• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
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    • 专利摘要:
    METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CALIBRATING AN ULTRASONIC METER, AND, APPARATUS TO PROVIDE A HOMOGENEOUS FLUID TEMPERATURE IN AN ULTRASONIC FLOW METER. A system and method for calibrating an ultrasonic flow meter. In one embodiment, a method includes arranging a fluid circulation device within a flow meter. Fluid is circulated in the flow meter through the operation of the fluid circulation device. An acoustic signal transit time within the flow meter is measured during circulation. Based on the measurement, a portion of the acoustic signal transit time caused by the latency induced by flow meter components is determined.
    公开号:BR112013020393B1
    申请号:R112013020393-5
    申请日:2012-01-19
    公开日:2020-11-10
    发明作者:Henry C. Straub, Jr.
    申请人:Daniel Measurement And Control, Inc.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    KNOWLEDGE
    [001] Natural gas is transported from place to place via pipeline lines. It is desirable to know precisely the amount of gas flowing in the pipeline, and particular precision is required when the fluid is changing hands, or "custody transfer". Even where transfer of custody is not taking place, however, measurement accuracy is desirable, and in these situations flow meters can be used.
    [002] Ultrasonic flow meters are a type of flow meter that can be used to measure the amount of fluid flowing in a pipe line. Ultrasonic flow meters are accurate enough to be used in custody transfer. In an ultrasonic flow meter, acoustic signals are sent back and forth through the fluid sequence to be measured. Based on the acoustic signal parameters received, the speed of the fluid flow in the flow meter is determined. The volume of fluid flowing in the meter can be determined from determined flow rates and the known cross-sectional area of the flow meter.
    [003] The transit time of acoustic signals in an ultrasonic flow meter includes time required for signals to travel through the fluid flowing in the meter, time that the acoustic signals spend within the transducers that produce and detect the signal, and the time required to process the signals. In order to accurately determine the speed of the fluid flow, and thus to determine the fluid value, each of the aforementioned components of the signal transit time needs to be precisely, determined. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [004] For a detailed description of the exemplary modalities of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure IA shows a cross-sectional top view of an ultrasonic flow meter according to various modalities; Figure 1B shows a top view of the end of an ultrasonic flow meter including a large number of string paths according to various modalities; Figure 1C shows, in schematic form, a top view of an ultrasonic flow meter according to several modalities; Figure 2 shows, in schematic form, a cross sectional view of an ultrasonic flow meter assembly configured for dry calibration according to various modalities; Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a system for performing dry calibration of an ultrasonic meter according to several modalities; and Figure 4 shows a flow diagram for a method for dry calibrating an ultrasonic flow meter according to various modalities. NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE
    [005] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular system components. As someone skilled in the art will understand, companies can refer to a component by different names. This document is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name, but not in function. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "including" and "characterized by understanding" are used in an open manner, and therefore should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to ...". Furthermore, the term "couple" or "couple" is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Therefore, if a first device or component is coupled to a second device or component, the connection of which can be through a direct connection between the two or through an indirect connection via other intermediate devices, components, and / or connections. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    [006] The following discussion is directed to various modalities of the invention. Although one or more of these modalities may be preferred, the disclosed modalities should not be interpreted, or otherwise used, to limit the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. In addition, someone skilled in the art will understand that the following description has wide application, and the discussion of any modality is significant only to be exemplary of that modality, and not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that modality.
    [007] Figures 1A and 1 B show a modality of an ultrasonic flow meter 110 illustrating basic components and relationships. Meter body 111, suitable for placement between sections of a pipe line, has a predetermined size and defines a central passage through which a measured fluid (for example, gas and / or liquid that is to be measured) flows. An illustrative pair of transducers 112 and 113, and their respective enclosures 1 14 and 11 15, are arranged along the length of the meter body 111. Transducers 112 and 113 are acoustic transceivers, and more particularly ultrasonic transceivers, meaning that they both generate and receive acoustic energy having frequencies above 20 kHz. Acoustic energy can be generated and received by a piezoelectric element in each transducer. To generate an acoustic signal, the piezoelectric element is electrically stimulated by means of a sinusoidal signal, and responds by vibrating. The vibration of the piezoelectric element generates the acoustic signal that travels through the measured fluid to the corresponding transducer stop transducer. Similarly, after being hit by acoustic energy (i.e., the acoustic signal and other noise signals), the piezoelectric element vibrates and generates a sinusoidal electrical signal that is detected, digitized, and analyzed through electronic circuits associated with the meter.
