Flow Transducer Research Articles

THE MEASUREMENT QUALITY EVALUATION OF AN ULTRASONIC FLOW SENSOR WITH A COMPLEX MEASURING PATH TRAJECTORY

Over the past ten years, ultrasonic measuring instruments have become most widespread in industrial measurements of the flow and quantity of various energy resources. Such instruments differ in design, method of obtaining the output signal, number and topology of acoustic waves propagation and, accordingly, have different metrological performances. The accuracy of the measured signal formation is determined by the quality of the flow sensor. At the same time, the components of quality are metrological performances, manufacturability of the design, ease of setup, cost and others. The purpose of the work is to compare, analyze and evaluate the quality of flow measurements when using a single-channel ultrasonic sensor with a complex trajectory of the measuring beam and a multi-path (multichord) ultrasonic sensor. As a result of simulation modeling, distributions of flow velocities in longitudinal sections and cross sections were obtained, correction factors for the measured signal were determined, and pressure losses were calculated. A comparative analysis of the measurement quality of the investigated flow sensors made it possible to identify the advantages of using a single-path flow transducer with acoustic wave reflection. We are talking about the possibility of accurately outputting a useful signal, higher metrological sensitivity, higher measurement accuracy, as well as minimal impact on the measured medium due to the creation of smaller geometrically sized local hydrodynamic resistance along the length of the measuring path. The further research prospect is the study of ultrasonic flow measuring sensors with different topologies of acoustic channels when measuring and recording flow and quantity for different flow regimes of the measured medium.

Research on Optimization of Water Jet Coupling System Parameters in Automated Ultrasonic Phased Array Inspection

When ultrasonic testing is used for non-destructive testing of welded workpieces, the surface of the ultrasonic transducer or wedge should have a good coupling effect with the measured surface of the workpiece. However, in actual ultrasonic testing, it is difficult to ensure that the ultrasonic transducer completes uniform scanning, resulting in poor coupling between the probe and the workpiece, resulting in low acoustic coupling stability of ultrasonic testing. In view of the above problems, this paper designs and constructs an automated ultrasonic phased array inspection platform using water jet coupling. By taking water flow rate, coupling distance, and transducer center frequency as independent variable parameters of the water jet coupling system, and using the received sound wave amplitude as the response variable for experimental comparison, a response surface analysis is conducted on these parameters to optimize the detection resolution of the automated ultrasonic inspection system. The results show that the most accurate system detection results are achieved when the water flow rate is 0.4 L/min, the coupling distance is between 1.0-1.6 mm, and the transducer center frequency is 10 MHz. This effectively solves the problem of low stability in ultrasound detection coupling, improves the detection efficiency, and provides guidance for further research on the imaging effect of automated ultrasonic phased array inspection in subsequent studies.

Role of Coriolis flow measurement technology in validation of model of syringe driver performance

The development of a flow/pressure measurement system in association with Bronkhorst High-Tech B.V. incorporating a Coriolis flow transducer, provided an opportunity to observe the flow/pressure dynamics of syringe drivers. A model of flow/pressure performance of syringe drivers was established where key variable factors included the compliance of the connected system and the associated line resistance. It was identified that the flow/pressure dynamics observed with the flow measurement system incorporating the Coriolis transducer matched that of the model. In this consideration the dominant compliance contribution related to that of the syringe. The model operates by considering the notional volume change in the residual fluid volume in the syringe with inflow from stepper motor action and outflow in the interval between sequential pulses. While many of the observations in the literature of syringe driver function are qualitative, the model allows a more precise prediction of associated device performance.

Aptamer-based biotherapeutic conjugate for shear responsive release of Von Willebrand factor A1 domain.

