Ultrasonic Flowmeter with Segmented Channels for Turbulent Fluid

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flow measurement technologies face accuracy issues due to turbulent flow and the influence of bluff elements in the measurement zone, requiring large rectilinear portions that increase material costs and space, and are difficult to maintain, especially in larger pipelines.

Innovation Solution

A device that separates the fluid flow into multiple channels within the casing, using ultrasonic transducers to measure flow velocity and flowrate, reducing the impact of bluff elements by ensuring rectilinearity within each channel and minimizing the need for long rectilinear portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If large rectilinear portions are installed before and after the flowmeter to reduce flow turbulence, then measurement accuracy is improved, but material costs and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidspace requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flowmeter casing is divided into multiple separate channels instead of using a single large rectilinear portion. Each channel is a separate flow path within the casing, allowing the fluid flow to be segmented into multiple smaller streams that can be measured independently, thereby reducing the overall space required while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If large rectilinear portions are installed before and after the flowmeter to reduce flow turbulence, then measurement accuracy is improved, but material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmaterial costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The flowmeter casing is divided into multiple separate channels instead of using a single large rectilinear portion. Each channel is a separate flow path within the casing, allowing the fluid flow to be segmented into multiple smaller streams that can be measured independently, thereby reducing the overall space required while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If means flattening the input flow are installed before the measurement zone to reduce turbulence, then velocity field improvement is achieved, but the influence of bluff elements in the casing cannot be excluded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevelocity field qualityVSAvoidinfluence of bluff elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flowmeter casing is divided into multiple separate channels instead of using a single large rectilinear portion. Each channel is a separate flow path within the casing, allowing the fluid flow to be segmented into multiple smaller streams that can be measured independently, thereby reducing the overall space required while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful influence of bluff elements is extracted and isolated to specific locations within the casing where the channels are formed. By separating the flow into distinct channels with defined geometries, the patent identifies and controls the specific locations where flow separation and turbulence occur, allowing for targeted design adjustments to minimize the impact of bluff elements on measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution enhances measurement accuracy by reducing turbulence effects and material costs, allowing for precise flow velocity and flowrate calculations while maintaining rectilinearity within each channel, thus improving measurement reliability and reducing external acoustic interference.

Implementation Method 1

at least one pair of ultrasonic transducers installed in the casing and intended for forming and receiving the ultrasonic waves crossing the channels and for generating the electric signals in response to receiving the ultrasonic waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic measurement: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

The device and method described utilize the Doppler effect to measure flow velocity and flowrate by analyzing the frequency shift of ultrasonic waves reflected from or transmitted through the moving fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240377234A1Device and Method for Ultrasonic Measurement of the Fluid Flow Velocity and Flowrate

Publication Date: 2024.11.14 DEREVYAGIN ALEXANDR MIKHAILOVICH

AI summary

Device for measuring the flow velocity and flowrate of fluid passing in the flow main direction containing the casing, the means for separating the fluid flow into the plurality of flows, each of the plurality of flows being passed in the channel allocated for it located in the casing, pair of ultrasonic transducers in the casing intended for forming and receiving the ultrasonic waves crossing the channels and generating the electric signals, the means for directing the ultrasonic waves along the acoustic path crossing the channels; means for calculating the fluid flow velocity and flowrate using generated electric signals, is offered. The method in which the abovementioned device for measuring the fluid flow velocity and flowrate is used is also offered.