    [008] A path 117, sometimes referred to as a "string" exists between illustrative transducers 112ell3 at an angle 0 for a central island 120. The length of "string" 117 is the distance between the face of transducer 112 and the face of the transducer 113. Points 118 and 1 19 define the locations where acoustic signals generated by transducers 112 and 113 enter and let fluid flow through the meter body 111 (ie, an entrance to the meter gauge body). The position of transducers 112 and 113 can be defined by angle 0, by a first length L measured between transducers 112 and 113, a second length X corresponding to the axial distance between points 118 and 119, and a third length d corresponding to the internal diameter of the pipe. In most cases the distances d, X, and L are precisely determined during the manufacture of the meter. In addition, transducers such as 112 and 113 are usually placed at a specific distance from points 118 and 119, respectively, regardless of the meter size (i.e., meter body size). A measured fluid, such as natural gas, flows in a direction 122 with a velocity profile 123. Velocity vectors 124 - 129 illustrate that the fluid velocity through the meter body 111 increases towards the center line 120.
    [009] Initially, the downstream flow transducer 112 generates an acoustic signal that propagates through the fluid in the meter body 111, and is then incident on and detected by the upstream flow transducer 113. A short time later (by example, within a few milliseconds), the upstream flow transducer 113 generates an acoustic feedback signal that propagates back through the fluid in the meter body 111, and is then incident on and detected by the downstream flow transducer 112 Therefore, transducers 112 and 113 perform “launch and catch” with signals 130 along rope path 117. During operation, this sequence can occur thousands of times per minute.
    [0010] The transit time of the acoustic signal 130 (ie, the time required for the sound energy to travel) between transducers 112 and 113 depends in part on whether the acoustic signal 130 is traveling in the upward or downward flow. with respect to fluid flow. The transit time for an acoustic signal moving in the downward flow (ie, in the same direction as the fluid flow) is less than its transit time when moving in the upward flow (ie, against the fluid flow) . The transit times in the ascent and descent flow for a rope can be used to calculate the average speed of the fluid flow, and the average speed of sound for the rope in the measured fluid.
    [0011] Ultrasonic flow meters can have one or more acoustic signal paths. Figure 1B illustrates a top view of one end of the ultrasonic flow meter 110. As shown in figure 1B, the ultrasonic flow meter 110 effectively comprises four strings paths A, B, C and D at varying levels within the meter body. 111. Each A - D chord path corresponds to a pair of transducers alternatively behaving as a transmitter and receiver. Also shown is a package of electronic control circuits from meter 140, which includes electronic control circuits that acquire and process data from the four A-D string paths. Hidden from view in Figure 1B are the four pairs of transducers that correspond to to the A - D string paths.
    [0012] The arrangement of the four pairs of transducers can be more easily understood by reference to Figure 1C. The doors of the four transducer pairs are mounted on the meter body 111. Each pair of transducer ports corresponds to a single string path in Figure 1B. A first pair of transducer ports 114 and 115 comprise transducers 112 and 113 (Figure IA). The transducers are mounted at an angle O not perpendicular to the center line 120 of the meter body 111. Another pair of transducer ports 134 and 135 (only partially in view) and associated transducers are mounted such that their string path spontaneously forms a shaped like an “X” with respect to the string path of transducer ports 114 and 1 15. Similarly, transducer ports 138 and 139 are placed parallel to transducer ports 134 and 135, but at a different “level” (ie, a different radial radial position on the tube or meter body). Not explicitly shown in figure 1C is a fourth pair of transducers and transducer ports. Taking Figures 1B and 1C together, the transducer pairs are arranged such that the upper two pairs of transducers corresponding to strings A and B form an “X” shape, and the lower two pairs of transducers corresponding to strings C and D it also forms the shape of an "X". The flow rate of the fluid can be determined on each A - D string to obtain flow rates on the rope, and the flow rates on the rope combined to determine an average flow rate for the 110 meter. The volumetric flow rate across the meter 110 is a product of the average flow velocity for meter 110 and the cross sectional area of meter 110.
