Fluid flow conditioner

Abstract

A device and method for conditioning media flowing within a conduit enabling sensors placed within short straight run distances to measure media flow with improved accuracy employing a thermal flow instrument. A flow conditioner downstream of a media flow measuring transducer has walls that diverge in the flow direction to optimize readings of the media flow from the transducer.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001]The invention relates generally to devices that condition flowing media within a conduit, and more particularly, to such devices that condition flowing media to enable more accurate readings of thermal flow sensors used to measure the flowing media.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002]When using thermal flow meters, the accuracy of mass flow rate measurements of media traveling within a conduit can be adversely affected by random and unpredictable turbulence within the flowing media, as well as by the fact that flow rates are not uniform across the conduit cross section. Flow meters typically employ high performance sensing elements that can be uniquely designed for application requirements with precision signal processing and calibration of sensing elements and transmitting electronics. Random turbulence, or non-uniform flow, within the flowing media introduces inconsistencies in the transducer readings.[0003]Thermal dispersion flow meters are well known a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The embodiments disclosed herein address some shortcomings in the prior art of measuring flowing media within a conduit. The problems associated with the length of straight run requirements in industrial flow metering for about 20 diameters upstream are addressed by flow conditioners disclosed herein. Embodiments are disclosed for flow conditioning that can be accomplished in substantially shorter straight run lengths than required without using flow conditioners. The embodiments disclosed herein provide methods and systems for conditioning media that flows within a conduit to reduce the impact that less than ideal media flow profile has on transducers used to measure the flowing media, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the transducers.

Problems solved by technology

When using thermal flow meters, the accuracy of mass flow rate measurements of media traveling within a conduit can be adversely affected by random and unpredictable turbulence within the flowing media, as well as by the fact that flow rates are not uniform across the conduit cross section.

Random turbulence, or non-uniform flow, within the flowing media introduces inconsistencies in the transducer readings.

The elements employed by thermal dispersion mass flow meters can suffer accuracy problems due to non-ideal flow conditions in the vicinity of the sensing elements.

Such non-ideal flow conditions that exist upstream from the sensing elements can create inaccuracies in the readings obtained from the sensing elements.

Implementing straight runs of these lengths is not always easy and sometimes impossible to satisfy in any particular installation.

Metering systems with insufficient straight run lengths can suffer somewhat degraded meter accuracy if a consistent flow profile is not able to be developed.

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