Description:DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the electromagnetic flowmeter;
More particularly, the present invention relates to the new design and manufacturing method of flowmeter;
And more specifically, the present invention related to the novel design and manufacturing method of electromagnetic flowmeter.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A flowmeter plays a crucial role in measuring the volume of liquid or gas flowing through a pipeline over a specific period. In various industries, accurate flow measurements are essential for process control, billing purposes, and monitoring water usage in industrial and residential settings. Among the different types of flowmeters available, the electromagnetic flowmeter (also known as magmeter) operates based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. This technology enables the measurement of flow rates of conducting fluids such as tap water, electrolytes, and fluids containing ions or minerals.
The conventional design of an electromagnetic flowmeter involves a non-magnetic pipe, usually made of stainless steel (SS304 or SS316), which is lined with an insulating material like PTFE, Rubber, or PU. Within this lined pipe, a pair of magnetic coils and electrodes are installed. The electrodes penetrate the pipe's inner lining and come in contact with the flowing fluid. When a conductive fluid passes through the pipe, it generates an electromotive force (EMF) in proportion to its velocity. The magnetic coils induce a magnetic field perpendicular to the fluid flow, and the EMF is picked up by the electrodes for flow rate calculation.
The manufacturing process of this conventional electromagnetic flowmeter involves several steps. A non-magnetic stainless-steel pipe is chosen based on its grade (SS304 or SS316) and inner diameter, following ANSI, DIN or BS standard specifications or custom dimensions as per specific applications. The pipe is then welded with flanges and side plates at both ends for secure assembly. An inner lining of insulating material (PTFE, Rubber, PU, etc.) is applied inside the core pipe to ensure electrical isolation. Two holes are drilled through the lining for electrode placement, and the electrodes are galvanically insulated from the metal core pipe, which is connected to the Earth potential.
Some existing electromagnetic flowmeter designs omit flanges and instead use a sandwich-type EMEF sensor. In this design, a non-magnetic pipe is lined with insulating material, and a pair of electrodes and coils are mounted over it. The entire assembly is then covered with an external pipe made of magnetic material with a larger diameter. This design is typically utilized when the supply pipe has a diameter less than 100mm.
Despite the effectiveness of electromagnetic flowmeters, the existing design and manufacturing method have several challenges and limitations. The conventional method requires a significant number of parts and complex assembly processes, leading to higher manufacturing costs and these methods operate at higher temperatures, much higher than 100°C.
Majority of applications of EMFM’s, however, are for liquid temperatures of less than 100°C. The present invention addresses the shortcomings of the current method and design and describes an electromagnetic flowmeter and method of its manufacturing. This innovative approach aims to simplify the construction, reduce the number of components, and provide a cost-effective solution without compromising accuracy and durability.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the invention is to design an electromagnetic flowmeter with a simpler construction compared to existing designs;
Further important object of the invention is to provide a cost-effective solution for manufacturing electromagnetic flowmeters by optimizing the design and reducing the reliance on numerous parts;

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as a solution to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems recognized by the inventor in existing techniques.
The present disclosure introduces an electromagnetic flowmeter and method of its manufacturing.
According to an aspect, the present invention offers three main variations based on pipe diameter: (a) Electromagnetic flowmeter for pipes less than 100mm diameter, (b) Bi-flanged electromagnetic flowmeter for pipes more than 125mm diameter, and (c) Uni-flanged electromagnetic flowmeter for pipes more than 125mm diameter. While categorized into three types for clarity, the invention is not limited to only these variations, allowing for broader applicability.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the electromagnetic flowmeter for pipes less than 100mm diameter comprises a flow tube, electrodes, coils, earthing rings, O-rings, leads, and an external pipe. The bi-flanged electromagnetic flowmeter for larger pipes features an inner metal core, rubber lining, electrodes, coils, and an external pipe. The uni-flanged electromagnetic flowmeter, also designed for larger pipes, includes an inner pipe with a conical entrance, rubber lining, electrodes, coils, earthing rings, and an external pipe with a flange and annular groove.
According to further aspect of the present invention, the electrode serves to detect the flow signal, while the coil generates the necessary magnetic field. The use of rubber lining enhances the flowmeter’s sensitivity to extremely low electromotive force levels and ensures resistance against corrosion and abrasion from the measured fluids. Earthing rings are employed to minimize electrical interference at the installation site, optimizing the flowmeter's performance.
The primary objectives of the invention are to achieve a simplified construction, cost-effectiveness, improved temperature tolerance (up to 100°C), enhanced durability, higher accuracy, expanded applications, easy installation, and reduced pressure drop during fluid flow.
By addressing the limitations of conventional flowmeters, this innovation provides a cost-effective, reliable, and versatile solution for accurate fluid flow measurement in diverse industrial and residential settings.
