Ultrasonic Flow Meter Viscosity Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow-rate measuring apparatuses face challenges in accurately measuring fluid flow rates within standard pipes without requiring special pipe shapes or pre-stored correction data for various fluid types, leading to inaccuracies due to viscosity variations.
Innovation Solution
A flow-rate measuring apparatus utilizing multiple transducers to transmit and receive measurement signals with varying frequencies, calculating fluid viscosity and flow rates based on these signals, and adjusting for laminar or turbulent flow conditions without needing pre-defined tables or special pipe shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic transceivers are provided at measurement sites with different cross-sectional areas or roughness, then flow rate measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the measurement parameters by using ultrasonic waves of different frequencies instead of requiring different physical measurement sites. By transmitting ultrasonic waves at multiple frequencies and analyzing the velocity differences, the system can determine fluid viscosity and calculate flow rate without modifying the pipe structure or installing multiple transceivers at different locations.
2Measurement precision
If flow-rate correction data for multiple fluid types is pre-stored, then measurement accuracy for known fluids is improved, but adaptability to unknown fluids deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-characterization by automatically measuring the velocity of ultrasonic waves at different frequencies and calculating the fluid's viscosity from the velocity difference. This self-service approach eliminates the need for pre-stored correction data for specific fluid types, allowing the system to accurately measure flow rate for any fluid based on its actual measured properties rather than relying on predetermined databases.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasonic wave velocity measurement is performed, then flow velocity information is obtained, but viscosity information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses periodic action by transmitting ultrasonic waves at multiple discrete frequencies and comparing the velocity measurements. The systematic variation of frequency allows the system to extract viscosity information from the velocity difference between frequencies, thereby recovering the viscosity parameter that would otherwise be lost in a single-velocity measurement.
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
Enables accurate measurement of fluid flow rates reflecting viscosity without special pipe requirements or pre-stored data, improving measurement precision and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
the first and third transducers converting electrical signals into acoustic signals
Implementation Method 2
the second and fourth transducers converting acoustic signals into electrical signals
Implementation Method 3
receive the second measurement signal reflected at the interface by the fourth transducer
Data Source
AI summary
A flow-rate measuring apparatus transmits a first measurement signal having at least one first frequency by a first transducer, and receives the first measurement signal by a second transducer through a fluid inside a pipe. The flow-rate measuring apparatus determines a second frequency based on the first measurement signal. The flow-rate measuring apparatus transmits a second measurement signal having the second frequency by a third transducer toward an interface between the pipe and the fluid, and receives the second measurement signal reflected at the interface by a fourth transducer. The flow-rate measuring apparatus calculates a flow rate of the fluid inside the pipe so as to reflect a viscosity of the fluid based on the first and second measurement signals.