Development and experimental evaluation of an acoustic flow meter prototype for measuring air flow

This study outlines the development and testing of a flow meter prototype specifically designed for use in nuclear reactor environments. The meter uses flow-induced vibration to measure flow rates and is designed for remote monitoring in harsh environments where radiation can damage electronics. The device generates a vibration signal produced by a feedback system when fluid flows out of an orifice and interacts with a downstream wedge. The frequency of the vibration signal corresponds directly to flow rate and velocity. The study investigates geometric parameters intrinsic to the prototype, such as orifice height, width, edge distance, and chamber length. Different configurations were also tested, including a bypass loop with variable cross-sections around the device. The investigation results reveal the impact of these geometric parameters on the vibration signal output, providing valuable insights for future design improvements and enhancing the effectiveness of flow metering systems used in nuclear reactor applications. • A design for a flow meter is proposed for use in highly radioactive environments. • Fluid flow is measured based on the acoustics generated by the flow meter. • Experimental measurements have been collected for various geometric configurations to assess their impact on the flow meter’s acoustics.