Ultrasonic Flow Meter with Reflection Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measuring systems face challenges in achieving high measurement accuracy and tolerance for disturbed flow profiles while maintaining a relatively short installation length, especially in high-pressure applications.
Innovation Solution
The flow measuring system incorporates reflection measuring paths with ultrasonic transducers arranged downstream in the outlet fastening area, allowing for a compact design with a flow straightener that can be longer than the ultrasonic device, and features a tilting mechanism to optimize space usage and measurement coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the flow straightener is made longer to improve noise immunity and measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the installation length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs reflection measuring paths that extend in the radial direction of the fluid channel rather than purely axially. By using reflectors positioned at different radial distances from the channel wall, the ultrasonic measuring device achieves extended measurement paths and improved noise immunity without proportionally increasing the axial installation length. The reflection paths create virtual measurement sections that effectively extend the measurement capability in a dimensional sense without linearly extending the physical device length.
2Measurement precision
If the ultrasonic measuring device is made longer to achieve high measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the installation length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducers are integrated into the outlet fastening region, nesting the measuring device within the existing structural space of the measuring body. The reflectors are positioned within the fluid channel space, utilizing the available volume efficiently. This nested arrangement allows the ultrasonic measuring device to achieve sufficient measurement path length for high accuracy while maintaining a compact overall installation length that fits within standard pipeline dimensions.
3Measurement precision
If the flow straightener occupies a larger portion of the axial length to improve performance, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet fastening region serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the measuring body, enables pressure-tight sealing, and houses the ultrasonic transducers. By combining these functions into a single integrated region, the design reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the necessary flow straightener length for measurement accuracy. The reflectors also serve dual purposes by defining measurement paths and utilizing the existing fluid channel geometry.
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 high measurement accuracy and robustness even with disturbed flow profiles, while reducing the overall axial length of the measuring body, allowing for reliable operation in high-pressure environments.
Implementation Method 1
flow velocities of flowing fluids in pipelines or ducts can be determined using ultrasonic measurement technology based on the differential transit time method
Implementation Method 2
flow velocities of flowing fluids in pipelines or ducts can be determined using ultrasonic measurement technology based on the differential transit time method
Implementation Method 3
each of the reflection measuring paths is spanned by a first ultrasonic transducer, a reflector and a second ultrasonic transducer
Data Source
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AI summary
A flow measurement system comprises a measuring body having an inlet flange, an outlet flange, and a fluid channel, wherein the fluid channel has a channel axis, an ultrasonic measuring device integrated into the measuring body, and a flow straightener arranged upstream of the ultrasonic measuring device in the fluid channel. An arrangement of bores for mounting means is provided on the outlet flange, wherein the length of the bores defines an axially extending outlet mounting area of the measuring body. The ultrasonic measuring device has at least one reflection measurement path spanned by a first ultrasonic transducer, a reflector, and a second ultrasonic transducer, and extending in a measurement plane through the fluid channel such that the second ultrasonic transducer is arranged downstream of the first ultrasonic transducer.The second downstream ultrasonic transducer is located in or protrudes into the outlet mounting area.