Vortex Ring Generator for Stable Toroidal Vortices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bluff bodies in vortex flowmeters are limited in generating coherent toroidal vortices, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, stability, and resolution, especially in larger conduit sizes, and are prone to lock-in with flow/line oscillations and upstream condition effects.

Innovation Solution

An optimized vortex ring generator with an annular or ring-shaped body is designed to produce toroidal vortices, featuring a slim, axisymmetric shape with streamlined supports and specific slit configurations to enhance coherence and shedding frequency, coupled with advanced sensing techniques for accurate measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional bluff bodies are used for vortex generation, then the flowmeter can measure fluid flow, but the signal-to-noise ratio is suboptimal and the measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidvortex coherence

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bluff body is segmented into multiple vortex-generating elements arranged in a specific pattern, which enhances vortex coherence and signal-to-noise ratio by creating more consistent and predictable vortex shedding patterns compared to conventional single-element bluff bodies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curved and rounded geometries in the vortex ring generator design, including circular cross-sections and smooth transitions, which promote stable toroidal vortex formation and improve measurement precision by reducing flow separation irregularities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Measurement precision

If conventional bluff bodies are used, then the flowmeter structure is simple, but the resolution and stability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresolutionVSAvoidflowmeter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional bluff body cross-sections to three-dimensional vortex ring generators with specific axial lengths and radial configurations, adding dimensional complexity that enables higher resolution measurements through enhanced vortex stability and shedding characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If conventional bluff bodies are used, then the flowmeter can operate in various conditions, but it is prone to lock-in with flow oscillations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoidlock-in phenomenon

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vortex ring generator geometry is specifically designed with predetermined dimensions and configurations that preemptively counteract lock-in phenomena by ensuring vortex shedding frequency remains distinct from flow oscillation frequencies, thereby maintaining operational stability across varying flow conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Measurement precision

If conventional bluff bodies are used, then the pressure drop is acceptable, but the measurement linearity deteriorates in larger conduit sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelinearityVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes geometric parameters of the vortex ring generator including axial length, radial thickness, and positioning relative to the flow direction, creating a configuration that maintains linear measurement characteristics across larger conduit sizes while minimizing pressure drop through streamlined geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution achieves higher resolution, reduced pressure drop, and simplified flowmeter design, enabling reliable measurement of fluid velocity and density with improved noise elimination and linearity across larger conduit sizes.

Implementation Method 1

vortex shedding is an oscillating flow that takes place when a fluid such as air or water flows past a bluff body at certain velocities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex shedding: Kármán Vortex Street

Implementation Method 2

An optimized vortex ring generator with an annular or ring-shaped body is designed to produce toroidal vortices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectToroidal vortex: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentUS9243940B2Optimized techniques for generating and measuring toroidal vortices via an industrial vortex flowmeter

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 YOKOGAWA OF AMERICA

AI summary

A vortex flowmeter may utilize a ring-shaped bluff body as the vortex generator or shedder. The ring shape and size of the vortex ring generator may be optimized to produce linear and stable toroidal vortex outputs that may outperform the conventional shedder bar. In comparison to the conventional vortex shedder bar, the ring may have a slimmer configuration and a higher K-factor, and hence, a higher resolution.