Vibratory Flow Meter Multi-Phase Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibratory flow meters face significant accuracy degradation when measuring multi-phase flows due to decoupling effects caused by entrained gases and solids, leading to errors in mass flow and density measurements, particularly at high frequencies and low pressures.
Innovation Solution
The vibratory flow meter operates at both very low and very high frequencies to minimize decoupling effects, with the low frequency mode having a viscosity-like effect of infinity and the high frequency mode having a viscosity-like effect of zero, allowing for accurate measurement of multi-phase flow characteristics by controlling the Stokes number and conduit geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the flow meter operates at high frequency, then measurement speed and responsiveness are improved, but decoupling effects increase causing accuracy degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by operating the flow meter at two distinct frequency extremes (very low and very high frequencies) to capture different flow regimes. By measuring at these contrasting parameters and processing both signals, the system achieves both speed and accuracy that cannot be obtained at a single intermediate frequency.
2Measurement precision
If the flow meter operates at very low frequency, then decoupling effects are minimized improving accuracy, but measurement responsiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurements from two opposite frequency regimes (very low and very high) into a single processing system. By combining the accurate low-frequency data with the responsive high-frequency data through signal processing, the system achieves both accuracy and responsiveness simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If entrained gases and solids are present in multi-phase flow, then the flow meter can measure complex industrial fluids, but decoupling effects cause significant measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful decoupling effect into a beneficial measurement tool. By deliberately operating at very high frequency where decoupling is maximized, the system creates a distinct measurement signature that, when combined with very low frequency data, enables accurate multi-phase flow characterization that would be impossible at intermediate frequencies.
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 approach enables accurate and reliable measurement of multi-phase flow fluids by eliminating decoupling errors and compensating for speed of sound effects, resulting in improved density and mass flow rate measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the flow conduit is vibrated at a very low frequency and at a very high frequency
Implementation Method 2
decoupling effects caused by entrained gases and solids
Implementation Method 3
allowing for accurate measurement of multi-phase flow characteristics by controlling the Stokes number
Implementation Method 4
Coriolis mass flow meters and vibratory densitometers, typically operate by detecting motion of a vibrating conduit that contains a flowing or non-flowing fluid
Implementation Method 5
Fluid density may be obtained by determining a resonant frequency of the flow fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A vibratory flow meter (5) for determining one or more flow fluid characteristics of a multi-phase flow fluid includes one or more flow conduits (103A,103B). The flow meter assembly (10) is configured to generate a very low frequency response that is below a predetermined minimum decoupling frequency for the flow fluid and to generate a very high frequency response that is above a predetermined maximum decoupling frequency for the flow fluid, independent of the foreign material size or the foreign material composition. The meter (100) further includes meter electronics (20) configured to receive one or more very low frequency vibrational responses and one or more very high frequency vibrational responses and determine the one or more flow fluid characteristics from the one or more very low frequency vibrational responses and the one or more very high frequency vibrational responses.