    [0013] Typically, control electronics circuits (eg, control electronics circuit pack 140) cause transducers (eg 112, 113) to fire, receive transducer output, compute the average flow speed for each string, compute the average flow velocity for the meter, and compute the volumetric flow rate through the meter. The volumetric flow rate and possibly other measured and computed values, such as flow speed and sound speed, are then output to additional devices, such as a flow computer, that are external to the 110 meter.
    [0014] As mentioned above, each ultrasound 112, 113 typically includes piezoelectric crystal. The piezoelectric crystal is the active element that emits and receives energy from the sound. The piezoelectric crystal comprises a piezoelectric material such as lead titanate zirconate (PZT) and electrodes on the surface of the piezoelectric material. The electrodes are typically a thin layer of a conductive material such as silver or nickel. A difference in voltage applied between the electrodes induces an electric field within the piezoelectric material that causes it to change shape and emit sound energy. The sound energy colliding in the piezoelectric material causes the piezoelectric material to change shape and develop a voltage between the electrodes. The piezoelectric crystal is typically encapsulated within an epoxy that holds the piezoelectric crystal in place, protects the piezoelectric crystal, and provides a matching layer to improve the coupling of sound energy between the piezoelectric crystal and the fluid inside the meter 110.
    [0015] For a given string, the flow velocity on string v is given by
    and the speed of sound on string c is given by
    130 through the fluid.
    [0016] As shown in Equations (1) and (2), the speed of the transit time measured by the electronic circuits of meter 140, however, includes the transit time through the fluid plus some additional time which is called a transit time. delay. This delay time must be subtracted from the measured transit times to obtain accurate values for the speed of flow on the string and the speed of sound.
    [0017] The delay time has two primary components: 1) the time that the acoustic signal 130 spends inside the transducers, and 2) the time corresponding to signal processing 130. Since the piezoelectric crystal of transducer 112 is not in contact direct with the fluid, the time it takes the sound energy to travel from the piezoelectric crystal transmitting to the fluid and the time it takes the sound energy to travel from the fluid to the piezoelectric crystal receiving contributes to the delay time .
    [0018] For each string, there may be two different delay times associated with transducers 112, 113 on that string. The rise flow delay time is the delay time when the acoustic signal 130 travels from the downflow transducer to the upflow transducer (for example, transducer 112 to transducer 113) and the Downstream delay is the delay time when the acoustic signal 130 travels from the upstream transducer to the downstream transducer (e.g. transducer 113 to transducer 112). Ideally, the upstream and downstream delay times would be identical, however, small differences in the components and construction of the upstream and downstream flow transducers 112, 113 coupled with different electrical impedances in the transmission portions and reception of electronic meters 140 causes the delay times in the rise and fall flow to be slightly different.
    [0019] To clarify the small difference in delay times in the upward and downward flows and their effect on the flow velocity in the rope, the delay times in the upward and downward flow can be remodeled as a time mean delay, which is the average of the delay times in the ascent and descent flow, and a delta delay time, which is the difference between the delay times in the ascent flow and the descent flow. For transducers 112, 113 used on some ultrasonic meters, the average delay times are typically approximately 20s while the absolute delta delay times are typically less than 0.05s demonstrating that the difference in the upward flow delay times and the descent flow is typically at least 400 times less than the average delay time in the rise flow or the descent flow Equations (1) and (2) can be rewritten to include the average delay time T and the time delta delay Tdeita leading to:

    where iUp and idn are the transit times in the measured ascent and descent flow.
    [0020] Modalities of the present disclosure determine the delta and average delay times of each pair of even transducers (for example, transducers 112, 113). The delay times of a pair of transducers are preferably determined with the transducers installed on the ultrasonic flow meter in which they are to be used. The procedure for determining delay times for a pair of transducers is typically referred to as “dry calibration”.
    [0021] Dry calibration of an ultrasonic flow gas meter 110 involves sealing the ends of (for example, installing blind covers) of meter 110 such that meter 110 can be pressurized with a fluid of known composition, such as pure nitrogen. For calibration purposes, pressure and temperature transducers are also installed on meter 110 such that fluid pressure and temperature can be determined. After pressurizing the meter 110 with fluid, the system is allowed to stabilize to ensure that there is no flow within the meter 110 and that the meter 110 and fluid are in thermal equilibrium after stabilization. After stabilization, the transit times in the ascent and in the descent flow are measured, simultaneously, with the temperature and pressure of the gas. From the known temperature, pressure, and fluid composition, the speed of sound through the fluid can be computed from theoretical or experimental predetermined values. An example of a method for computing speeds of sound can be found in AGA Report No. 10, “Speed of Sound in Natural Gas and Other Related Hydrocarbons”.
    [0022] From the measured transit times T ™ up and ™ dn, the delay times in the ascent flow and in the tup and tdn descent flow can be derived as

    where Ccaic is the calculated speed of sound. The delta and average delay times are then given by


    [0023] An error can be introduced in the average delay times determined during the dry calibration for the multipath ultrasonic flow meter 110 due to temperature gradients in the fluid. In the multipath meter 110, there are multiple strings that can be at different elevations within meter 110. For example, meter 110, as shown in figure 1 B, can have four different strings, each at a different elevation within meter 110. During dry calibration with no flow within meter 110, a temperature gradient tends to occur within the fluid in which the fluid at the top of meter 110 is hotter than the fluid at the bottom of meter 110. The magnitude of the temperature gradient between the top and bottom of the meter 110 tends to increase with the size of the meter increasing and can exceed 0.5 ° F (0.28 Celsius). A temperature gradient will cause each string of meter 110 to have a different temperature and therefore a different speed of sound than the calculated speed of sound for the fluid using the temperature measured at a single elevation within meter 110 during dry calibration. This error in the calculated speed of sound will result in an error in the average delay time when the calculated speed of sound is used in Equation 7. The error Δr in the average delay time is given by
    where Ccak is the calculated error in the speed of sound. Dry calibration can be performed with nitrogen at a temperature of approximately 75 ° F (24 Celsius) and a pressure of approximately 200 psig (1378951 pascal). For these conditions the speed of sound is approximately 1160 feet per second (353,568 meters per second) and the change in speed of ccaic sound for a small change in temperature ΔT is

    [0024] Replacing Equation 10 in Equation 9 entails

    [0025] The error introduced in the average delay time by a temperature gradient during dry calibration will introduce errors in both the flow rate in the string and the speed of sound (see Equations 3 and 4). The error Δv in the chord flow speed due to the error in the mean delay time is given by
    and the error Δc in the speed of sound in the string due to the error in the mean delay time is given by

    [0026] In addition to causing errors in the flow velocity in the string and the speed of sound, errors in the mean delay times also cause an undesirable spread in the speeds of sound in the string. When an ultrasonic flow meter 110 is used to measure the fluid in a pipeline, the turbulence introduced by the fluid flow causes the fluid to be mixed well and ensures that there are no thermal gradients in the fluid. The error induced in the mean delay time by a thermal gradient present during the dry calibration will force an apparent spread in the speeds of sound in the string measured for a flowing fluid that has no thermal gradients. The apparent scattering at the speeds of sound in the string can be found by combining Equations lie 13 to provide

    [0027] For example, if the fluid in the pipe line being measured is methane with a sound speed of approximately 1400 feet per second (426.72 meters per second), then the spread at the speeds of sound in the rope measured in the pipe line due at a gradient of 0.5 ° F (0.28 Celsius) the temperature present during dry calibration is approximately 0.8 feet per second (0.24384 meters per second).
    [0028] When an ultrasonic flow gas meter is used for a custody transfer measurement, the contract between the buyer and seller often incorporates the AGA Report No. 9, “Measurement of Gas by Multipath Ultrasonic Meters” standard as part of contract. Section 5.1 of AGA Report No. 9 requires that all ultrasonic flow meters must measure the requirement that the maximum spread at the speeds of sound in the strings is 1.5 feet per second (0.4572 meters per second). A gradient of 0.5 ° F (0.28 Celsius) temperature during dry calibration can result in a scattering at the speed of sound on the string that consumes more than half of the scattering at the sound speeds on the string allowed by AGA Report No. 9. Any additional errors such as small changes in transducer 112, 113 changes in delay times due to temperature can make the maximum allowed spread more easily exceeded.
    [0029] Modalities of the present disclosure eliminate temperature gradients during the dry calibration of the ultrasonic meter 110 by introducing a small amount of circulation into the fluid inside meter 110. The circulation can be induced by a circulation of fluid or stirring devices, such as a small fan, which is placed inside the 111 meter body. Modalities separate the dry calibration procedure into two parts to make use of the fluid circulation during the calibration. In part, delta delay times are determined without circulation. In the second part, the average delay times are determined with fluid circulation.
