Study of acoustic transducer protrusion and recess effects on ultrasonic flowmeter measurement by numerical simulation

In order to improve the measurement performance of dry calibration on ultrasonic flowmeter, the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) modeling approach of the effect on transducer protrusion and recess are mainly discussed in the paper while its effects on ultrasonic flowmeter accuracy are also presented. Through comparing simulation results to experimental data, the CFD modeling is firstly determined. Then, detail analysis on flow field for two typical transducer installations are obtained based on the CFD method. Besides, the mechanism of both flow effects on measurement accuracy are explained and compared respectively, which indicates that negative velocities generated at protrusion and recess locations are the indispensable factors for negative measurement errors. Finally, comparison results show that smaller measurement error can be achieved with protruding transducers, which is a better arrangement type of transducer for ultrasonic flowmeters.

► We discuss two typical acoustic transducer installations: protrusion and recess.
► Measurement errors are presented by the CFD method.
► Both characteristics of flow fields are analyzed.
► The mechanism of both flow effects on measurement accuracy are explained.
► Better arrangement of transducers protrusion is recommended.