How UVP-DUO Helps to Perform Accurate Flowrate Measurements
Summary of the Experiment
The study conducted by Noriyuki Furuichi at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) focuses on the uncertainty analysis of flowrate measurements using Ultrasonic Velocity Profiling (UVP). The primary goal was to evaluate the fundamental uncertainty factors impacting flowrate measurement accuracy. Key uncertainty factors identified include the resolution of velocity measurements and the inclination angle of the ultrasonic transducer. The study utilized the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) to estimate the combined expanded uncertainty, which ranged from 0.4% to 1.0%, depending on the transducer's inclination angle.
The experimental setup included a calibration process performed at the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) using a static weighing tank method, ensuring a fully developed flow profile and adequate reflectors. Flowrates ranging from 170 m³/h to 600 m³/h were tested under controlled conditions to validate the uncertainty analysis.
UVP-DUO Usage
The UVP-DUO played a critical role in the experimental setup by providing precise and reliable velocity profile measurements. Key parameters of the UVP-DUO setup included:
- Number of Measuring Points: 134
- Split Width: 0.74 mm
- Basic Frequency: 2 MHz
- Repetition Frequency: 256 Hz
- Pipe Diameter: 198.85 mm
- Transducer Inclination Angles: 8°, 12°, 20°, 30°
- Water Temperature: 20 °C
- Pressure: 0.2 MPa
The UVP-DUO's capabilities in terms of high spatial and temporal resolution enabled the accurate determination of velocity profiles, which were crucial for calculating flowrates. The instrument's precision allowed for the identification of slight variations in velocity that could significantly impact the overall uncertainty of the measurements.
Advantages of UVP
The use of UVP, specifically the UVP-DUO, offers several advantages in flowrate measurement:
1. High Precision and Accuracy: The UVP-DUO can achieve an accuracy below 1%, providing stable performance over time. This is critical for applications requiring precise flowrate measurements.
2. Versatility: The UVP-DUO supports a wide range of velocities and distances, making it suitable for various applications from small-scale laboratory experiments to large-scale industrial measurements. It can operate transducers across multiple frequencies (0.5 MHz to 8 MHz), accommodating different measurement needs.
3. Ease of Integration and Use: The UVP-DUO is controlled remotely via a standard PC using Ethernet, simplifying setup and operation. Its user-friendly software allows for easy configuration and real-time data analysis, facilitating a seamless integration into existing workflows.
4. Robust Data Analysis: The UVP-DUO's software includes numerous analysis tools, such as 2D/3D flow mapping, turbulence statistics, and cross-correlation functions, enhancing the depth and quality of the data collected.
5. Durability and Low Maintenance: Designed with durability in mind, the UVP-DUO requires minimal maintenance and offers regular software updates to keep the system up-to-date without planned obsolescence.
In conclusion, the UVP-DUO's precise measurement capabilities and comprehensive data analysis tools make it an invaluable instrument for accurate flowrate measurements, ensuring reliability and versatility across various applications.
Read the paper here: Uncertainty analysis of flowrate measurement using UVP
Accuracy of flow metering with UVP-DUO (0.4% to 1.0%)