    [0030] Circulating the fluid inside the 110 meter while determining the average delay times ensures that the fluid temperature is consistent from start to finish and that no temperature gradient exists. This improves the accuracy of a determination of the average delay time for each chord and therefore improves the accuracy of the chord flow velocities and computed sound velocities when meter 110 is used to measure fluid flow in a pipe line . Improving the flow rate accuracy on the measured string finally results in increased accuracy in the measured flow rate which is particularly important if meter 110 is being used for a custody transfer measurement. Improving the accuracy of the measured string sound velocities tends to reduce the spread of the measured string sound velocities, which provides the meter 110 operator with increased confidence that the meter 110 is operating correctly.
    [0031] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional top view of an ultrasonic flow meter assembly 200 configured for dry calibration according to various modalities. The meter 200 assembly includes a flow meter 110, blind covers 242, a temperature sensor 246, and a fan 240. Blind cover 242 is attached to each end of meter body 111 of meter 110 using locking devices 244 ( eg bolts and nuts, clamps, etc.). Temperature sensor 246 is introduced into meter 110 through a port on both meter body 111 or one of the blind covers 242 to measure the fluid temperature. The temperature sensor 246 is positioned so that it does not obstruct any of the paths of displacement of the sound energy between the ultrasonic transducers (for example 112 and 113 Fig. IA). A fluid line and pressure indicator (not shown) are attached to a port 248 on the meter body 111 or on one of the blind caps 242. The fluid line allows fluid to be added and removed from the meter body 111 while the indicator pressure gauge is used to monitor the fluid pressure inside the 110 meter.
    [0032] The fan 240, or other fluid circulation device, is disposed inside the meter body 111. In some embodiments, the fan 240 is disposed inside the meter body 111 by mounting the fan 240 to a blind cover 242 with magnets 241. Magnets 241 ensure that fan 240 stays in place while facilitating installation and removal. Separators (for example, separators) 243 positioned between fan 240 and magnet 241 position fan 240 away from the cover surface 242 and allow fluid to flow through fan 240. An electrical supply through 245 to a port or to the meter body 111 or in one of the blind covers 242 allows electricity to be supplied to the fan 240 via wiring 247.
    [0033] Fan 240 is positioned inside meter body 111 in a location that provides free space for fluid to flow through fan 240 while fan 240 and associated components (wiring 247, separators 243, etc.) do not interfere with any of the paths crossed by moving the sound energy between the ultrasonic transducers. In some embodiments, the fan 240 is weight to the blind cover 242 using screws or adhesives. In other embodiments, the fan 240 is attached to the meter body 111 by means of magnets 241, adhesives, or simply held in place by the force of gravity.
    [0034] Various types of fans, where a fan is simply a device to induce fluid circulation, are suitable for use with modalities disclosed herein. Fan 240 can be configured to operate using direct current (DC), rather than alternating current, to reduce the risk of electric shock to an operator conducting dry calibration. Fan 240 may be a brushless DC type fan commonly used in computer and instrument cases. The diameter of the fan 240 is preferably between 10% and 35% of the internal diameter of the meter body 111.
    [0035] Little or no fluid flow should be present when determining delta delay times. Therefore, modalities employ a dry calibration procedure that separately determines the average and delta delay times. After fan 240, temperature probe 246, fluid line, pressure indicator, and blind covers 242 are installed, fluid is added to meter body 111 for use in calibration. A suitable calibration fluid is 200 psig nitrogen (1378951 pascal) but other calibration fluids and other pressures can also be used. To eliminate airborne impurities that are initially present in the meter body 111, the calibration fluid can be purged and added to the meter body 111 several times. Alternatively, air can be removed from the meter body 111 with a vacuum pump before adding the calibration fluid to the meter body 111. After the meter 110 is pressurized with calibration fluid, the connection to the fluid source is closed and the fluid inside the meter body 111 is allowed to stabilize for a period of time (for example, at least an hour) to ensure that any residual flow caused by adding the calibration fluid to the meter 110 has deteriorated and that the fluid is in thermal balance inside meter 110. Transducers are activated, transit times are measured for each string, and delta delay times are determined using equation (8).
