Polymeric Magnetic Flowmeter Assembly for Variable Diameter Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of magnetic flowmeters for varying flow diameters is costly and time-consuming due to the need for dedicated tooling and processes, as each size requires unique manufacturing, making it challenging to provide a wide range of flow body options efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric flow body assembly with magnetically compliant polymer-based magnetic pole members and electrodes, allowing for easy machining to accommodate different flow diameters using the same coil and pole members, and a method of forming this assembly that includes molding and drilling to create a measurement aperture, enabling a single flow body to measure flows across a range of diameters from 0.030 inches to over 0.5 inches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dedicated tooling and manufacturing processes are used for each flow diameter, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single flow body that can accommodate multiple flow diameters through the use of interchangeable seals and adaptors. Instead of manufacturing different flow bodies for each diameter, the same flow body is used with different sealing components to achieve various measurement ranges, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the flow measurement system by allowing the effective measurement diameter to be adjusted through different seal configurations rather than changing the entire flow body. This enables a single flow body to serve multiple diameter requirements, reducing the need for dedicated tooling for each size
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated tooling is provided for each flow diameter, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces lead time by making the flow body universal across multiple diameters. The same flow body can be used with different seals for various applications, eliminating the need to wait for custom-manufactured flow bodies for each diameter and significantly reducing delivery time
3Strength
If traditional metallic flow bodies are used, then strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining a polymer flow body with metallic seals and magnetic components. The polymer provides the structural integrity needed for the flow body while being more cost-effective to manufacture, and the metallic seals provide the necessary sealing strength without requiring the entire flow body to be metallic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive metallic flow bodies with cheaper polymer alternatives that can be manufactured more economically. The polymer flow body, while potentially less durable than metal, provides sufficient strength for the application and significantly reduces manufacturing 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
This approach reduces manufacturing complexity and costs by allowing a single flow body to accommodate various diameters, improving flow measurement range overlap and reducing material costs compared to traditional metallic designs, while maintaining favorable repeatability and linearity characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic flowmeters (or mag meters) measure flow by Faraday induction, an electromagnetic effect. The magnetic flowmeter energizes a coil which generates a magnetic field across a section of a flow body assembly.
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) across the flow of conductive process fluid. The resulting potential developed across the conductive fluid is measured using a pair of electrodes that extends into the flowing process fluid.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A polymeric flow tube assembly (1150) is provided. The flow tube assembly (1150) includes a flow conduit (168) configured to allow fluid flow therethrough. A first coil (158) is mounted with respect to the flow conduit (168) and disposed about a first magnetic pole member (172). A second coil (160) is mounted with respect to the flow conduit and is disposed about a second magnetic pole member (170). The second magnetic pole member (170) is configured to cooperate with the first magnetic pole member (172) to generate an electromagnetic field across a flow measurement aperture. First and second electrodes (162, 164) are positioned within the flow tube assembly to measure an electromotive force generated within a fluid in the flow measurement aperture. At least one of the first magnetic pole member (172), second magnetic pole member (170), first electrode (162) and second electrode (164) is formed, at least in part, of a polymer.