Abstract: Techniques for determining one or more fluid flow characteristic values of a structure are disclosed. A fluid flow vector and a pressure gradient vector for a portion of the structure are determined, and a dot/cross product of the fluid flow vector with the pressure gradient vector is obtained to provide a fluid flow characteristic value. The fluid flow characteristic value can be used for modifying the structure to improve fluid flow through the structure.

Abstract: Methods and devices for testing medical pumps via tracking the travel of at least one of: the leading edge and the trailing edge of induced single or multiple bubble trajectories within a light-transmissive fluid flow conduit by a photo-detector output of a first photo-detector disposed on a controlled, translatable carriage and methods of synchronized corrections of fluid flow data estimates.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a rate of flow of an output from a vessel. The system includes a vessel having an inlet for receiving an output produced by an output generation device, and a measuring device for measuring a first pressure and a second pressure in the vessel. The first pressure is measured when the output generation device is in a standby mode and the second pressure is measured when the output generation device is in an operational mode. The system includes a programmable logic controller configured to calculate a rate of flow of the output utilizing the first pressure and the second pressure.

Abstract: A flow sensor assembly is provided and includes a flow conduit configured to impart a disturbance to a flow, multiple sensors disposed at respective sensing locations along the flow conduit. Each sensor is responsive to the disturbance of the flow and generates a corresponding response signal. The flow sensor assembly further includes a processor operably connected to each sensor, the processor being configured to compute a cross-correlation function between the response signals generated by said sensors, and determine a flow rate and a direction for the flow through the conduit based on the computed cross-correlation function. Additional flow sensor assembly arrangements are also disclosed.

Abstract: An air flow measurement device measures a flow amount of air. A flow sensor is configured to output a voltage value corresponding to a given flow amount of the air. A temperature sensor is configured to output temperature of the air. A correction coefficient memory portion is configured to store a correction coefficient for correcting the voltage value of the flow sensor to a corrected voltage value associated with the given flow amount based on a predetermined standard temperature. A relationship between the voltage value of the flow sensor and the flow amount of the air changes based on temperature of the air. A correction portion is configured to correct the output voltage value of the flow sensor to the corrected voltage value using the correction coefficient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data processing system for use in a data center, the data center comprising a plurality of data processing systems. The data processing system comprises one or more sensors measuring air flow and temperature; computational flow dynamics software receiving input from said one or more sensors; and communication apparatus for communicating with others of said plurality of data processing systems. Also disclosed is a method of operating a data processing system for use in a data center, the data center comprising a plurality of data processing systems. The method comprises providing computational flow dynamics software to one or more of said data processing systems; providing communications apparatus to one or more of said data processing systems; the computational flow dynamics software receiving input from one or more sensors measuring air flow and temperature; and the communication apparatus communicating with others of said plurality of data processing systems.

Abstract: A gas flow detecting device of the present invention, comprises a gas flow obtaining unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to determine at second period intervals, whether or not the usage gas flow of a fuel cell system can be obtained, based on the gas flow obtained by the gas flow obtaining unit, and the control unit is configured to, when the control unit determines that the usage gas flow of the fuel cell system can be obtained, calculate a total usage gas flow of the fuel cell system, based on a change amount of the gas flow obtained by the gas flow obtaining unit, and a usage gas flow of the fuel cell system which is updated just before the determination, and the control unit is configured to, when the control unit determines that the usage gas flow of the fuel cell system cannot be obtained, deem the usage gas flow of the fuel cell system which is updated just before the determination, as the usage gas flow of the fuel cell system in a period in which the usage gas flow canno

Abstract: A multi-phase process fluid is passed through a vibratable flowtube. Motion is induced in the vibratable flowtube. A first apparent property of the multi-phase process fluid based on the motion of the vibratable flowtube is determined, and an apparent intermediate value associated with the multi-phase process fluid based on the first apparent property is determined. A corrected intermediate value is determined based on a mapping between the intermediate value and the corrected intermediate value. A phase-specific property of a phase of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the corrected intermediate value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining at least one flow parameter of a fluid flowing within a pipe, which fluid contains particles entrained within the fluid flow is provided. The method includes the steps of: 1) determining a velocity of the fluid flow within the pipe; 2) sensing the impingement of particles on a surface wetted with the fluid flow, and producing a signal relating to the impingement; and 3) determining the at least one flow parameter of the fluid flow utilizing the determined fluid flow velocity and the sensor signal relating to impingement of the particles on the surface wetted with the fluid flow.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one characteristic for the correction of measurements of a Coriolis mass flowmeter which is characterized by an increased accuracy and a low error rate while determining the characteristic is implemented by detecting values of a measurand during constant flow with the reading sensors, calculating at least one location parameter from the detected values, an calculating at least one dispersion parameter from the detected values and the location parameter. The detection of additional values and the calculation of the location parameter and dispersion parameter from the existing and additional values is carried out until the dispersion parameter reaches a threshold value, and then, the location parameter corresponding to the dispersion parameter is used as the characteristic for the correction of the reading of the Coriolis mass flowmeter.

