Optimized techniques for generating and measuring toroidal vortices via an industrial vortex flowmeter

摘要

A vortex flowmeter may utilize a ring-shaped bluff body as the vortex generator or shedder. The ring shape and size of the vortex ring generator may be optimized to produce linear and stable toroidal vortex outputs that may outperform the conventional shedder bar. In comparison to the conventional vortex shedder bar, the ring may have a slimmer configuration and a higher K-factor, and hence, a higher resolution.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a ring-shaped bluff body configured to produce toroidal vortices when the bluff body is disposed within a flow of at least one fluid, wherein the bluff body further comprises:
a plurality of slits that form a tongue; anda cavity comprising a cavity wall disposed adjacent to at least one of the plurality of slits; and at least one transducer disposed adjacent to the ring-shaped bluff body to detect one or more mechanical effects induced by the toroidal vortices, wherein the at least one transducer is shielded from contact with the at least one fluid, wherein the at least one transducer comprises a first strain transducer to detect a cavity wall strain resulting from stress acting on a first side of the tongue and a second strain transducer to detect a cavity wall strain resulting from stress acting on a second side of the tongue, wherein the first strain transducer and the second strain transducer are coupled to a sensor body and are each disposed at least partially within the cavity.