Vibration Sensor for Steam Dryness Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the dryness of wet steam, such as throttling calorimetry, are time-consuming and complex, failing to provide efficient and practical solutions for industrial processes that require precise steam quality measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a vibration sensor with a target that converts fluid flow-induced vibrations into energy parameters within specific frequency bands, allowing for the determination of dryness by analyzing these parameters, which can be correlated with steam quality through empirical data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If throttling calorimetry is used to measure steam quality, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical throttling calorimetry system with an acoustic measurement system. Instead of using mechanical throttling devices and calorimetric measurements, the invention uses acoustic sensors to detect vibration signals generated by the steam flow, transforming a mechanical-thermal measurement process into an acoustic field-based measurement process that is faster and less complex
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from thermal/pressure parameters used in throttling calorimetry to acoustic frequency parameters. By measuring the acoustic spectrum characteristics (frequency, amplitude, energy distribution) of the steam flow instead of thermal parameters, the system achieves rapid measurement without the time-consuming thermal equilibrium required by calorimetry
2Measurement precision
If throttling calorimetry is used to measure steam quality, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical throttling calorimetry apparatus with a simple acoustic sensor system. The measurement device consists primarily of an acoustic sensor, signal processor, and calculator, eliminating the need for complex mechanical throttling devices, pressure vessels, and thermal measurement equipment required by traditional calorimetry
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic measurement system serves multiple functions: it measures steam quality, detects flow characteristics, and provides diagnostic information about the steam system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement devices, simplifying the overall system while maintaining measurement precision
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If acoustic energy is separated into multiple frequency groups, then fluid flow characteristics are better detected, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acoustic signal into distinct frequency groups (low frequency, mid frequency, high frequency) to extract different flow characteristics from each band. This segmentation allows the system to identify specific flow patterns and steam quality parameters by analyzing the energy distribution across frequency bands, making complex flow characteristics detectable through systematic signal decomposition
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 provides a faster and more straightforward method to determine steam dryness, enabling precise quality measurements suitable for industrial applications, including sterilization systems, by transforming vibration signals into energy parameters that reflect flow velocity and phase composition.
Implementation Method 1
a target disposed in the fluid flow which vibrates in response to fluid flow in the fluid line
Implementation Method 2
The electrical converter may comprise a piezoelectric transducer
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a method of determining the phase compositions of a multiphase fluid flow in a fluid line, including obtaining a vibration signal from the fluid flow using a vibration sensor 22 comprising a target disposed in the fluid flow which vibrates in response to fluid flow in the fluid line. The vibration signal is analysed to determine a first energy parameter which is related to the energy of the vibration signal within a first frequency band, and a second energy parameter which is related to the energy of the vibration signal within a second frequency band; and a phase composition parameter, such as a dryness parameter, relating to the phase compositions of the fluid flow is determined using the first and second energy parameters. There is also disclosed an apparatus for determining the phase compositions of a multiphase fluid flow in a fluid line.