Smart polymers that mimic and even surpass the functionality of natural responsive materials have been actively researched. This study explores the design and characterization of a Single-MOlecule-based material REsponsive to Shear (SMORES) for the targeted release of A1, the platelet binding domain of the blood clotting protein von Willebrand factor (VWF). Each SMORES construct employs an aptamer molecule as the flow transducer and a microparticle to sense and amplify the hydrodynamic force. Within the construct, the aptamer, ARC1172, undergoes conformational changes beyond a shear stress threshold, mimicking the shear-responsive behavior of VWF. This conformational alteration modulates the bioavailability of its target, the VWF-A1 domain, ultimately releasing it at elevated shear. Through optical tweezer-based single-molecule force measurement, ARC1172s role as a force transducer was assessed by examining its unfolding under constant pulling force. We also investigated its refolding rate as a function of force under varied relaxation periods. These analyses revealed a narrow range of threshold forces (3-7 pN) governing the transition between folded and unfolded states. We subsequently constructed the SMORES material by conjugating ARC1172 and a microbead, and immobilizing the other end of the aptamer on a substrate. Single-molecule flow experiments on immobilized SMORES constructs revealed a peak A1 domain release within a flow rate range of (40-70 μL min-1). A COMSOL Multiphysics model translated these flow rates to total forces of 3.10 pN-5.63 pN experienced by the aptamers, aligning with single-molecule force microscopy predictions. Evaluation under variable flow conditions showed a peak binding of A1 to the platelet glycoprotein Ib (GPIB) within the same force range, confirming released payload functionality. Building on knowledge of aptamer biomechanics, this study presents a new strategy to create shear-stimulated biomaterials based on single biomolecules.

The Impact of Surface Discontinuities on MEMS Thermal Wind Sensor Accuracy.

A 2D calorimetric flow transducer is used to study distortions of the flow velocity field induced by small surface discontinuities around the chip. The transducer is incorporated into a matching recess of a PCB enabling wire-bonded interconnections to the transducer. The chip mount forms one wall of a rectangular duct. Two shallow recesses at opposite edges of the transducer chip are required for wired interconnections. They distort the flow velocity field inside the duct and deteriorate the flow setting precision. In-depth 3D-FEM analyses of the setup revealed that both the local flow direction as well as the surface-near distribution of the flow velocity magnitude deviate significantly from the ideal guided flow case. With a temporary leveling of the indentations, the impact of the surface imperfections could be largely suppressed. Including a yaw setting uncertainty of about ±0.5°, a peak-to-peak deviation of 3.8° of the transducer output from the intended flow direction was achieved with a mean flow velocity of 5 m/s in the duct corresponding to a shear rate of 2.4·104 s-1 at the chip surface. In view of the practical compromises, the measured deviation compares well with the peak-to-peak value of 1.74° predicted by previous simulations.

Investigation of multi loop linear magnetic circuits of electromagnetic flow converters with ring channels

Mathematical models of single and multiloop magnetic circuits of electromagnetic flow transducers with an annular channel are designed taking into account the parameters of the magnetic circuit. The possibility of compensating the difference in magnetic resistances of coaxially located concentric ferromagnetic cores and the difference in their circumference by selecting the thickness of the cores is shown. It has been installed that the magnetic flux in ferromagnetic cores is distributed along the angular coordinate. The magnetic induction in the annular channel is unevenly distributed along the radial coordinates. It was found that with an increase in the value of the attenuation coefficient of the magnetic field in the magnetic circuit, the degree of magnetic induction in the annular channel increases along the angular coordinate, while it remains constant along the radial coordinate.

In Vitro Major Arterial Cardiovascular Simulator to Generate Benchmark Data Sets for In Silico Model Validation

Cardiovascular diseases are commonly caused by atherosclerosis, stenosis and aneurysms. Understanding the influence of these pathological conditions on the circulatory mechanism is required to establish methods for early diagnosis. Different tools have been developed to simulate healthy and pathological conditions of blood flow. These simulations are often based on computational models that allow the generation of large data sets for further investigation. However, because computational models often lack some aspects of real-world data, hardware simulators are used to close this gap and generate data for model validation. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a hardware simulator to generate benchmark data sets of healthy and pathological conditions. The development process was led by specific design criteria to allow flexible and physiological simulations. The in vitro hardware simulator includes the major 33 arteries and is driven by a ventricular assist device generating a parametrised in-flow condition at the heart node. Physiologic flow conditions, including heart rate, systolic/diastolic pressure, peripheral resistance and compliance, are adjustable across a wide range. The pressure and flow waves at 17 + 1 locations are measured by inverted fluid-resistant pressure transducers and one ultrasound flow transducer, supporting a detailed analysis of the measurement data even for in silico modelling applications. The pressure and flow waves are compared to in vivo measurements and show physiological conditions. The influence of the degree and location of the stenoses on blood pressure and flow was also investigated. The results indicate decreasing translesional pressure and flow with an increasing degree of stenosis, as expected. The benchmark data set is made available to the research community for validating and comparing different types of computational models. It is hoped that the validation and improvement of computational simulation models will provide better clinical predictions.