The objects and the advantages of the invention are achieved by the process elaborated in the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The foregoing Summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings as well as experimental results. The accompanying drawings constitute a part of this specification and illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to the drawings, which are for the purpose of illustrating the present preferred embodiments of the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the same. The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein
Figure 1 shows a typical flanged end electromagnetic flow meter;
Figure 2 shows a typical flangeless electromagnetic flow meter;
Figure 3 describes an electromagnetic flowmeter for pipes less than 100mm diameter in accordance to the embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a bi-flanged electromagnetic flowmeter for pipes more than 125mm diameter in accordance to the embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 5 shows a uni-flanged electromagnetic flowmeter for pipes more than 125mm diameter in accordance to the embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which the disclosed embodiments can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in brackets in the following description.
The present invention describes an electromagnetic flowmeter and method of its manufacturing, addressing the limitations of existing technologies and providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for fluid flow measurement.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the invention includes three main variations based on pipe diameter: (a) Electromagnetic flowmeter for pipes less than 100mm diameter (001), (b) Bi-flanged electromagnetic flowmeter for pipes more than 125mm diameter (002), and (c) Uni-flanged electromagnetic flowmeter for pipes more than 125mm diameter (003). Even if the invention is categorized into three ways as mentioned above, the categorization of the present invention does not limit the invention to be practiced in only three ways mentioned above.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the figure 3, the electromagnetic flowmeter for pipes less than 100mm diameter (001) mainly consists of a flow tube (120), electrodes (124), coils (123), earthing rings (122), O rings (121), leads (126) and external pipe (125).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a flow tube (120) is made up of PTFE, PVC, PP or other thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic material as per need of an application by machining or moulding process such as injection moulding process.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, Electrodes (124) are mounted to the flow tube (120), the electrodes (124) are used to pick up the flow signals.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, Coils (123) are mounted outside the flow tube (120), the coils are used to generate the necessary electromagnetic field in the electromagnetic flowmeter (001).
The entire assembly of flow pipe (120), electrodes (124) and coils (123) is pushed inside the external pipe (125), the earthing rings (122) are provided to the both sides of the external pipe (125). The leads (126) are pulled through the pipe and O rings (121) are placed between the flow tube (120) and external pipe (125) and epoxy compound is filled between the cavity of flow tube (120) and external pipe (125) to form the sealed mass around the flow tube.
According to an aspect of the present invention, as shown in the figure 4, Bi-flanged electromagnetic flowmeter for pipes more than 125mm diameter (002) mainly consists of inner metal core (130), rubber lining (131), electrodes (134), coils (137) and external pipe (132).
According to an aspect of the present invention, the inner metal core (130) is primarily made up of a non-magnetic metal sheet having lesser thickness as compared to external pipe (132). A rubber lining (131) is made over the inner core (130) and the assembly is pushed inside the external pipe (132).
The external pipe (132) is a standard MS pipe which holds the inner core assembly, slot (138) is made over the external pipe through which electrodes (134) and coils (137) are placed at the desired location. Necessary wiring is brought out through the neck pipe (136) and the slot is covered by a metal piece (133) and the metal piece (133) is welded to the external pipe (132).
The cavity generated (139) is filled by the epoxy compound forming a solid and seamless assembly.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the figure 5, Uni-flanged electromagnetic flowmeter for pipes more than 125mm diameter (003) mainly consists of inner pipe (140) with conical entrance, rubber lining (141), electrodes (143), coils (142), earthing rings (147, 148) and external pipe (144) with flange (145) and annular groove (150).
According to an aspect of the present invention, the inner pipe (140) is made up of a thin metal sheet, more particularly SS304 or SS316. The material used for inner pipe (140) is a non-magnetic material. At one end of the inner pipe (140), a conical entrance is fabricated using a suitable manufacturing process.
A rubber or similar material is used to form a lining (141) over the inner pipe (140). Coils (142) and electrodes (143) are placed and mounted over the inner pipe at suitable location. The assembly containing inner pipe (140), rubber lining (141), coils (142) and electrodes (143) is then pushed inside external pipe (144).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the external pipe (144) is made up of MS metal and having a flange (145). The cavity (149) between inner pipe (140) and external pipe (144) is filled with the epoxy compound to avoid any gaps and a solid and seamless flowmeter assembly is achieved.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inlets and outlets of the assembly is then covered with two earthing rings (147, 148), one ring at inlet and another ring at the outlet of the assembly.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outlet of the uni-flanged electromagnetic flowmeter (003) consists an annular groove (150) which helps the on-site installation of the flowmeter (003) using a grooved coupling.
The annular groove (150) can be made at the site of installation considering the outer diameter of the external pipe (144).
The electromagnetic flowmeter manufactured according to the embodiments of the present invention utilizes lesser number of parts to assemble, er manufacturing cost is reduced drastically. The method of manufacturing the electromagnetic flowmeter reduces complexity and time of production. The claimed electromagnetic flowmeter can easily sustain pressure up to 20 bars and temperature up to 100°C and can be extended further by choice of proper materials of construction. The pressure drop occurring inside the flowmeter is negligible and the overall accuracy of flow measurement is increased due to increase in fluid velocity in measurement section.