    [0036] Following delta delay determination, fan 240 is turned on and the calibration fluid is allowed to stabilize for a period of time (for example, at least 10 minutes). Transit times of sound energy and temperature and fluid pressure are measured again. The speed of sound is determined using suitable predetermined values such as found in AGA Report No. 10, “Speed of Sound in Natural Gas and other Related Hydrocarbons”, and the average delay time is determined using Equation 7. The speed of the fan 240 is such that the absolute value of flow velocity in the rope is preferably between 0.5 and 2 feet per second. A minimum speed is required to ensure that the calibration fluid is well mixed and has no thermal gradients. If the fluid velocity is quite high, appropriate modifications to Equation 7 are applied to account for a high flow velocity.
    [0037] In an alternative embodiment, delta delay times are determined after average delay times are determined. In such an embodiment, fan 240 is turned on after filling the meter with calibration fluid and the fluid is allowed to stabilize for a period of time (for example, at least one hour) before determining average delay times. The fan 240 is then switched off and the calibration fluid is allowed to stabilize for a period of time (for example, at least one hour) before determining delta delay times.
    [0038] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a system 300 to perform dry calibration of an ultrasonic meter according to various modalities. The system 300 includes the assembly of the flow meter 200 and the processing and calibration control system 302. The processing and calibration control system 302 controls the operation of the various components (for example, transducers 112, 113) of the assembly of the meter 200 , and causes the assembly of the 200 meter to perform operations that generate calibration data. The calibration control and processing system 302 processes the calibration data generated by mounting the 200 meter to produce string delay values. In some embodiments, meter electronics 140 may include at least some portions of the 302 calibration control and processing system.
    [0039] Some modalities of the calibration control and processing system 302 generate signals that control one or more of the ultrasonic transducers (eg 112, 113) and the fan 240 of the 200 meter assembly. For example, signals generated by the calibration system Calibration control and processing 302 can control the sound signal generation time of transducer 112, and can control fan activation / deactivation 240. Additionally, the calibration control and processing system 302 can generate signals to manage a control system of fluid 308 (e.g., a valve or the like) that introduces fluid into meter 110 from a fluid source. Alternatively, the calibration processing system 302 can request a user to manually introduce fluid into meter 110 from a fluid source.
    [0040] The calibration control and processing system 302 can also receive signals produced by mounting the 200 meter during calibration. For example, information indicating fluid pressure and temperature can be received from pressure sensor 310 and temperature sensor 246, and information indicating sound transit time on meter 110 can be received from ultrasonic transducers. 112. The information received can be processed by the delta 304 delay logic computation and the 306 average delay logic computation to respectively generate mean and deltas delays as explained here.
    [0041] Some modalities of the 302 calibration processing and control system may include a computer to perform data processing and control functions. A computer suitable for use in the 302 calibration processing and control system can be a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a handheld computer, a tablet computer, or any other communication device capable of performing the described processing and control functions. on here. The delta 304 logical delay computation and the 306 medium delay logic computation can be implemented as software instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. When executed by a computer, the instructions cause the computer to perform the delta and medium delay computations disclosed here. Other software programming included with the 302 calibration control and processing system may cause the computer to perform other of the various control functions or processing functions described here. A computer-readable storage medium suitable for storing software instructions comprises volatile storage such as random access memory, non-volatile storage (for example, a hard disk, an optical storage device (for example, CD or DVD), storage FLASH, or combinations thereof).
    [0042] Figure 4 shows a flow diagram for a method for dry calibration of an ultrasonic flow meter according to various modalities. Although represented sequentially as a convenience problem, at least some of the actions shown can be performed in a different order and / or performed in parallel. Additionally, some modalities can perform only some of the actions shown. In some embodiments, at least some of the operations in Figure 4, as well as other operations described here, can be implemented as instructions stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by a processor (for example, a computer processor in the processing system and calibration control 302).
    [0043] In block 402, a fluid circulation device, such as fan 240, is disposed inside a flow meter 110 to facilitate dry calibration. The fluid circulation device is positioned to prevent interference with acoustic signals passing through the interior of the meter 110, and to allow fluid to flow through the fluid circulation device. More specifically, the fluid circulation device is arranged in a position outside each rope path. A temperature sensor is also positioned inside the meter body 111.
