Sensor Signal Ratio Verification for Coriolis Meter Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibratory meters, such as Coriolis flow meters, face challenges due to changes in conduit properties over time, leading to measurement biases from erosion, corrosion, or other alterations, which are difficult to detect in real-time without interrupting the process.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using parameters of sensor signals to verify the sensor assembly by calculating and comparing sensor signal parameter relationships, such as voltage ratios, to detect changes in conduit properties, and determine conditions like erosion, corrosion, or damage, without requiring real-time calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conduit parameter calculations are performed to detect changes in conduit properties, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but real-time measurements become difficult and process interruptions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical calculations of conduit parameters (stiffness, mass, damping) with electrical signal processing. By using ratios of sensor signal parameters (voltage ratios, phase differences) that inherently reflect conduit condition changes, the system avoids time-consuming mechanical calculations and enables real-time verification without process interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the verification approach from calculating absolute conduit parameters to monitoring ratios of sensor signal parameters. These ratios (e.g., LPO/RPO voltage ratio, DRV/LPO voltage ratio) naturally compensate for environmental variations and provide direct indication of conduit condition changes, enabling continuous real-time measurement
2Reliability
If conduit parameter calculations are performed to verify sensor assembly, then measurement bias is detected, but calculation complexity increases and real-time operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential verification information from complex conduit parameter calculations by using only the necessary sensor signal parameter ratios. Instead of calculating full conduit stiffness, mass, and damping values, the system extracts simple voltage ratios and phase differences that directly indicate conduit condition, reducing computational complexity while maintaining verification reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sensor signal parameter ratios as proxies for conduit condition rather than calculating actual conduit parameters. These signal ratios serve as simplified copies that correlate with conduit stiffness and mass changes, providing verification capability without the computational burden of full parameter calculation
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
Enables continuous and non-intrusive verification of the sensor assembly, ensuring accurate measurements by detecting changes in conduit properties and providing alarms for maintenance, thus maintaining measurement accuracy without process interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
there may be one or more transducers affixed to the conduit or conduits configured to convert vibratory motion into sensor signals
Implementation Method 2
During flow, the vibrating tube and the flowing mass couple together due to Coriolis forces, causing a phase difference in the vibration between the ends of the tube
Data Source
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AI summary
A meter electronics (20) for using parameters of sensor signals provided by a sensor assembly (10) verify the sensor assembly (10) is provided. The meter electronics (20) comprises an interface (301) communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly (10), the interface (301) being configured to receive two sensor signals (100) and a processing system (302) communicatively coupled to the interface (301). The processing system (302) is configured to calculate a sensor signal parameter relationship value between the two sensor signals (100) and compare the calculated sensor signal parameter relationship value between the two sensor signals (100) with a baseline sensor signal parameter relationship value between the two sensor signals (100).