• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    It is an ultrasonic flow meter system that includes a conduit that defines a channel, at least a pair of first transducers, at least a second transducer, and a processor. The first transducer pair is mounted in the conduit and includes a transmit transducer and a receive transducer to generate a first response signal. The transmitting transducer and the receiving transducer are arranged in a chute passage. The second transducer is mounted in the conduit to generate a second response signal. The processor is configured to receive the first response signal and the second response signal, select a response signal according to a ratio of the first response signal and noise to the same and to a relationship of the second response signal and noise to the same , and to determine a flow rate of a flow medium, according to the response signal selected. In addition, a method is provided to measure the flow rate of the fluid medium.
    公开号:BR112017010658B1
    申请号:R112017010658-2
    申请日:2015-12-04
    公开日:2021-03-02
    发明作者:Jing Ye；Yan MEI；Xiaolei Shirley Ao；Weihua Shang；Ran Niu；Gregory Ronald Gillette；Christopher Edward Wolfe；Robert Arnold Judge
    申请人:General Electric Company；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
    [001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic flow meter system and method for measuring flow rate. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    [002] Ultrasonic transducers are widely used to measure a flow rate of a flow in a conduit. For example, ultrasonic transducers can be used to obtain flow velocity information based on Doppler theory or transit time theory. Typically, an ultrasonic Doppler transducer is mounted on the conduit wall. The pulsed ultrasonic wave emitted from the Doppler ultrasonic transducer propagates to the flow inside the conduit. The diffusion components, such as impurities and contaminations in the flow, reflect the wave, and the Doppler ultrasonic transducer receives the echo. Doppler theory allows the calculation of velocity by one or more known formulas. The flow rate of the flow can be determined based on the speed information. The Doppler flow measurement method is appropriate for the flow with considerable diffusions in it.
    [003] Transit time flow measurement is also a common ultrasonic method for measuring the flow rate of the flow in the duct. A transducer emits a sound wave through the flow that is detected by another transducer. The wave transit times are used to calculate the speed of the sound of the flow and in addition the flow rate is calculated using the speed of sound, the length of the trajectory, the data of transit times and the size of the duct. The transit time flow measurement method is appropriate for cleaning the flow without or with few diffusion components in it.
    [004] If the flow composition is unknown and / or unstable, neither the Doppler flow measurement method nor the transit time flow measurement method can reliably measure the flow rate.
    [005] It is desirable to provide a solution to solve at least one of the problems mentioned above. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [006] In one aspect, the present invention relates to an ultrasonic flow meter system for measuring a flow rate of a fluid medium. The ultrasonic flow meter system includes a conduit that defines a channel, at least a pair of first transducers, at least a second transducer and a processor. The first transducer pair is mounted in the conduit and includes a transmit transducer and a receive transducer to generate a first response signal. The transmitting transducer and the receiving transducer are arranged in a chute passage. The second transducer is mounted in the conduit to generate a second response signal. The processor is configured to receive the first response signal and the second response signal, selecting one of the first response signal and the second response signal according to a relationship of the first response signal and the noise of the same and with a relationship of the second response signal and the noise thereof and to determine a flow rate of a flow medium through the channel in the conduit according to the selected response signal.
