Ultrasonic Flow Meter with Offset Transducer Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid flow measurement techniques in pipes, particularly for hydrocarbons, are not reliable enough for transactional purposes, such as at refineries or oil tankers, requiring a more precise and compact solution.
Innovation Solution
A device with cylindrical body and coaxial parallel rings of ultrasound beam transducers, where each transducer on one ring is angularly offset from those on the other, emitting and receiving ultrasound beams that intersect at multiple nodes, allowing for precise flow rate measurement using both linear and Doppler effect methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasonic measurement techniques are used, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement precision is insufficient for transactional purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent transducers arranged in two rings, each transducer providing an individual measurement channel. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high precision through multiple measurements while keeping each transducer element relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducers are arranged in two-dimensional rings rather than a single line, creating a radial measurement pattern. This dimensional change from linear to radial arrangement enables multiple measurement paths through the fluid flow, significantly improving measurement precision while maintaining a compact device structure.
2Reliability
If multiple transducers are arranged to improve measurement reliability, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transducers from two different rings are merged into a unified measurement system where their signals are combined and processed together. This merging approach improves reliability through redundant measurements and cross-validation, while the integrated processing system manages the complexity rather than allowing it to accumulate.
Solution Approach 2:
Each transducer serves multiple functions: it can measure flow velocity along its specific path, contribute to overall flow rate calculation, and provide redundancy for error correction. This multi-functionality maximizes the utility of each transducer element, improving reliability without requiring additional dedicated components.
3Measurement precision
If transducers are positioned to measure flow through multiple paths, then measurement precision improves, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two transducer rings are nested concentrically around the fluid flow path, with each ring containing multiple transducers arranged radially. This nested configuration allows multiple measurement paths to be packed into a compact cylindrical volume, achieving high measurement precision without significantly increasing the device's external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement paths are arranged in the radial dimension rather than extending the device lengthwise. By utilizing the radial space around the fluid flow, the system creates multiple measurement paths within a compact cross-sectional area, improving precision while maintaining a space-efficient design.
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 highly precise measurement of fluid flow rates, significantly improving transactional accuracy and reliability by multiplying measurement points, especially during high-flow commercial transactions.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic beam transducers mounted on the main body and intended to measure at least one velocity of movement of the fluid flow as it passes through said device
Implementation Method 2
using the Doppler effect at each of said nodes
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (10) for measuring the flow rate of a fluid flowing in a pipe, especially for a transaction between a hydrocarbon supplier and a hydrocarbon purchaser, comprising: a cylindrical body (11) designed to be interposed between two sections of said pipe; ultrasound-beam transducers (15) mounted on the main body (11) and intended to measure at least a rate of movement of the fluid stream as this flows through said device (10); and at least one converter intended to convert the signals emitted by the transducers into a flow rate signal, characterized in that the transducers (15) are mounted and uniformly distributed on two coaxial parallel rings (12, 13), the transducers (15) of a first ring (12) being angularly offset relative to the transducers of the second ring (13).