Ultrasonic Flow Sensor Validation Against Air-Bubble False Readings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic flow sensors lack a mechanism to inhibit spurious flow measurements, which can be caused by factors such as air bubbles in the fluid flow path, leading to inaccurate volume calculations.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a pair of piezoelectric sensors or transducers positioned upstream and downstream in the flow tube, with a processor analyzing time-series data from both sensors to determine if adjustments to flow measurements are necessary based on amplitude, time, and other parameters, using machine learning if applicable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic flow sensors are used to measure fluid flow rate and volume, then flow measurement capability is provided, but spurious or fake flow measurements occur when air bubbles are present in the fluid flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation of ultrasonic signal characteristics before accepting flow measurements. By checking signal amplitude, transit time, and other parameters in advance, the system prevents spurious measurements caused by air bubbles from being recorded, thereby maintaining measurement reliability without sacrificing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors ultrasonic signal parameters and uses this feedback to determine whether to accept or reject flow measurements. When air bubbles are detected through abnormal signal characteristics, the system adjusts its measurement acceptance criteria in real-time, preventing inaccurate measurements while maintaining reliable operation during normal conditions
2Productivity
If air bubbles are present in the fluid flow path, then spurious flow measurements are generated, but the sensor continues to output measurements without detection mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
Before outputting any flow measurement, the system performs preliminary validation by checking ultrasonic signal characteristics such as amplitude and transit time. This preliminary action ensures that only accurate measurements are outputted, preventing spurious measurements from being generated even when air bubbles are present in the flow path
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces reliance on purely mechanical flow detection with ultrasonic signal analysis. By using acoustic wave properties (amplitude, transit time, frequency) to validate measurements, the system can detect air bubbles and prevent inaccurate measurements without mechanical intervention, maintaining continuous measurement output with improved accuracy
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
This approach effectively reduces spurious flow measurements by accurately adjusting flow rate and volume calculations, enhancing the reliability of ultrasonic flow sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a first piezoelectric sensor or transducer arranged at an upstream position of the flow tube, and a second piezoelectric sensor or transducer arranged at a downstream position of the flow tube
Implementation Method 2
causing the first piezoelectric sensor or transducer to transmit at least one first ultrasonic signal to the second piezoelectric sensor or transducer
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for inhibiting spurious flow measurement by ultrasonic flow sensors. An example system includes an ultrasonic flow sensor that includes a flow tube for delivering a fluid from a fluid source, a first piezoelectric sensor or transducer, and a second piezoelectric sensor or transducer; and at least one processor configured to: receive a first time-series generated by the ultrasonic flow; receive a second time-series generated by the ultrasonic flow sensor; and determine, based on the first time-series and the second time-series, whether to modify a previous amount associated with at least one attribute of the fluid with an interval amount associated with the at least one attribute of the fluid.