    [007] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for measuring a flow rate of a fluid medium. The method includes transmitting a first ultrasound signal along a chordal passage through a conduit through a transducer transmitting a first pair of transducers and generating a first response signal in response to the first ultrasound signal through a receiving transducer of the first pair of transducers in the chord passage The method further includes transmitting a second ultrasound signal in the conduit via a second transducer and generating a second response signal in response to a signal broadcast from the second ultrasound signal via the second transducer. The method further includes generating, by means of a processor, a flow rate of a flow medium through the conduit according to one of the first response signal and the second response signal. The method further includes selecting one of the first response signal and the second response signal according to a relationship of the first response signal and its noise and a relationship of the second response signal and its noise and determining a flow rate of a flow medium through the conduit according to the selected response signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [008] The above aspects and other aspects, functions and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the subsequent detailed description when taken in combination with the attached drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a meter system ultrasonic flow in accordance with an embodiment; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic flow meter system in accordance with another embodiment; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of part of a conduit and first pairs of transducers of the ultrasonic flow meter system, in accordance with one embodiment; Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the conduit with second transducers thereon in accordance with one embodiment; Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the conduit with the first pairs of transducers and with the second transducers thereon, in accordance with one embodiment; Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the conduit with the first pairs of transducers and with the second transducers thereon, in accordance with another embodiment; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic flow meter system in accordance with another embodiment; and Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method for measuring a flow rate of a flow medium, in accordance with one embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF REALIZATIONS OF THE INVENTION
    [009] One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used in this document have the same meaning as the common understanding by a technician in the subject to which the present invention belongs.
    [010] The terms "first", "second (a)" and the like in this document do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are used to distinguish one element from the other. The terms "one" and "one" do not denote a limitation of the quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the items referred to. The term “or” must be inclusive and mean any or all of the items listed. The use of "that includes", "that understands" or "that has" and variations thereof in this document are intended to cover the items listed below and their equivalents, as well as additional items. Furthermore, the terms “coupled” and “connected” are not intended to distinguish between direct or indirect coupling / connection between components. Preferably, such components may be coupled / connected directly or indirectly unless otherwise indicated. The approximate language, as used in this document throughout this specification and the claims, can be used to modify any quantitative representation that may vary in a permissible manner without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related.
    [011] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic flow meter system 10, in accordance with one embodiment. The ultrasonic flow meter system 10 is configured to measure flow rate of a flow medium (i.e., liquid and / or gaseous or multi-phase flow). In one embodiment, the ultrasonic flow meter system 10 may be applicable for measuring fluid flow under high temperature and high pressure. For example, the ultrasonic flow meter system 10 can be employed in a drilling system configured to drill wells for exploration and production of hydrocarbons. Non-limiting examples of wells include onshore and offshore wells. In another embodiment, the ultrasonic flow meter system 10 can be employed in any other applications to measure the flow rate of the flow medium using an ultrasonic methodology.
    [012] As illustrated in Figure 1, the ultrasonic flow meter system 10 includes a conduit 12, a pair of first transducers 15, multiple second transducers 18 and a processor 20. Conduit 12 defines a channel 22. In one embodiment, conduit 12 has a tubular cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment, channel 22 accommodates a pipe 24, such as a drilling pipe that receives a flow of drilling fluid 26 (also called drilling mud) in a well. Channel 22 also accommodates a flow of a return drilling fluid 28 transmitted from the well during drilling. The return drilling fluid 28 is transmitted back through an annular space between the tube 24 and the conduit 12.
    [013] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the drill pipe 24 (also called the drill column) is formed from lengths of tubular segments connected end to end. A drill bit (not shown) is mounted on one end of the drill pipe 24 and rotates to drill the borehole well below a seabed. The drill pipe 24 is configured to hold the drill bit to transmit the drilling fluid 26 in the well. The drill pipe 24 can vibrate as the drilling fluid 26 passes, so that the flow of the return drilling fluid 28 can be unstable.
    [014] Drilling fluid 26 maintains a hydrostatic pressure to counteract fluid pressure in the formation and cools the drill bit while also transporting excavated materials, such as cuts including crushed or cut rock during drilling. In some instances, the drilling fluid 26 may include water or oil and various additives. The return drilling fluid 28 has an undetermined flow composition. Sometimes, the return drilling fluid 28 includes many diffusion components, such as cuts, small bubbles, particles and other entrained matter. Sometimes, the return drilling fluid 28 is reasonably clean, for example, the return drilling fluid 28 is seawater or includes very few diffusion components. The ultrasonic flow meter system 10 is capable of measuring the flow rate of the return drilling fluid 28 as the flow composition of the return drilling fluid 28 changes.
