Abstract: A sensor arrangement (1) for a tachometric sensor of an automatic transmission (4) of a motor vehicle, which encompasses a module carrier (2) in which a part of a sensor housing (3) is integrated. The sensor housing (3) is secured in the module carrier (2) or in the transmission housing (4) by way of a guide in the plane and is so affixed as to prevent turning and an apparatus (5) for the generation of a prestress force by way of which the sensor housing (3) is pressed in the direction of the signal disk by way of a projection (8, 8?) acting against the sensor housing (3).

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for evaluating subsurface earth oil and gas formations. More particularly, methods and systems are provided for determining reservoir properties such as reservoir transmissibilities and average reservoir pressures of a formation layer or multiple layers using fracture-injection/falloff test methods. The methods herein may use pressure falloff data generated by the introduction of an injection fluid at a pressure above the formation fracture pressure in conjunction with a fracture-injection/falloff test model to analyze reservoir properties. The fracture-injection/falloff test model recognizes that a new induced fracture creates additional storage volume in the formation and that a fracture-injection/falloff test in a layer may exhibit variable storage during the pressure falloff, and a change in storage may be observed at hydraulic fracture closure.

Abstract: A system for determining airspeed of an air vehicle is described which includes and airflow sensor and a processor. The airflow sensor is located within an airflow path extending substantially through the air vehicle, and the processor is configured to receive a signal relating to an airflow rate from the airflow sensor and output an airspeed based on the received signal.

Abstract: A liquid hydrogen tank assembly that employs a level sensor inductively coupled through the tank walls so as to minimize one conductive heat path through the tank walls. The tank assembly includes an inner tank and an outer tank having a vacuum layer therebetween to maintain the liquid hydrogen within the inner tank under cryogenic temperatures. A capacitive level sensor is positioned within the inner tank and provides an electrical indication of the level of the liquid hydrogen within the inner tank. The level sensor is electrically coupled to an inner coil within the inner tank. An outer coil is provided proximate the outer tank wall and is electrically coupled to a signal processing and conditioning circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a torque detecting apparatus that includes a drive plate that is elastically deformable in response to an applied torque, strain gauges, and a torque detecting circuit, and the torque detecting apparatus can accurately detect torque transmitted from an engine output element of a vehicle having an automatic transmission to a torque converter input element.

Abstract: An impact protection system for a portable device, comprising a housing 20 with a plurality of impact absorbing arms 22 attached to housing 20 and having a retracted position and an extended position; an extension spring 26 connected to each arm provides forceful extension of the arms from their retracted position to their extended position; a free-fall detection sensor 30 defined within housing 20 for detecting dangerous free-fall conditions of the portable device and providing a signal to an activation controller 32 which is responsive to the free-fall detection sensor 30 and connected to the impact absorbing arms 22, whereby the arms are extended from their retracted position to their extended position upon detection of dangerous free-fall conditions to provide impact protection for the portable device.

Abstract: A device for diverting liquid from a pipeline is described having a first conduit; a second conduit connected to the first conduit at at least a first location and a second location; with the second conduit having a first section to collect diverted liquid and a second elongated section adapted to contain at least parts of the diverted liquid with a hydrostatic head or level reactive to a pressure drop between the first and second location thus controlling flow of liquid from the first conduit through the second conduit by balancing the pressure drop with the hydrostatic head or level.

Abstract: An improved fluid flow sensor for measuring changes in temperatures of fluids flowing through apertures of a multiple-layered gasket is embedded between layers of the gasket. A thermal resistor type of sensor based upon hotwire anemometer technology in a preferred embodiment is responsive to changes in fluid temperature and flow velocity. A primary resistance with external current leads and separate auxiliary leads for voltage sensing are employed, wherein changes in resistance are virtually linearly proportional to changes in temperature. A four-point probe measurement method provides a most accurate reading of the temperature data to the extent that resistance associated with lead and contact resistances are minimized. The thermal resistor sensor is constructed of relatively thin layers of dielectric and electrically conducting materials having a low thermal mass, wherein the dielectric layers serve as support and electrical insulation to protect the sensor from environmental deterioration.

Abstract: A position sensor to determine the absolute position of an object features a rotary position sensor with a toothed gear, which is resiliently and elastically tensioned against a toothing on the moving object.