Experimental study and numerical analysis of radiative losses of single-channel solar chimney

Solar chimneys provide natural ventilation for buildings, reducing the energy consumption of mechanical systems. Therefore, analyzing energy losses through solar chimney components and inlet/outlet of air channel is critical to develop a suitable design for this passive ventilation system. In this study, the performance and energy losses analysis of a single-channel solar chimney (SC-SOCH) is described; a parametric study under laboratory conditions was conducted regarding the air gap (0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 m) and heat flux of absorber plate (100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 Wm−2). The energy losses were analyzed with temperature sensors, heat flow transducers, and a net radiation transfer model. The parametric study results showed that between 10% and 15% of the total energy supplied to the absorber plate was dissipated to the laboratory environment through the glass cover. Furthermore, combining the different thermal insulation layers on the backside of the absorber plate and sidewalls of the air channel permitted only energy losses below 8% of the total energy supplied. The highest energy losses occurred due to radiative exchange; the radiative losses through the inlet and outlet of the air channel were between 9.38% and 25.78% of the total energy supplied. However, the radiative energy loss rate decreased as airflow increased; the volumetric flow rate was from 34.11 to 94.92 m3h−1, which was enough to satisfy the requirements of total ventilation rate for spaces of 9, 18, and 36 m2 according to ASHRAE 62.2–2019. Therefore, solar chimney designs must be optimized to minimize energy losses and increase airflow for natural ventilation.

OPERATION FEATURES OF AN ULTRASONIC FLOW TRANSDUCER WITH A COMPLEX TRAJECTORY OF THE MEASURING PATH

To measure the flowrate of fuel and energy resources, different methods are used, which determine the range of measuring instruments. Instruments based on ultrasonic measurement methods are widely used in measurement practice due to the provision of high accuracy, a wide range of measured flowrates, the absence of additional pressure losses and the design simplicity. Such instruments are easily integrated into automated readout systems for collecting and transmitting information. The asymmetry of the measured medium flow is a significant problem in the use of single-channel ultrasonic meters. This issue is successfully solved by using multi-channel flow transducers.
 The disadvantages of multi-channel ultrasonic flow transducers include a significant complication of the hydraulic channel design, the need to use more complex mathematical algorithms for processing the obtained output signal. This requires the use of high performance electronic elements, first of all microprocessors.
 The use of a transducer with multiple reflection of one measuring beam from the wall of the measuring path acts as an alternative to multi-channel measurement.
 The aim of the work is to create a mathematical model of an ultrasonic flow transducer with a complex measuring path trajectory. For research, a scheme with sounding along three chords was chosen, which implements the time-pulse measurement method, it provides for determining the flow rate by the difference in the time of passage of the measuring path along the flow and against it. In this case, the projections of the chords on the cross section of the measuring section create an equilateral triangle. An analytical expression for the conversion response is obtained for the case of several beam reflections in different planes.
 The authors reproduced the hydraulic part of the investigated flow transducer using simulation modeling implemented on the basis of the finite element method. Transducer’s operation simulation in the range of measured flow rates in the conditions of an ideally formed profile of the gas flow velocity in the transducer inlet cross-section has been carried out. The results obtained confirmed the absence of influence of the measuring circuit elements (beam reflectors) on the flow profile and the measuring beam trajectory.

