Vortex Flow Meter Signal Analysis for Liquid Amount and Dryness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the flow rate and wetness of multiphase fluids in pipes are inadequate in accurately determining the liquid amount and dryness of vapor, particularly in industrial settings where fluid regimes can vary significantly.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vortex flow meter with a vortex generator, detection unit, and estimation apparatus that analyzes Karman vortex frequencies to estimate fluid state and quality, using frequency analysis and machine learning models to determine liquid amount and dryness based on intensity data from piezoelectric elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow meters (vortex flow meter or ultrasonic flow meter) and orifice flow meter are used to measure flow rate, then flow rate measurement is achieved, but accurate determination of liquid amount and dryness of vapor in multiphase fluids is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into multiple independent measurement channels: vortex frequency measurement for flow rate, piezoelectric element measurement for liquid content, and correlation analysis for dryness determination. Each measurement target is addressed by a dedicated measurement mechanism, enabling precise determination of multiple parameters simultaneously without interference between measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces correlation analysis as an intermediary computational process that bridges the gap between raw vortex frequency data and the final dryness parameter. By calculating correlation coefficients between vortex frequency and its differential, the system derives dryness information that cannot be directly measured, thereby achieving accurate vapor quality determination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard vortex flow measurement is used, then flow speed measurement is achieved, but detection of fluid state changes and wetness in varying fluid regimes is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the vortex flow meter to perform multiple functions: it measures flow rate through vortex frequency, detects liquid content using piezoelectric elements attached to the vortex generator, and determines dryness through correlation analysis. This multi-functional design enables a single device to adapt to various fluid regimes and provide comprehensive multiphase flow characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts measurement and analysis methods based on detected fluid conditions. The correlation analysis adapts to different flow regimes by continuously processing vortex frequency signals and their derivatives, enabling the system to maintain high measurement precision across stratified, mixed, and annular flow patterns.
3Productivity
If Karman vortex frequency is used for flow speed measurement, then online detection of phase generation is achieved, but quantitative measurement of wall flow mass flow rate requires complex methods
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex generator structure itself serves dual purposes: it generates Karman vortices for flow rate measurement and acts as a mounting platform for piezoelectric elements that detect liquid content. This self-service design eliminates the need for separate sensing devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining high productivity in online detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from direct complex signal analysis to correlation-based parameter extraction. By calculating the correlation coefficient between vortex frequency and its time differential, the system simplifies the measurement process while achieving accurate quantitative determination of wall flow mass flow rate in various fluid regimes.
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
Accurately estimates liquid amount and dryness of multiphase fluids, improving measurement precision and adaptability across varying fluid regimes, enhancing operational efficiency in industrial plants.
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
using frequency analysis and machine learning models to determine liquid amount and dryness based on intensity data from piezoelectric elements
Data Source
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.