Torsional Vibration Mass Flow Meter for High Pressure Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass flow meters are unsuitable for high pressure fluids due to difficulties in accurately measuring fluid density, which affects the accuracy of indirect mass flow measurements.
Innovation Solution
A mass flow meter system that includes a tubular housing with a flexible plate that vibrates in torsion, driven by an actuator, and equipped with sensors to measure oscillations and determine mass flow based on phase shift analysis, suitable for high pressure fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If indirect mass flow measurement techniques based on differential pressure and density are used for high pressure fluids, then mass flow can be measured, but the accuracy suffers due to difficulty in accurately measuring fluid density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect measurement methods (which require density measurement) with direct measurement using a vibratory flow meter. The mechanical vibration system measures mass flow directly through the relationship between vibration frequency and mass flow rate, eliminating the need for separate density measurement and calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from differential pressure and density (indirect method) to vibration frequency and phase difference (direct method). By measuring the phase difference between vibrations at different locations in the tube, the system directly determines mass flow without needing to measure fluid density separately.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing mass flow meters are used for high pressure fluids, then measurement can be performed, but the devices are unsuitable due to design limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible diaphragm as the sensing element that can withstand high pressure while transmitting vibration. The diaphragm's flexibility allows it to deform elastically under pressure while maintaining the vibration signal necessary for mass flow measurement, making the device suitable for high pressure applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mechanical vibration of the tube and diaphragm system to measure mass flow. The vibration-based measurement principle is inherently suitable for high pressure applications because the vibration signal can be maintained and detected even under high pressure conditions, providing reliable measurements where other devices fail.
3Measurement precision
If volume flow measurements are used instead of mass flow measurements, then measurements are simpler, but accuracy is reduced due to variations with pressure and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces volume flow measurement systems with a vibration-based mass flow measurement system. The vibratory sensor directly measures mass flow through the interaction between the vibration and the flowing fluid, providing accurate mass flow measurements without the complexity of separate temperature and pressure compensation systems required for volume flow measurements.
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 enables direct and accurate measurement of mass flow in high pressure fluids by leveraging torsional vibrations and phase shift analysis, overcoming the limitations of density measurement in existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible plate can vibrate in torsion
Implementation Method 2
the flexible plate can be configured to deform elastically when vibrating
Implementation Method 3
The actuator is configured to apply an oscillating torque to the flexible plate sufficient to vibrate the flexible plate in torsion
Implementation Method 4
measuring a plurality of oscillations of the vibrating flexible plate as a function of time at two different positions along a length of the flexible plate; and determining a mass flow of the fluid within the tubular housing based upon a phase shift between the oscillations measured at the two different positions
Data Source
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AI summary
A mass flow meter and methods for using the same are provided. The mass flow meter can include a tubular housing, a flexible plate, an actuator, and at least two sensors. The flexible plate can be coupled to an interior wall of the tubular housing such that the flexible plate can vibrate in torsion. The actuator can be configured to apply an oscillating torque to the flexible plate sufficient to vibrate the flexible plate in torsion. The at least two sensors can each be configured to measure oscillations of the flexible plate as a function of time at different locations. The mass flow meter can also include a computing device in electrical communication with the at least two sensors and configured to determine a mass flow of fluid passing through the tubular housing from, a phase shift between oscillations of the flexible plate measured by the at least two sensors.