Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of fluid dynamics, and more particularly to a system and method for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] A traditional flowmeter is a device used to measure the flow rate of a fluid (liquid or gas) in a pipe or conduit. The traditional flowmeter tends to be less accurate, especially at low flow rates. Moreover, a traditional flowmeter can have a low response time and can get affected by changes in pressure, temperature, and viscosity of the fluid. Many traditional flowmeters, especially those with obstructions like orifice plates or turbine blades, cause a pressure drop in the fluid flow. This pressure drop can reduce system efficiency and affect the process being monitored. Traditional flowmeters often require a stable, fully developed flow profile for accurate measurements. Disturbances such as turbulence or flow profile changes due to bends, valves, or fittings upstream of the meter can affect accuracy. Changes in temperature, pressure, and fluid viscosity can affect the accuracy of traditional flowmeters. This can necessitate frequent recalibration or adjustment to maintain accuracy. Ultrasonic transit-time flow meters have been used in measurement of water flow rate for decades. The standard approach for measuring the flowrate uses measurement of upstream and downstream time-of-flights. Such measurements rely on a fully developed, symmetrical flow profile. Distorted flow profiles due to pipe bends, fittings, or valves near the measurement location can lead to inaccuracies.
[0004] There is therefore a need in the art to provide a method and system that can overcome the shortcomings of the existing prior art.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0005] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that enables measurement and storage of information of flow cycles for comprehensive fluid flow analysis.
[0007] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that enables detection of abnormal flow conditions including presence of air bubbles, sand particles, and turbulence in fluid flow.
[0008] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that can assist water custodians to understand time-wise demand for water for efficient water supply management.
[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that provides real-time measurements with quick response to changes in flow rate.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that provides information on reliability of measurements across varying operating conditions.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that is equipped with digital interfaces for data logging and communication with other systems.

SUMMARY
[0012] This section is provided to introduce certain objects and aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0013] The present disclosure relates to the field of fluid dynamics, and more particularly to a system and method for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter.
[0014] In an aspect of the present disclosure a system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter is disclosed. The system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory includes processor-executable instructions, which on execution, causes the processor to execute a sequence of tasks. The system is configured to detect a start of fluid flow and stop of fluid flow and generate a trigger based on the detected fluid flow. The system is further configured to record a timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow by a clock integrated with the processor. Further, the system is configured to estimate a water usage pattern based on the recorded timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow. The processor is operatively coupled with an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that is configured to measure and store flow cycle data for fluid flow analysis.
[0015] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter is disclosed. The method begins with detecting, by the processor, a start of fluid flow and stop of fluid flow to generate a trigger based on the detected fluid flow. The method proceeds with recording, by the processor, a timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow by a clock integrated with the processor. The method further proceeds with estimating, by the processor, a water usage pattern based on the recorded timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in, and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of architecture of the proposed system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram representation of the proposed system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary view of a flow diagram of the proposed method for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary diagram representation of a measurement unit in connection with a communication unit of an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter of the proposed system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary diagram representation of how a flow start event is triggered, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary diagram representation of how a flow start event and a flow stop event is recorded by the proposed system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 7A-7B illustrate exemplary graphical representations of flow cycles recorded by the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 7C illustrates an exemplary graphical representation of triggering of a flow start event by the proposed system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 7D illustrates an exemplary graphical representation of triggering of a flow stop event by the proposed system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit, and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0027] The present disclosure relates to the field of fluid dynamics, and more particularly to a system and method for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter is disclosed. The system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory includes processor-executable instructions, which on execution, causes the processor to execute a sequence of tasks. The system is configured to detect a start of fluid flow and stop of fluid flow and generate a trigger based on the detected fluid flow. The system is further configured to record a timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow by a clock integrated with the processor. Further, the system is configured to estimate a water usage pattern based on the recorded timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow. The processor is operatively coupled with an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that is configured to measure and store flow cycle data for fluid flow analysis.
[0029] In an embodiment, processor is configured to enable the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter to measure flow cycle data comprising a flow start event, flow conditions during fluid flow, and a flow stop event.
[0030] In an embodiment, processor is configured to enable the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter to detect abnormal flow conditions including presence of air bubbles, sand particles, and turbulence in fluid flow.
