Ultrasonic Flow Meter Insert with Tilted Webs for Smooth Transition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic flow meters face measurement inaccuracies due to steep jumps in characteristic curves at the transition between laminar and turbulent flow, which are difficult to correct and influenced by temperature and inflow conditions.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic meter with a specially designed insert featuring an outer ring and tilted webs that create a lattice structure, generating turbulence by deflecting partial flow volumes, thereby smoothing the transition between flow types and reducing measurement inaccuracies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional flow straightener with parallel webs is used, then the flow is stabilized, but the transition between laminar and turbulent flow causes steep jumps in the characteristic curve resulting in measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by tilting the webs at specific angles (α1 and α2) relative to the flow direction, creating an asymmetric lattice structure that generates controlled turbulence. This asymmetric configuration prevents the steep jumps in the characteristic curve that occur with conventional parallel web straighteners, thereby improving measurement precision during flow transitions while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the flow straightener by specifying particular tilt angles for the webs (α1 and α2) and defining the lattice structure with specific spacing. These parameter changes transform the flow characteristics to eliminate abrupt transitions between laminar and turbulent flow regimes, resolving the measurement accuracy issue
2Stability of the object's composition
If the flow channel is narrowed to create a defined flow profile, then flow direction is controlled, but measurement inaccuracies persist due to variable jumps in the characteristic curve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow channel into multiple pathways defined by the lattice structure with tilted webs. This segmentation creates numerous small flow channels that collectively provide flow direction control while generating controlled turbulence that eliminates abrupt characteristic curve jumps, thereby improving measurement precision without sacrificing flow profile stability
3Adaptability or versatility
If temperature and inflow conditions vary, then the flow characteristics change, but the jump in characteristic curve moves by several percent of the measuring range making correction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the tilted web lattice structure to generate controlled turbulence before the flow reaches the measurement section. This preliminary turbulence generation ensures that the flow characteristics remain stable and predictable under varying temperature and inflow conditions, preventing the characteristic curve jump from shifting and enabling accurate measurements across different operating conditions
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 insert's turbulence design results in a constant transition between flow types, allowing for better correction of measurement inaccuracies and minimizing the impact of temperature and inflow changes on measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitting ultrasonic transducer emits its signal in the direction of its assigned reflector, which reflects the ultrasonic signal parallel to the longitudinal axis into the measuring section. The signal influenced by the fluid is in turn reflected by the second ultrasonic transducer from the measuring section in the direction of the receiving ultrasonic transducer, where it is recorded
Implementation Method 2
the flow-influencing insert is set, consisting of an outer ring lying on the inner circumference of the flow section and several webs dividing the ring cross-section into several laterally closed openings, with at least some of the webs not being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flow section while the web thickness remains the same
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The meter (1) has a measuring insert (5) defining a measuring section (4) and inserted into a flow portion (3) of a tubular housing (2). A flow influencing insert (12) is arranged upstream of the measuring insert in the flow portion. An outer ring of the flow influencing insert is arranged close to inner circumference of the flow portion. Bars of the flow influencing insert divide an annular cross-section of the flow portion into laterally closed perforations, where a portion of the bars does not have constant bar thickness along a longitudinal axis of the flow portion. The flow influencing insert is formed as a plastic injection molded part.