Method for Determining at Least One Pipe Wall Resonance Frequency and Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meter

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This patent describes a method and device for determining the resonance frequencies of a pipe wall using clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters. By analyzing how ultrasonic signals propagate and resonate in the pipe wall at the measurement location, the system can accurately determine pipe properties such as wall thickness and material, which are then used to improve flow measurement accuracy. The system can also detect changes at the measurement point, such as build-up or abrasion, over time. The invention includes devices and procedures for identifying pipe characteristics and monitoring changes using ultrasonic transducers mounted externally on the pipe.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Accurate measurement of fluid flow in industrial pipelines without interrupting the process or cutting the pipe.
• Continuous pipe monitoring for wall thickness changes due to corrosion, buildup, or abrasion.
• Verification and identification of pipe material and dimensions in situ, including unmapped or unknown pipelines.
• Self-calibration or diagnostic capability for clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters in the field.
• Early detection of pipeline anomalies or maintenance needs through trend analysis of resonance frequencies.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved accuracy of clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurements by accounting for actual pipe properties at the measurement location.
• Non-invasive and non-destructive installation, as devices clamp onto the outside of the pipe with no need for process interruption.
• Ability to compensate for measurement errors caused by unknown or varying pipe wall properties and changing conditions (e.g., temperature, buildup, wear).
• Real-time measurement and continuous monitoring of both flow and pipe integrity, reducing maintenance costs and risks.
• Enhanced confidence in measurement results through in-situ validation of pipe dimensions and material properties.

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Patent Abstract

A method for determining at least one pipe wall resonant frequency of a pipeline in the region of a measuring point by means of a field device from process measuring technology with at least one first ultrasonic transducer which is secured to the pipeline at the measuring point, comprising the following steps of: I) providing a first transfer function Uwandler(f) of at least the first ultrasonic transducer or of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers in the region of the measuring point; II) determining a receiving spectrum Urec(f) from a reception signal urec(t) after an ultrasonic signal has been emitted; III) determining a second transfer function UMessstelle(f) from the first transfer function Uwandler(f) of the first ultrasonic transducer or of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and the receiving spectrum Urec(f), wherein the second transfer function UMessstelle(f) is characteristic of the measuring point; and IV) determining the at least one pipe wall resonant frequency fres, in particular a plurality of resonant frequencies, in the region of the measuring point by evaluating the second transfer function UMessstelle(f) from step III, and a clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter, a method for determining a flow rate, a method for determining the change in the measuring point and an identification device.