Rotatable Magnetic Ring Flowmeter for Distorted Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic flowmeters face measurement inaccuracies due to upstream disturbances like bends and valves in the pipe, which current solutions like flow straighteners or large electrodes fail to address effectively, leading to manufacturing and installation challenges along with pressure drops.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic flowmeter with a movable magnetic ring having segments of varying magnetic properties, adjustable by rotation to compensate for flow distortions, allowing for an orderly varying electromagnetic field that interacts with the fluid, minimizing the impact of upstream features on measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow straightener or obstacle is used to modify flow and induce flow profile uniformity, then measurement accuracy is improved, but pressure drop increases and manufacturability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by varying the magnetic properties (permeability) of different segments of the magnetic ring. This allows modification of the electromagnetic field distribution to compensate for flow distortions without physical obstacles, avoiding pressure drop and manufacturability issues while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical flow conditioning devices (flow straighteners, obstacles) with an electromagnetic field-based solution. By using a movable magnetic ring with varying magnetic segments, the system achieves flow profile correction through magnetic field adjustment rather than mechanical intervention, eliminating pressure drop and corrosion/erosion problems
2Measurement precision
If a flow straightener or obstacle is used to modify flow and induce flow profile uniformity, then measurement accuracy is improved, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent varies the magnetic parameters of different segments of the magnetic ring to create an orderly varying electromagnetic field that compensates for flow distortions. This parameter-based adjustment achieves flow profile uniformity without physical obstacles, preventing pressure drop while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical flow modification devices with an electromagnetic field-based approach. The movable magnetic ring with varying magnetic segments creates the necessary field distribution to correct flow distortions without causing energy loss or pressure drop associated with mechanical obstacles
3Measurement precision
If large electrodes are used to average out the effect of flow profile distortion, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by using segments with varying magnetic properties in the movable magnetic ring. This allows the system to average out flow profile distortion effects through field adjustment rather than adding more electrodes, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
4Measurement precision
If the cross-sectional area of flowmeters is reduced (reduced bore flowmeter), then the effect of flow distortion is lessened, but manufacturing and installation challenges increase and pressure drop occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in the magnetic field (through varying magnetic segments) to compensate for flow distortion effects without modifying the pipe cross-sectional area. This avoids the manufacturing and installation challenges associated with reduced bore flowmeters while still reducing the effect of flow distortion on measurement accuracy
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 adjustable magnetic field significantly reduces measurement errors caused by flow distortions, providing accurate flow rate measurements even under non-standard installation conditions, such as downstream to a bend in the pipe, without causing pressure drops or manufacturability issues.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnetic field is imposed within a flow pipe having a flow of fluid with a certain level of conductivity. Electromotive force (EMF) induced as a result of the interaction of the electromagnetic field with fluid molecules (ions in the fluid), is measured using electrodes provided at the pipe side walls.
Implementation Method 2
a movable magnetic ring having a plurality of segments of magnetic materials that is magnetically coupled with the at least one coil to generate an electromagnetic field to interact with the fluid flowing through the conduit wherein the plurality of segments of magnetic materials are having varying magnetic properties
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic flowmeter for measuring flow of fluid flowing in a conduit of the electromagnetic flowmeter, wherein the electromagnetic flowmeter includes: a coil attached to an inner surface of the conduit; a movable magnetic ring having segments of magnetic materials that is magnetically coupled with the coil to generate an electromagnetic field to interact with the fluid flowing through the conduit wherein the conduit is provided with an insulating liner. A pair of electrodes mounted on the conduit for measuring potential difference generated by the interaction of the electromagnetic field in the fluid. Wherein the segments of magnetic materials are having varying magnetic properties arranged to have an orderly varying electromagnetic field in the conduit adjustable by rotating the movable magnetic ring. The movable magnetic ring is positioned between the at least one coil and the insulating liner.