Vortex Flowmeter Temperature Sensor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vortex flowmeters face issues with temperature sensors protruding into the flow passage, causing turbulent flows that affect vortex generation and detection, and existing mounting methods for in-pipe temperature sensors are prone to gaps due to material deterioration, reducing temperature sensing responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
A vortex flowmeter configuration with a temperature sensing element adhered to a metal case, inserted into a body passage without protruding, using a seal member to maintain contact and prevent gaps, ensuring high responsiveness and reliability of temperature sensing without influencing flow rate measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor protrudes into the flow passage to improve temperature sensing responsiveness, then the temperature sensing responsiveness is improved, but the vortex generation and detection are affected due to turbulent flow caused by the protruding portion
Solution Approach 1:
A metal case is introduced as an intermediary component between the temperature sensor and the flow passage. The temperature sensor is mounted on the metal case, which protrudes into the flow passage, allowing the sensor to be positioned close to the flow without directly protruding into it. The metal case serves as a mediator that enables thermal contact with the fluid while maintaining smooth flow characteristics for accurate vortex detection.
2Reliability
If the temperature sensor is mounted with insulation material and rubber to prevent protrusion into the passage, then the vortex generation is not affected, but gaps are generated when the rubber or insulation material deteriorates, reducing temperature sensing responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the deteriorable rubber and insulation material with a metal case that has superior durability and resistance to degradation. The metal case is designed to maintain its structural integrity and sealing properties over long periods, eliminating the need for replacement due to material deterioration while ensuring continuous thermal contact for accurate temperature sensing.
3Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is placed upstream of the vortex sensor to improve temperature sensing, then the temperature measurement is improved, but the protruding portion causes turbulent flow that affects vortex generation
Solution Approach 1:
The metal case acts as an intermediary that allows the temperature sensor to be positioned upstream close to the flow without disrupting flow smoothness. The case is designed with a streamlined shape that matches the flow passage contour, preventing turbulence while enabling the sensor to capture accurate temperature measurements of the incoming fluid.
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 the reliability of temperature sensing while maintaining flow rate measuring accuracy by preventing vortex interference and ensuring long-term gap-free operation.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor adhered to the metal temperature sensing case with an adhesive
Implementation Method 2
a seal member mounted to seal between the temperature sensing element and an inner wall of the insertion hole
Implementation Method 3
a vortex generator, and a flow rate measuring unit placed downstream of the vortex generator and configured to detect a vortex generated by the vortex generator
Data Source
AI summary
In this vortex flowmeter provided with a vortex generator and a flow rate measuring unit, a seal member is mounted on a temperature sensing element including a temperature sensor adhered with an adhesive to a metal temperature sensing case. The temperature sensing element is inserted into a first insertion hole formed in a body case so as to communicate with a body passage. A distal end surface of the temperature sensing element is arranged in either a position where the distal end surface is flush with the passage surface of the body passage formed in the body case or a position more outside than the passage surface in the radial direction of the body passage.