Design of a Hydrodynamic Performance Bench for Ventricular Assist Devices

This work presents the design of a hydrodynamic performance bench (HPB) of Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) for evaluations of developed prototypes. VADs are used for the treatment of patients with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), either as a bridge to recovery, for transplantation or as destination therapy. HPB is required for the performance evaluation of VADs that are under development in Brazil. The performance evaluation of a VAD considers the rotation speed [rpm], flow rate [L/min], pressure [mmHg] and power [W]. The project consists in choosing an actuator and transducers from HPB, and developing the mechanical components, supervisory control and modules. The HPB mechanical components were designed in SolidWorks® following rapid prototyping and built by additive manufacturing. The HPB supervisory program was developed in graphic language through the Labview® program and implemented in a development and application platform with data acquisition system. The manipulated variable of the supervisory system is the motor speed [rpm] acting via an Escon 50/4 EC-S power controller on the BLDC EC45 N339281 motor. The controlled variable is the “VAD flow” [L/min] provided by an HT-110 flow transducer. A particle image velocimetry (PIV) module was developed for flow analysis. All process data are stored in spreadsheets for later consultation. HPB could assist in a satisfactory way in the analysis of the developed VADs prototypes, demonstrating the technical success of the project.

Algorithms for processing self-powered neutron detector signals important for determination of local parameters in each part of the VVER core

These investigation findings prove the possibility of a engineering solution for VVER core automatic protection during operation in both nominal and transient conditions within ICIS using local parameters (i.e. linear heat power of the most stressed fuel rod, departure from nucleate boiling ratio). Such engineering solution will be implemented by safety system software-hardware (PTK-Z) on the basis of signals coming from in-core neutron flux detectors, temperature sensors, primary coolant flow and coolant pressure transducers. The article presents the following: a list of in-core neutron flux detectors, a list of transducers of primary coolant monitoring for thermal engineering conditions (temperature, flow rate, pressure), whose signals are delivered to the terminals of instrumentation gauges (PTK-Z) for the purpose of actuating safety actions in accordance with local parameters. The paper shows arrangement of in-core neutron flux detector equipment, above view of self-powered neutron detector (SPND) location in safety channels, axial arrangement of SPND along the core, algorithms for processing SPND signals important for determination of local parameters in each part of the core in both normal and abnormal operation conditions.

Предпосылки для применения метода предиктивной аналитики для оценки метрологических характеристик турбинных преобразователей расхода

Предпосылки для применения метода предиктивной аналитики для оценки метрологических характеристик турбинных преобразователей расхода

DETERMINATION OF THE METROLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PIPE PROVERS BASED ON THE CONCEPT OF UNCERTAINTY

In this paper noted that oil metering units are used to determine the amount of crude oil. The metering units of crude oil that implement the method of dynamic measurements, the amount of oil is determined by the readings of oil meters (turbine or mass flow meters). Such flow rate transducers (flow meters) are subject to verification during operation. The main reference means used for the calibration of flow transducers are pipe provers (TPP). Calibration of such reference units can be performed using reference meters (compact-prover), reference balance and using a reference pipe prover with a comparator. The methods of calibration pipe provers with the use of reference meters (standard volume measure), as well as a reference compact-prover with a comparator have been developed. These methods of calibration approbation during the calibration of reference pipe prover installations operated at the facilities of JSC "Ukrtransnafta". The method is considered, and also the structural scheme of calibration of TPP by means of the reference compact prover with the comparator is resulted. A mathematical model is developed taking into account the influential factors and algorithms for their evaluation, as well as the metrological characteristics of TPP are determined - the uncertainty budget is formed and the uncertainty of measuring the capacity of the pipe prover calibration unit is estimated. According to the results of calibration of TPP BHP -1100 company "VEGYEPSZER", Hungary, operated in the Branch "PDMN" JSC "Ukrtransnafta" (Kremenchuk) using the reference Compact Prover company Brooks Insntrument Division Emerson Electric Co., USA comparator - turbine flow meter Smith Meter series MVTM, USA, the relative extended uncertainty of TPP capacity measurement was 0,03%. The main contributions to the extended measurement uncertainty during TPP calibration were the standard uncertainties due to the influence of liquid volume expansion (liquid temperature measurement) in TPP and compact-prover, the standard uncertainty of the reference compact-prover and the experimental standard uncertainty of pipe prover capacitance measurement result's mean value.

