Ultrasonic Flow Measuring Point Mounting Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp-on ultrasonic flow measuring devices face challenges in accurate installation due to a lack of support for proper mounting steps, leading to increased measurement uncertainty and potential failure, as the correct selection, installation, and orientation of ultrasonic transducers relative to the pipeline are not adequately ensured.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a service unit with a display and camera to identify and analyze geometric data of the ultrasonic flow measuring point, derive optimal mounting parameters, and display these for the operator, allowing for precise positioning of the ultrasonic transducers without interrupting the pipeline's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If clamp-on ultrasonic flow measuring devices are installed without proper mounting guidance, then installation can be performed quickly, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to incorrect transducer positioning and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service unit with camera and display as an intermediary between the installer and the ultrasonic flow measuring device. This mediator captures images of the pipeline, provides visual feedback on correct transducer positioning, and guides the installation process, thereby ensuring measurement precision without significantly increasing the complexity of the mounting procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The service unit implements a feedback mechanism by capturing images of the pipeline with the ultrasonic transducers, analyzing their positions and orientations, and displaying whether they are correctly positioned. This real-time feedback allows installers to adjust the transducers to achieve proper mounting, thereby ensuring measurement precision
2Reliability
If manual mounting procedures are used for ultrasonic transducers, then device complexity remains low, but reliability deteriorates due to human error in positioning and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The service unit acts as an intermediary that objectively assesses the mounting quality by analyzing images of the transducers' positions and orientations. This eliminates human error in judgment and ensures reliable installation by providing data-driven feedback on whether the mounting meets required specifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical positioning with an automated optical system (camera) and digital analysis. The service unit captures images, processes them to determine transducer positioning accuracy, and provides guidance, thereby substituting human skill with an automated system that enhances reliability
3Measurement precision
If multiple mounting checks are performed during installation, then measurement precision improves, but installation time increases due to repeated verification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The service unit performs preliminary action by capturing an image of the mounted transducers and analyzing their positioning before the installer completes the installation. This single preliminary check provides immediate feedback on whether the mounting is correct, eliminating the need for multiple iterative adjustments and verification steps, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing installation time
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 method simplifies the mounting process by providing real-time feedback and guidance for optimal transducer placement, reducing measurement uncertainty and ensuring accurate installation, thereby enhancing the reliability of ultrasonic flow measurements.
Implementation Method 1
registering geometric data of at least one part of the ultrasonic, flow measuring point by means of the camera
Implementation Method 2
the different travel times of ultrasonic waves, especially ultrasonic pulses, so-called bursts, are evaluated relative to the flow direction of the liquid
Implementation Method 3
From the travel time difference, flow velocity and therewith in the case of known diameter of the pipeline section volume flow rate can be determined
Implementation Method 4
The ultrasonic transducers are normally composed of an electromechanical transducer element, e.g. a piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 5
the ultrasonic waves are produced as acoustic signals in the electromechanical transducer element and propagate via the coupling layer to the tube wall
Implementation Method 6
The matching layer, in such case, serves the function of transmitting the ultrasonic signal and simultaneously reducing a reflection at the boundary between two materials caused by different acoustic impedances
Data Source
AI summary
A method for putting into operation and/or checking an ultrasonic, flow measuring point using a service unit, wherein the service unit has a display unit and a camera, wherein the measuring point includes a pipeline for conveying a medium and at least one ultrasonic transducer, includes identifying the measuring point vis a vis the service unit; ascertaining settable parameters based on the identity of the measuring point; registering geometric data of at least one part of the measuring point by means of the camera; analyzing registered geometric data and deriving at least one parameter value for at least one of the parameters to be set based on the analytical result and the identity; ascertaining at least one optimum mounting position based at least on the derived parameter value; and mounting an ultrasonic transducer at one of the ascertained optimum mounting positions.