    [015] In another embodiment, the ultrasonic flow meter system 10 can measure the flow rate of any other flow medium that has an uncertain flow composition. As illustrated in Figure 2, the ultrasonic flow meter system 10 is configured to measure a flow medium 30 that flows through the conduit 12 without a tube in it. The flow medium 30 may have a changeable flow composition. Sometimes the flow medium 30 includes many diffusion components, for example, small bubbles, particles and other entrained matter. Sometimes, the flow medium 30 has no diffusion components or includes reasonably few diffusion components.
    [016] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first transducer pair 15 is mounted in conduit 12 and includes a transmit transducer 14 and a receive transducer 16 to generate a first response signal. Only a first pair of transducers 15 is illustrated, but in non-limiting embodiments, two or more first pairs of transducers 15 can be mounted in the conduit 12 to measure the flow rate of the return drilling fluid 28 or the flow medium 30 of different directions. The transmission transducer 14 is configured to transmit a first ultrasound signal along a chordal passage through conduit 12. The receiving transducer 16 is configured to receive the first ultrasound signal and generate a first response signal in response to the first ultrasound signal. The transmission transducer 14 is located upstream of the return drilling fluid 28 or flow medium 30, and the receiving transducer 16 is located downstream of return drilling fluid 28 or flow medium 30.
    [017] In one embodiment, the first pair of transducers 15 includes transit time transducers to generate a transit time signal. The transmit transducer 14 and the receive transducer 16 are transit time transducers and the first response signal is the transit time signal. When the return drilling fluid 28 or flow medium 30 is clean, the first ultrasound signal from the transmission transducer 14 is easily transmitted through the return drilling fluid 28 or flow medium 30 to reach the receiving transducer 16, so that the transit time signal is good enough to generate the flow rate.
    [018] Second transducers 18 are mounted in conduit 12 to generate second response signals. The second transducers 18 each transmit a second ultrasound signal in the conduit 12. The second ultrasound signals are reflected or diffused in a retrograde manner by the diffusion components in the return drilling fluid 28 or by the flow medium 30 to generate signals widespread. The second transducers 18 receive the broadcast signals and generate second response signals in response to the broadcast signals. In one embodiment, each second transducer 18 receives the broadcast signal from the second ultrasound signal transmitted by the second transducer itself. In another embodiment, at least one of the second transducers 18 can receive the broadcast signal from the second ultrasound signal transmitted by the second different transducers 18 and the second transducer 18. Four second transducers 18 are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, but without limitation. The number of second transducers 18 can be defined according to particular applications.
    [019] In one embodiment, second transducers 18 include one or more Doppler transducers to generate a Doppler signal. The second response signal is a Doppler signal. When the return drilling fluid 28 or flow medium 30 includes many diffusion components, the second ultrasound signal is reflected or diffused in a retrograde manner by the diffusion components, so that the Doppler signal is good enough to generate the flow rate.
    [020] Processor 20 is configured to determine a flow rate of the return drilling fluid 28 or flow medium 30 according to a ratio of the first response signal and the noise thereof and a ratio of the second signal response and noise. Processor 20 receives the first response signal from receiving transducer 16 and the second response signal from second transducers 18. Processor 20 processes the first response signal and the second response signal to select one from the first response signal and the second answer signal. In addition, processor 20 further processes the selected response signal to determine the flow rate of the return drilling fluid 28 or flow medium 30.
