Rotating Magnetic Field Flow Profiling via Impedance Tomography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for determining fluid flow analysis in pipes, tanks, or vessels are limited in providing detailed and multi-oriented profiling, as they rely on static magnetic fields and limited electrode configurations.
Innovation Solution
The use of orthogonal magnetic field generating coils to create a rotating magnetic field, combined with multiple electrodes, allows for continuous steering of the magnetic field and deconvolution of data using tomographic processing algorithms to achieve detailed flow profiling across multiple orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If static magnetic fields and limited electrode configurations are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and flow profiling capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static magnetic fields to a rotating magnetic field generated by orthogonally arranged coil pairs. The magnetic field vector continuously rotates in the X-Y plane, enabling dynamic measurement across multiple orientations without requiring physical movement of electrodes or complex multi-plane electrode configurations. This dynamic approach achieves comprehensive flow profiling while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dimensionality change by introducing temporal rotation to the magnetic field measurement system. Instead of using multiple static electrode pairs in different planes (spatial dimensionality), the system uses a single rotating magnetic field that sweeps through all orientations in the X-Y plane (temporal dimensionality). This allows 2D flow profiling to be achieved with simpler electrode configuration, effectively trading spatial complexity for temporal measurement sequences.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used to profile flow in different planes, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a rotating magnetic field system that can measure flow characteristics in all orientations within the X-Y plane using a single, unified measurement approach. The orthogonally arranged coil pairs generate a magnetic field that rotates through 360 degrees, allowing one electrode configuration to perform the function of multiple static configurations would otherwise require. This multi-functional capability achieves comprehensive flow profiling without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic rotation of the magnetic field to sequentially measure flow at different orientations. By rotating the magnetic field vector through all angles in the X-Y plane and synchronizing electrode measurements with the rotation phase, the system achieves multi-plane flow profiling capability with a single electrode pair, rather than requiring multiple static electrode pairs for each measurement plane.
3Loss of information
If a rotating magnetic field is applied, then the flow analysis comprehensiveness improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using alternating current in the orthogonally arranged coil pairs to generate a rotating magnetic field. The currents are supplied in quadrature (90 degrees out of phase), creating a magnetic field vector that rotates continuously at a constant frequency. This periodic excitation pattern enables comprehensive flow measurement across all orientations while using standard AC power sources, avoiding the need for complex high-energy continuous field generation systems.
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 enables a comprehensive and accurate flow analysis in full X-Y planes, providing detailed profiling and segmenting of fluid flow, enhancing the ability to measure and display fluid dynamics in various planes.
Implementation Method 1
two pairs of magnetic field generating coils in orthogonal directions, so a magnetic field can be steered or swept continuously
Implementation Method 2
the application of a magnetic field, B, to a conducting, flowing fluid creates a potential across the flow, perpendicular to the field vector B (Faraday's Law)
Implementation Method 3
Electrodes to monitor the potential are normally placed at diametrically opposing points across the flow stream, orthogonal to the magnetic field direction
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus includes a signal processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about an application of a rotating magnetic field across a fluid flowing in a pipe, tank, cell or vessel; and determine a flow analysis across the fluid flowing in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processing module may also be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the flow analysis across the fluid flowing in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel.