[go: up one dir, main page]
More Web Proxy on the site http://driver.im/

WO2022245199A1 - A flow meter suitable for determining fluid characteristics - Google Patents

A flow meter suitable for determining fluid characteristics Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2022245199A1
WO2022245199A1 PCT/MY2022/050033 MY2022050033W WO2022245199A1 WO 2022245199 A1 WO2022245199 A1 WO 2022245199A1 MY 2022050033 W MY2022050033 W MY 2022050033W WO 2022245199 A1 WO2022245199 A1 WO 2022245199A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
flow meter
fluid
module
determining
sensing element
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/MY2022/050033
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hoo Weng YEW
Original Assignee
Yew Hoo Weng
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Yew Hoo Weng filed Critical Yew Hoo Weng
Priority to AU2022277006A priority Critical patent/AU2022277006A1/en
Publication of WO2022245199A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022245199A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/76—Devices for measuring mass flow of a fluid or a fluent solid material
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
    • G01F1/20—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow
    • G01F1/28—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow by drag-force, e.g. vane type or impact flowmeter
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
    • G01F1/20—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow
    • G01F1/32—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow using swirl flowmeters
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
    • G01F1/20—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow
    • G01F1/32—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow using swirl flowmeters
    • G01F1/325—Means for detecting quantities used as proxy variables for swirl
    • G01F1/3259—Means for detecting quantities used as proxy variables for swirl for detecting fluid pressure oscillations
    • G01F1/3266—Means for detecting quantities used as proxy variables for swirl for detecting fluid pressure oscillations by sensing mechanical vibrations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
    • G01F1/20—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow
    • G01F1/32—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow using swirl flowmeters
    • G01F1/325—Means for detecting quantities used as proxy variables for swirl
    • G01F1/3273—Means for detecting quantities used as proxy variables for swirl for detecting fluid speed oscillations by thermal sensors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
    • G01F1/34—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by measuring pressure or differential pressure
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/68—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using thermal effects
    • G01F1/684—Structural arrangements; Mounting of elements, e.g. in relation to fluid flow
    • G01F1/6842—Structural arrangements; Mounting of elements, e.g. in relation to fluid flow with means for influencing the fluid flow
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/68—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using thermal effects
    • G01F1/684—Structural arrangements; Mounting of elements, e.g. in relation to fluid flow
    • G01F1/688—Structural arrangements; Mounting of elements, e.g. in relation to fluid flow using a particular type of heating, cooling or sensing element
    • G01F1/69—Structural arrangements; Mounting of elements, e.g. in relation to fluid flow using a particular type of heating, cooling or sensing element of resistive type
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/76—Devices for measuring mass flow of a fluid or a fluent solid material
    • G01F1/86—Indirect mass flowmeters, e.g. measuring volume flow and density, temperature or pressure
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L1/00—Measuring force or stress, in general
    • G01L1/20—Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in ohmic resistance of solid materials or of electrically-conductive fluids; by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress
    • G01L1/22—Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in ohmic resistance of solid materials or of electrically-conductive fluids; by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress using resistance strain gauges
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L19/00—Details of, or accessories for, apparatus for measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluent medium insofar as such details or accessories are not special to particular types of pressure gauges
    • G01L19/0092—Pressure sensor associated with other sensors, e.g. for measuring acceleration or temperature
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L5/00—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
    • G01L5/16—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring several components of force
    • G01L5/171—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring several components of force using fluid means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F15/00—Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups G01F1/00 - G01F13/00 insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
    • G01F15/06—Indicating or recording devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N9/00—Investigating density or specific gravity of materials; Analysing materials by determining density or specific gravity
    • G01N9/32—Investigating density or specific gravity of materials; Analysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by using flow properties of fluids, e.g. flow through tubes or apertures
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06N—COMPUTING ARRANGEMENTS BASED ON SPECIFIC COMPUTATIONAL MODELS
    • G06N3/00—Computing arrangements based on biological models
    • G06N3/02—Neural networks

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of fluid measurement device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flow meter suitable for determining fluid characteristics.
  • Flow meter is a device for quantifying fluid movement. For instance, volumetric flow rate of a fluid can be measured using target flow meter and vortex flow meter.
  • Target flow meter comprises a target for determining the force of fluid impinging thereon in which the force is measured by mechanical stress which is later converted into velocity.
  • the mechanical stress is subjective to temperature variation and the force of fluid is density dependent. Therefore, these parameters need to be corrected.
  • vortex flow meter comprises of a bluff and a vortex sensor in which the fluid creates vortices as it impinges the bluff.
  • the vortex sensor measures the frequency of the vortices and converts it into velocity. These velocities are then converted into volumetric flow rate based on mathematical algorithm.
  • Coriolis flow meter may be used to determine mass flow rate of a fluid using a pre-calibrated density.
  • Coriolis flow meter may be used to determine mass flow rate of a fluid. It is based on the principle of motion mechanics. However, flow meter tube mechanic motion is temperature and pressure dependent. Therefore, Coriolis flow meter is highly sensitive to fluid temperature and pressure and ambient environment in which external vibration and magnetic field will substantially affect the accuracy thereof. Further, vapour phase in a multiphase flow may result in substantial measurement error due to density variation.
  • Machine learning may be used to overcome the drawbacks of conventional flow meter. Instead of relying on complicated mathematical algorithms, machine learning uses correlations to determine the outputs based on the inputs.
  • Ahmadi et al. discloses an artificial neural network (ANN) for predicting oil flow rate of a reservoir, wherein the ANN comprises three layers with temperature and pressure as the inputs.
  • China Patent Number CN106918377B discloses a virtual flow meter for use in a production system using temperatures and pressure drops as inputs. Existing virtual flow meters have limited inputs and therefore, limits the reliability and accuracy of the outputs.
  • One aspect of the invention is to provide a flow meter suitable for determining fluid characteristics.
  • the flow meter in the present invention is capable of determining the fluid characteristics with improved reliability and accuracy by using a sensing module, a processing module, and a neural network module.
  • a flow meter (101) suitable for determining fluid characteristics comprising (a) means (102) for holding a probe (103); (b) a sensing module (104) operatively coupled to the means (102) for holding a probe
  • a processing module (105) operatively coupled to the sensing module (104) for converting the mechanical stresses into voltage, temperature into resistance, and vibration into frequency
  • a neural network module (106) operatively coupled to the processing module (105), the neural network module (106) uses the voltage, frequency, and resistance for determining fluid characteristics, wherein the fluid characteristics comprise at least mass flow rate.
  • the means (102) for holding a probe (103) is a semi-rigid cantilever arm.
  • (104) comprises (a) a first sensing element for determining mechanical stresses produced by the fluid impinging on the probe; (b) a second sensing element for determining vibration induced by vortices when the fluid impinges on the probe; and
  • the first sensing element is a strain gauge sensor.
  • the second sensing element is a piezo electric sensor.
  • the third sensing element is a resistance temperature detector sensor.
  • the sensing module (104) further comprises a forth sensing element (108) for determining pressure.
  • the fourth sensing element is a pressure transducer.
  • the fluid characteristics further comprise fluid density.
  • the fluid characteristics further comprise liquid fraction.
  • the flow meter further comprises an output module (107) operatively coupled to the flow meter (101) for displaying the output data obtained from the neural network module (106) thereon.
  • Figure 1 shows an embodiment of flow meter suitable for determining fluid characteristics, wherein the flow meter comprises a processing module with a first sensing element, a second sensing element, and a third sensing element.
  • Figure 2 shows an embodiment of flow meter suitable for determining fluid characteristics, wherein the flow meter comprises a processing module with a first sensing element, a second sensing element, a third sensing element, and a fourth sensing element.
  • the present invention relates to a flow meter (101) suitable for determining fluid characteristics.
  • the flow meter comprises means (102) for holding a (103).
  • the means (102) for holding a probe (103) is a semi-rigid cantilever arm.
  • the probe (103) may be positioned substantially at the centre of a conduit as fluid velocity is generally highest at the center.
  • the probe is a target having a shape of plate or sphere.
  • the flow meter (101) further comprises a sensing module (104) operatively coupled to the means (102) for holding a probe (103) for collecting inputs, wherein the inputs comprise mechanical stresses, vibration, and temperature.
  • the sensing module (104) comprises (a) a first sensing element for determining mechanical stresses produced by the fluid impinging on the probe; (b) a second sensing element for determining vibration induced by vortices when the fluid impinges on the probe; and (c) a third sensing element for determining the temperature of the fluid.
  • the first sensing element is a strain gauge
  • the second sensing element is a piezo electric sensor
  • the third sensing element is a resistance temperature detector sensor.
  • a fluid When in use, a fluid impinges the probe thereby exerting a force thereon while creating vortices which vibrate the probe.
  • the force is measured by the strain gauge, whereas the vibration of the probe is simultaneously measured by the piezo electric sensor and the temperature of fluid is measured by the temperature sensor.
  • the flow meter (101) further comprises a processing module (105) operatively coupled to the sensing module (104) for processing the inputs.
  • the processing module (105) converts the mechanical stresses into voltage, temperature into resistance, and vibration into frequency.
  • the processing module (105) utilizes power spectral density in which the vibration data provided thereto may be converted into a plurality of frequency bin in which the desired frequency bin may be selected as the desired inputs.
  • this may filter the noises present in the vibration input.
  • the flow meter (101) further comprises a neural network module (106) operatively coupled to the processing module (105).
  • the neural network module (106) uses the voltage, frequency, and resistance for determining the fluid characteristics, wherein the fluid characteristics comprise at least mass flow rate.
  • the fluid characteristics may further comprise fluid density and liquid fraction.
  • the sensing module (104) further comprises a forth sensing element (108) for determining pressure.
  • the forth sensing element (108) is a pressure transducer.
  • the sensing module (104) further determines the pressure using the pressure transducer.
  • the processing module (105) converts the pressure into current.
  • the neural network module (106) further utilizes the current along with the voltage, frequency, and resistance for determining the fluid characteristics.
  • the pressure input is beneficial especially for a fluid with a high content of gaseous phase. As such, this further improves the reliability and accuracy of fluid characteristics as determined by the neural network module (106) when handling the fluid with a high content of gaseous phase.
  • the flow meter (101) comprises an output module (107) having a screen for displaying the fluid characteristics obtained from the neural network thereon.
  • the flow meter in the present invention is capable of determining the fluid characteristics with improved reliability and accuracy by using a sensing module, a processing module, and a neural network module.
  • the sensing module is capable of collecting a plurality of inputs which are advantageous for the neural network module to accurately determining the fluid characteristics.
  • the reliability and accuracy of the fluid characteristics are not affected by changes in density due to pressure and temperature fluctuation or presence of multiphase flow. This is because the flow meter determines the fluid characteristics based on the neural network module rather than a physical sensor for measuring the density or a pre-calibrated density input which is later subjected to a mathematical algorithm for computing the fluid characteristics.
  • the flow meter in the present invention is suitable for determining the fluid characteristics of a single phase fluid or multiphase fluid as well as suitable for applications.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Measuring Volume Flow (AREA)
  • Transition And Organic Metals Composition Catalysts For Addition Polymerization (AREA)

Abstract

A flow meter (101) suitable for determining fluid characteristics comprising (a) means (102) for holding a probe (103); (b) a sensing module (104) operatively coupled to the means (102) for holding a probe (103) for collecting inputs, wherein the inputs comprise mechanical stresses, vibration, and temperature; (c) a processing module (105) operatively coupled to the sensing module (104) for converting the mechanical stresses into voltage, temperature into resistance, and vibration into frequency; and (d) a neural network module (106) operatively coupled to the processing module (105), the neural network module (106) uses the voltage, frequency, and resistance for determining fluid characteristics, wherein the fluid characteristics comprise at least mass flow rate. The flow meter is capable of determining the fluid characteristics with improved reliability and accuracy by using a sensing module, a processing module, and a neural network module.

Description

A FLOW METER SUITABLE FOR DETERMINING FLUID CHARACTERISTICS
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of fluid measurement device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flow meter suitable for determining fluid characteristics.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Flow meter is a device for quantifying fluid movement. For instance, volumetric flow rate of a fluid can be measured using target flow meter and vortex flow meter. Target flow meter comprises a target for determining the force of fluid impinging thereon in which the force is measured by mechanical stress which is later converted into velocity. However, the mechanical stress is subjective to temperature variation and the force of fluid is density dependent. Therefore, these parameters need to be corrected. On the other hand, vortex flow meter comprises of a bluff and a vortex sensor in which the fluid creates vortices as it impinges the bluff. The vortex sensor measures the frequency of the vortices and converts it into velocity. These velocities are then converted into volumetric flow rate based on mathematical algorithm. These types of flow meter may be used to determine the mass flow rate of a fluid using a pre-calibrated density. However, they face difficulties in the presence of temperature and pressure fluctuation and multiphase flow application. This is due to the non-linear relationship between the density, temperature, and pressure of multiphase flow. Alternatively, Coriolis flow meter may be used to determine mass flow rate of a fluid. It is based on the principle of motion mechanics. However, flow meter tube mechanic motion is temperature and pressure dependent. Therefore, Coriolis flow meter is highly sensitive to fluid temperature and pressure and ambient environment in which external vibration and magnetic field will substantially affect the accuracy thereof. Further, vapour phase in a multiphase flow may result in substantial measurement error due to density variation.
Machine learning may be used to overcome the drawbacks of conventional flow meter. Instead of relying on complicated mathematical algorithms, machine learning uses correlations to determine the outputs based on the inputs. For instance, Ahmadi et al. discloses an artificial neural network (ANN) for predicting oil flow rate of a reservoir, wherein the ANN comprises three layers with temperature and pressure as the inputs. In addition, China Patent Number CN106918377B discloses a virtual flow meter for use in a production system using temperatures and pressure drops as inputs. Existing virtual flow meters have limited inputs and therefore, limits the reliability and accuracy of the outputs.
Therefore, it is essential to provide a flow meter that is capable of obtaining a plurality of inputs in order to improve the reliability and accuracy of the output fluid characteristics. This invention provides a solution to the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
One aspect of the invention is to provide a flow meter suitable for determining fluid characteristics.
The flow meter in the present invention is capable of determining the fluid characteristics with improved reliability and accuracy by using a sensing module, a processing module, and a neural network module.
At least one of the preceding objects is met, in whole or in part, in which the embodiment of the present invention describes a flow meter (101) suitable for determining fluid characteristics comprising (a) means (102) for holding a probe (103); (b) a sensing module (104) operatively coupled to the means (102) for holding a probe
(103) for collecting inputs, wherein the inputs comprise mechanical stresses, vibration, and temperature; (c) a processing module (105) operatively coupled to the sensing module (104) for converting the mechanical stresses into voltage, temperature into resistance, and vibration into frequency; and (d) a neural network module (106) operatively coupled to the processing module (105), the neural network module (106) uses the voltage, frequency, and resistance for determining fluid characteristics, wherein the fluid characteristics comprise at least mass flow rate.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the means (102) for holding a probe (103) is a semi-rigid cantilever arm.
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sensing module
(104) comprises (a) a first sensing element for determining mechanical stresses produced by the fluid impinging on the probe; (b) a second sensing element for determining vibration induced by vortices when the fluid impinges on the probe; and
(c) a third sensing element for determining the temperature of the fluid.
Preferably, the first sensing element is a strain gauge sensor.
Preferably, the second sensing element is a piezo electric sensor.
Preferably, the third sensing element is a resistance temperature detector sensor.
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sensing module (104) further comprises a forth sensing element (108) for determining pressure.
Preferably, the fourth sensing element is a pressure transducer. Still, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fluid characteristics further comprise fluid density.
Yet, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fluid characteristics further comprise liquid fraction.
Further, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow meter further comprises an output module (107) operatively coupled to the flow meter (101) for displaying the output data obtained from the neural network module (106) thereon.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiment described herein is not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawing the preferred embodiment from an inspection of which when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its construction and operation and many of its advantages would be readily understood and appreciated. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of flow meter suitable for determining fluid characteristics, wherein the flow meter comprises a processing module with a first sensing element, a second sensing element, and a third sensing element.
Figure 2 shows an embodiment of flow meter suitable for determining fluid characteristics, wherein the flow meter comprises a processing module with a first sensing element, a second sensing element, a third sensing element, and a fourth sensing element.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the invention shall be described according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and by referring to the accompanying description and drawing. However, it is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the scope of the appended claim.
The following description is explained based on a preferred embodiment of the present invention as exemplified in Figure 1. The present invention relates to a flow meter (101) suitable for determining fluid characteristics.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow meter comprises means (102) for holding a (103). Preferably, the means (102) for holding a probe (103) is a semi-rigid cantilever arm. When in use, the probe (103) may be positioned substantially at the centre of a conduit as fluid velocity is generally highest at the center. Preferably, the probe is a target having a shape of plate or sphere.
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow meter (101) further comprises a sensing module (104) operatively coupled to the means (102) for holding a probe (103) for collecting inputs, wherein the inputs comprise mechanical stresses, vibration, and temperature. Preferably, the sensing module (104) comprises (a) a first sensing element for determining mechanical stresses produced by the fluid impinging on the probe; (b) a second sensing element for determining vibration induced by vortices when the fluid impinges on the probe; and (c) a third sensing element for determining the temperature of the fluid. More preferably, the first sensing element is a strain gauge, the second sensing element is a piezo electric sensor, and the third sensing element is a resistance temperature detector sensor.
When in use, a fluid impinges the probe thereby exerting a force thereon while creating vortices which vibrate the probe. The force is measured by the strain gauge, whereas the vibration of the probe is simultaneously measured by the piezo electric sensor and the temperature of fluid is measured by the temperature sensor.
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow meter (101) further comprises a processing module (105) operatively coupled to the sensing module (104) for processing the inputs. In particular, the processing module (105) converts the mechanical stresses into voltage, temperature into resistance, and vibration into frequency. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processing module (105) utilizes power spectral density in which the vibration data provided thereto may be converted into a plurality of frequency bin in which the desired frequency bin may be selected as the desired inputs. Advantageously, this may filter the noises present in the vibration input.
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow meter (101) further comprises a neural network module (106) operatively coupled to the processing module (105). The neural network module (106) uses the voltage, frequency, and resistance for determining the fluid characteristics, wherein the fluid characteristics comprise at least mass flow rate. The fluid characteristics may further comprise fluid density and liquid fraction.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in Figure 2, the sensing module (104) further comprises a forth sensing element (108) for determining pressure. Preferably, the forth sensing element (108) is a pressure transducer. When in use, the sensing module (104) further determines the pressure using the pressure transducer. Later, the processing module (105) converts the pressure into current. Then, the neural network module (106) further utilizes the current along with the voltage, frequency, and resistance for determining the fluid characteristics. Advantageously, the pressure input is beneficial especially for a fluid with a high content of gaseous phase. As such, this further improves the reliability and accuracy of fluid characteristics as determined by the neural network module (106) when handling the fluid with a high content of gaseous phase.
Further, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in Figure 1 or Figure 2, the flow meter (101) comprises an output module (107) having a screen for displaying the fluid characteristics obtained from the neural network thereon.
As set forth in the preceding description, the flow meter in the present invention is capable of determining the fluid characteristics with improved reliability and accuracy by using a sensing module, a processing module, and a neural network module. In particular, the sensing module is capable of collecting a plurality of inputs which are advantageous for the neural network module to accurately determining the fluid characteristics. Further, the reliability and accuracy of the fluid characteristics are not affected by changes in density due to pressure and temperature fluctuation or presence of multiphase flow. This is because the flow meter determines the fluid characteristics based on the neural network module rather than a physical sensor for measuring the density or a pre-calibrated density input which is later subjected to a mathematical algorithm for computing the fluid characteristics. The latter is less reliable and less accurate because the non-linear relationship between the density, temperature, pressure, and liquid fraction of a multiphase fluid. As such, the flow meter in the present invention is suitable for determining the fluid characteristics of a single phase fluid or multiphase fluid as well as suitable for applications.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiment described herein is not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A flow meter (101) suitable for determining fluid characteristics comprising:
(a) means (102) for holding a probe (103);
(b) a sensing module (104) operatively coupled to the means (102) for holding a probe (103) for collecting inputs, wherein the inputs comprise mechanical stresses, vibration, and temperature;
(c) a processing module (105) operatively coupled to the sensing module (104) for converting the mechanical stresses into voltage, temperature into resistance and vibration into frequency; and
(d) a neural network module (106) operatively coupled to the processing module (105), the neural network module (106) uses the voltage, frequency, and resistance for determining fluid characteristics, wherein the fluid characteristics comprise at least mass flow rate.
2. The flow meter according to claim 1, wherein the sensing module (104) comprises:
(a) a first sensing element for determining mechanical stresses produced by the fluid impinging on the probe;
(b) a second sensing element for determining vibration induced by vortices when the fluid impinges on the probe; and
(c) a third sensing element for determining the temperature of the fluid.
3. The flow meter according to claim 2, wherein the first sensing element is a strain gauge sensor.
4. The flow meter according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second sensing element is a piezo electric sensor.
5. The flow meter according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the third sensing element is a resistance temperature detector sensor.
6. The flow meter according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the sensing module (104) further comprises a forth sensing element (108) for determining pressure.
7. The flow meter according to claim 6, wherein the forth sensing element (108) is a pressure transducer.
8. The flow meter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid characteristics further comprise fluid density.
9. The flow meter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid characteristics further comprise liquid fraction.
10. The flow meter according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an output module (107) operatively coupled to the flow meter (101) for displaying the fluid characteristics obtained from the neural network module (105) thereon.
PCT/MY2022/050033 2021-05-20 2022-04-29 A flow meter suitable for determining fluid characteristics WO2022245199A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2022277006A AU2022277006A1 (en) 2021-05-20 2022-04-29 A flow meter suitable for determining fluid characteristics