Abstract: A method measures a hybrid flow rate (Q) of a fluid using simultaneously at least two measuring technologies and a reference measurement, the method includes a hybrid value, wherein the measurements of the at least two measuring technologies are combined according to a given rule to get the hybrid value by performing a linear or non-linear interpolation within a given interval of the reference measurement.

Abstract: A thermal sub-system for a fuel cell system that employs an algorithm using feed-forward control. The algorithm calculates a Reynolds number based on the velocity of the cooling fluid, a diameter of a coolant loop pipe and a kinematic viscosity (temperature) of a cooling fluid. The algorithm also uses a pressure loss number based on the Reynolds number and a position of a by-pass valve. The algorithm also defines a pressure loss value based on the pressure loss number, the density of the cooling fluid and the velocity of the cooling fluid. The algorithm then calculates a delivery head value based on the pressure loss value, the fluid density and a gravitational acceleration. The algorithm then uses the delivery head value and a predetermined set-point value of the volume flow to determine a desired pump speed based on the current operating parameters of the system.

Abstract: A first apparent property of a multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the motion of the vibratable flowtube. One or more apparent intermediate values associated with the multi-phase process fluid are determined based on the first apparent property. A measure of wetness of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on a mapping between one or more of the apparent intermediate values and the measure of wetness. A second apparent property of the multi-phase process fluid is determined using the differential pressure flowmeter. One or more phase-specific properties of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the measure of wetness and the second apparent property.

Abstract: A flow measurement device includes a first sensor device that responds to stimulus from fluid medium flowing through a measurement section by registering a measure representing a physical characteristic, a processor, and a data storage including a look-up table containing a first collection of values representing a first value of flow of a first fluid or a first value of flow of a second fluid, and a second look-up table containing a second collection of the values representing a second value of the flow of the first fluid or a second value of the flow of the second fluid, the processor receiving the measures registered during a measurement time interval and estimating a flow pattern of the fluid medium during the measurement interval where the flow pattern describes how the first and second fluids are distributed in the measurement section over the measurement time interval.

Abstract: If determination is erroneous in appliance determination according to the instantaneous flow rate output from a flow rate measurement unit, a flow rate measurement apparatus registers it as an unknown appliance, rechecks the flow rate of the unknown appliance, and makes it possible to enhance the accuracy of the appliance determination. The apparatus has a flow rate measurement unit 3, a flow rate information storage unit 8 for storing the flow rate value of the flow rate measurement unit 3, a computation unit 6 for finding a difference value between the flow rate values output from the flow rate measurement unit 3, an appliance registration storage unit 7, an appliance determination unit 9 for determining an appliance, and an unknown appliance registration unit 10 for registering information according to which the appliance cannot be determined.

Abstract: A process fluid flow device includes a power supply module, a process communication module, a processor and measurement circuitry. The process communication circuitry is coupled to the power supply module and to the processor. The measurement circuitry is operably coupleable to plurality of process variable sensors to obtain an indication of differential pressure, static pressure and process fluid temperature. The processor is configured to compute process fluid mass flow, and to use the static pressure and process fluid temperature to obtain an energy per unit mass value relative to the process fluid and to provide an energy flow indication.

Abstract: A method for processing a signal from a flow meter for measuring a gas flow in an internal combustion engine includes processing the signal according to a first logic when the engine operates in a first intake mode and processing the signal according to a second logic when the engine operates in a second intake mode. The first intake mode includes the activation of a high-pressure EGR valve. The second intake mode includes the activation of a low-pressure EGR valve.