These embodiments are provided to demonstrate the various aspects and features of the apparatus for mixing ingredients and its method of operation. The invention is not limited to these specific embodiments and can be implemented in different configurations and variations without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
, Claims:We claim,
1. An electromagnetic flowmeter, the said flowmeter comprising:
- A flow tube (120) made of thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic material, having an inner surface;
- an electrode (124) mounted on the inner surface of the flow tube (120);
- a coil (123) positioned outside the flow tube (120) to generate an electromagnetic field within the flow tube (120);
- an external pipe (125) enclosing the flow tube (120), electrodes (124), and coils (123);
- O rings (121) placed between the flow tube (120) and the external pipe (125);
- earthing rings (122) provided on both sides of the external pipe (125);
- leads (126) for electrical connection;
- an epoxy compound filling the cavity formed between the flow tube (120) and the external pipe (125), forming a sealed mass around the flow tube (120)
characterized by the electromagnetic flowmeter being able to sustain pressure up to 20 bars and temperature up to 100°C and the said flowmeter being suitable for pipes with a diameter 15-100mm as well as for pipes with a diameter 100-3000mm.
2. The electromagnetic flowmeter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the flow tube (120) is made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), and PP (Polyprolylene).
3. The electromagnetic flowmeter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the electrodes (124) and coils (123) facilitate the measurement of the flow rate of conducting fluids, including tap water, electrolytes, and fluids containing ions or minerals.
4. The electromagnetic flowmeter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the earthing rings (122) minimize electrical interference and ensure accurate flow measurements.
5. The electromagnetic flowmeter as claimed Claim 1, wherein the flow tube (120) sustains a working fluid temperature of up to 100°C.
6. The electromagnetic flowmeter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the flowmeter suitable for pipes with a diameter greater than 125mm further consists of an inner metal core (130) made of a non-magnetic metal sheet and sustains pressure up to 20 bars; a rubber lining (131) overlaying the inner metal core (130); a metal piece (133) welded to the external pipe (132) to cover the slot (138) and hold the electrodes (134) and coils (137) in place.
7. The electromagnetic flowmeter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the flowmeter has an annular groove (150) at the outlet end of the external pipe (144) for on-site installation using a grooved coupling.
8. The method of manufacturing the electromagnetic flowmeter, the said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a flow tube (120) made of thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic material;
- mounting electrodes (124) on the inner surface of the flow tube (120);
- positioning coils (123) outside the flow tube (120) to generate an electromagnetic field within the flow tube (120);
- enclosing the flow tube (120), electrodes (124), and coils (123) within an external pipe (125);
- placing O rings (121) between the flow tube (120) and the external pipe (125);
- providing earthing rings (122) on both sides of the external pipe (125);
- inserting leads (126) for electrical connection;
- filling epoxy compound in the cavity formed between the flow tube (120) and the external pipe (125) to form a sealed mass around the flow tube (120);
characterized by the flowmeter being suitable for pipes with a diameter 15-100mm as well as for pipes with a diameter 100-3000mm.
9. The method as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the bi-flanged electromagnetic flowmeter for pipes more than 125mm diameter (002) is manufactured following the steps of:
- fabricating the inner metal core (130) from thinner, non-magnetic metal sheet and covering it with rubber lining (131);
- selecting the external pipe (132) from standard MS pipes which holds the inner core assembly;
- generating a slot (138) over the external pipe through which electrodes (134) and coils (137) are placed at the desired location;
- taking out the wiring through the neck pipe (136) and covering the slot by a metal piece (133);
- filling the cavity generated (139) by the epoxy compound forming a solid and seamless assembly.
10. The method as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the uni-flanged electromagnetic flowmeter for pipes more than 125mm diameter (003) is manufactured following the steps of:
- fabricating the inner pipe (140) with a conical entrance from a thin, non-magnetic metal sheet;
- forming a rubber lining (141) over the inner pipe (140);
- placing and mounting the coils (142) and electrodes (143) over the inner pipe at suitable location;
- placing the assembly containing inner pipe (140), rubber lining (141), coils (142) and electrodes (143) inside external pipe (144) made up of MS metal with a flange;
- filling the cavity (149) between inner pipe (140) and external pipe (144) with the epoxy compound to avoid any gaps and a solid and seamless flowmeter assembly is achieved;
- covering the inlets and outlets of the assembly with two earthing rings (147, 148), one ring at inlet and another ring at the outlet of the assembly;
characterized by the flowmeter being suitable for pipes with a diameter 100-3000mm and by the annular groove (150) at one end of the electromagnetic flowmeter (003) helping the on-site installation using grooved coupling.