Ultrasonic Flow Measurement Using Upstream-Downstream Amplitude Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic fluid meters face challenges in high cost due to the need for ASIC integration for picosecond resolution and are sensitive to fluid impurities causing measurement inaccuracies and errors, particularly when dealing with high flow rates or bubbles.
Innovation Solution
Evaluate fluid flow rate based on the difference in amplitude between upstream and downstream electrical signals, combined with transit time differences, using a multiple regression model to enhance accuracy and reduce costs by eliminating the need for complex filtering modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transit time measurement with picosecond resolution is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to ASIC integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electronic timing system (requiring ASICs for picosecond resolution) with an acoustic-based measurement approach. By measuring the amplitude difference of ultrasonic signals traveling in opposite directions through the fluid, the system determines flow velocity without requiring complex electronic timing circuits, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from transit time (requiring picosecond resolution) to amplitude difference (measurable with standard electronics). The flow velocity is derived from the amplitude ratio of upstream and downstream signals, which can be measured with much lower precision requirements, eliminating the need for expensive ASIC integration
2Measurement precision
If zero crossing method is used for transit time measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to sensitivity to bubbles and impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of bubbles and impurities (which cause zero crossing detection failures) into a beneficial measurement mechanism. By using amplitude difference measurement, the system becomes insensitive to the presence of bubbles and impurities, as amplitude ratios remain stable even when zero crossing detection fails, thereby improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simpler, more robust measurement approach that does not require complex filtering modules or sophisticated signal processing. The amplitude difference method is inherently more tolerant of fluid quality variations, eliminating the need for expensive filtering systems and complex computing resources
3Reliability
If filtering modules are used to handle problematic measurements, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and computing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measurement system self-service by using the amplitude difference method that is inherently insensitive to bubbles and impurities. The system does not require external filtering modules or complex post-processing algorithms to correct problematic measurements, as the measurement principle itself is robust against these interference sources, thereby reducing device complexity
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 method reduces the cost of ultrasonic meters by eliminating the need for ASICs and significantly improves measurement accuracy by leveraging existing data, ensuring accurate billing and reducing measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
apply an electrical excitation signal to the terminals of the upstream transducer so that it generates an upstream ultrasonic signal in the conduit
Implementation Method 2
acquire a downstream electrical signal produced by the downstream transducer when it receives the upstream ultrasonic signal
Implementation Method 3
apply the electrical excitation signal to the terminals of the downstream transducer so that it generates a downstream ultrasonic signal in the conduit
Implementation Method 4
acquire an upstream electrical signal produced by the upstream transducer when it receives the downstream ultrasonic signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Measurement method, implemented in a meter (1) comprising a conduit (4) in which a fluid flows and an ultrasonic measuring device (6) comprising an upstream transducer (7a) and a downstream transducer (7b), the measurement method comprising the steps of: - applying an electrical excitation signal (Se) to the terminals of the upstream transducer, and acquiring a downstream electrical signal produced by the downstream transducer; - applying the electrical excitation signal to the terminals of the downstream transducer, and acquiring an upstream electrical signal produced by the upstream transducer; - evaluating a flow rate of the fluid in the conduit as a function of a first value representing a difference between an amplitude of the upstream electrical signal and an amplitude of the downstream electrical signal.