Abstract: A water purifier determining an appropriate discarded water quantity includes: a purified water supply; an integrated flow quantity measuring part; and a control and calculation part. The control and calculation part is configured to determine whether purified water is unsuitable for use based upon the integrated flow quantity measured for a period of time from when the supply is started. A value of water quantity Qti at the Nth time is determined based on a length of time from when the purified water supply stops the supply at the (N?1)th time up to when the purified water supply starts the supply at the the Nth time; and a difference between a quantity of water measured for a period of time from when the supply at the (N?1)th time is started to when the supply at the (N?1)th time is stopped and a value of Qti at the (N?1)th time.

Abstract: Seed meters, agricultural planters, and methods of planting seed are provided. Such meters, planters, and methods may include a housing defining a chamber, a seed disc rotatably coupled to the housing and at least partially positioned within the chamber with the seed disc adapted to engage a seed, and a sensor for detecting a characteristic of the seed after the seed disengages the seed disc and before the seed exits the seed meter. The sensor may be coupled to a seed chute of the seed meter and may detect a wide variety of seed characteristics such as seed position within the seed chute, seed size, and seed shape. The seed characteristic may be used to adjust operation of the seed meters, agricultural planters, and methods. In some instances, the adjustment may be manual. In other instances, the adjustment may be automatic.

Abstract: A method for estimating a location of a leak (x) in a pipe (1). A liquid of a known density is fed into the pipe at a first inlet pressure (P1). When the liquid achieves a substantially steady flow rate, the flow rate passing into the pipeline is recorded. This step is repeated at a second, different, inlet pressure (P2). Using this data, an estimate of the leak location (x) and the area of the leak is calculated by simultaneously solving an expression which is based on relating the frictional energy losses of the liquid travelling through the pipeline (1) to the pressure in the pipeline at the leak (Pleak) and the flow rate of liquid from the leak.

Abstract: A mass flow controller and associated methods for providing indicated flow from the mass flow controller are disclosed. The method may include obtaining a measured flow signal indicative of a mass flow rate of a fluid that is controlled by the mass flow controller and filtering the measured flow signal to generate indicated flow that provides a representation of the actual mass flow rate of the fluid. The indicated flow is provided to an operator of the mass flow controller, and a rate of change of the mass flow rate of the fluid is determined based upon samples of the measured flow signal. A time constant used in connection with the filtering is then adjusted based upon the rate of change of the mass flow rate.

Abstract: A method for issuing a digital residence certificate using a module associated with a counter. Data from the counter are continuously monitored, whereby the data are read and a consistency test is performed on the basis of a predetermined criterion. In addition, after receiving a residence certificate request, a decision is made as to whether or not the request should be fulfilled, based on the results of the continuous data monitoring.

Abstract: A system comprises a differential pressure sensor, a process pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and a microprocessor. The differential pressure sensor is positioned to sense differential pressure along a fluid flow, where fluid properties of the fluid flow have first and second phases separated along a transition curve. The process pressure sensor is positioned to sense a pressure of the fluid flow, and the temperature sensor is positioned to sense a temperature of the fluid flow. The microprocessor is coupled to the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor to determine a flow rate, and the microprocessor generates a diagnostic based on the process pressure and the temperature as compared to the transition curve.

Abstract: A number of parameters related to the operation of a fluid delivery device are determined based on a pressure within the device sensed using a pressure sensor. In one example, the volume of therapeutic fluid added to or removed from a reservoir of a fluid delivery device is determined based on a sensed pressure of the reservoir. In another example, the volume of therapeutic fluid added to or removed from the reservoir is determined based on a sensed pressure of a refill port assembly of the device. In another example, an initial temperature of the reservoir as a therapeutic fluid is removed from the reservoir is estimated based on a sensed pressure within the device. In another example, a temperature of a therapeutic fluid added to the reservoir is estimated based on a sensed pressure within the device.

Abstract: In a flow control device 100, a comparator 40 outputs a first control voltage Vref based on a comparison of an instruction value signal Vi1 of the flow volume and a signal Vi2 according to the sensor output signal Vs. A feedback current generator 30 generates a feedback current Ifb according to a difference between the sensor output signal Vs and a signal Vi2 according to the instruction value signal Vi1. A feedback voltage generator 50 is a resister. A feed forward current generator 20 generates a feed forward current Iff according to the instruction value signal Vi1. A synthesis unit 60 generates a second control voltage Vdrv* obtained by adding to the feedback voltage Vfb a voltage according to a sum of the feedback current Ifb and the feed forward current Iff. The valve unit 90 is controlled according to the first and the second control voltage Vref, Vdrv*.

