Vortex Flowmeter Diagnostic Apparatus Using Frequency Domain Signal Normalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vortex flowmeters face challenges in accurately diagnosing abnormalities, such as clogging, due to the insensitivity of signal ratios and noise interference, which can lead to inaccurate flow rate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic apparatus that normalizes signal components of combined detection signals using vortex frequency, allowing for threshold-based diagnosis and predictive maintenance by learning from historical data to identify abnormal conditions before they impact measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If signal ratio method is used for diagnosis, then diagnostic capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the vortex frequency component from the detection signal by converting to frequency domain and isolating the component at vortex frequency. This separates the useful diagnostic information (vortex frequency and its magnitude) from the noise and other frequency components, thereby improving both diagnostic capability and measurement precision simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency domain transformation as an intermediary step between signal detection and diagnosis. By transforming the time-domain signal into frequency domain, it creates an intermediate representation that makes it easier to identify and measure the vortex frequency component, resolving the contradiction between diagnostic capability and measurement precision
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple detection signals are combined, then diagnostic sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection signals in the frequency domain at the vortex frequency component. This merging approach simplifies the processing by consolidating information from multiple sensors into a single frequency component analysis, improving diagnostic sensitivity while avoiding the complexity of processing multiple separate signals independently
3Reliability
If normalization by vortex frequency is applied, then predictive capability is improved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being monitored from raw signal magnitude to normalized magnitude (signal magnitude divided by vortex frequency). This parameter transformation improves predictive capability by accounting for frequency variations, while the normalization calculation remains computationally simple since it uses already-extracted frequency domain data
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
Enhances diagnostic sensitivity and predictive capabilities, enabling timely maintenance and reducing downtime by accurately detecting abnormalities and anticipating potential issues before they affect flow rate measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the alternating minute deformation of the vortex generator 7 caused by the Karman vortex generated when the fluid to be measured flowing in the pipeline 6 hits the vortex generator 7
Implementation Method 2
uses piezoelectric elements 81 and 82 to detect the alternating minute deformation of the vortex generator 7
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a diagnostic apparatus, including a diagnostic unit configured to diagnose a condition of a vortex flowmeter using a determination result of a magnitude of a signal component of each of at least one target detection signal among the at least one detection signal detected by the vortex flowmeter having a vortex generator and a detection unit configured to detect at least one detection signal according to a vortex generated by the vortex generator, or a magnitude of a signal component of at least one of combined signals configured to linearly combine two or more of the at least one detection signal.