ABOUT SELECTING THE VORTEX FLOWMETER OPTIMAL BLUFF BODY SHAPE

Vortex flow meters are becoming more widespread in many industries. This is due to the simplicity and reliability of the flow transducer, the scale linearity, the frequency measuring signal presence, low requirements for alignment and ensuring the straight sections length at the installation site, etc. Among the vortex measuring instruments, the most common are instruments with a bluff body. Such flow meters operation principle is based on measuring the vortex stripping frequency behind a streamlined body installed in the flow.
 In this case, the metrological characteristics are determined by the bluff body shape. Therefore, the search for the optimal sensing element shape and the hydraulic channel configuration of the flow meter as a whole remains an actual issue.
 The paper proposes an algorithm for solving this issue according to the criteria of the measured flow rates maximum range and the interaction efficiency of the bluff body with the measured medium flow. The first criterion value is determined from the condition that the Strouhal’s number remains unchanged; the second criterion is based on the estimation of the measured medium pressure drop and the measurement error.
 To realize the algorithm, simulation modeling is used in the Ansys Fluent fluid simulation software, which uses computational fluid dynamics methods. Modeling carried out for three shapes of the bluff body: a cylinder, a prism with a triangular section, a prism with a trapezoidal section, which made it possible to choose a sensitive element for further solving the multi-parameter optimization problem.
 Geometric features of the selected sensitive element shape, the limits of their change and boundary values are grounded.
 The simulation made it possible to estimate the measured flow rates range and pressure losses, as well as to determine the vortex stripping frequency, measurement error and efficiency factor for the investigated geometric model.
 To further improve the instrument metrological parameters, the authors proposed to supplement the primary transducer geometric model with gradual contraction and diffuser sections. These sections parameters are selected from the conditions of a continuous flow and the maximum measured flow rates range with a minimum pressure loss.
 The obtained results confirmed the strategy proposed by the authors. The further research prospect is to carry out simulation studies of the flow meter hydraulic channel proposed configuration for different measured media.

ANALYSIS OF RELIABILITY OF AUTOMATIC CORE PROTECTION FUNCTION OF THE REACTOR V-412 IN RESPONSE TO LOCAL PARAMETERS: MAXIMUM LINEAR POWER, DEPARTURE FROM NUCLEATE BOILING RATIO

The research subject is finding an engineering solution for V-412 core automatic protection during operation in both steady-state and transient conditions within ICIS using local parameters (i.e. maximum linear power, departure from nucleate boiling ratio). Such engineering solution will be implemented by safety system software-hardware (PTK-Z) on the basis of signals coming from in-core neutron flux detectors, temperature sensors, primary coolant flow and coolant pressure transducers. Calculated survey of possibility to use Kalman filters or corrective filter to eliminate time delay in SPND signals was carried out. The inaccuracy in the method of maximum linear power monitoring was determined. This work shows that the solution was found using the practice of in-core instrumentation, and ICIS designing and operation with improved metrology, reliability and time parameters and using advanced data communication technologies intended for important challenges of the world market, and as a response to standards.

Study of a Modified Obstruction Free Pressure Sensor Based Flow Transducer Using Hall Sensors

In the present paper, a modified obstruction free pressure sensor-based flow transducer has been developed using Hall sensors. This technique is a modified version of the earlier inductive method. In this transducer, the fluid pressure in the pipeline is taken as the flow sensing parameter, and various drawbacks of the earlier inductive technique are eliminated. A prototype unit of the transducer is developed and studied in the present work. The transducer consists of two identical C-type Bourdon gauges, each fitted with an identical permanent magnet and Hall sensor assembly to sense the fluid pressure under flow condition and static pressure under no flow condition. The difference between the two Hall sensor outputs is found to vary nonlinearly with flow rate. The mathematical relations describing the working of the prototype unit are derived in the paper. The static characteristic curves of the proposed flow transducer are determined experimentally and reported in the paper. The characteristic curves are found to follow the derived equations to a very good extent with negligible percentage deviation from best-fit nonlinear characteristic.