Abstract: A travel distance estimating apparatus (100) estimates a travel distance of a moving body in a given section through which the moving body travels (hereinafter referred to as a “travel interval”). A current position acquiring unit (101) acquires the current position of the moving body. A variable acquiring unit (102) acquires information related to the speed of the moving body in the travel interval. An estimating unit (103) estimates based on a consumed energy estimating equation, energy consumption and a travelable distance for travel through the travel interval. A correcting unit (104) corrects information related to the moving body and used as variables of the consumed energy estimating equation. A storage unit (105) stores information related to roads associated with a travel history of the moving body. A display unit (110) displays map data including information related to travelable distance calculated by the estimating unit (103).

Abstract: Control devices for use in decoder-based irrigation control systems, and related methods, are provided herein. In one implementation, an irrigation control device comprises decoder circuitry located within a first housing and having an electrical connection configured to couple the decoder circuitry to a control wire path of a decoder-based irrigation control system; a coil located within a second housing; a first wire electrically coupling the decoder circuitry to a first connection of the coil; and a second wire electrically coupling the decoder circuitry to a second connection of the coil. The coil is configured to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of a device controlling irrigation equipment in response to signaling from the decoder circuitry. The first housing, the second housing, the first wire and the second wire are non-separably and functionally connected together.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a cloud flowmeter are provided by certain embodiments of the disclosure. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, there is disclosed a method, which can include receiving, from a meter device, at least one flow signal via at least one network; determining, based in part on the at least one flow signal, at least one flow characteristic, data characteristic, or meter characteristic; and storing the at least one flow characteristic, data characteristic, or meter characteristic in a data storage device remote from the meter device.

Abstract: A system, including a utility meter, smart meter and/or a central office of a utility company may provide output to assist consumers to identify gas use by individual appliances. The system may measure gas flow rates, categorize the rates to assist in association with a gas consuming appliance, and provide output to identify use by one or more appliances. The output may include information on consumption and/or cost associated with one or more appliances, such as a furnace, hot water tank and/or stove. The output may be graphical, tabular or otherwise presented in any desired user interface or invoice, etc.

Abstract: A water saving device including a housing and a processor disposed within the housing. The processor calculates a water volume expended over a period of time based on a predetermined volumetric flow rate and time. A sensor is disposed within the housing for sensing the presence of a user. The sensor is operably connected to the processor. The sensor generates a signal to cause the processor to begin calculating the water volume upon sensing the presence of a user. A display indicates the expended water volume and is operatively connected to the processor. The display shows a virtual water level which rises as time and water usage increases.

Abstract: First and second ?? modulators convert output signals of two sensors into pulse density signals. First and second LPFs convert the pulse density signals into multi-bit signals. A signal computing module calculates a mass flow rate based on the multi-bit signals. A resonance circuit generates an excitation signal based on the output signals of the sensors. A drive output module amplifies the excitation signal. An exciter excites the measurement tube using an amplified excitation signal. A multiplier amplifies one of the pulse density signals to generate a multi-bit signal. An amplification factor controller controls an amplification factor of the multiplier based on the multi-bit signal. A third ?? modulator converts an amplified signal into a pulse density signal. A DAC generates the excitation signal based on the pulse density signal.

Abstract: Meter electronics (20) for processing sensor signals for a multi-phase flow material in a flowmeter (5) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The meter electronics (20) includes an interface (201) for receiving first and second sensor signals (210 and 211) for the multi-phase flow material and a processing system (203).

Abstract: A method of determining parameters relating to the flow performance of subterranean sources is described using the steps of measuring a total flow rate and pressure at a reference datum for at least two different flow rates, allocating the flow from each of the sources using identified concentrations of characteristic components, and using the total flow rate, pressure and the allocation to determine selective inflow performance relationships for each source.

