Ultrasonic Flow Measurement in High Temperature Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measurement technologies face challenges in accurately measuring high-temperature fluid flow rates in pipes, particularly above 600°C, due to limitations in transducer durability and ultrasonic wave signal attenuation.
Innovation Solution
The system employs ultrasonic waveguides and transducers connected to a control unit, which emit and receive ultrasonic signals through high-temperature ceramic waveguides to measure flow velocity and rate, ensuring optimal acoustic transmission and insulation from the high-temperature pipe, allowing for precise measurement without mechanical invasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional transducers are used for flow measurement in high temperature pipes, then the measurement capability is provided, but the transducer durability deteriorates due to temperatures above 600°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces waveguides as intermediary components that physically separate the transducers from the high-temperature pipe environment. The waveguides conduct ultrasonic waves from the transducers to the pipe surface, allowing measurement without direct exposure of sensitive transducer components to temperatures above 600°C, thus maintaining both measurement capability and transducer durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based flow measurement systems with ultrasonic wave-based measurement. By using ultrasonic waves transmitted through waveguides and pipe walls, the system eliminates the need for mechanical intrusion into the high-temperature fluid stream, thereby improving transducer reliability while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic waves are transmitted directly through high temperature pipes, then flow measurement is achieved, but signal attenuation increases due to high temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguides serve as intermediary transmission paths that protect the ultrasonic wave signals from direct exposure to high-temperature environments. By conducting waves through the waveguide structure and only interfacing with the pipe at necessary points, the system minimizes signal attenuation while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes ultrasonic wave parameters such as frequency and transmission angle to minimize attenuation effects. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system compensates for high-temperature signal loss and maintains measurement precision even in extreme thermal conditions
3Measurement precision
If mechanical invasion is used for flow measurement, then direct fluid contact is achieved, but mechanical limitations occur at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical intrusion-based measurement with non-contact ultrasonic wave transmission. The waveguides and transducers are positioned externally to the pipe, eliminating the need for mechanical components to invade the high-temperature fluid environment, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguides act as mediators that enable ultrasonic wave transmission without requiring mechanical invasion of the pipe or fluid. This intermediary approach reduces device complexity by eliminating complex sealing, mounting, and protection mechanisms that would be required for direct mechanical contact in high-temperature environments
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 solution enables accurate and non-invasive measurement of high-temperature fluid flow rates, overcoming mechanical limitations and maintaining signal integrity, even at temperatures exceeding 700°C.
Implementation Method 1
first and second transducers adapted to be connected to the first and second waveguides, respectively, and to exchange ultrasonic wave signals through the first and second waveguides
Implementation Method 2
first and second waveguides adapted to be connected to a pipe... the first and second waveguides insulate the first and second transducers from the pipe and propagate the ultrasonic wave signals
Implementation Method 3
the first and second waveguides insulate the first and second transducers from the pipe... so that the ability of the first and second transducers to exchange the ultrasonic wave signals is not adversely affected by the temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system according to which first and second transducers are connected to first and second waveguides, respectively, the first and second waveguides are connected to a pipe, and ultrasonic wave signals are exchanged between the first and second transducers, said ultrasonic wave signals passing through the first and second waveguides, the pipe, and a fluid in the pipe. A temperature of the fluid flowing in the pipe may exceed about 600 C. The first and second waveguides insulate the first and second transducers from the pipe and propagate the ultrasonic wave signals between the pipe and the first and second transducers, respectively, so that the ability of the first and second transducers to exchange the ultrasonic wave signals is not adversely affected by the temperature of the fluid in the pipe. The first and second waveguides may be made of a calcium silicate technical ceramic.