    [0044] In block 404, the ends of the flow meter body 111 are sealed. In some embodiments, the blind covers 242 are affixed to the ends of the meter body 111 for sealing.
    [0045] In block 406, calibration fluid is introduced into the meter body 111.0 calibration fluid can be a gas, such as nitrogen, and the fluid can be supplied to the meter body 111 for a predetermined pressure (for example, 200 psig ) (e.g. 1378951 pascal). In addition, impurities initially present in the meter body can be eliminated by purging and filling the meter body with the calibration fluid several times.
    [0046] In block 408, circulation induced by introducing the calibration fluid into the meter body 111 is allowed to decrease. In some embodiments, circulation is considered to have sufficiently decreased based on the passage of a predetermined time interval (for example, an hour).
    [0047] In block 410, the calibration and control system 302 activates the ultrasonic transducers (for example, 112, 113) of meter 110 and, for each string, measures sound displacement times in the rising and falling flows through meter 110.
    [0048] In block 412, the calibration and control system 302 computes delay times in the rising and falling flows and a delta delay time value for each rope based on the measured travel times.
    [0049] In block 414, fluid circulation is induced in the meter body 111 by activating the fluid circulation device 240. Circulating in the calibration fluid a uniform temperature within the meter body 111 is achieved. Fluid circulation continues at block 416 to allow the calibration fluid to stabilize. In some embodiments, the calibration fluid is considered to be stabilized when circulation has been active for a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 minutes).
    [0050] In block 418, after the circulation fluid is stabilized, the calibration and control system 302 activates the ultrasonic transducers (for example, 112, 113) of the 110 meter and, for each string, measures the sound displacement times in the rising and falling flows through meter 110. The temperature and pressure of the fluid in meter 110 are also measured.
    [0051] In block 420, the calibration and control system 302 computes the speed of sound through the calibration fluid in meter 110 based on the measured temperature and pressure, and computes average delay time based on the measured sound shift times and the computed speed of sound.
    [0052] The above discussion is significant to be illustrative of the principles and various modalities of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art since the above disclosure is fully appreciated and the following claims are intended to be interpreted to encompass all such variations and modifications.
    权利要求:
    Claims (23)
    [0001]
    1. Method for dry calibrating an ultrasonic flow meter (110), characterized by the fact that it comprises: having a fan (240) inside a multipath ultrasonic flow meter (110) with strings at different elevations inside the meter ultrasonic flow (110); seal each end of the ultrasonic flow meter (110) with a blind cover (242); circulating fluid in the ultrasonic flow meter (110) through the operation of the fan (240); measuring an acoustic signal transit time within the ultrasonic flow meter (110) during circulation; and determining, based on the measurement, a portion of the acoustic signal transit time caused by the component-induced delay (112, 113, 140) of the ultrasonic flow meter (110).
    [0002]
    2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the circular is carried out over a determined period of time to produce a uniform fluid temperature within the ultrasonic flow meter (110).
    [0003]
    3. Method, according to claim 1, further characterized by the fact that it comprises measuring a temperature and a pressure inside the ultrasonic flow meter (110) together with the measurement of the acoustic signal transit time.
    [0004]
    4. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the circular provides a fluid velocity within the ultrasonic flow meter (110) from 0.5 to 2 feet per second (0.1524 and 0.6096 meters per second).
    [0005]
    5. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the delay is an average of the acoustic signal transit times in the ascent and descent flow minus one sound transit time between transducers.
    [0006]
    6. Method, according to claim 1, further characterized by the fact that it comprises: introducing fluid into the ultrasonic flow meter (110); disable the fan (240); measuring an acoustic signal transit time inside the ultrasonic flow meter (110) while the fan (240) is disabled; and, to determine, based on the measurement, a difference between transit times for the acoustic signal in the ascent flow and in the descent flow.
    [0007]
    7. Method, according to claim 1, further characterized by the fact that it comprises attaching the fan (240) to the blind cover (242) that seals one end of the ultrasonic flow meter (110).
    [0008]
    8. System for dry calibrating an ultrasonic flow meter (110), characterized by the fact that it comprises: a multipath ultrasonic flow meter (110) having strings at different elevations within the ultrasonic flow meter (110), and a sealed chamber formed by a blind cover (242) at each end of the ultrasonic flow meter (110); a fan (240) disposed within the sealed chamber and configured to move fluid within the ultrasonic flow meter (110); and, logical calibration (302) configured to determine, based on the fan (240) moving fluid within the ultrasonic flow meter (110) and thereby providing a uniform fluid temperature within the ultrasonic flow meter (110), a portion of a measured acoustic signal transit time caused by the delay induced by the components (112, 113, 140) of the ultrasonic flow meter (110).
