Torsional Plate Mass Flow Meter for High-Pressure Low-Density Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Coriolis mass flow meters are unsuitable for measuring high-pressure fluids with low density or large diameters due to their inability to withstand pressure and maintain sensitivity, leading to inaccurate measurements and potential pressure drops that can cause boiling or bubble formation.
Innovation Solution
A mass flow meter with a tubular housing and a flexible plate that vibrates in torsion, using two electromagnetic actuators to apply oscillating torques with opposite directions to excite harmonics oscillations, and sensors to measure phase shifts for accurate mass flow determination, even in high-pressure environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional Coriolis flow meters use thick tubular walls to withstand high pressure, then pressure resistance is improved, but the construction becomes too stiff to vibrate for detection of mass flow
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter is divided into two separate tubular flow conduits instead of using a single thick-walled tube. Each conduit has thinner walls that can vibrate, while the overall structure withstands high pressure through the dual-conduit design and support mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin-walled tubular conduits that are flexible enough to vibrate for mass flow detection. These thin walls would not withstand high pressure individually, but the overall design compensates through the dual-conduit configuration and external support structures.
2Measurement precision
If traditional Coriolis flow meters use reduced diameter tubes to measure low density fluids, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but pressure drop increases due to venturi effect
Solution Approach 1:
The single reduced-diameter measurement tube is segmented into two parallel conduits. This allows the flow meter to measure low-density fluids with adequate sensitivity while distributing the flow to reduce the venturi effect and minimize pressure drop in each individual conduit.
Solution Approach 2:
Two separate conduit measurements are combined to provide the final mass flow measurement. This merging of measurement paths allows the system to achieve the sensitivity needed for low-density fluids while maintaining lower pressure drops compared to a single smaller tube.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional Coriolis flow meters divide fluid flow in two pipes, then net zero force from drive is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter uses two separate tubular conduits to divide the fluid flow, achieving net zero force from the drive mechanism. This segmentation provides force balance while the conduits are integrated into a unified housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-conduit structure serves multiple functions: it provides force balance for stable operation, enables vibration-based mass flow measurement, and maintains pressure containment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 solution provides increased sensitivity and accuracy for low-density fluids like CO2, H2, and natural gas, capable of measuring both single-phase and two-phase flows with reduced noise interference and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electromagnetic actuator system (302, 303) is configured to apply at least two oscillating torques to the flexible plate (352) sufficient to vibrate the flexible plate (352) in torsion
Implementation Method 2
a flexible plate (352) extending along at least a part of the tubular housing (350) and at least partially coupled to an interior wall of the tubular housing (350) at opposed longitudinal ends of the flexible plate (352) such that the flexible plate (352) is able to vibrate in torsion
Implementation Method 3
at least two sensor systems (301, 304) are configured to measure oscillations of the flexible plate (352) as a function of time at locations arising from the at least two applied oscillating torques
Implementation Method 4
The inertia of the flowing fluid resists the vibration motion and causes the pipe to twist. This twist results in a time lag (phase shift) of oscillations of the pipe between the inlet side and the outlet side and this phase shift is directly affected by the mass of the fluid passing through the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A mass flow meter is disclosed. The mass flow meter has a tubular housing (250) extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to receive a flow of fluid (351) therethrough. A flexible plate (352) extends along at least a part of the tubular housing and is at least partially coupled to an interior wall of the tubular housing at opposed longitudinal ends of the flexible plate such that the flexible plate is able to vibrate in torsion. At least one electromagnetic actuator system (302, 303) is configured to apply at least two oscillating torques to the flexible plate sufficient to vibrate the flexible plate in torsion. At least two sensor systems (301, 304) are configured to measure oscillations of the flexible plate as a function of time at locations arising from the at least two applied oscillating torques. A method for measuring mass flow through the at least one tubular housing is also disclosed.