An Algorithm to Minimize the Zero-Flow Error in Transit-Time Ultrasonic Flow Meters

Journal Article (2020)
Author(s)

Douwe Van van Willigen (TU Delft - Electronic Instrumentation)

Paul L.M.J. van Neer (TNO)

Jack Massaad Mouawad (TU Delft - ImPhys/Medical Imaging)

Nico De de Jong (TU Delft - ImPhys/Medical Imaging)

M.D. Verweij (TU Delft - ImPhys/Medical Imaging)

M. A P Pertijs (TU Delft - Electronic Instrumentation)

Research Group
ImPhys/Medical Imaging
Copyright
© 2020 D.M. van Willigen, Paul L.M.J. van Neer, J.M. Massaad Mouawad, N. de Jong, M.D. Verweij, M.A.P. Pertijs
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1109/TIM.2020.3007907
More Info
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Publication Year
2020
Language
English
Copyright
© 2020 D.M. van Willigen, Paul L.M.J. van Neer, J.M. Massaad Mouawad, N. de Jong, M.D. Verweij, M.A.P. Pertijs
Related content
Research Group
ImPhys/Medical Imaging
Volume number
70
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Abstract

Transit-time ultrasonic flow meters are widely used in industry to measure fluid flow. In practice ultrasonic flow meters either show a zero-flow error or suffer from a significant random error due to a limited signal-to-noise ratio, requiring a significant amount of averaging to achieve good precision. This work presents a method that minimizes the zero-flow error whilst keeping the random error low, independent of the hardware used. The proposed algorithm can adjust to changing zero-flow errors while a flow is present. The technique combines the benefits of two common methods of determining the transit-time difference between the upstream and downstream ultrasonic waves: cross-correlation and zero-crossing detection. The algorithm is verified experimentally using a flow-loop. It is shown that the zero-flow error can be greatly reduced without compromising the random error or increasing circuit complexity.

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