in alternating directions at periodic intervals, the system achieves bidirectional token movement without complex mechanical actuators, simplifying the overall device while maintaining measurement versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generator serves multiple functions: it propels the magnetic token forward, pulls it backward, and enables bidirectional movement control. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate mechanical drive systems for each direction, reducing device complexity while achieving versatile measurement capability
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 fluid flow rates for both conductive and non-conductive materials, providing a wide range of applications, including oil and gas processing, with the ability to automatically calibrate for high accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a detector configured to detect: a first electrical signal associated with the movement of the magnetic token along the direction of the flow path, and a second electrical signal associated with the movement of the magnetic token opposite to the direction of the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and systems for flow measurements by alternating magnetic fields are provided. An example alternating magnetic field flowmeter includes a magnetic token movable within a conduit for guiding a fluid flow (conductive or non-conductive) along a flow path, a magnetic field generator configured to generate alternating magnetic fields within the conduit to move the magnetic token along the flow path with a first flow velocity and opposite to the flow path with a second flow velocity, a detector configured to measure respective first and second electrical signals responsive to the alternating magnetic fields, the first and second electrical signals associated with the first and second flow velocities, and a processor configured to determine a flow rate of the fluid based on the first and second electrical signals. The alternating magnetic field flowmeter can include a calibrator configured to manually or automatically calibrate the flow rate with a correction factor.