    [021] In one embodiment, processor 20 selects a response signal based on SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) of the first response signal and the second response signal. In one example, the second transducers 18 are Doppler transducers and the first transducers 14 and 16 are transit time transducers. Processor 20 selects the Doppler signal from the Doppler transducers 18 before the transit time signal from the transit time transducer 16 unless the SNR of the Doppler signal does not satisfy the requirement. If the SNR of the Doppler signal satisfies the requirement, that is, the SNR of the Doppler signal is high enough to generate a reliable flow rate, processor 20 generates the flow rate according to the Doppler signal in a method of Doppler. If the SNR of the Doppler signal does not satisfy the requirement, that is, the SNR of the Doppler signal is not high enough to generate the reliable flow rate, the processor 20 generates the flow rate according to the time signal. transit in a transit time method. In another example, processor 20 selects the transit time signal before the Doppler signal unless the SNR of the transit time signal does not meet the requirement. Processor 20 determines the flow rate according to the transit time signal in transit time mode as usual. If the SNR of the transit time signal is not high enough to obtain the reliable flight time from the transmitting transducer 14 to the receiving transducer 16, processor 20 determines the flow rate in Doppler mode. Processor 20 can switch between Doppler mode and transit time mode automatically without knowing the flow composition of the flow medium.
    [022] In another example, processor 20 selects a response signal with a higher SNR from the first response signal and the second response signal. In yet another example, processor 20 selects a response signal according to at least one of the amplitudes, energy spectra and spatial spectra of the response signals and their noise. In yet another embodiment, the processor 20 can select a response signal according to another relationship between the response signals and those to determine the reliable flow rate.
    [023] It should be noted that the provisions in Figures 1 and 2 are illustrative only. Some elements are not illustrated, such as a controller for at least controlling the first transducers 14 and 16 and the second transducers 18 to transmit the ultrasound signal.
    [024] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view of part of the conduit 12 and the first pairs of transducers 15, in accordance with one embodiment. The transmitting transducer 14 and the receiving transducer 16 of each of the first pair of transducers 15 are arranged in a chord passage 32 in order to avoid blocking the sound passage through the tube 24 in the conduit 12 and obtain a longer passage to the over which the first ultrasound signal is transmitted. The transmitting transducer 14 transmits the first ultrasound signal along the chord passage 32 and the receiving transducer 16 receives the first ultrasound signal through the chord passage 32. Multiple first pairs of transducers 15 are arranged around the conduit 12, i.e. that is, the cord passages 32 are arranged around the conduit 12 to measure the flow rate of the fluid medium (not shown) from different directions.
    [025] Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the conduit 12 with the second transducers 18 therein, in accordance with one embodiment. The second transducers 18 are arranged on the passages of diameter 34. Each second transducer 18 transmits the second ultrasound signal along the passage of diameter 34 and receives the diffused signals reflected or diffused in a retrograde manner by the diffusion components (not shown) in the middle of fluid (not shown). In another embodiment, the second transducers 18 can be arranged in chord passages. In the illustrated embodiment, the second transducers 18 are arranged around the conduit 12 to measure the flow rate of the fluid medium from different directions. The second transducers 18 are uniformly arranged in a plane around the conduit 12. In the illustrated embodiment, each second transducer 18 is arranged to receive the signals broadcast from the ultrasound signal transmitted by that second transducer.
    [026] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of part of the conduit 12 with the first pairs of transducers 15 and with the second transducers 18 therein in accordance with one embodiment. Second transducers 18 include multiple arrays of second transducers 18 and each arrangement is arranged circumferentially around conduit 12 and spaced relative to the other along the length of conduit 12. Each arrangement of second transducers 18 is arranged around conduit 12 in a circulator 36 for measuring the flow rate of the fluid medium from different positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the second transducers 18 are arranged in two circulators 36. In another embodiment, the second transducers 18 can be arranged in three or more circulators 36 in conduit 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the second transducers 18 are mounted in conduit 12 in an angle to a cross-section of the conduit 12 to obtain larger passages along which the second ultrasound signals are transmitted. The second transducers 18 and the first pairs of transducers 15 are arranged in different segments of the conduit 12. The first pairs of transducers 15 in Figure 5 are similar to the first pairs of transducers 15 in Figure 3 that are arranged in chord passages.
