Supersonic Wave Flowmeter for Pressure Loss-Free Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowmeters face challenges such as causing pressure loss, requiring pipe incorporation, and being difficult to move or access for flow rate determination, especially at hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using supersonic waves to determine fluid discharge flow rates from a terminal end of a discharge passageway without direct incorporation into the passageway, based on correlations between supersonic wave intensity and flow rate, allowing for remote and portable measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flowmeter is incorporated in midway a pipe passageway to measure flow rate, then flow rate determination is achieved, but pressure loss of the transported fluid increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is extracted from the pipe passageway itself. Instead of incorporating a flowmeter into the pipe, the invention uses a microphone to detect supersonic waves generated by fluid discharge from the pipe's terminal end. This external measurement approach eliminates the need for in-pipe measurement devices that cause pressure loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces supersonic waves as an intermediary to transfer information about the flow rate. The fluid discharge generates supersonic waves that carry flow rate information, which can be detected externally by a microphone without interfering with the fluid flow or causing pressure loss.
2Measurement precision
If a flowmeter is incorporated in an existing pipe passageway to measure flow rate, then flow rate determination is achieved, but the fluid transport must be stopped for incorporation
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is extracted from the pipe passageway and performed externally. A portable measurement device with a microphone detects supersonic waves generated by the discharge, allowing flow rate measurement without stopping fluid transport or modifying the existing pipe system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid discharge itself serves as the measurement source. The discharge process generates supersonic waves that inherently contain flow rate information, eliminating the need for external intervention or system shutdown to install measurement equipment.
3Measurement precision
If a flowmeter is incorporated in an existing pipe passageway to measure flow rate, then flow rate determination is achieved, but the device cannot be readily moved to different sites
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is extracted from a fixed pipe installation and made portable. The measurement device can be easily moved to different discharge sites, as it only requires access to the terminal end of the discharge passageway to detect supersonic waves generated during fluid discharge.
4Measurement precision
If a supersonic wave flowmeter is mounted to a pipe passageway from the outside to measure flow rate, then flow rate determination is achieved, but mounting requires significant trouble especially at high sites
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is completely extracted from the pipe passageway structure. Instead of mounting any device to the pipe (even externally), the invention uses a portable microphone-based device that detects supersonic waves in the air near the discharge terminal, requiring no mounting operation whatsoever.
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 easy, accurate, and versatile flow rate determination without pressure loss or access issues, effectively coping with varying propagation distances and angles, and maintaining accuracy for hot fluids.
Implementation Method 1
determining intensity of a supersonic wave generated at and propagated from the discharge opening in association with discharge of the fluid from the discharge opening
Data Source
Figure 1~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~4
AI summary
The object is to facilitate determination of a flow rate of fluid discharged from a discharge opening. Intensity (p) of a supersonic wave S generated at and propagated from the discharge opening in association with discharge of the fluid from the discharge opening 1 is determined at a determinate site distant from the discharge opening 1. And, a propagation distance L from the discharge opening 1 to the determination site 3 is determined or investigated. Then, based upon a correlation existent among the intensity (p) of the propagated supersonic wave S , the propagation distance L and the fluid discharge flow rate Q from the discharge opening 1, the fluid discharge rate Q is obtained from the determined or investigated supersonic wave intensity (p) and the propagation distance L.