Vibratory Flow Meter Density Compensation for Two-Phase Flows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibratory flow meters, such as Coriolis mass flow meters, face significant accuracy degradation when measuring multiphase flows containing entrained gas or solids due to fluid decoupling, which affects the measurement of flow rate and density characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory flow meter that calculates a density compensation factor using measured two-phase density, liquid density, entrained phase density, and computed drive power, and applies this factor to correct for the effects of entrained phases, thereby improving measurement accuracy and generating alarm indications for excessive entrained phase levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a vibratory flow meter is used to measure multiphase flows containing entrained gas or solids, then the flow rate and density measurements can be obtained, but the measurement accuracy is significantly degraded due to fluid decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by introducing drive power computation and density compensation factors. The system computes drive power from voltage and current measurements, then uses this parameter along with measured density to calculate a compensation factor that corrects the decoupling error. This transforms the raw measurements into compensated values that account for the harmful decoupling effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the computed drive power and measured density to generate a compensation factor that is applied back to correct the measurements. The system continuously monitors the drive power consumption and uses this feedback information to adjust the density and flow rate calculations, thereby compensating for the decoupling error in real-time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flow meter measures two-phase flow with varying bubble sizes and entrained phases, then it can handle diverse flow conditions, but the measurement accuracy varies with bubble size and phase distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts to varying flow conditions by dynamically computing the compensation factor based on the measured drive power and density. As bubble size and phase distribution change, the drive power consumption changes, which automatically adjusts the compensation factor to maintain accuracy across different flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is dynamic in its approach to measurement correction. Rather than using fixed correction values, the patent continuously computes drive power and adjusts the compensation factor in real-time based on the current flow conditions, allowing the meter to adapt to varying bubble sizes and phase distributions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flow meter operates with entrained phases present, then it can measure industrial multiphase flows, but additional compensation calculations and computations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or physical compensation mechanisms with computational methods. Instead of using additional physical sensors or mechanical correction devices, the system uses electronic computation of drive power and mathematical calculation of compensation factors to correct the measurements, simplifying the physical system while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces drive power computation as an intermediary measurement that bridges the gap between raw sensor data and corrected measurements. By measuring voltage and current to compute drive power, the system creates an intermediate parameter that enables the calculation of compensation factors without requiring direct measurement of difficult-to-obtain parameters like bubble size or phase distribution.
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
The solution enhances the accuracy of flow measurements in the presence of entrained phases by compensating for decoupling errors, providing reliable and precise flow characteristics even in varying conditions of gas bubbles or solid particles, and alerts operators to potential inaccuracies or excessive entrained phase levels.
Implementation Method 1
a flow meter assembly to which a driver is provided and the vibratory flow meter is configured to generate a vibrational response for the flow material
Implementation Method 2
motion of the conduit is measured at points spaced along the conduit. Excitation is typically provided by an actuator... that perturbs the conduit in a periodic fashion. Mass flow rate may be determined by measuring time delay or phase differences between motions at the transducer locations.
Implementation Method 3
Vibrating conduit sensors, such as Coriolis mass flow meters... Properties associated with the material in the conduit, such as mass flow, density and the like, can be determined by processing measurement signals received from motion transducers associated with the conduit.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vibratory flow meter (100) for correcting for an entrained phase in a two-phase flow of a flow material is provided. The vibratory flow meter (100) includes a flow meter assembly (10) including a driver (104) and with the vibratory flow meter (100) being configured to generate a vibrational response for the flow material. The vibratory flow meter (100) further includes and meter electronics (20) coupled to the flow meter assembly (10) and receiving the vibrational response. The meter electronics (20) is configured to generate a measured two-phase density of the two-phase flow using the vibrational response, determine the computed drive power needed by a driver (104) of the flow meter assembly (10), and calculate a density compensation factor using a liquid density of a liquid component of the two-phase flow, an entrained phase density of an entrained phase component, the measured two-phase density, and the computed drive power.