    [027] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic perspective view of part of the conduit 12 with the first pairs of transducers 15 and with the second transducers 18 therein in accordance with another embodiment. The second transducers 18 are each arranged to receive the broadcast signals from the ultrasound signals transmitted by the second transducer 18 and one or more different second transducers 18. In the illustrated embodiment, three of the second transducers, for example, the second transducers 181 to 183 are arranged in three-dimensional passages 40 and transmit the ultrasound signals towards a focal area 42. transducers 181 to 183 transmit the ultrasound signals along the three-dimensional passages 40 and the diffusion components in the fluid medium reflect or diffuse the ultrasound signals in a retrograde way. Transducer 181 receives broadcast signals from the ultrasound signals transmitted by transducer 181 and the other two transducers 182 and 183. Similarly, transducer 182 receives broadcast signals from the ultrasound signals transmitted by transducer 182 and the others two transducers 181 and 183. In addition, transducer 183 receives the broadcast signals from the ultrasound signals transmitted by transducer 183 and the other two transducers 181 and 182.
    [028] In the illustrated embodiment, the second transducers 18 include multiple sets of transducers such as transducers 181 to 183. In another embodiment, the second transducers 18 include multiple sets of transducers that each include two or more than three second transducers 18 to measure the flow rate in multiple dimensions. In the illustrated embodiment, the first pair of transducers 15 are similar or equal to the first pair of transducers 15 in Figure 5.
    [029] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic flow meter system 100 in accordance with another embodiment. A longitudinal section of the conduit 12 is illustrated in Figure 7. The conduit 12 includes a main wall 50 and a lining 52 attached to the main wall 50. The second transducers 18 are mounted through the main wall 50 and isolated from channel 22 of the conduit 12 by lining 52. The first transducers 14 and 16 are mounted through the main wall 50 and channel 22 of the conduit 12.
    [030] The main wall 50 of conduit 12 is typically produced from a favorable acoustic material that also has a satisfactory heat insulation capacity, for example, a metal material that includes, but is not limited to, metals and alloys. The main wall 50 provides structural support for the duct 12. The lining 52 is produced from a material that is substantially transparent acoustically and has greater thermal resistance than that of the main wall 50. In one embodiment, the lining 52 includes a non-metallic material. In one embodiment, the non-metallic material includes an organic polymeric material, such as plastic. So that the lining 52 can separate the second transducers 18, which are the Doppler transducers in one example, from the fluid medium 28 without compromising the acoustic characteristics. The first transducers 14 and 16 which are transit time transducers in one example can withstand high temperature and high pressure. As such, the ultrasonic flow meter system 10 is particularly applicable in drilling, where fluid flow measurement can be carried in a high temperature and high pressure environment.
    [031] Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart of a method 60 for measuring a flow rate of a flow medium in accordance with an embodiment. In block 61, a first ultrasound signal is transmitted in a chordal passage through a conduit via a transmission transducer of a first pair of transducers. The conduit defines a channel to accommodate the flow medium. The first ultrasound signal is transmitted through the flow medium. The flow medium can have unstable flow and changeable flow composition.
    [032] In block 63, a first response signal in response to the first ultrasound signal is generated by means of a transducer receiving the first pair of transducers in the chord passage. In one embodiment, the first pair of transducers is a pair of transit time transducers that includes the transmit transducer and the receive transducer. The receiving transducer receives the first ultrasound signal from the transmitting transducer and generates the first response signal. In one embodiment, the first response signal is a transit time signal generated in a transit time mode. The transmitting transducer and the receiving transducer are mounted in the conduit in the chute passage. One or more first pairs of transducers can be employed, according to particular applications.
    [033] In block 65, a second ultrasound signal is transmitted in the conduit via a second transducer. The second transducer can be a conduit-mounted Doppler transducer. One or more second transducers can be employed, according to particular applications. In one embodiment, the second ultrasound signal is transmitted in a passage of diameter. In another embodiment, the second ultrasound signal is transmitted in a cordial passage. In one embodiment, multiple of the second ultrasound signals are transmitted in three-dimensional passages. Three of the second transducers are arranged in three-dimensional passages to transmit the second ultrasound signals to a focal area. In another embodiment, two or more than three second transducers are arranged in multidimensional passages to measure the flow rate of the multi-dimensional flow medium. In one embodiment, multiple second ultrasound signals are transmitted through multiple arrays among the second transducers 18. Each array is circumferentially arranged around the conduit and spaced in relation to the other along the conduit length.
