Variable Cone Flow Meter with Flexible Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow meters often face challenges in accurately measuring fluid flow rates due to limitations in adaptability to varying fluid conditions and cross-sectional area restrictions, which can lead to inaccuracies in pressure differential measurements.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter design featuring a selectively changeable cone-shaped obstacle with pressure sensors, allowing for configuration adjustments based on sensed pressure to modify the cross-sectional area occupied by the obstacle, utilizing struts and supports for suspension and radial force application, and incorporating differential pressure sensors for precise flow rate calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed cross-sectional area restriction is used in conventional flow meters, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates when fluid flow conditions vary
Solution Approach 1:
The flow element is designed with a flexible membrane that can dynamically change its cross-sectional area in response to varying fluid flow conditions. The membrane deflects under fluid pressure, allowing the obstruction area to adapt automatically to different flow rates, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy across a wide range of operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the flow element's cross-sectional area from fixed to variable. By allowing the membrane to deflect and change the obstruction area dynamically, the system adapts to varying fluid conditions without requiring multiple fixed restrictions, thus improving both adaptability and measurement precision.
2Productivity
If the cross-sectional area of the flow element is increased to handle higher flow rates, then the flow rate measurement range is improved, but the pressure differential measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane allows the flow element's cross-sectional area to dynamically adjust based on the flow rate. At higher flow rates, the membrane deflects more, increasing the obstruction area to maintain an appropriate pressure differential, thereby preserving measurement accuracy across the extended flow rate range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid flow element is used, then the manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the adaptability to changing flow conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane as the flow element, replacing traditional rigid structures. This flexible film can be manufactured using standard techniques and provides the necessary adaptability to change shape in response to fluid pressure, enabling the device to adapt to varying flow conditions while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 enhances the accuracy and adaptability of flow rate measurements by dynamically adjusting to changes in fluid flow conditions, improving the precision of pressure differential measurements and enabling better handling of variations in fluid flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor in communication with the flow of fluid and that is selectively monitors pressure in the flow of fluid
Implementation Method 2
Other types of flow meters introduce a temporary restriction in the cross sectional area of the fluid stream and monitor a pressure differential created by flowing the fluid across the restriction
Data Source
AI summary
A flow meter for measuring fluid flow in a tubular that includes an obstruction suspended in a path of the fluid flow, and where the obstruction has a conical shape. The obstruction can be conically shaped on its upstream and downstream ends, or can be conically shaped only on its upstream end. When only the upstream end is conically shaped, the downstream end can be substantially planar or shaped like a hemisphere. Optionally, the aspect ratio of the obstruction can be changed by manipulating supports that suspend the obstruction within the flow meter.