[0031] In an embodiment, processor is configured to enable the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter to measure cumulative volume of fluid flow and average flow rate between the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow.
[0032] In an embodiment, processor is configured to enable the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter to continuously assess real-time data to provide instantaneous flow rate readings.
[0033] In an embodiment, the processor is configured to enable the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter to perform statistical analysis on the flow cycle data to estimate average flow rates, total flow, peak flow, and flow variations over time.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter is disclosed. The method begins with detecting, by the processor, a start of fluid flow and stop of fluid flow to generate a trigger based on the detected fluid flow. The method proceeds with recording, by the processor, a timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow by a clock integrated with the processor. The method further proceeds with estimating, by the processor, a water usage pattern based on the recorded timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow.
[0035] The various embodiments throughout the disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference to Figs. 1-7.
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of architecture of the proposed system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0037] Referring to FIG.1, a system 102 automatically detects the presence of at least one user to access a computing device. The system 102 comprises a network 104, one or more computing devices 106-1, 106-2…,106-N (individually referred to as one or more computing devices 106), one or more users 108-1, 108-2…,108-N (individually referred to as one or more users 108), and a centralized server 110. The system 102 comprises a processor 202 and a memory 204. The memory 204 may comprise a set of instructions, which when executed, causes the processor 202 to enable fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that is operatively coupled to the processor 202 of the system 102. The one or more user transactions are received via one or more computing devices 106. The ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter is configured to access the centralized server 110 via the network 104. The system 102 is further configured to make the flow analysis data accessible to the one or more users 108 through the centralized server 110 via the one or more computing devices 106.
[0038] As described herein, the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter is a type of flow measurement device that uses ultrasonic sound waves to determine the velocity of a fluid (liquid or gas) flowing through a pipe. By calculating the flow velocity, the flowmeter can then determine the volumetric flow rate of the fluid. This type of flowmeter is widely used in various industries due to its accuracy, non-invasive installation, and versatility. The flowmeter consists of two or more ultrasonic transducers, which are usually mounted on the outside of the pipe (in clamp-on models) or inserted into the pipe (in-line models). The transducers act as both transmitters and receivers of ultrasonic sound waves. The transducers send ultrasonic pulses through the fluid in both the upstream (against the flow) and downstream (with the flow) directions. The speed of sound waves in the fluid is affected by the flow velocity; sound waves traveling downstream (with the flow) will arrive faster, while those traveling upstream (against the flow) will take longer. The flowmeter measures the time it takes for the ultrasonic pulses to travel from one transducer to the other in both directions (upstream and downstream). The difference in these travel times, known as the time-of-flight, is directly related to the velocity of the fluid flow. Using the time-of-flight data, the flowmeter calculates the fluid velocity. The equation for fluid velocity typically involves the difference in upstream and downstream times, the speed of sound in the fluid, and the distance between the transducers.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 102 is configured to adds new feature of measuring and storing information of a flow cycle enabled by the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter. A flow cycle consists of flow start event, measurement of flow data (including flow condition) during water flow and flow stop event. The flow condition parameter helps in detecting abnormal flow conditions including presence of air bubbles, sand particles, and turbulent flow. The ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter relies on the transmission of sound waves through the fluid. Air bubbles in the fluid can cause scattering, reflection, or attenuation of these ultrasonic waves, leading to irregularities in the time-of-flight measurements. If the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter detects a significant and unexpected variation in the received signal (such as sudden weakening or noise), the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter may indicate the presence of air bubbles. This can manifest as signal attenuation indicated by a drop in signal strength, erratic readings indicated by fluctuations in flow rate readings, diagnostic alarms that get triggered when signal quality deteriorates beyond a certain threshold, often linked to air entrainment. Similar to air bubbles, sand particles or sediment can scatter and reflect ultrasonic waves. This interference affects the consistency of the time-of-flight measurements. The presence of solid particles can create a noisy signal, resulting in unstable flow rate readings. The calculated flow velocity may become less accurate due to signal disturbances The ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter is designed to measure the time it takes for sound waves to travel through a fluid. In laminar flow, the velocity profile is predictable and stable. However, in turbulent flow, the velocity profile becomes irregular, with eddies and vortices creating variations in flow velocity across the pipe. The ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter may display erratic flow rate readings due to the rapidly changing flow velocities within the pipe. The ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter may generate diagnostic outputs or alarms indicating the presence of turbulence, which could affect the accuracy of flow measurement. The ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter helps to detect abnormal flow conditions by analysing the consistency and quality of the ultrasonic signal as it travels through the fluid. This capability allows for early detection of issues like air bubbles, sand particles, and turbulence, enabling proactive maintenance and ensuring accurate flow measurements.
