Ultrasonic Fluid Meter Flow Estimation During Valve Obstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic fluid meters struggle to measure and regulate fluid flow rates when a motorized ball valve obstructs the conduit, preventing ultrasonic signals from traveling freely.

Innovation Solution

The ultrasonic fluid meter incorporates a position sensor to measure the valve's position, a pressure sensor to measure fluid pressure, and a processing circuit that evaluates the flow rate based on the valve position, fluid pressure at the current flow rate, and fluid pressure at zero flow rate, even when the valve obstructs the conduit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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 measurement impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate regulation capabilityVSAvoidflow rate measurement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary measurement medium that can penetrate the valve structure and convey flow rate information without being blocked by the valve's physical obstruction to ultrasonic signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical ultrasonic measurement system is supplemented or replaced with a magnetic field-based measurement system that can operate effectively in the presence of the valve, substituting the blocked acoustic path with an alternative electromagnetic measurement approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the valve is positioned between the two transducers to enable flow rate regulation, then the flow rate control function is improved, but the ultrasonic signals are obstructed by the valve, preventing normal signal travel and measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate control functionalityVSAvoidultrasonic signal detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Magnetic field sensors act as intermediaries that detect flow rate information through the valve structure without requiring direct acoustic signal transmission through the valve, bypassing the detection difficulty caused by valve obstruction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement approach changes from acoustic parameter detection (ultrasonic time of flight) to magnetic field parameter detection, allowing measurement to proceed despite the physical presence of the valve in the flow path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the valve obstructs the conduit to control flow rate, then the flow rate regulation is improved, but the ultrasonic measurement device cannot evaluate the current flow rate, losing measurement capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate controlVSAvoidflow rate measurement information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Magnetic field sensors provide continuous feedback on flow rate conditions even when the valve obstructs the conduit, ensuring that measurement information is not lost and can be used for monitoring and control purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic measurement system is supplemented with electromagnetic (magnetic field) measurement that can penetrate the valve obstruction, replacing the lost measurement capability with an alternative physical measurement approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enables continuous measurement and regulation of fluid flow rates regardless of the valve's position, ensuring accurate flow rate evaluation and control without relying solely on ultrasonic signal travel.

Implementation Method 1

Each transducer acts in succession as an emitter and as a receiver of ultrasonic signals. The upstream transducer therefore emits an ultrasonic signal into the conduit, which is received by the downstream transducer after having travelled in the fluid along a predefined path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic time of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

a pressure sensor arranged to measure the pressure of the fluid in the conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS12281921B2Ultrasonic fluid meter incorporating a pressure sensor

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 SAGEMCOM ENERGY & TELECOM SAS

AI summary

An ultrasonic fluid meter includes an ultrasonic measuring device, a valve comprising a movable member, a position sensor configured to measure the current position of the movable member, a pressure sensor arranged to measure the pressure of the fluid in the conduit; and a processing circuit arranged, if the current position of the movable member is such that the current flow rate cannot be measured by the ultrasonic measurement device, to evaluate the current flow rate as a function of the current position of the movable member, of the pressure of the fluid to the current flow rate, and of the pressure of the fluid at zero flow rate.