Self-Checking Ultrasonic Flow Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic flow meters face challenges in accurately measuring fluid flow due to non-uniform fluid flow profiles, leading to residual uncertainty despite the use of multiple transducer pairs and flow conditioners, and varying sensitivities across different path configurations, which can result in common-mode effects and measurement inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple ultrasonic transducer pairs arranged about a conduit to establish measurement paths at acute angles, with a control system that processes ultrasonic pulse transmission and detection data to determine both a primary and secondary fluid flow rate, using a subset of measurement paths to assess differences and trigger alerts or flag reliability based on setpoint deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple transducer pairs are used to measure fluid flow, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own measurement capabilities to perform self-validation by comparing results from different path configurations. The control system calculates fluid flow rates using multiple path configurations and compares them to determine if measurements are reliable, eliminating the need for external validation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is divided into multiple independent path configurations, each using different transducer pairs. This segmentation allows the system to measure fluid flow through multiple independent channels and compare results for validation
2Stability of the object's composition
If flow conditioners are installed upstream, then flow profile uniformity is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than requiring external flow conditioners to prepare the flow, the system uses its own multiple path configurations to adapt to and compensate for various flow profile conditions. The system can determine reliable measurements even with distorted flow profiles by comparing results across different path sensitivities
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters by using different path configurations with varying sensitivities to flow profile distortions. This allows the system to find at least one path configuration that provides reliable measurements under given flow conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple path configurations are used, then sensitivity to flow profile distortions varies, but determining reliable measurements becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements feedback by comparing fluid flow rate calculations from different path configurations. When the results agree within an acceptable threshold, the system confirms measurement reliability. This feedback mechanism automatically identifies reliable measurements without complex external validation
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 enhances measurement accuracy by self-checking fluid flow rates, reducing uncertainty and potential inaccuracies caused by non-uniform flow profiles, and allows for real-time monitoring and adjustment to ensure reliable fluid flow measurements.
Implementation Method 1
uses sound waves to measure that rate of fluid flow through the meter. An ultrasonic flow meter may measure the flow of various fluids, including gases and liquids, using multiple pairs of ultrasonic sound-generating transducers to send and receive high frequency sound pulses
Implementation Method 2
The transit time for these pulses to travel between a pair of transducers is determined by electronics associated with the flow meter. Of course, the transit time of a sound pulse is expected to differ depending upon whether or not the sound pulse is directed with the fluid flow direction or direct against the fluid flow direction
Implementation Method 3
From a measured difference in the transit time for each direction for each path defined by a given pair of transducers, a relative path velocity of the fluid may be computed
Data Source
AI summary
Systems or apparatus include a plurality of ultrasonic transducer pairs arranged about a conduit to establish a plurality of measurement paths directed at an acute angle relative to a central axis of the conduit. A control system is configured to perform operations comprising obtaining ultrasonic pulse transmission and detection data from the first and second ultrasonic transducers for each of the measurement paths, determining a first fluid flow rate using the data for each of the measurement paths, determining a second fluid flow rate using a subset of the data that is used to determine the first fluid flow rate, wherein the subset of the data includes only the data for a subset of the measurement paths, and determining whether a difference between the first fluid flow rate and the second fluid flow rate is greater than a difference setpoint.