Non-Invasive Pipeline Flow Measurement Using Thermal Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring fluid flow rates through pipelines without direct access are complex and often require advanced filtering techniques and significant computing power, and are not applicable to all types of fluids, such as liquids without particles.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using temperature sensors to measure the flow rate by determining the difference between the conduit temperature and a reference temperature, allowing for non-invasive measurement of fluid flow rates through pipelines, utilizing commercially available temperature sensors that can be in direct contact or at a distance from the conduit, and accounting for temperature changes due to heat exchange with the environment or pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If acoustic sound transducers are used to measure flow rates from outside the pipeline, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but the system requires advanced filtering techniques and large computing power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic measurement methods with thermal measurement methods. Instead of using acoustic sound transducers that require complex signal processing, the invention uses temperature sensors to measure the temperature difference of the pipeline, which directly correlates with flow rate. This substitution of measurement principle eliminates the need for advanced filtering and computing power while maintaining non-invasive measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from acoustic signals to temperature. By measuring the temperature difference between the pipeline surface and ambient environment, the system obtains flow rate information without requiring complex acoustic signal processing. This parameter change simplifies the measurement system while preserving the non-invasive advantage.
2Measurement precision
If heat flow sensors are attached to the pipeline in direct contact, then flow measurement is achieved, but the system requires direct access to the pipeline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the pipeline surface temperature as an intermediary between the fluid flow and the measurement sensor. The temperature sensor measures the pipeline outer surface temperature, which acts as an intermediary carrying flow information without requiring direct contact with the fluid or pipeline interior. This intermediary approach enables accurate flow measurement while maintaining ease of operation through external-only access.
3Ease of operation
If acoustic signals are used for flow measurement, then non-contact measurement is possible, but the signals are influenced and changed by environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the environmental sensitivity problem into an advantage by using temperature as the measurement parameter. Instead of trying to shield against environmental influences on acoustic signals, the invention measures the temperature difference between the pipeline and ambient environment, which naturally accounts for environmental conditions. The pipeline surface temperature already reflects environmental interactions, making the measurement inherently compensated for environmental changes.
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 accurate and efficient measurement of fluid flow rates in pipelines without direct access, applicable to various fluids, including combustible liquids and gases, using simple and commercially available temperature sensors, with the ability to calculate flow rates based on temperature differences and pressure changes.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature sensor may be arranged at some distance from the conduit. The temperature sensor may be infrared (IR) radiation sensor for measuring the temperature of the conduit without direct contact to the conduit
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor may be in direct contact with the conduit and may measure the temperature at the outside surface of the conduit
Implementation Method 3
Heat exchange with the environment will, for example occur when the conduit exits a medium such as the earth or sea
Implementation Method 4
Heat exchange with the environment will, for example occur when the conduit exits a medium such as the earth or sea
Implementation Method 5
The change in pressure of the fluid changes the temperature of the fluid, for example by the Van der Waals equation or similar equations
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring a flow rate through a conduit, such as a pipeline. The method comprises providing a reference parameter, measuring a first parameter at a first position at the conduit and determining a difference between the first parameter and the reference parameter. The flow rate through the conduit is determined based on the difference between the first parameter and the reference parameter.