Vibronic Sensor Flow Velocity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibronic sensors are not designed to detect flowable media in motion, as they assume a stationary medium and do not account for relative movement, which affects the accuracy of density and viscosity measurements.
Innovation Solution
A vibronic sensor with an oscillator and an operating and evaluating unit that detects flow velocity by analyzing time-variable modifications of transducer signals, using statistical analysis of vibration characteristics to determine flow rate, and includes a microprocessor for digitized signal processing and flow-rate measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor is designed for stationary medium measurement, then the measurement structure is simple, but it cannot accurately detect flowing media due to unaccounted relative movement
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can measure both stationary and flowing media by detecting time-variable modifications in transducer signals. The same oscillator and transducer system that measures density and viscosity in stationary media now also detects flow velocity through signal analysis, making the device universal for both measurement modes without requiring separate specialized sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor introduces dynamic analysis capabilities by detecting time-variable modifications of transducer signals. The evaluation unit analyzes how signals change over time to determine flow velocity, transforming a static measurement device into one that can handle dynamic flowing conditions. This dynamic approach allows the sensor to adapt to moving media while maintaining structural simplicity
2Measurement precision
If the sensor does not account for flow velocity, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of density and viscosity deteriorates in flowing media
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit continuously monitors transducer signals for time-variable modifications and uses this feedback to determine flow velocity. By analyzing how the oscillator's transducer signals change over time, the system receives feedback about the medium's motion state and adjusts its measurements accordingly, maintaining precision in flowing media through continuous signal analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor performs preliminary detection of time-variable signal modifications before final density and viscosity measurements are completed. By first analyzing the temporal characteristics of transducer signals to detect flow conditions, the system prepares correction information that ensures subsequent measurements remain accurate even in flowing media
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 accurate detection and measurement of flow rate in flowing media by accounting for the influence of eddies and flow obstruction on oscillator vibrations, improving the sensor's ability to determine medium properties like density and viscosity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electromechanical transducer for exciting the oscillator to mechanical vibrations as a function of driver signals
Implementation Method 2
the phenomenon is already used in vortex meters which, at a first approximation, detect velocity-proportional separation frequency of the of eddies at a flow obstruction
Implementation Method 3
the amplitude of the pressure fluctuations due to the eddies is, at a first approximation, proportional to the square of the flow velocity
Implementation Method 4
at least one electromechanical transducer for exciting the oscillator to mechanical vibrations as a function of driver signals, and/or for outputting transducer signals that depend upon vibrations of the oscillator
Data Source
AI summary
A vibronic sensor for monitoring a flowable medium, comprising: an oscillator to which a medium surrounding the oscillator can be applied; at least one electromechanical transducer for exciting the oscillator to mechanical vibrations in accordance with driver signals and/or for outputting transducer signals that depend on vibrations of the oscillator; an operating and evaluating unit for providing the driver signals for driving the electromechanical transducer, for capturing the transducer signals, and for determining the presence, the density, and/or the viscosity of the medium in accordance with the transducer signals, wherein the operating and evaluating unit is designed to detect whether the medium in the pipe has a flow velocity above a limit value on the basis of time-varying modifications of the transducer signals.