Ultrasonic Flowmeter Simultaneous Transducer Driving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior ultrasonic flowmeters face challenges in accurately measuring dynamic flow conditions due to long measurement sequences and susceptibility to noise, especially when increasing the number of ultrasonic paths for improved accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using non-correlated codes for simultaneous operation of multiple ultrasonic paths, allowing for longer code transmission times to improve signal-to-noise ratio and immunity to noise, reducing the need for high amplitudes and thus lower voltages, and employing maximum length sequence codes to minimize interference and enhance measurement efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If sequential measurement of ultrasonic paths is used, then measurement process is simple, but response time is slow and dynamic flow conditions cannot be accurately measured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidmeasurement sequence complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple ultrasonic path measurements into a simultaneous operation by transmitting different codes (e.g., Walsh-Hadamard codes) through multiple paths at the same time. The received signals are then correlated with the respective transmitted codes to extract transit time information from each path independently, achieving fast response while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the measurement process by assigning unique identification codes to different ultrasonic paths. This allows the system to distinguish and process signals from multiple paths simultaneously through code correlation, enabling parallel measurement without interference between paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If short ultrasonic signals are transmitted to shorten measurement sequence, then response time improves, but signal becomes susceptible to noise requiring high amplitude and voltage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidnoise susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic code sequences (such as Walsh-Hadamard codes or maximum length sequences) as ultrasonic signals. These periodic structures enable correlation processing that enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, allowing shorter transmission times without requiring high amplitudes or voltages to overcome noise susceptibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If multiple ultrasonic paths are added to increase accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but measurement time increases making dynamic flow measurement difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous simultaneous measurement across multiple ultrasonic paths by transmitting coded signals through all paths concurrently. The correlation processing continuously extracts transit time data from each path, maintaining constant measurement activity without sequential delays, thus achieving high precision through multiple paths without increasing total measurement time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 enables faster response times, improved signal quality, and increased immunity to noise, allowing for accurate measurement of dynamic flow conditions without significant interference between paths, and facilitates Intrinsically Safe operation.

Implementation Method 1

ultrasonic paths, each ultrasonic path being defined by a pair of ultrasonic transducers... upstream and downstream transit times of ultrasonic waves along each ultrasonic path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

driving a transducer of the first pair of transducers to transmit a first code... driving a transducer of the second pair of transducers to transmit a second code

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

receiving a first ultrasonic signal at the other transducer of the first pair of transducers... receiving a second ultrasonic signal at the other transducer of the second pair of transducers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Converse Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10852169B2Ultrasonic flowmeter and method of controlling an ultrasonic flowmeter by simultaneously driving a pair of transducers without correlation

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 TRANSUS INSTRUMENTS BV

AI summary

A method to control an ultrasonic flowmeter, the ultrasonic flowmeter including a pipe segment; a first pair of transducers defining a first ultrasonic path; and a second pair of transducers defining a second ultrasonic path is provided. The method includes: a) transmitting a first code along the first ultrasonic path; b) simultaneously transmitting a second code along the second ultrasonic path, wherein the first and second code are non-correlated; c) receiving a first ultrasonic signal by the first pair of transducers; d) receiving a second ultrasonic signal by the second pair of transducers; e) correlating the transmitted first code with the first ultrasonic signal; and f) correlating the transmitted second code with the second ultrasonic signal.