Ultrasonic Flow Meter Transit Time Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic flow meters face challenges in achieving high accuracy due to adverse effects of velocity on transit time measurements, particularly at high velocities and low sound speeds, which can lead to signal distortion and measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a correction function that uses a correlation parameter with velocity and speed of sound terms, applied to transit time measurements to improve the accuracy of flow rate determination. This correction function is based on a correlation parameter that takes the form of X=ν/cn, where n is between 1 and 2, and is used to correct for the effects of finite transducer size and velocity distribution on measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic transit time measurement is used for flow measurement, then flow rate can be measured, but measurement precision deteriorates at high velocities and low sound speeds due to signal distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the measurement model to include corrections for velocity and sound speed effects. The correction function uses a correlation parameter with velocity-related terms and sound speed-related terms with specific exponents to adjust the transit time measurements, thereby maintaining measurement precision across varying flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback by continuously monitoring the correlation parameter and applying real-time corrections to the transit time measurements. The correction function is applied based on measured or estimated values that are at least partially dependent on both flow velocity and speed of sound, creating a feedback loop that compensates for signal distortion.
2Measurement precision
If correction function with correlation parameter is applied to transit time measurements, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the complexity impact by formulating the correction function in terms of a correlation parameter X = ν/c^n, where ν is velocity, c is sound speed, and n is an exponent between 1 and 2. This parameter transformation consolidates multiple correction factors into a single correlated parameter, making the implementation more manageable while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses measured or estimated values from transit time measurements to create corrected values. The correction function is applied using variables derived from the original measurements, effectively copying and adjusting the measurement data rather than requiring entirely new measurement systems.
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 proposed solution enhances the accuracy of flow rate measurements by compensating for the adverse effects of high velocity and low sound speed, thereby improving the reliability of ultrasonic flow meters in various fluid measurement applications.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasonic flow meters include ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and detecting ultrasonic waves (e.g., ultrasonic signals) in the fluid passed through a conduit
Implementation Method 2
Some electronic flow meters determine flow based on principles of ultrasonic transit time measurement. A transit time measurement based ultrasonic flow meter quantifies fluid flow based on the transit time of signals propagating upstream and/or downstream relative to the fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods provided herein relate to an ultrasonic measurement system. The system includes transducers configured to provide ultrasonic signals and metering electronics configured to receive electronic signals associated with the ultrasonic signals. The metering electronics are configured to provide a correction function which is a function of measured or estimated values that are dependent on both flow velocity and speed of sound.