Abstract: A visually and remotely readable apparatus is provided which comprises a plurality of sensing units, a control unit and a flexible printed cable (FPC) to connect two units for exchanging information therebetween. A preferable structure of the sensing unit includes a fixed part secured to the body of the apparatus and two oppositely positioned rotatable parts, where two rotatable parts mounted on a common shaft with the fixed part arranged therebetween forming two angular position sensors. Each sensor is based on the capacitive coupling between two working surfaces of the rotatable part and the respective working surfaces of the fixed part with the electrodes are secured thereto. Two working surfaces of one part are confronted with two respective working surfaces of another part forming two working surface pair. Each sensor has two working surface pairs, one working surface pair is sensing pair for sensing angular position; another is coupling pair for coupling sensing signals.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter includes a sensor device, and a method of operating thereof. The sensor device comprises a processing unit being operatively connected to a sensor unit comprising a sensor characterized by adaptable sampling frequency. The sensor being configured to periodically sample, in a first sampling frequency, a physical quantity and generate a signal indicative of a detected physical quantity. The processing unit is configured to receive the signal and determine a detected frequency of the signal and to adapt the first sampling frequency to the detected frequency. The adapting comprising calculating a difference between the first sampling frequency and the detected frequency and instructing the sensor to increase the first frequency, if the difference is less than a first predefined value; and to decrease the first frequency, if the difference is less than a second predefined value.

Abstract: A container is filled to a predetermined target mass of a free-flowing substance with the help of a device that dispenses measured doses of the substance. The device has a valve for variably adjusting the mass flow rate of the substance from a reservoir into the container. The device further includes a means for measuring the elapsed time from the beginning of the filling process, a balance for determining the mass of the substance in the container, and a controller unit for controlling the valve. The controller unit includes an adjustment module, and a memory unit wherein a desired mass flow rate is stored. At an elapsed time, if the mass flow rate is smaller or larger than the desired mass flow rate the flow rate is respectively increased or decreased by a flow rate adjustment.

Abstract: A MEMS sensor system for monitoring membrane elements in a membrane based water filtration plant having a remote telemetry unit (RTU), a SCADA, and a plurality of MEMS sensors for measuring pressure, flow rate. and conductivity. The water filtration plant has a train with a membrane vessel containing a plurality of membrane elements arranged in series creating interfaces between each membrane element. The MEMS sensors are located at the membrane element interfaces. A method of monitoring membrane elements in a membrane based water filtration plant using a plurality of MEMS sensors for measuring pressure, flow rate. and conductivity placed at the filtration plant membrane element interfaces.

Abstract: A processor accepts sensor data about a geological formation from a sensor. The sensor data is such that processing the sensor data using a processing technique to estimate a parameter of the geological formation without a constraint, whose value is not yet known, produces a plurality of non-unique estimates of the parameter. The processor accepts more than two time-displaced images of fluid sampled from the geological formation. The time displacements between the images are substantially defined by a mathematical series. The processor processes the images to determine the constraint. The processor processes the sensor data using the processing technique constrained by the constraint to estimate the parameter of the geological formation. The processor uses the estimated parameter to affect the drilling of a well through the geological formation.

Abstract: A cylinder intake air amount calculating apparatus for an internal combustion engine for calculating a cylinder intake air amount which is an amount of fresh air sucked into a cylinder of the engine, is provided. An intake air flow rate, which is a flow rate of fresh air passing through an intake air passage of the engine, is obtained, and an intake pressure and an intake air temperature of the engine are detected. A theoretical cylinder intake air amount is calculated based on the intake pressure, the intake air temperature, and a volume of the cylinder. A volumetric efficiency of the engine is calculated by dividing a preceding calculated value of the cylinder intake air amount by the theoretical cylinder intake air amount. The cylinder intake air amount is calculated using the volumetric efficiency, the intake air flow rate, and the preceding calculated value of the cylinder intake air amount.

Abstract: A system to monitor a status from a secondary location of a plurality of equipment on a drilling site, while simultaneously enabling preventive maintenance is described herein. A user can view at least one cycle, at least one control state, and at least one pressure. The user can also view equipment information, equipment repair history, and other information necessary to ensure that a piece of equipment has minimal down time.

