Ultrasonic Fluid Meter Leak Detection With Valve Closure Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic fluid meters face challenges in accurately distinguishing between actual leaks downstream of the meter and offset problems due to mechanical and electronic tolerances, which can lead to erroneous flow rate readings and are difficult to differentiate from genuine leaks, especially when the flow rate is low and variable.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring method involving a preliminary phase of acquiring initial flow measurements, followed by a detection phase that includes checking the valve status, closing it if open, and performing multiple flow measurements to distinguish between leaks and offset issues by ensuring a zero flow rate is achieved, and using conditions such as flow rate constancy and standard deviation to identify valve malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the meter operates without valve closure capability, then the system remains simple and continuous, but it becomes impossible to distinguish between offset errors and actual leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary flow measurements before closing the valve to establish a baseline flow rate. This preliminary action allows the system to compare pre-closure and post-closure measurements, enabling accurate distinction between offset errors (where flow returns to zero) and actual leaks (where flow persists).
Solution Approach 2:
The meter uses its own existing valve component for a new diagnostic function. By utilizing the valve already present in the system for flow control, the invention enables self-diagnosis of leak conditions without requiring external testing equipment or additional complex infrastructure.
2Reliability
If the meter continuously monitors flow without interruption, then user service is uninterrupted, but leak detection reliability decreases due to inability to establish true zero flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic flow measurements at specific intervals - before valve closure and after a predetermined time following closure. This periodic monitoring approach allows the system to periodically establish true zero-flow conditions while maintaining overall continuous operation and service delivery between measurement cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary flow measurements before initiating valve closure to establish baseline conditions. This preliminary action ensures that any subsequent flow detection can be accurately attributed to either offset errors or genuine leaks, thereby improving reliability without requiring prolonged service interruptions.
3Measurement precision
If offset calibration is performed frequently, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but user disruption increases due to repeated service interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from post-closure flow measurements to determine whether offset calibration is needed. By comparing the measured flow rate after valve closure with the expected zero value, the system can identify when offset errors have drifted beyond acceptable thresholds, triggering calibration only when necessary rather than on fixed schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The meter performs self-diagnosis and self-calibration using its own components and resources. The system automatically detects when calibration is needed based on its own measurements and can initiate calibration sequences without external intervention, reducing both the frequency and duration of service interruptions while maintaining accuracy.
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
Enables precise detection of leaks and offset problems, minimizing user disruption by proactive notification and separate recording of consumption, allowing for quick corrective actions and accurate billing.
Implementation Method 1
Each transducer acts successively as a transmitter and receiver of ultrasonic signals. The upstream transducer emits an ultrasonic signal into the conduit, which is received by the downstream transducer after traveling a predefined path through the fluid.
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic measuring device then calculates the fluid velocity based on the transit times of the ultrasonic signals
Data Source
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AI summary
A monitoring method, implemented in a fluid meter (1) which includes a measuring device (6) arranged to measure a flow rate of the fluid and a valve (12), the monitoring method comprising a preliminary phase including the step of acquiring first flow rate measurements, and a detection phase, carried out when the flow rate remains non-zero and below a first predetermined threshold for at least a predetermined time, and comprising the steps of: - checking that the valve is open and, if so, closing the valve; - acquiring at least a second flow rate measurement; - detecting a fluid leak if the flow rate is zero.