Ultrasonic Flow Meter Protrusions for Low-Loss Sampling Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic flow meters face accuracy issues due to deviations in fluid velocity profiles caused by features like bends, constrictions, and valves, which are not adequately addressed by existing solutions such as flow conditioners or additional transducers, leading to installation restrictions and measurement inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of protrusions within the flow conduit that redirect fluid flow to intersect ultrasonic beam paths, increasing the mass fraction of sampled fluid while minimizing pressure drop and optimizing cross-sectional shapes to enhance measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow conditioners are installed upstream of the ultrasonic meter, then the velocity profile predictability is improved, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow conditioning function from a separate upstream device and integrates it directly into the measurement region of the ultrasonic meter. The protrusions are positioned within the measurement region to redirect fluid flow, eliminating the need for separate flow conditioners and reducing installation complexity while maintaining velocity profile control for accurate measurements
2Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic transducers are added to sample more fluid, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by using protrusions to pre-redirect fluid flow into the ultrasonic beam paths before measurement. This ensures that a higher mass fraction of fluid intersects the beam paths, improving measurement accuracy without requiring additional transducers, as the existing transducers can effectively sample a greater proportion of the total fluid flow
3Measurement precision
If flow is redirected through beam paths using protrusions, then the mass fraction of sampled fluid is improved, but pressure drop may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing protrusions with specific cross-sectional shapes (such as rounded or tapered profiles) that are optimized to redirect fluid flow smoothly into the beam paths. These locally optimized geometries minimize flow separation and turbulence, reducing pressure drop while ensuring that a high mass fraction of fluid intersects the ultrasonic beams for accurate measurement
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 design improves the accuracy of ultrasonic flow measurement by ensuring a higher fraction of fluid intersects the beam paths, reducing sensitivity to installation conditions and maintaining low pressure loss, thus enhancing measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of ultrasonic transducers is arranged at opposite ends of a flow tube
Implementation Method 2
By obtaining time-of-flight measurements between the ultrasonic transducers both with, and against, the flow direction
Implementation Method 3
ultrasound may pass between the pair by reflecting from an internal wall or reflector of the flow tube
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An ultrasonic meter (28) for measuring a flow-rate of a fluid is described. The ultrasonic meter (28) includes a flow conduit (5) for the fluid. The flow conduit (5) extends along a first axis (6) between a first opening (7) and a second opening (8). The ultrasonic meter (28) also includes one or more pairs of ultrasonic transducers (2, 3). Each pair of ultrasonic transducers (2, 3) is configured to define a corresponding beam path (9) intersecting the flow conduit (5) within a measurement region (12) of the flow conduit (5). The measurement region (12) spans between a first position (z1) and a second position (z2) spaced apart along the first axis (6). One or more portions of the measurement region (12) which are outside of any of the one or more beam paths (9) correspond to non-sampled volumes (12b). The ultrasonic meter (28) also includes one or more protrusions (34) extending along the first axis (6). At least part of each protrusion (34) is arranged to exclude fluid from at least part of one or more non- sampled volumes (12b).