Abstract: (EN) The invention relates to a method for estimating the characteristic parameters of a cryogenic tank (1), in particular geometric parameters, including: a step comprising the measurement of the pressure differential between the upper and lower parts of the tank prior to filling DPmes—before; a step comprising the measurement of the pressure differential between the upper and lower parts of the tank after filling DPmes—after; a step comprising the determination of the mass of liquid delivered (mdelivered) during filling; and a step comprising the calculation of a first geometric parameter (R) of the tank, namely the radius (R) which is calculated from equation (I), wherein g is the Earth's gravitational acceleration and MAVO is a density coefficient that is a function of the density of the liquid and the gas in the tank and optionally in the pressure measuring pipes (11) when the pressure differential is measured by at least one remote pressure sensor connected to the upper and lower parts of the tank via r

Abstract: A system for monitoring the status of a plurality of tensioner assemblies and rig motion assemblies from a secondary location. The system not only monitors a status of a tensioner from a secondary location but simultaneously enables preventive maintenance to be ascertained remotely.

Abstract: A method to monitor a status from a secondary location of a plurality of equipment on a drilling site, while simultaneously enabling preventive maintenance is described herein. A user can view at least one cycle, at least one control state, and at least one pressure. The user can also view equipment information, equipment repair history, and other information necessary to ensure that a piece of equipment has minimal down time.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided including a fluid conduit configured to provide product to a ground engaging tool. The ground engaging tool is configured to deposit the product into soil. The agricultural implement system also includes an air source fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and configured to provide an air flow through the fluid conduit in a downstream direction toward the ground engaging tool. The agricultural implement system further includes a product delivery system fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and configured to transfer the product into the air flow. In addition, the agricultural implement system includes a product flow measurement system configured to determine a mass flow rate of the product based on a pressure drop between an upstream portion of the fluid conduit and a downstream portion of the fluid conduit, a flow rate of the air flow, and a velocity of the air flow.

Abstract: Motion is induced in a conduit such that the conduit vibrates in a major mode of vibration having a major amplitude and a minor mode of vibration having a minor amplitude. The major amplitude is larger than the minor amplitude, the major mode of vibration has a first frequency of vibration and the minor mode of vibration has a second frequency of vibration, and the minor mode of vibration interferes with the major mode of vibration to cause a beat signal having a frequency related to the first frequency of vibration and the second frequency of vibration. The frequency of the beat signal is determined, and the second frequency of vibration is determined based on the determined frequency of the beat signal.

Abstract: This invention provides a diagnostic mechanism of a differential pressure type mass flow controller comprising a diagnostic parameter calculating section that obtains a mass flow rate integrated value by means of an integrating calculation from the lowering pressure value of an inlet side sensor among the inlet side sensor and an outlet side sensor arranged in communication respectively at the inlet side and the outlet side of a differential pressure generating resistive element that generates a differential pressure between the inlet and the outlet by changing a flow rate control valve arranged on the channel where a fluid flows from a flow rate control state to a closed state, and further obtains a diagnostic volume value from the obtained mass flow rate integrated value, and a comparing section that compares the diagnostic volume value obtained at the diagnostic parameter calculating section with a specified volume value.

Abstract: A multi-planar velocimetry approach to characterize 3D incompressible flows based on 2D perpendicular (or otherwise complementary) velocity fields is described. Two-dimensional velocity fields acquired on the planes are reconstructed into a 3D velocity field through interpolation and the imposition of a fluid incompressibility constraint.

Abstract: Methods of and devices for testing medical pumps via tracking induced single or multiple bubble trajectories within a fluid flow conduit (60) and methods of synchronized (600) corrections (604) of flow data estimates.

Abstract: A method for detecting blockage of a measuring tube of a Coriolis flow measuring device, which has at least two measuring tubes. For this, the at least two measuring tubes are excited by at least one exciter to execute mechanical oscillations, mechanical oscillations of the measuring tubes are registered by at least one sensor and at least one measurement signal representing the mechanical oscillations is produced. At least one produced measurement signal is analyzed for the occurrence of a deviation of a resonance frequency of one measuring tube relative to a resonance frequency of the at least one other measuring tube. In case such a deviation occurs, blockage of a measuring tube is established.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the viscosity of thin films which exhibit a viscous behavior at a measurement temperature, notably for polymer resins above their glass transition temperature. A thin layer of material is formed on a substrate, a known geometrical pattern is impressed in the thin layer by molding or etching, the thin layer being in the solid state at the end of the impression step. The initial topography of the impressed pattern is measured over the entire length of the pattern along a determined direction, the film is baked at the measurement temperature Tm for a determined creep time tflu, and the resulting topography of the crept pattern is measured. Mathematical processing of the topography measurements is carried out in order to deduce a value of viscosity at the measurement temperature therefrom. The impressed pattern at the start is aperiodic.