Vortex Flowmeter Self-Diagnosis via Actuator-Induced Sensor Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vortex flowmeters lack a method to differentiate between the absence of medium flow and transducer malfunction, as the evaluation unit cannot determine if no signal is due to no flow or transducer failure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an actuator controlled by a control unit to deflect or deform the measuring transducer or sensor, allowing for the detection of its functionality by generating a test signal and evaluating the response, which indicates whether the transducer is operational or needs replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no actuator is provided for testing the transducer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of flow measurement cannot be ensured because the evaluation unit cannot differentiate between no flow and transducer malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator performs preliminary testing actions on the measuring transducer by deflecting or deforming it to generate test signals. This preliminary action allows the system to verify transducer functionality before actual flow measurement, enabling differentiation between no-flow conditions and transducer malfunctions, thus improving measurement reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own actuator and transducer components to perform self-diagnosis. The actuator deflects the measuring sensor, and the measuring transducer converts this deflection into a test signal that is evaluated by the evaluation unit. This self-service mechanism allows the system to monitor its own functionality, improving reliability while avoiding the need for separate external testing equipment
2Loss of information
If an actuator is added to check transducer functionality, then the ability to detect transducer malfunction is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves multiple functions: it deflects the measuring sensor during actual flow measurement to enable vortex flow detection, and it also serves as a testing mechanism by periodically deflecting the sensor to generate test signals. This multi-functionality allows the system to gain diagnostic information without adding separate dedicated testing components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The testing function is merged with the existing measuring components. The same measuring sensor that detects vortex-induced deflections during flow measurement is also used to detect test signals generated by the actuator. The evaluation unit processes both measurement signals and test signals using the same hardware infrastructure, combining diagnostic and measurement functions to minimize additional complexity
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 continuous checking of the transducer's functionality, differentiating between flow absence and transducer issues, and assessing signal deviations for potential aging or malfunction, ensuring accurate flow measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the measuring sensor is arranged such that, during operation, it is deflected by the vortices of the medium forming behind the bluff body
Implementation Method 2
the measuring transducer is designed and arranged such that, during operation, it converts the deflection of the measuring sensor into a corresponding change in a measured variable
Data Source
AI summary
A vortex flowmeter with at least one measuring tube, at least one bluff body and at least one measuring sensor arranged behind the bluff body, at least one measuring transducer and at least one evaluation unit, wherein the measuring sensor is arranged such that, during operation, it is deflected by the vortices of the medium forming behind the bluff body, wherein the measuring transducer is designed and arranged such that, during operation, it converts the deflection of the measuring sensor into a corresponding change in a measured variable and transmits it as a measured signal to the evaluation unit. The functionality of the measuring transducer can be checked is achieved by an actuator being arranged and controllable by a control unit such that the actuator can deflect and/or deform the measuring transducer and/or the measuring sensor.