[0040] In an embodiment, the system 102 for enabling fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter comprises a processor 202 operatively coupled to a memory 204 that comprises a set of instructions, which upon being executed, causes the processor 202 to enable navigation of a user in indoor spaces to enhance the shopping experience of the user in retail stores.
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram representation of the proposed system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary architecture of the proposed system 102 is disclosed. The system 102 comprises one or more processor(s) 202. Among other capabilities, the one or more processor(s) 202 are configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 204 of the device. The memory 204 stores one or more computer-readable instructions or routines, which are fetched and executed to create or share the data units over a network service enabled by the processor 202.
[0043] In an embodiment, the system 102 also comprises an interface(s) 206. . The interface(s) 206 provides a communication pathway for one or more components of the user device 106. Further, the interface 206 may be configured as a transducer interface to obtain ultrasonic signal data for flow data analysis by the processor 202. In an embodiment, the processor 202 includes various modules (hardware and programmed instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the system 102. There is also a database 218 which comprises data that is either stored or generated as a result of functionalities implemented by the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that is operatively coupled to the processor 202 of the system 102.
[0044] In an embodiment, the processing engine(s) 208 can include an event detector module 210, a timestamp recorder module 212, an estimation module 214, and other module(s) 216, but not limited to the likes. The other module(s) 216 implements functionalities that supplement applications or functions performed by the system 102 or the processing engine(s) 208. The data (or database 220) serves, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules.
[0045] In an embodiment, the system 102 may be configured to detect a start of fluid flow and stop of fluid flow to generate a trigger based on the detected fluid flow via the event detector module 210.
[0046] In an embodiment, the system 102 may be configured to record a timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow by a clock operatively coupled with the processor 202 via the timestamp recorder module 212.
[0047] In an embodiment, the system 102 may be configured to estimate a water usage pattern based on the recorded timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow via the estimation module 214.
[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary view of a flow diagram of the proposed method for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0049] In an embodiment, the proposed method 300 for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter is disclosed. At step 302, detecting, by the processor 202, the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow to generate a trigger based on the detected fluid flow. At step 304, recording, by the processor 202, the timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow by a clock operatively coupled with the processor. At step 306, estimating, by the processor 202, the water usage pattern based on the recorded timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow.
[0050] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter has an internal clock synchronized with the system 102. This clock records precise timestamps whenever fluid flow starts or stops. When water begins to flow through the pipe, the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter detects the movement and logs the exact start time. This indicates the moment when water usage starts. Similarly, when the flow stops, the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter records the stop time. This marks the end of water usage for that particular event or cycle. During the flow event, the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter continuously measures the flow rate (typically in cubic meters per hour) by calculating the fluid's velocity using the ultrasonic time-of-flight principle. The ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter integrates the flow rate over the duration of the flow event (from start to stop) to calculate the total volume of water used during that period. The start time, stop time, flow rate, and total volume of water are logged and stored in the flowmeter's memory or sent to a central database for further analysis. The logged data is analysed to determine water usage patterns.
[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary diagram representation of a measurement unit in connection with a communication unit of an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter of the proposed system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter 400 may include a measurement unit 402, a memory unit 404, a clock 406, and a communication unit 408. The measurement unit 402 is configured to enable the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter 400 to measure the flow rate and volume of water. The clock 406 is configured to enable the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter 400 to record the timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow. When the measurement unit 402 senses the start of water flow, a first trigger gets generated by the system 102. Based on the first trigger, recordings of the timestamp from the clock 406 and measurement data, including flow rate and volume, from the measurement unit 402 may be captured and stored in the memory unit 404 of the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter 400. The clock 406 is configured to record the timestamp in seconds. When the measurement unit 402 detects the stop of fluid flow, the system 102 is configured to enable the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter 400 to generate a second trigger indicating the stop of fluid flow. Based on the second trigger, the timestamp recording and measurement data pertaining to the stop of fluid flow are captured and stored in the memory unit of the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter 400. For the second trigger, the measurement data includes flow rate, volume and flow condition parameter values. The system 102 is further configured to enable the communication unit 408 of the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter 400 to extract the relevant flow cycle parameters from the measurement unit 402.
