Ultrasonic Flow Meter Multi-Plane Transducer Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic flow measurement devices face challenges in accurately determining volume flow due to asymmetrical velocity distribution, non-axial velocity components, and Reynolds number dependency, leading to systematic errors and non-linearity in measurements.
Innovation Solution
The device employs two sets of parallel, offset planes at an angle to each other, with each set containing multiple paths that intersect, allowing for the separation and compensation of non-axial velocity components, and uses ultrasonic transducers and reflectors to eliminate radial flow components, ensuring high information density and reducing installation position dependency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a single plane with multiple ultrasonic paths is used, then information density increases, but non-axial velocity components cannot be eliminated leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane measurement approach to a multi-plane three-dimensional arrangement. By distributing ultrasonic transducers across multiple parallel planes offset from each other, the system creates ultrasonic paths that traverse different spatial dimensions. This dimensional expansion enables the separation and elimination of non-axial velocity components through mathematical processing, while maintaining high information density through the increased number of independent measurement paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple parallel planes, each containing ultrasonic transducers that generate independent measurement paths. Instead of using all transducers in a single plane, the patent divides them into separate planes that are offset from one another. This segmentation allows for the creation of multiple sets of paths with different orientations, enabling the mathematical elimination of non-axial flow components while preserving high information density.
2Productivity
If ultrasonic paths are arranged at an angle to the pipeline, then more paths can be created, but non-axial velocity components appear in projections falsifying measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through mathematical processing of the ultrasonic transit time measurements. The system calculates flow velocity components from multiple angled paths and uses iterative mathematical operations to separate axial components from non-axial components. This feedback loop allows the system to compensate for the projection effects of angled paths, eliminating measurement errors while maintaining the advantage of having numerous measurement paths for high productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If velocity distribution is asymmetrical, then rotation of transducer arrangement changes measured values, but fixed arrangements cannot adapt to different flow profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that functions independently of installation position or flow profile symmetry. By using multiple parallel planes with offset transducers, the system generates a comprehensive set of ultrasonic paths that can mathematically represent any velocity distribution pattern, whether symmetrical or asymmetrical. The mathematical processing methodology universally eliminates directional dependencies, making the measurement system adaptable to any installation configuration while maintaining precision.
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 configuration enables precise measurement of volume flow and flow profile reconstruction, eliminating systematic errors and non-linearity, and allows for accurate determination of fluid movement in pipes with asymmetrical or swirling flows.
Implementation Method 1
The transit time required for an ultrasonic pulse from the first ultrasonic transducer to reach the second ultrasonic transducer and the transit time required for an ultrasonic pulse emitted by the second ultrasonic transducer to reach the first ultrasonic transducer are determined. Since the ultrasonic pulse propagates once with and once against the direction of flow, the difference in transit time provides the mean flow velocity along this sound path.
Implementation Method 2
two ultrasonic transducers are arranged diametrically and offset from one another in the longitudinal direction. The transit time required for an ultrasonic pulse from the first ultrasonic transducer to reach the second ultrasonic transducer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The system for measurement of a fluid flow through a pipe computes the difference between ultrasonic travel times in one direction and in another. Within the pipe there are two sets (S1,S2) of planes of at least two parallel and offset planes. Each plane (E1-1-E1-4,E2-1-E2-4) is parallel to the pipe longitudinal axis (l). In each plane, at least two paths are at an angle to each other. Ultrasound converters (C1-C16) and/or reflection surfaces are at the pipe wall. The measured ultrasound travel times and/or their differences give the physical assumptions for the pipe flow using a reconstruction algorithm, the flow profile and/or the temperature distribution and/or turbulence.