    [034] In block 67, a second response signal in response to a signal broadcast from the second ultrasound signal is generated through the second transducer. The second ultrasound signal is reflected or diffused in a retrograde manner by the diffusion components in the fluid medium to generate the diffused signal. The broadcast signal is received by the second transducer, and then the second response signal is generated by the second transducer. In one embodiment, the broadcast signals are received by the second transducer, which depart from the second ultrasound signals transmitted by the second transducer and one or more different second transducers. In another embodiment, the broadcast signals are received by the second transducer, which depart from the second ultrasound signals transmitted by the second transducer itself.
    [035] In one embodiment, the second response signal is a Doppler signal generated in a Doppler mode. In one embodiment, the actions in block 61, 63 can be implemented simultaneously with the actions in block 65, 67. The first ultrasound signal and the second ultrasound signal can be transmitted at the same time.
    [036] In block 68, one of the first response signal and the second response signal is selected according to the relationship of the first response signal and the noise of the same and with a relationship of the second response signal and the noise of the same. The first response signal and the second response signal are received and processed by a processor. One of the first response signal and the second response signal is selected to calculate the flow rate. In block 69, a flow rate of the flow medium through the conduit is generated by means of the processor according to the selected response signal. The selected response signal is further processed through the processor to generate the flow rate of the flow medium. Consequently, the flow rate of the flow medium is generated without being aware of the flow composition of the flow medium. Method 60 may be applicable to measure the flow rate of the flow medium in drilling wells for exploration and production of hydrocarbons or other applications.
    [037] The invention can be incorporated in other specific forms without departing from its scope and essential characteristics. The following embodiments should therefore be considered as illustrative in all respects and not as limiting the invention described in this document. The scope of the realizations of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims and not by the aforementioned description, and all changes that are covered by the meaning and equivalence range of the claims are therefore intended to be covered in this document.
    权利要求:
    Claims (20)
    [0001]
    1. ULTRASONIC FLOW METER SYSTEM (10) characterized by comprising: a conduit (12) that defines a channel (22); at least a pair of first transducers (15) mounted in the conduit (12) and comprising a transmit transducer (14) and a receive transducer (16) to generate a first response signal, the first response signal having a first signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), with the transmission transducer (14) and the receiving transducer (16) arranged in a chord passage; at least a second transducer (18) mounted in the conduit (12) to generate a second response signal, the second response signal having a second signal-to-noise ratio (SNR); and a processor (20) configured to receive the first response signal and the second response signal, selecting one of the first response signal and the second response signal based on a comparison between the first signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and second signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and to determine a flow rate of a flow medium through the channel (22) in the conduit (12) according to the selected response signal.
    [0002]
    2. ULTRASONIC FLOW METER SYSTEM (10), according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one second transducer (18) is arranged in a passage of diameter (34).
    [0003]
    3. ULTRASONIC FLOW METER SYSTEM (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one second transducer (18) comprises a plurality of second transducers each arranged to receive signals broadcast from ultrasound transmitted by that second transducer (18) and by one or more different second transducers.
    [0004]
    4. ULTRASONIC FLOW METER SYSTEM (10), according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one second transducer (18) comprises three second transducers arranged in three-dimensional passages (40) and which transmit the ultrasound signals in the direction to a focal area (42).
    [0005]
    5. ULTRASONIC FLOW METER SYSTEM (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one second transducer (18) comprises a plurality of arrangements of the second transducers (18) and each arrangement is arranged circumferentially around the conduit (12) and spaced in relation to each other along the length of the conduit (12).
