Electromagnetic Steam Sensor Using Resonators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring steam quality are either expensive, time-consuming, or inaccurate, leading to inefficient operation of steam turbines and industrial processes due to the lack of a cost-effective and robust sensing method for fluid properties like steam energy and composition.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system utilizing electromagnetic resonators and an orifice function to measure steam energy and quality by transmitting and receiving EM energy, processing data to determine fluid properties, including mass flow rate, across a flow path, enabling accurate and real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard calorimeter devices are used to measure steam quality, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical calorimeter devices with an electromagnetic sensing system that uses EM resonators to measure steam quality. The system transmits EM energy through the steam and measures the response to determine quality, eliminating the need for complicated mechanical calorimetry equipment while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention measures steam quality by detecting changes in electromagnetic parameters (permittivity, resonant frequency, quality factor) rather than using traditional thermal parameters. By monitoring how the steam affects EM wave propagation and resonance characteristics, the system achieves accurate quality measurement through non-contact electromagnetic sensing.
2Device complexity
If electromagnetic sensing method is used to measure steam quality, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs EM resonators that exploit resonant vibration of electromagnetic fields at specific frequencies. By measuring the resonant frequency and quality factor (Q-factor) of the resonators as they interact with the steam, the system achieves precise quality measurements. The resonance phenomenon amplifies the interaction between EM energy and steam properties, enhancing measurement sensitivity and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by comparing the transmitted EM signal with the received signal from the resonators. The processor analyzes changes in resonant frequency and quality factor, and uses this feedback information to calculate steam quality. This closed-loop measurement approach ensures accurate compensation for variations in operating conditions and maintains high measurement precision.
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
The system provides a low-cost, accurate, and robust method for measuring steam energy and quality, enhancing the efficiency of steam turbines and industrial processes by providing timely and precise data on fluid properties.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter of EM energy configured to apply the transmitter EM energy to the one or more resonators in the vessel... a receiver configured to receive responsive EM energy from one or more responses from the one or more resonators in the vessel
Implementation Method 2
one or more electromagnetic ('EM') resonators disposed at differing distances from a reference position of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a sensor and method for the measurement of fluid properties, such as steam energy and steam quality, and/or multiphase and multicomponent fluids and their flow regime profiles in a single instrument, and in some embodiments can include the mass flow rate. The invention can incorporate an orifice function that permits the measurement of fluid energy and a flow profile across at least a portion of the flow path with an electromagnetic sensing method combined with a standard mass flow rate measurement using an orifice differential pressure measurement system.