[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary diagram representation of how a flow start event is triggered, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the system 102 is configured to enable the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter 400 to detect the start of water flow based on which the first trigger indicating the start of water flow is generated. Upon detection of the start of water flow, the system 102 is configured to filter out the noise elements and discard the detection if the flow event is detected to be false. Upon elimination of the noise elements, the system 102 is configured to measure the start of water flow and record the timestamp of the start of water flow. If the measured flow rate is observed to lie within a valid range, the first trigger is generated by the system 102.
[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary diagram representation of how a flow start event and a flow stop event is recorded by the proposed system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the system 102 is configured to enable the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter 400 to detect the start of fluid flow and then record the first timestamp value indicating the start of fluid flow by the clock 406. The system 102 is further configured to monitor the fluid flow and capture flow cycle data pertaining to flow conditions during fluid flow, average flow rates, total flow, peak flow, and flow variations over time, during the fluid flow. The system 102 is further configured to detect a stop in the fluid flow and record the second timestamp value by the clock 406 indicating the stop in fluid flow. The measurement data that is captured by the measurement unit 402 of the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter 400 is enabled to be stored in the memory unit 404 of the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter 400 by the system 102.
[0057] FIG. 7A-7B illustrate exemplary graphical representations of flow cycles recorded by the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0058] Illustrated in FIG. 7A is graphical representation of multiple flow cycles recorded by the system 102. The system 102 may be configured to record a flow rate of up to 25m3/h in a given instance. a zoomed in representation of one of the flow cycles represented in FIG. 7A. Figs. 7A and 7B clearly illustrate the start and the stop of flow cycle with red line markers. There is a sudden jump at the start, however, on the stop side, the flow gets reversed and goes back to zero.
[0059] FIG. 7C illustrates an exemplary graphical representation of triggering of a flow start event by the proposed system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 7C, the system 102 is configured to detect the start of the fluid flow and is further configured to keep track of the initial measurements. Based on threshold 1, the system 102 is configured to generate the first trigger indicating the start of fluid flow.
[0061] FIG. 7D illustrates an exemplary graphical representation of triggering of a flow stop event by the proposed system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 7D, the system 102 is configured to detect the end of fluid flow and is further configured to keep track of changes in the flow rate. Further, based on threshold 2, the system 102 is configured to detect the end of fluid flow and generate the second trigger indicating the stop of fluid flow. Illustrated in Fig. 7D is a zoomed in view of the flow stop event recorded by the system 102. A reversal in the flow is observed when the flow stops. Further, the flow reaches zero after a few seconds.
[0063] In an embodiment, the flow condition parameter is derived from the number of zero measurements during the flow cycle. When the flow ends, the number of zero measurements during the flow cycle are logged into the system 102 and communicated to the user over a wireless network. If zero measurements are more than 20% of the total measurements, flow condition is said to be not ideal. The parameter indicates presence of air, partial flow, sand particles or combination of the same.
