Ultrasonic Fluid Meter With Pressure-Based Flow Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic fluid meters face challenges in measuring and regulating fluid flow rates when a motorized ball valve obstructs the conduit, preventing normal signal travel and rendering flow measurement impossible for certain angular positions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pressure sensor to measure fluid pressure, a position sensor to track the valve's position, and a processing circuit that evaluates flow rates using pressure measurements when ultrasonic measurement is unavailable, allowing for flow rate estimation and regulation regardless of valve position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized ball valve is integrated into the meter pipe to enable flow regulation, then flow rate control capability is improved, but measurement capability deteriorates when the valve is partially closed because ultrasonic signals cannot travel normally through the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented into two independent paths: ultrasonic measurement for normal operation and pressure-based measurement for valve-obstructed conditions. This allows the system to maintain measurement capability across all valve positions by switching between measurement methods based on valve state.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure sensor is introduced as an intermediary measurement device that can operate independently of the ultrasonic path. When the valve obstructs ultrasonic signal travel, the pressure sensor serves as an alternative mediator to infer flow rate from pressure differential, bypassing the obstruction problem entirely.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the valve is positioned between the two transducers to enable flow regulation, then flow control is improved, but ultrasonic signal transmission deteriorates when the valve is not fully open
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement parameter is changed from ultrasonic time-of-flight to pressure differential when valve position makes ultrasonic measurement difficult. The processing circuit detects valve position and switches to pressure-based measurement, changing the physical parameter used for flow rate determination to match the current operational conditions.
3Reliability
If pressure sensor and position sensor are added to enable measurement when valve obstructs the conduit, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor serves multiple functions: it measures pressure for flow rate calculation when ultrasonic measurement is blocked, and it can also validate ultrasonic measurements during normal operation. The position sensor similarly provides both valve state detection and measurement mode selection functionality, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing circuit uses the existing sensor data (pressure and position) to automatically determine the appropriate measurement mode and calculate flow rate without requiring external intervention or additional complex control systems. The system self-regulates by switching between measurement methods based on valve position feedback.
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 continuous measurement and regulation of fluid flow rates by utilizing pressure data when ultrasonic signals are obstructed, ensuring accurate billing and flow control.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor arranged to measure a pressure of the fluid in the conduit
Implementation Method 2
a position sensor arranged to measure the current position of the movable member
Implementation Method 3
an ultrasonic measuring device comprising two transducers arranged to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals in the conduit, the ultrasonic measuring device being arranged to evaluate a current flow rate of the fluid from times of flight of the ultrasonic signals between the transducers
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Ultrasonic fluid meter (1), comprising: - an ultrasonic measuring device (6); - a valve (12) including a moving part (14); - a position sensor (15) arranged to measure the current position of the moving part; - a pressure sensor (16) arranged to measure the pressure of the fluid in the conduit; - a processing circuit (5) arranged to, if the current position of the moving part is such that the current flow rate cannot be measured by the ultrasonic measuring device, evaluate the current flow rate as a function of the current position of the moving part, the fluid pressure at the current flow rate, and the fluid pressure at zero flow rate.