Ultrasonic Fluid Meter Flow Sensing Across Valve Signal Blockage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic fluid meters face challenges in measuring and regulating fluid flow rates when a motorized ball valve obstructs the ultrasonic signals, preventing accurate flow rate measurement at certain angular positions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a position sensor to measure the valve's position and pressure sensors to calculate the flow rate based on pressure differences when ultrasonic measurement is impossible, allowing for flow rate evaluation and regulation regardless of the valve's state (open, closed, or partially open).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motorized ball valve is integrated into the meter conduit to regulate flow rate, then the ability to limit, regulate and shut off flow rate is improved, but the ultrasonic signals cannot travel in the conduit in the normal manner when the valve is not open sufficiently, making flow rate measurement impossible
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic coupling system acts as an intermediary between the motorized valve actuator and the ball valve mechanism, allowing remote control of the valve while maintaining acoustic transparency for ultrasonic flow measurement. The magnetic coupling transmits rotational force without physical contact that would obstruct ultrasonic paths
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from relying solely on ultrasonic measurement (one-dimensional approach) to incorporating pressure differential measurement as an alternative dimension. When ultrasonic signals are blocked by the valve position, pressure sensors upstream and downstream of the valve provide flow rate data through pressure differential calculations
2Volume of moving object
If the valve is positioned between the two transducers to enable flow rate regulation, then the compactness of the meter is improved, but the ultrasonic signals are blocked when the valve is partially closed, preventing measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multi-functionality by equipping the meter with both ultrasonic transducers for normal flow measurement and pressure sensors for alternative measurement. This universal approach ensures the meter can reliably measure flow rates regardless of valve position or ultrasonic signal blockage
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors are pre-installed upstream and downstream of the valve position, ready to provide measurement data before ultrasonic signals are blocked. The system proactively switches to pressure-based measurement when valve position indicates potential signal blockage
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 switching between ultrasonic and pressure-based calculations, ensuring accurate flow rate determination and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure sensor arranged to measure a first pressure of the fluid in the conduit upstream from the valve and a second pressure sensor arranged to measure a second pressure of the fluid in the conduit downstream from the valve
Implementation Method 2
a first pressure sensor arranged to measure a first pressure of the fluid in the conduit upstream from the valve and a second pressure sensor arranged to measure a second pressure of the fluid in the conduit downstream from the valve
Implementation Method 3
to evaluate the current flow rate as a function of the current position of the movable member and of a pressure value representative of a difference between the second pressure and the first pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic fluid meter comprises a conduit (4) in which a fluid can flow, an ultrasonic measurement device (6) for evaluating a current flow rate of the fluid, a valve (12) comprising a moving member (14) for controlling the current flow rate of the fluid, a position sensor (15) for measuring a current position of the moving member (14), a first pressure sensor (16) for measuring a first pressure of the fluid upstream of the valve (12), and a second pressure sensor (17) for measuring a second pressure of the fluid downstream of the valve (12), and a processing circuit (5) for evaluating the current flow rate as a function of the current position of the moving member (14) and of a pressure value representative of a difference between the second pressure and the first pressure, if the current flow rate cannot be measured by the ultrasonic measurement device (6).