Rectangular Electromagnetic Flow Meter for Low-Flow Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic flow meters face challenges such as high cost, bulkiness, weight, and sensitivity to fluid dynamic disturbances, particularly at low flow rates, due to metal construction, coating requirements, and limitations of polymeric materials in non-circular cross sections.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter with a rectangular cross section duct made of high-strength thermoplastic material, reinforced with glass fiber, and equipped with solenoid coils, integrated electrodes, and a structural matrix to withstand high pressures and temperatures, while maintaining measurement accuracy and reducing material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow meter is inserted into a pipe to measure flow rate, then flow rate measurement is enabled, but the flow meter obstructs the flow path and causes measurement errors at low flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter is inserted into an existing pipe, with the tube portion fitting inside the pipe. The first and second detection units are nested within the tube structure, allowing the flow meter to function within the pipe's flow path without requiring external installation that would obstruct flow. This nesting approach enables measurement while minimizing flow disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection units are positioned at specific locations (first detection unit at inlet end, second detection unit at outlet end) to locally measure flow characteristics. This localized measurement approach allows accurate flow rate determination without the entire flow path being obstructed, as only specific regions need to be monitored.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flow meters are used, then flow rate can be measured, but they cannot detect bidirectional flow and provide only limited information
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect both forward and reverse flow directions, measure flow rates in both directions, and provide comprehensive flow information. The first and second detection units work together to enable bidirectional measurement capabilities, making the device versatile for various flow conditions without requiring separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow meter dynamically adapts to different flow conditions by switching between detecting forward flow (when fluid moves from inlet to outlet) and reverse flow (when fluid moves from outlet to inlet). The detection units can identify flow direction and adjust measurements accordingly, providing real-time adaptive measurement capabilities.
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 a cost-effective, lightweight, and accurate flow meter with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced sensitivity to disturbances, capable of withstanding high pressures and temperatures, and simplifying production and installation.
Implementation Method 1
a first detection unit configured to detect a flow rate of the fluid passing through the flow meter using a detection method
Implementation Method 2
a second detection unit configured to detect a flow rate of the fluid passing through the flow meter using the detection method
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Flow meter (10) for fluids of the electromagnetic type comprising a sensor element (11). The sensor element (1 1) comprises a duct (12) for the flow of the fluid, a device (13) for generating a magnetic induction field (B), comprising at least two coils (14) and a magnetic core comprising a plurality of metal elements (24, 25), and a plurality of electrodes (15, 16).