Ultrasonic Flow Rate Measurement Using Waveform Shift Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic flowmeters face challenges in accurately measuring flow rates due to complex calculations and potential errors in flow velocity distribution, especially in non-ideal flow conditions such as curved pipes, and require a simple configuration to ensure reliability and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic flow-rate measurement device with a transmitter and at least three receivers that emit and detect ultrasonic pulses, using a reference sound pressure distribution waveform and a variable sound pressure distribution waveform to calculate the flow rate by determining the shift amount and integrating it, allowing for accurate flow rate measurement with a simplified setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow velocity distribution is calculated from displacement amount of ultrasonic pulse, then flow rate can be measured, but calculation becomes complicated and capacity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential information needed for flow rate measurement by directly analyzing the displacement amount of the ultrasonic pulse in the axial direction, rather than performing complex calculations involving flow velocity distribution. This extraction approach simplifies the measurement process while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of calculating flow rate through complex flow velocity distribution analysis, the patent inverts the approach by directly measuring the displacement amount of the ultrasonic pulse, which provides a simpler and more direct path to obtaining flow rate information.
2Measurement precision
If flow velocity distribution is calculated from displacement amount, then flow rate can be obtained, but calculation errors and disturbance factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the direct relationship between ultrasonic pulse displacement and flow rate, bypassing intermediate calculations that introduce errors. By focusing on the displacement amount itself, the measurement becomes more reliable and less susceptible to calculation errors and disturbance factors.
3Device complexity
If ideal flow field assumption is used, then measurement can be simplified, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed in non-ideal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from flow velocity distribution (which requires ideal flow field assumptions) to ultrasonic pulse displacement amount. This parameter change allows accurate measurement in non-ideal flow conditions without requiring complex setup or assumptions about flow field characteristics.
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 enables accurate and reliable flow rate measurement of fluids in pipes, even in non-ideal conditions, by simplifying the calculation process and reducing errors, thus improving the stability and reliability of measured values.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter that is installed in a pipe through which a fluid to be measured flows and emits an ultrasonic pulse
Implementation Method 2
at least three receivers that are installed in the pipe to face the transmitter and on which the ultrasonic pulse is incident
Implementation Method 3
a reference-sound-pressure distribution waveform holding unit that holds a reference sound pressure distribution waveform based on the ultrasonic pulse emitted from the transmitter and incident on the at least three receivers
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic flow-rate measurement device and an ultrasonic flow-rate measurement method capable of accurately measuring a flow rate of a fluid to be measured with a simple configuration are obtained. A reference-sound-pressure distribution waveform holding unit (60) holds a reference sound pressure distribution waveform based on an ultrasonic pulse emitted from a transmitter (10) and incident on at least three receivers (20) in a state where a flow velocity of a fluid (G) to be measured in the pipe (5) is zero. A variable-sound-pressure distribution waveform acquisition unit (70) acquires a variable sound pressure distribution waveform based on the ultrasonic pulse emitted from the transmitter (10) and incident on the at least three receivers (20) in a state where the flow velocity of the fluid (G) to be measured in the pipe (5) is not zero. A flow-rate calculation unit (80) obtains a shift amount (S), which is a difference between the reference sound pressure distribution waveform and the variable sound pressure distribution waveform, and integrates the shift amount (S), thereby calculating a flow rate of the fluid (G) to be measured in the pipe (5).