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
MYPI2021002765 2021-05-20
MYPI2021002765 2021-05-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022245199A1 true WO2022245199A1 (en) 2022-11-24

Family

ID=84140719

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/MY2022/050033 WO2022245199A1 (en) 2021-05-20 2022-04-29 A flow meter suitable for determining fluid characteristics

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2022277006A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2022245199A1 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019034846A1 (en) * 2017-08-14 2019-02-21 Unify Group (Emea) Ltd Detecting fluid flow
US10215600B2 (en) * 2013-11-08 2019-02-26 Lenterra, Inc. Sensor for monitoring rheologically complex flows
US10561863B1 (en) * 2012-04-06 2020-02-18 Orbital Research Inc. Biometric and environmental monitoring and control system
WO2021048820A1 (en) * 2019-09-13 2021-03-18 Resmed Sensor Technologies Limited Systems and methods for continuous care

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10561863B1 (en) * 2012-04-06 2020-02-18 Orbital Research Inc. Biometric and environmental monitoring and control system
US10215600B2 (en) * 2013-11-08 2019-02-26 Lenterra, Inc. Sensor for monitoring rheologically complex flows
WO2019034846A1 (en) * 2017-08-14 2019-02-21 Unify Group (Emea) Ltd Detecting fluid flow
WO2021048820A1 (en) * 2019-09-13 2021-03-18 Resmed Sensor Technologies Limited Systems and methods for continuous care

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2022277006A1 (en) 2023-12-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP2006500557A (en) Detection and measurement of two-phase fluid flow
CA2892592C (en) Detection of a change in the cross - sectional area of a fluid tube in a vibrating meter by determining a lateral mode stiffness
CN114777855B (en) Vortex street moisture split-phase flow measurement method based on acceleration detection
US3426593A (en) Vibrating transducer for flow and related measurements
JPH04505056A (en) Vortex generation flowmeter
CN114993392B (en) Vortex street wet gas flow measuring method based on acceleration amplitude modeling
García-Berrocal et al. The Coriolis mass flow meter as a volume meter for the custody transfer in liquid hydrocarbons logistics
Yan et al. Improving calibration accuracy of a vibration sensor through a closed loop measurement system
Zheng et al. Theoretical analysis and experimental study of Coriolis mass flow sensor sensitivity
WO2022245199A1 (en) A flow meter suitable for determining fluid characteristics
US20050109123A1 (en) Dynamic response characteristics of flow meters
Shanmugavalli et al. Smart Coriolis mass flowmeter
Marick et al. A modified technique of flow transducer using Bourdon tube as primary sensing element
WO2023195844A1 (en) An improved flow meter for determining fluid characteristics
WO2022070239A1 (en) Flow rate measurement device
Wang et al. Analysis on vibration characteristics of coriolis mass flow sensor
Lata et al. Development of a smart rotameter with intelligent temperature compensation
Nan et al. Development on intelligent small-flow target flow meter
Vattaparambil Sreedharan et al. Design, fabrication, and evaluation of a novel highly sensitive tuning fork pressure sensor for precise liquid level measurement
JPS6033372Y2 (en) mass flow meter
CN2919215Y (en) New type pressure detector
CN112326992A (en) High accuracy velocity of flow detection device based on cantilever beam
Bera A low-cost centrifugal force type flow sensor for measuring the flow rate of a fluid through a pipeline
Islam et al. A Sensitive Fiber Optic Technique for Remote Measurement of Liquid Flow
JPS5928342Y2 (en) force detector

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 22802871

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2022277006

Country of ref document: AU

Ref document number: AU2022277006

Country of ref document: AU

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2022277006

Country of ref document: AU

Date of ref document: 20220429

Kind code of ref document: A

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 22802871

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1