Abstract: Online installation systems and methods are provided for online installations of ultrasonic steam measurement devices in steam pipes. In one embodiment, a tool is provided and includes a transducer assembly configured to be coupled to a distal end of an isolation valve installed on a pressurized steam pipe. An ultrasonic transducer can be movably disposed within the transducer assembly, and the ultrasonic transducer can extend through a proximal opening of the transducer assembly and through a distal opening of the transducer assembly. The tool can also include an insertion mechanism configured to be coupled to a distal end of the transducer assembly and having a cylindrical housing at least partially enclosing the ultrasonic transducer. The insertion mechanism can include a linear actuator assembly configured to linearly actuate the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: Online installation systems and methods are provided for online installations of ultrasonic steam measurement devices in steam pipes. In one embodiment, a tool is provided and includes a transducer assembly configured to be coupled to a distal end of an isolation valve installed on a pressurized steam pipe. An ultrasonic transducer can be movably disposed within the transducer assembly, and the ultrasonic transducer can extend through a proximal opening of the transducer assembly and through a distal opening of the transducer assembly. The tool can also include an insertion mechanism configured to be coupled to a distal end of the transducer assembly and having a cylindrical housing at least partially enclosing the ultrasonic transducer. The insertion mechanism can include a linear actuator assembly configured to linearly actuate the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus configured for insertion into a sensor port of a flow cell is described herein. The apparatus includes an insert body, a sensor located in the cavity of the insert body, and an insert body holding nut and a sensor holding nut threaded to the interior surface of the sensor port.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow measurement system having a first ultrasonic sensor with a first ultrasonic buffer and a second ultrasonic sensor with a second ultrasonic buffer is disclosed. The first and second ultrasonic buffers have different cross sections in order to reduce distortion of the ultrasonic signals.

Abstract: A multimode flow meter can use both the time-of-transit of upstream and downstream ultrasonic signals and time for transmission of downstream-only signals to determine a flow velocity of a medium flowing through a conduit. Based on factors, such as previously computed flow velocity and signal-to-noise ratio of the upstream signal, a mode of operation may be switched and only the time for transmission of the downstream signals may be used to determine flow velocity. The multimode flow meter can compute cross-flow to reduce its effect on the determination of flow velocity.

Abstract: An insert apparatus for installing a transducer assembly in a sensor port of a flow cell is disclosed. The transducer assembly is installed in the cavity of the insert body without the use of glues or adhesives to bond the transducer assembly to the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting an object from a cavity is disclosed. The apparatus includes a collet surrounded by a sleeve, which both extend into the cavity. Fingers of the collar of the collet are contracted to grasp the object by the advancement of the collet into the sleeve. The collet is advanced by rotating a nut, which is located outside of the cavity and engages with a threaded portion of the shaft of the collet. The shaft includes a groove extending through the threaded portion of the shaft. This groove engages with a protrusion extending from a handle to prevent the collet from rotating during rotation of the nut and advancement of the collet. The handle is located outside of the cavity and is held during the extraction.

Abstract: An apparatus configured for insertion into a sensor port of a flow cell is disclosed. The apparatus includes an insert body, a sensor located in the cavity of the insert body, and an insert body holding nut and a sensor holding nut threaded to the interior surface of the sensor port.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting an object from a cavity is disclosed. The apparatus includes a collet surrounded by a sleeve, which both extend into the cavity. Fingers of the collar of the collet are contracted to grasp the object by the advancement of the collet into the sleeve. The collet is advanced by rotating a nut, which is located outside of the cavity and engages with a threaded portion of the shaft of the collet. The shaft includes a groove extending through the threaded portion of the shaft. This groove engages with a protrusion extending from a handle to prevent the collet from rotating during rotation of the nut and advancement of the collet. The handle is located outside of the cavity and is held during the extraction.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow measurement system having a first ultrasonic sensor with a first ultrasonic buffer and a second ultrasonic sensor with a second ultrasonic buffer is disclosed. The first and second ultrasonic buffers have different cross sections in order to reduce distortion of the ultrasonic signals.

Abstract: An insert apparatus for installing a transducer assembly in a sensor port of a flow cell is disclosed. The transducer assembly is installed in the cavity of the insert body without the use of glues or adhesives to bond the transducer assembly to the cavity.

Abstract: A multimode flow meter can use both the time-of-transit of upstream and downstream ultrasonic signals and time for transmission of downstream-only signals to determine a flow velocity of a medium flowing through a conduit. Based on factors, such as previously computed flow velocity and signal-to-noise ratio of the upstream signal, a mode of operation may be switched and only the time for transmission of the downstream signals may be used to determine flow velocity. The multimode flow meter can computer cross-flow to reduce its effect on the determination of flow velocity.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for use with a fluid transport system is provided. The sensor assembly includes at least two sensors that are configured to measure a rate of flow of a fluid channeled through a pipeline of the fluid transport system. Moreover, the sensor assembly includes an annular collar that is coupled to the two sensors. The collar includes at least a first opening and at least a second opening defined therein. The first opening and the second opening are each sized to receive the two sensors therein such that the two sensors are substantially coaxially aligned with each other. A first sensor of the two sensors is positioned downstream from a second sensor of the two sensors.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for use with a fluid transport system is provided. The sensor assembly includes at least two sensors that are configured to measure a rate of flow of a fluid channeled through a pipeline of the fluid transport system. Moreover, the sensor assembly includes an annular collar that is coupled to the two sensors. The collar includes at least a first opening and at least a second opening defined therein. The first opening and the second opening are each sized to receive the two sensors therein such that the two sensors are substantially coaxially aligned with each other. A first sensor of the two sensors is positioned downstream from a second sensor of the two sensors.

Abstract: A vibration attenuator, for an ultrasonic transducer having a transducer shaft, having: a compressible sleeve mountable on said shaft wherein said sleeve comprises vibration attenuating material; a housing for said sleeve mountable on the shaft, and a compression device attachable to the housing and for compressing the sleeve, wherein the sleeve snugly abuts against said shaft when compressed.