Single Acoustic Sensor Pipe Flow Measurement Through Reflected Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring pipe flow rate require multiple acoustic sensors, leading to complex systems with high systematic errors and increased complexity, while single-sensor solutions are lacking for reliable flow rate measurement.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a single acoustic sensor fixed to the pipe wall to measure the round-trip propagation time of acoustic waves, calculating the average axial flow velocity along the acoustic propagation diameter, approximated as the average flow velocity across the cross-section, and deriving the flow rate from this.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple acoustic sensors are arranged along the upstream and downstream of the pipe to measure flow rate using the time difference method, then the measurement reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple acoustic sensors into a single acoustic sensor that can both transmit and receive acoustic signals. This merging approach maintains the measurement capability while reducing the number of components, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single acoustic sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting acoustic signals, receiving reflected signals, and measuring flow rate. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors for each function, reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement reliability
2Device complexity
If a single acoustic sensor is used to measure flow rate, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic sensor transmits periodic acoustic signals through the pipe and measures the time difference for signals traveling with and against the flow direction. This periodic transmission allows the single sensor to gather sufficient data for precise flow rate calculation, maintaining measurement precision while using only one sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the reflected acoustic signals from the pipe walls to calculate flow rate. The feedback mechanism processes the received signals to determine the time difference, enabling precise measurements with a single sensor by utilizing the information from signal reflections
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
Simplifies the measurement process, reduces systematic errors, and provides high-precision, reliable flow rate measurements with reduced requirements for pipe conditions.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the propagation time of the two acoustic sensors in the two mutual directions
Implementation Method 2
the round-trip propagation time of the acoustic wave transmitted by the acoustic sensor along the cross-section of the pipe to be tested and received by the same acoustic sensor after returning through the opposite side wall is calculated
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a method and system for gauging pipe flow rate using a lone acoustic sensor, falling within fluid measurement. It involves fixing an acoustic sensor to the pipe wall and employing a computer with pre-installed measurement software. Digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion cards interface between the sensor and software, with the computer controlling the sensor via the software. By siting a single acoustic sensor at the pipe's cross-section, the method measures and computes the average axial flow velocity along the corresponding diameter line. This, combined with the cross-sectional area, yields the flow rate. With just one acoustic sensor, the system is significantly simplified, ensuring reliability with minimal systematic error and high precision. Compared to traditional methods, the invention reduces the demands on pipe conditions for accurate measurement.