Polymer Coriolis Flow Manifold With Vibration-Isolated Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Coriolis mass flow sensors face challenges in maintaining stability and accuracy due to external vibrations, particularly in lightweight polymer sensors, and lack effective integration of temperature sensors for precise flow and density measurements.
Innovation Solution
A Coriolis mass flow sensor design featuring a monolithic flow distribution manifold made of polymer material, with integrated channels for temperature sensors, and a support structure that isolates measurement tubes from vibrations, enhancing stability and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lightweight polymer material is used for the flow distribution manifold, then ease of manufacture and cost are improved, but stability and resistance to external vibrations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distribution manifold is constructed from composite materials, specifically a polymer matrix reinforced with embedded structures (such as metal inserts or reinforcement fibers). This composite construction maintains the ease of manufacture and cost benefits of polymer materials while incorporating the vibration resistance and stability of the reinforcing elements, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If polymer material is used for the flow distribution manifold, then ease of manufacture is improved, but resistance to external vibrations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distribution manifold is constructed from composite materials, specifically a polymer matrix reinforced with embedded structures (such as metal inserts or reinforcement fibers). This composite construction maintains the ease of manufacture and cost benefits of polymer materials while incorporating the vibration resistance and stability of the reinforcing elements, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Vibration isolation elements (such as elastomeric mounts or damping layers) are introduced as intermediary components between the polymer flow distribution manifold and the external environment or between the manifold and the flow tubes. These intermediary elements absorb and dampen external vibrations, protecting the sensitive measurement components while allowing the manifold to retain its lightweight polymer construction for ease of manufacture.
3Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are integrated into the flow distribution manifold, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensors are integrated directly into the flow distribution manifold by embedding sensor housings or sensor elements within the manifold structure during manufacturing. This merging of the temperature measurement function into the existing manifold structure eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting components and reduces overall device complexity while improving measurement precision through direct fluid contact.
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 improves sensor stability and accuracy by isolating tubes from external vibrations and integrating temperature sensors, providing precise flow and density measurements, especially in lightweight polymer sensors.
Implementation Method 1
Coriolis mass flow meters measure a mass flow rate of a fluid flowing through a tube based on Coriolis principles. Typical configurations employ one or two tubes through which the fluid flows and which are oscillated in a controlled manner. Coriolis induced deflections or the effects of such deflections on the tube(s) are measured to calculate the fluid mass flow rate of the fluid flowing through the sensor.
Implementation Method 2
A Coriolis mass flow sensor design featuring a monolithic flow distribution manifold made of polymer material, with integrated channels for temperature sensors, and a support structure that isolates measurement tubes from vibrations, enhancing stability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 3
a channel, formed within the single block of polymer material, that intersects with the first flow path. The channel can be configured to retain a temperature sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides Coriolis mass flow sensors including: at least two flow tubes in fluidic communication with a flow distribution manifold formed from a single block of polymer material, the flow distribution manifold including: a manifold inlet at a first end of the flow distribution manifold; a manifold outlet at a second end of the flow distribution manifold, opposite the first end; a first flow path, formed within the single block of polymer material, that extends from the manifold inlet to a first set of openings in a surface of the flow distribution manifold; a second flow path, formed within the single block of polymer material, that extends from the manifold outlet to a second set of openings in the surface of the flow distribution manifold; and a channel retaining a temperature sensor, formed within the single block of polymer material, that intersects with the first flow path.