Ribbed Transducer Housing for Subsea Flowmeter Noise Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea ultrasonic flowmeters are impractical for long-term installation due to the need for periodic replacement of noise-dampening components, which is costly and logistically challenging in the harsh subsea environment.
Innovation Solution
A rib attenuating transducer assembly is designed for a flowmeter, featuring a monolithic housing with a ribbed profile that filters out vibrational noise, eliminating the need for noise-dampening features that are prone to failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If noise-dampening features (O-rings, spacers) are used in ultrasonic flowmeters, then noise interference is reduced, but these features break down over time requiring periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the noise-dampening features (O-rings, spacers) from the system entirely and replaces them with a ribbed housing structure that provides noise attenuation through its geometric configuration rather than through separate dampening components. This extraction eliminates the reliability issues associated with these features while maintaining noise control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the housing by adding ribs with specific dimensions, spacing, and orientations. These geometric parameters are optimized to attenuate noise vibrations transmitted through the housing walls, providing durable noise control without the need for replaceable dampening components.
2Measurement precision
If periodic replacement of flowmeter components is performed, then accuracy is maintained, but operational costs and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ribbed housing structure is designed to be maintenance-free, with the noise attenuation functionality built into the permanent housing structure itself. The ribs continuously perform their noise-dampening function without requiring intervention, replacement, or maintenance, eliminating downtime and operational disruptions.
3Reliability
If periodic replacement of subsea flowmeters is performed, then equipment reliability is maintained, but costs increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic replaceable components (O-rings, spacers) from the subsea flowmeter design and replaces them with a permanent ribbed housing structure. This eliminates the need for expensive periodic replacements that are particularly costly in subsea environments, while maintaining the noise attenuation functionality required for reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ribbed housing structure is designed from the outset to provide long-term durability and noise attenuation without requiring future maintenance or replacement. The structural ribs are built in to cushion and attenuate vibrations throughout the entire service life of the flowmeter, preventing the need for costly subsea interventions.
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 rib attenuating transducer assembly significantly reduces noise interference, allowing for accurate and reliable long-term flow monitoring without the need for frequent component replacement, thus extending the operational life of subsea flowmeters to 20-30 years or more.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly includes at least one attenuating rib that is physically coupled to the housing at a location opposite that of the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A flowmeter with ribbed housings for accommodating transducers. The ribbed housings may be of a profile to attenuate or dampen acoustic noise which occurs as a transducer emits frequencies across housing walls toward a fluid flow path of the flowmeter. Thus, as transducers receive flow velocity data, it may be collected for analysis in a manner that substantially eliminates the inclusion of noise within the data to be analyzed. Once more, this is achieved in a manner that utilizes a monolithic housing in place of a segmented or multi-component housing that is prone to include polymeric and other parts subject to premature wear and failure.