Virtual Prototyping Experience of the Coriolis Flow Meter

Abstract

The subject of the study is the selection of the parameters of the model for finite element analysis (FEA) of the Coriolis flow meter. Based on the comparison of the results of calculations with previous experiments, it is shown that the built model can be used as a virtual prototype of the Coriolis flow meter when working with a single-phase liquid. Particular attention is paid to the detected danger of multiple overestimations of the dissipative properties of the model of the coupled nonlinear oscillatory system "elastic tube-liquid flowing through it", built using the Two-Way Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) technology. It is shown that the overestimation of the dissipative characteristics leads to a distortion of the shape of the resonance oscillations, which makes such a model unacceptable for estimating the phase relations for both force and kinematic excitation. The settings of the design model allowing to obtain an idealized design case of the Coriolis flow meter without energy losses are given, and thus, they help to isolate the component of the sensor output signal (phase shift), which is caused solely by the flow of liquid.

Fluid-Solid Interaction Simulation Methodology for Coriolis Flowmeter Operation Analysis

“…These terms may be calculated by the application of the eddy viscosity or Reynolds stress (RSM) models. The eddy viscosity models are usually applied for CFM simulations [ 13 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. These models employ Boussinesq’s hypothesis, which assumes that the Reynolds stresses are related to the mean velocity gradients and eddy viscosity [ 38 ].…”

“…Kumar and Anklin [ 14 ] studied the Reynolds number influence on the CFM operation by the FSI simulation. Finally, the modification of this FSI methodology was used by Athanase [ 15 ] and Romanov and Beskachko [ 16 ] to study the CFM operation during the multiphase metering and the influence of fluid dissipation characteristics on the CFM modelling, respectively. However, different turbulence models were applied in these studies to complement the RANS equations [ 11 , 13 , 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”

“…Finally, the modification of this FSI methodology was used by Athanase [ 15 ] and Romanov and Beskachko [ 16 ] to study the CFM operation during the multiphase metering and the influence of fluid dissipation characteristics on the CFM modelling, respectively. However, different turbulence models were applied in these studies to complement the RANS equations [ 11 , 13 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. The shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model was employed by Athanase [ 15 ], Hu et al [ 13 ], and Romanov and Beskachko [ 16 ], while Bobovnik et al [ 11 , 18 ], Kumar and Anklin [ 14 ], Hua et al [ 19 ] and Enz [ 12 ] used the k-ε turbulence model.…”

“…However, different turbulence models were applied in these studies to complement the RANS equations [ 11 , 13 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. The shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model was employed by Athanase [ 15 ], Hu et al [ 13 ], and Romanov and Beskachko [ 16 ], while Bobovnik et al [ 11 , 18 ], Kumar and Anklin [ 14 ], Hua et al [ 19 ] and Enz [ 12 ] used the k-ε turbulence model. In addition, Bobovnik et al [ 20 ] conducted a comparison of the Reynolds stress model (RSM) and k-ε models and reported an insignificant difference.…”

“…Moreover, the acceptable simplifications of the flowmeter configuration were not determined so far for the simulation of the CFM operation. In general, only the flowmeter tube is modelled, while the masses of sensors and the driver, as well as the tube braces, are neglected [ 7 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 16 , 17 ]. However, these configuration features may influence the simulation accuracy, as was suggested by Sultan and Hemp [ 7 ].…”