    [0009]
    9. System according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the ultrasonic flow meter (110) still comprises a blind cover (242) at each end of the sealed chamber, and in which the fan (240) is mounted on the blind cover (242).
    [0010]
    10. System, according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the fan (240) is mounted on spacers that position the fan (240) to allow fluid flow through the fan (240).
    [0011]
    11. System, according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor configured, respectively, to measure, a temperature and a fluid pressure inside the ultrasonic flow meter (110); where the logical calibration is configured to measure the temperature and pressure of the fluid in conjunction with the measurement of the measured acoustic signal transit time.
    [0012]
    12. System according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the logical calibration is configured to determine the delay as an average of the acoustic signal transit times in the ascent and in the descent flow minus a transit time of acoustic signal between transducers.
    [0013]
    13. System according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the fan (240) is configured to move the fluid within the ultrasonic flow meter (110) at a speed between 0.5 and 2 feet per second (0.1524 and 0.6096 meters per second).
    [0014]
    14. System, according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the fan (240) has a diameter of 10% to 35% of an internal diameter of the ultrasonic flow meter (110).
    [0015]
    15. System, according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the logical calibration is configured to: measure an acoustic signal transit time in the ascent flow and an acoustic signal transit time in the descent flow inside the meter ultrasonic flow (110) while the fan (240) is disabled; and, determining a difference between the acoustic signal transit times in the ascent flow and the acoustic signal transit times in the descent flow.
    [0016]
    16. System according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the fan (240) is arranged inside the ultrasonic flow meter (110) outside an acoustic signal path between transducers of the ultrasonic flow meter (110).
    [0017]
    17. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the ultrasonic flow meter (110) comprises an ultrasonic flow meter body, in which the sealed chamber comprises a blind cover (242) configured to seal an end of the ultrasonic flow meter body, and the fan (240) comprises an electric fan inside the ultrasonic flow meter body to circulate fluid within the ultrasonic flow meter (110) and disposed in a position outside a flow path. signal between ultrasonic transducers of the ultrasonic flow meter (110).
    [0018]
    18. System, according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that it also comprises separators that separate the fan from a surface supporting the fan (240) inside the ultrasonic flow meter body, the separators configured to allow the fluid to flow through the fan (240).
    [0019]
    19. System, according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a magnet configured to attach the fan (240) to the surface inside an ultrasonic flow meter (110).
    [0020]
    20. System according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that the fan (240) is attached to the blind cover (242).
    [0021]
    21. System according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that the blind cover (242) comprises a door through which conductors supply electrical power to the fan (240).
    [0022]
    22. System according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that a fan diameter (240) is 10% to 35% of an internal diameter of the ultrasonic flow meter (110).
    [0023]
    23. System according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that the fan (240) is configured to circulate fluid within the ultrasonic flow meter (110) at a speed between 0.5 and 2 feet per second (0.1524 and 0.6096 meters per second).
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    同族专利:
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    BR112013020393A2|2016-10-25|
    WO2012108992A2|2012-08-16|
    EP2673598A2|2013-12-18|
    EP2673598A4|2015-06-17|
    CN102636226A|2012-08-15|
    US8302455B2|2012-11-06|
    US20120204620A1|2012-08-16|
    MX2013009162A|2013-11-01|
    CA2826869C|2016-06-21|
    WO2012108992A3|2012-10-04|
    RU2013137674A|2015-03-20|
    CA2826869A1|2012-08-16|
    RU2546855C1|2015-04-10|
    CN202974353U|2013-06-05|
    EP2673598B1|2017-08-30|
    CN102636226B|2015-06-17|
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-18| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-10-08| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-06-09| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-11-10| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 19/01/2012, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US13/025223|2011-02-11|
    US13/025,223|US8302455B2|2011-02-11|2011-02-11|Determining delay times for ultrasonic flow meters|
    PCT/US2012/021825|WO2012108992A2|2011-02-11|2012-01-19|Determining delay times for ultrasonic flow meters|
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