Ultrasonic Flow Meter With Pre-Compensated Flow Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid flow meters produce inaccurate results due to changes in flow patterns within the measurement section, which are not adequately addressed by existing flow rectifiers that require a significant longitudinal extent and cause pressure drops.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a flow-conditioning element, which is designed to pre-compensate the incoming fluid flow to counteract distortions caused by the upstream reflector, creating a more homogeneous flow pattern within the measurement section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flow rectifiers are used to homogenize the flow profile, then the flow pattern within the measurement section is improved, but the device requires a considerable longitudinal extent and causes large pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-conditioning element performs preliminary action by pre-compensating the oncoming flow for downstream flow distortions before the flow reaches the measurement section. This pre-conditioning of the flow profile eliminates the need for long conventional rectifiers, achieving flow homogenization in a compact configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-conditioning element applies preliminary anti-action by creating a flow profile that pre-compensates for the distortions that will be caused by the ultrasound reflector. This counteracts the expected flow disturbances before they occur, maintaining measurement accuracy without requiring long rectification sections
2Reliability
If conventional flow rectifiers are used to homogenize the flow profile, then the flow pattern within the measurement section is improved, but the pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-conditioning element performs preliminary action by pre-compensating the oncoming flow for downstream flow distortions before the flow reaches the measurement section. This pre-conditioning of the flow profile eliminates the need for long conventional rectifiers, achieving flow homogenization in a compact configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-conditioning element changes the flow velocity distribution parameter by creating a non-uniform velocity profile upstream that compensates for downstream distortions. This parameter modification achieves flow homogenization at the measurement section with minimal pressure loss
3Measurement precision
If the flow pattern within the measurement section changes, then measurement accuracy deteriorates, but calibration cannot adapt to changing flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-conditioning element applies preliminary anti-action by creating a flow profile that pre-compensates for the distortions that will be caused by the ultrasound reflector. This counteracts the expected flow disturbances before they occur, maintaining measurement accuracy without requiring long rectification sections
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-conditioning element changes the flow velocity distribution parameter by creating a non-uniform velocity profile upstream that compensates for downstream distortions. This parameter modification achieves flow homogenization at the measurement section with minimal pressure loss
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 approach enhances the accuracy and reliability of flow rate measurements by reducing the dependency on the oncoming flow profile, allowing for compact designs with minimal pressure drop.
Implementation Method 1
a flow-conditioning element provided upstream to the ultrasound reflector and arranged to homogenise a cross-sectional velocity profile of the fluid within the measuring section by conditioning the fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasound reflector provided in the flow pipe, at an upstream end of the measuring section, to guide the ultrasonic signals (the ultrasound reflector obstructs, in a first cross-sectional area of the flow pipe, the fluid flow of the fluid through the flow pipe)
Implementation Method 3
a pair of ultrasound transducers for transmitting ultrasonic signals along a measuring section of the flow pipe
Implementation Method 4
The difference of the transit-times of the ultrasound signals travelling in the direction of flow and against the direction of flow is processed to establish the flow rate of the fluid, generally known as time of flight method or transit-time difference method
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3
AI summary
An ultrasonic flow meter comprises a flow pipe for a fluid whose flow rate is to be determined, a pair of ultrasound transducers for transmitting ultrasonic signals along a measuring section of the flow pipe, an ultrasound reflector provided in the flow pipe (at an upstream end of the measuring section) to guide the ultrasonic signals (the ultrasound reflector obstructs, in a first cross-sectional area of the flow pipe, the fluid flow of the fluid through the flow pipe), and a flow-conditioning element provided upstream to the ultrasound reflector and arranged to homogenise a cross-sectional velocity profile of the fluid within the measuring section by conditioning the fluid flow so that the flow velocity immediately downstream of the flow-conditioning element is higher in the first cross-sectional area than in a second cross-sectional area of the flow pipe.