Pipe Vibration Confinement for Accurate Non-Invasive Density Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing density measurement technologies in industrial processes are either invasive, costly, and pose safety hazards, or non-invasive methods like nuclear radiation-based densitometers are expensive and unpopular due to radioactive hazards. Additionally, frequency analysis of mechanical vibrations for density determination is challenging due to uncertainties in pipe geometry and material properties, leading to inaccurate predictions.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system using confining elements to define a pipe section with controlled length and boundary conditions, suppressing surface vibrations and generating a predictable vibration spectrum for accurate density determination based on mechanical excitation and vibration analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive density sensing systems are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but installation complexity and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the pipe itself as an intermediary measurement medium. Instead of inserting a sensor into the fluid, the pipe wall acts as a mediator that transmits vibration information from the fluid to external sensors, enabling non-invasive density measurement while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical sensors with a mechanical vibration-based measurement system. By exciting the pipe and analyzing its vibration characteristics, the system determines fluid density without physical contact between the sensor and fluid, eliminating installation complexity and safety hazards
2Reliability
If nuclear radiation-based densitometers are used, then measurement robustness is improved, but safety hazards and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the typically harmful effect of pipe vibrations into a beneficial measurement signal. By using controlled mechanical excitation and analyzing the resulting vibration spectrum, the system transforms what is usually considered interference into a useful indicator for density determination, achieving robust measurements without radioactive hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes nuclear radiation-based measurement with a purely mechanical vibration-based system. This replacement eliminates radioactive hazards while maintaining measurement robustness through careful analysis of vibration characteristics that are sensitive to fluid density
3Ease of manufacture
If vibration analysis is used for density determination, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to geometric uncertainties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of the pipe's vibration modes and natural frequencies before density measurement. By characterizing the pipe's mechanical properties in advance and using this information to interpret vibration spectra, the system compensates for geometric uncertainties and improves measurement precision while maintaining cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the measured vibration spectrum to iteratively improve density determination. By continuously analyzing vibration characteristics and comparing them with expected patterns, the system adjusts measurements to account for geometric variations, enhancing precision without increasing cost
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, non-invasive, and cost-effective density measurement in industrial pipes by creating a controlled pipe-fluid system with defined boundary conditions, improving the accuracy of vibration-based density determination and reducing the need for complex calibration.
Implementation Method 1
A vibration characteristics of a given pipe-fluid system is dependent on numerous physical parameters, e.g. pipe wall thickness, diameter and length, material properties, fluid density, pressure, temperature, etc.
Implementation Method 2
the frequency of the vibration mode, which is sensitive to a considered physical property, as e.g. a density of the fluid, can be determined by appropriate model calculations
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement system for determining a physical parameter of a pipe-fluid system includes a pair of confining elements configured to decrease surface vibration deformations at an outer surface of each end of the pipe-fluid system; wherein each confining element comprise a supporting frame configured to be detachably mounted on a pipe of the pipe-fluid system; and a fixation element configured to be detachably mounted for mechanically coupling the supporting frame with an outer surface of the pipe; an excitation system, configured to generate a mechanical vibration spectrum at a surface of the pipe-fluid system; and a vibration measurement device configured to be mechanically coupled to an outer surface of the pipe-fluid system, and configured to provide a mechanical vibration spectrum of the pipe-fluid system.