Flow distortion effect on electromagnetic flowmeter and mitigation using magnetic flux manipulation

Abstract

Abstract The effect of velocity profile distortion on the performance of flow sensors like the electromagnetic flowmeter has been a popular topic in flow measurement research. In many of the investigations computational modeling has been useful as a tool to understand the impact of flow distortion on flowmeter measurement accuracy. However, a more realistic investigation can be conducted by a model with ability to account for three-dimensional variation in fluidic and electromagnetic characteristics. In this research paper, a multiphysics model of the electromagnetic flowmeter accounting for three-dimensional flow distortion effects and independent of experimental measurements is developed and validated. The model integrates the flow and magnetic fields to yield the induced electrical signal, and is a departure from the popular weight function calculation approach. The model predicts flow distortion effects realistically and is employed in evaluating an idea to mitigate flow distortion problems: manipulating the magnetic field to minimize distortion effects. It is seen that while flow distortion induces a 3 to 4 % error in a flowmeter designed arbitrarily, proper design of the coils can reduce this error to an insignificant level.