    [0006]
    6. ULTRASONIC FLOW METER SYSTEM (10), according to claim 1, characterized in that the conduit (12) comprises a main wall (50) and a lining (52) fixed to the main wall (50), and at least a second transducer (18) is mounted through the main wall (50) and isolated from the channel (22) of the conduit (12) by the lining (52).
    [0007]
    7. ULTRASONIC FLOW METER SYSTEM (10), according to claim 6, characterized in that the lining (52) comprises a non-metallic material.
    [0008]
    8. ULTRASONIC FLOW METER SYSTEM (10), according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one pair of first transducers (15) is mounted through the main wall (50) and in the channel (22) of the conduit (12 ).
    [0009]
    9. ULTRASONIC FLOW METER SYSTEM (10), according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one pair of first transducers (15) comprises a plurality of transit time transducers to generate a transit time signal.
    [0010]
    10. ULTRASONIC FLOW METER SYSTEM (10), according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one of the second transducers (18) comprises one or more Doppler transducers to generate a Doppler signal.
    [0011]
    11. METHOD (60) FOR MEASURING A FLOW RATE characterized by the steps of: transmitting (61) a first ultrasound signal along a cordial passage through a conduit (12) by means of a transmission transducer (14 ) of a first pair of transducers (15); generating (63) a first response signal in response to the first ultrasound signal by means of a receiving transducer (16) of the first pair of transducers (15) in the chord passage, the first response signal having a first signal-to-noise ratio (SNR); transmitting (65) a second ultrasound signal in the conduit (12) by means of a second transducer (18); generating (67) a second response signal in response to a broadcast signal from the second ultrasound signal by means of the second transducer (18), the second response signal having a second signal-to-noise ratio (SNR); select (68) one of the first response signal and the second response signal based on a comparison between the first signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the second signal-to-noise ratio (SNR); and determining (69) a flow rate of a flow medium through the conduit (12) according to the selected response signal.
    [0012]
    METHOD (60) according to claim 11, characterized in that the transmission (65) of the second ultrasound signal comprises transmitting the second ultrasound signal in a passage of diameter (34).
    [0013]
    METHOD (60), according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises receiving, by means of the second transducer (18), a plurality of signals broadcast from a plurality of the second ultrasound signals transmitted by that second transducer ( 18) and one or more different second transducers.
    [0014]
    METHOD (60) according to claim 11, characterized in that the transmission (65) of the second ultrasound signal comprises transmitting a plurality of the second ultrasound signals in three-dimensional passages (40).
    [0015]
    15. METHOD (60) according to claim 11, characterized in that the transmission (65) of the second ultrasound signal comprises transmitting a plurality of the second ultrasound signals by means of a plurality of arrangements among the second transducers (18), and in which each arrangement is arranged circumferentially around the conduit (12) and spaced in relation to the other along the length of the conduit (12).
    [0016]
    16. METHOD (60) according to claim 11, characterized in that the conduit comprises a main wall (50) and a lining (52) attached to the main wall (50), and the second transducer (18) is mounted through the wall main (50) and isolated from a channel (22) of the conduit (12) by the lining (52).
    [0017]
    17. METHOD (60) according to claim 16, characterized in that the lining (52) comprises a non-metallic material.
    [0018]
    18. METHOD (60), according to claim 16, characterized in that the transmitting transducer (14) and the receiving transducer (16) of the first pair of transducers (15) are mounted through the main wall (50) and in the channel (22) of the conduit (12).
    [0019]
    19. METHOD (60) according to claim 11, characterized by the generation (63) of the first response signal comprising generating a transit time signal in a transit time mode.
    [0020]
    20. METHOD (60) according to claim 11, characterized in that the generation (67) of the second response signal comprises erecting a Doppler signal in a Doppler mode.
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    法律状态:
    2020-05-05| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-01-26| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-03-02| 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 04/12/2015, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
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    CN201410747550.XA|CN105737916B|2014-12-08|2014-12-08|Ultrasonic fluid measuring system and method|
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