[0064] A use case scenario of the proposed system 102 configured with the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter 400 is described herein. A municipal water utility wants to monitor water usage patterns across different zones within a city. They aim to detect leaks, optimize water distribution, and identify abnormal usage patterns that could indicate issues like unauthorized water usage, pipe bursts, or equipment failures. To achieve this, the utility installs ultrasonic transit-time flowmeters at key points in the distribution network. The ultrasonic transit-time flowmeters are installed on main water supply lines feeding different zones. The flowmeters are equipped with internal clocks synchronized with the system 102. The flowmeters are connected to the central database 218 of the system 102 via the digital communication network 104, allowing real-time data transmission and logging of flow events. The internal clock is configured to record the precise start and stop times of fluid flow, as well as the flow rate and total volume of water passing through the pipes. When water begins to flow through a pipe (e.g., at the start of a daily water supply cycle), the flowmeter detects the flow and records the exact start time using its internal clock. As water flows, the flowmeter continuously measures the flow rate and accumulates the total volume of water delivered. This data is timestamped and sent to the central database. If the flow stops (e.g., due to the end of the supply cycle or an unexpected interruption), the flowmeter records the stop time. The duration of the flow event is calculated by the time difference between the start and stop times. If the flow stops unexpectedly (e.g., due to a pipe burst or valve closure), the flowmeter immediately records this event and sends an alert to the central system. The system 102 analyses the flow data collected over time to establish normal water usage patterns. The patterns include typical flow rates, start and stop times, and total daily or weekly water consumption for each zone. The system 102 compares current flow data against historical patterns to detect deviations. For instance, if water consumption suddenly spikes at a time when usage is typically low, this could indicate unauthorized usage or a leak. If the flowmeter detects continuous flow during a period when there should be no water usage (e.g., late at night), the system flags this as a potential leak. The flowmeter also monitors the quality of the flow signal. If it detects turbulence, air bubbles, or inconsistent flow rates, it can indicate issues like pipe damage, air entrainment, or sand intrusion. Upon detecting abnormal conditions, the system 102 automatically generates alerts for maintenance crews to investigate the issue, reducing the risk of water loss or infrastructure damage. The system 102 generates detailed reports on water usage patterns, identifying peak demand periods, underutilized zones, and potential inefficiencies in the distribution network. Based on the flow data, the utility can adjust water supply schedules, pressure settings, and distribution strategies to optimize efficiency and reduce waste. The utility quickly identifies and repairs leaks, minimizing water loss and reducing operational costs. By understanding usage patterns, the utility can optimize water distribution, ensuring that water is supplied where and when it's needed most. Customers receive reliable water service, with minimal disruptions and accurate billing based on precise water usage data. Abnormal conditions are detected early, allowing the utility to address potential issues before they lead to significant problems.
[0065] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are comprised to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

DVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0066] The present disclosure provides a system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that enables measurement and storage of information of flow cycles for comprehensive fluid flow analysis.
[0067] The present disclosure provides a system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that enables detection of abnormal flow conditions including presence of air bubbles, sand particles, and turbulence in fluid flow.
[0068] The present disclosure provides a system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that can assist water custodians to understand time-wise demand for water for efficient water supply management.
[0069] The present disclosure provides a system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that can measure the flow cycle parameters of water.
[0070] The present disclosure provides a system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that provides real-time measurements with quick response to changes in flow rate.
[0071] The present disclosure provides a system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that provides reliable measurements across varying operating conditions.
[0072] The present disclosure provides a system for fluid flow analysis by an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter that is equipped with digital interfaces for data logging and communication with other systems.
, Claims:1. A system (102) for fluid flow analysis comprising:
a processor (202); and
a memory (204) coupled to the processor (202), wherein the memory (204) comprises processor-executable instructions, which on execution, causes the processor (202) to:
detect a start of fluid flow and stop of fluid flow to generate a trigger based on the detected fluid flow;
record a timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow by a clock (406) operatively coupled with the processor (202);
estimate a water usage pattern based on the recorded timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow,
wherein the processor (202) is operatively coupled with an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter (400) that is configured to measure and store flow cycle data for fluid flow analysis.
2. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (202) is configured to enable the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter (400) to measure flow cycle data comprising a flow start event, flow conditions during fluid flow, and a flow stop event.
3. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (202) is configured to enable the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter (400) to detect abnormal flow conditions including presence of air bubbles, sand particles, and turbulence in fluid flow.
4. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (202) is configured to enable the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter (400) to measure cumulative volume of fluid flow and average flow rate between the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow.
5. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (202) is configured to enable the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter (400) to continuously assess real-time data to provide instantaneous flow rate readings.
6. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (202) is configured to enable the ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter (400) to perform statistical analysis on the flow cycle data to estimate average flow rates, total flow, peak flow, and flow variations over time.
7. A method (300) for fluid flow analysis comprising steps of:
detecting (302), by a processor (202), a start of fluid flow and stop of fluid flow to generate a trigger based on the detected fluid flow;
recording (304), by the processor (202), a timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow by a clock (406) integrated with the processor (202); and
estimating (306), by the processor (202), a water usage pattern based on the recorded timestamp of the start of fluid flow and the stop of fluid flow.