Vortex Flow Meter Signal Analysis for Multiphase Fluid Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measurement technologies struggle to accurately determine the liquid amount and dryness of multiphase fluids, particularly in industrial applications where fluids like wet vapor are involved, as they lack the capability to differentiate between different flow regimes and estimate vapor quality effectively.
Innovation Solution
An estimation apparatus utilizing a vortex flow meter to acquire intensity data of frequency bands, combined with a state determination and fluid quality estimation unit to analyze the fluid state, enabling precise estimation of liquid amount or dryness based on Karman vortex frequencies and additional fluid properties like flow speed, temperature, and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow measurement technologies are used, then flow rate can be measured, but accurate determination of liquid amount and dryness in multiphase fluids cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement approach by separating flow regime detection from flow rate measurement. The vortex flow meter first identifies the flow regime (stratified, stratified wavy, annular mist, etc.), and then applies regime-specific calculation methods to determine liquid amount and dryness. This segmentation enables accurate multiphase fluid characterization that conventional single-method measurements cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in vortex frequency characteristics as flow regime transitions occur. By monitoring parameters such as Karman vortex frequency, signal intensity, and frequency spectrum distribution, the system detects regime changes and adjusts measurement calculations accordingly. This parameter-based adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling both precision and versatility through dynamic measurement adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If vortex flow meter is used to detect Karman vortex frequency, then flow speed can be measured, but differentiation between different flow regimes and estimation of vapor quality is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex flow meter is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures flow speed through Karman vortex frequency detection, identifies flow regimes through signal characteristic analysis, and estimates vapor quality through intensity data processing. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision without requiring separate dedicated devices for each measurement type, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing fluid state assessment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical multiphase measurement systems with a streamlined vortex-based detection system. By using signal processing of vortex frequencies and intensities rather than mechanical separators or multiple sensors, the system achieves comprehensive fluid characterization with reduced mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If intensity data of frequency bands is acquired and analyzed, then accurate liquid amount and dryness estimation can be achieved, but measurement and detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by focusing analysis on specific frequency bands and signal characteristics most relevant to flow regime identification. Rather than analyzing the entire frequency spectrum in detail, the system targets key frequency ranges associated with different regimes (stratified, annular mist, etc.), achieving accurate vapor quality estimation while reducing measurement and detection complexity through selective analysis.
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 apparatus provides accurate estimation of liquid amount and dryness in multiphase fluids by distinguishing between flow regimes such as stratified, stratified wavy, and annular mist flows, enhancing the precision of fluid state assessment.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement method of wetness for measuring a flow rate of the wet vapor distributed in a pipe with one of a vortex flow meter or an ultrasonic flow meter and an orifice flow meter to acquire wetness in the pipe by using the flow rate measurement value
Implementation Method 2
a frequency analysis unit that analyzes intensity data of a plurality of frequency bands of the detection signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an estimation apparatus comprising an acquisition unit that acquires state data including intensity data of at least one frequency band related to a detection signal detected by a vortex flow meter for a fluid, a state determination estimation unit that estimates a state of the fluid based on the state data acquired by the acquisition unit, a fluid quality estimation unit that estimates, from the intensity data, at least either of a liquid amount or dryness related to the fluid according to the state of the fluid estimated by the state determination estimation unit, and an output unit that outputs at least either of the liquid amount or the dryness estimated by the fluid quality estimation unit.