Locating the Isolator Shock-Train Leading Edge with Limited Pressure Information

Real-time detection and control of the isolator shock-train leading edge (STLE) is important to the performance of high-speed air-breathing engines, such as dual-mode scramjets. Typically, the STLE location is determined using wall static-pressure measurements, but there are often restrictions on the placement and overall number of the pressure transducers, reducing the viability and accuracy of such approaches. To address these issues, we introduce the adaptive pressure profile (APP) method for estimating the STLE location. This method does not require extensive prior characterization of the isolator or engine model. Instead, it uses real-time pressure measurements from a small number of transducers to adaptively learn the isolator pressure profile and subsequently uses this deduced profile to estimate the STLE location in a data-driven manner. The APP method works well in situations with sparse transducer placement. It produces accurate estimates when the STLE location is 1) not bounded by two or more transducers or 2) between two transducers that are several isolator duct heights apart. We demonstrate the efficacy of the APP method using simulations and experimental data from direct-connect isolator models. This validation shows that the APP method is accurate and robust for different flow regimes, transducer configurations, and model geometries.

Основные результаты исследований зависимости коэффициентов преобразования турбинного преобразователя расхода от числа Рейнольдса

The paper focuses on the key findings of the first experimental studies on assessing the dependence of the relative deviation of the conversion coefficients of the turbine flow transducer KTFT on the physicochemical properties of oil and oil products, as well as test conditions. The studies were carried out on a specialized calibration stand and on three systems for measuring the quantity and quality indicators of oil / oil products, operated in the main pipeline transport under various climatic conditions. Relying on the obtained experimental data, we assessed the influence of test conditions on KTFT and established correlation dependences between the kinematic viscosity, density, temperature and excess pressure. The study shows that the kinematic viscosity and density of the working medium, i.e., oil / oil products, as well as the Reynolds number Re, have the greatest influence on KTFT. Furthermore, with a change in the volumetric flow rate and kinematic viscosity at one object, it is possible to predict the change in KTFT in the entire range of the volumetric flow rate, relying on Re values. Findings of research show that the tested turbine flow transducer DN 250-1.6 can be operated when Re > 7600

Global Visualization of Compressible Swept Convex-Corner Flow Using Pressure-Sensitive Paint

This study used pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) and determined the surface pressure distributions for a compressible swept convex-corner flow. The freestream Mach numbers were 0.64 and 0.83. The convex-corner angle and swept angle were, respectively, 10–17° and 5–15°. Expansion and compression near the corner apex were clearly visualized. For the test case of shock-induced boundary layer separation, there were greater spanwise pressure gradient and curved shocks. The acquired PSP data agree with the experimental data measured using the Kulite pressure transducers for a subsonic expansion flow. For a transonic expansion flow, the discrepancy was significant. The assumption of a constant recovery factor is not valid in the separation region, and temperature correction for PSP measurements is required.

Computer simulation and full-scale measurements of the load flow in a functioning heating network

The article aims to identify patterns in the distribution of heating energy to consumers with a varying availability of regulation equipment under real conditions of a central heating network, as well as to compare the results of computer simulation with full-scale measurements. For computer simulation, well-known mathematical methods for calculating the load flow in hydraulic circuits were used. Experimental studies of the operation modes of heat supply systems were carried out using the data of the control and monitoring systems of thermal power plants using the Siemens Simatic PCS7 software, a Portaflow 300 ultrasonic flow meter, stationary electromagnetic flow transducers, verified and certified manometers and thermometers. The graphs of the actual hydrodynamic modes of the heating network under study were obtained at outdoor air temperatures from +8 to -37°C, as well as under abnormal conditions (temperature drop in the supply pipeline and pressure drop at the heating network input). It was proposed to use jointly the simulation by means of the JA_Net software and full-scale measurements of the thermohydraulic operating modes of a centralised heat supply system, whose consumers have a various degree of regulation equipment. It was shown that the proposed complex method of qualitative and quantitative assessment of the efficiency of district heating networks makes it possible to identify the features of control of their hydraulic modes when connecting new consumers with a varying degree of automation. According to the obtained characteristics of changes in the flow rate of the coolant in the consumers’ internal systems depending on the pressure drop at the tie-in point, the lack of response to emergency situations on part of the consumers whose heat supply systems are equipped with the means of qualitative and quantitative regulation of the heat load, is associated with the process of automatic adjustment of the degree of opening of flow controllers and control valves at individual points. In future work, we will develop guidelines for levelling the imbalance of the heating network under the conditions of uneven provision of facilities with automation equipment when implementing projects for the complex modernisation of heat consumers or connecting new facilities to existing heat supply networks.