Abstract: The invention si a multiphase flow metering method. The method includes a) determining at least two pressure values P1 and P2 for the different points A and B, and the value of the internal pressure Po of a device; and b) determining, from the values determined in step a) from the knowledge of the density of the gas phase and of the liquid phase and/or of the average value of the density of the multiphase medium in a slotted tube, from a relation connecting at least the following parameters: the level of the interface between the liquid phase and the gas phase and/or the volume ratio of the gas phase to the liquid phase (GLR) from pressure values P1, P2, Po, the total flow rate value Qt of the flowing multiphase medium and/or the flow rate qg, q1 of each of the phases.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and improved method for determining the characteristics of a multi-phase fluid along a well hole having a predefined geometric profile are presented. Various state properties of the fluid, including the temperature, pressure and specific gravity are taken at the wellhead and used as starting values for calculating estimated state properties at various segments along the well hole. Once the state properties are calculated, an estimated mass flow and velocity rate for the fluid and its constituents can be calculated at specific points along the well hole by implementing computer-based programs and algorithms to extrapolate and/or iterate the known parameters and measurements in a progressively incremented manner from the locations of such given starting points at an initial segment up to other further points corresponding to a set of further sequential segments used in the geometric profile mathematical model.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for use in the area of equalizing and measuring the quality of steam exiting multiple branches in a two-phase distribution system. The system utilizes fluid level elevational differences to provide a self-correcting mechanism so that the system may be utilized regardless of incoming fluid quality or pressure. The system does not require an inlet seperator. A system having a T-junction with upper and lower manifolds is described. Also described is a system having a differential liquid bypass and vapor branch with flow restrictions. The flow restrictions may be an orifice plate, a venturi, or a control valve.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for multiphase metering of multiphase flow. the method begins with reducing gas volume to about 20% or less, then pumping the flow stream through two meters, a cut meter and a mass flow meter, arranged in series. Computations may be made on the flow stream to determine net oil rate, water cut, and gas fraction in the flow stream.

Abstract: A method for measuring the volume of flowing liquids under avoidance of measuring errors owing to undesired high gaseous content, wherein the gaseous content of the liquid flowing through a conduit is measured, the deviation of the detected gaseous content from an allowable value is determined, the volume flow of the liquid is influenced in a plurality of steps or continuously in response to the determined deviation, and the volume of the flowing liquid is measured.

Abstract: The container serves for mixing and measuring multi-phase fluids which are conducted in via a supply tube. The liquid and gaseous components are separated in the container and collected into a liquid volume as well as a gas volume. A liquid surface forms at the separating layer between the gas volume and the liquid volume, the actual height of which is measured by a sensor. The fluids located in the container are drawn back off out of the container in the direction of flow in a flowing manner via a removal apparatus which comprises at least one removal apparatus as well as a drainage means adjoining it and are thereupon mixed. The drainage means is arranged vertical to the liquid surface and has openings which lie partly below and partly above the liquid surface during normal operation of the container. The drainage means has a Venturi nozzle in the region of the inlet opening in order to measure the flow rate of the gaseous component which flows through the inlet opening into the drainage means.

Abstract: A mass flow controller and purifier has a canister arranged at right angles to a flow path through the mass flow controller. The canister holds a contaminant scavenging material which a gas stream contacts as it flows to remove a contaminant such as water. A purified process gas stream is fed through a bypass of a mass flow meter. A portion of the gas is supplied to a mass flow sensor which generates a signal indicative of a rate of mass flow. The mass flow signal is amplified and the amplified mass flow signal is linearized in a linearizer. The linearized mass flow signal is fed to a comparator which compares the linearized mass flow signal with an error signal and provides an output signal indicative of a mass rate of flow through the mass flow meter. A valve is connected to the mass flow meter and is controlled by the mass flow meter signal to meter the gas.

Abstract: A fluid measuring device for measuring fluid present in liquid and vapor phase having a phase separator 12, a device for measuring the flow of the liquid and optionally the vapor and a device for recombining the liquid and vapor phases after the flow rates are measured.

Abstract: A means of accurately measuring farm chemical during its application, through the use of load cell and a means of mounting this load cell to a sprayer apparatus is disclosed. The measurement of the chemical is accomplished by the use of a load cell which is mounted in a position below a keg of liquid farm chemical. The load cell measures the weight of the chemical keg and the liquid chemical contained therein. By knowing the specific gravity of the chemical being used and the weight of the keg itself, the operator can accurately compute the volume of chemical which has passed through the sprayer system and the rate of that passage. This gives the operator an accurate measure of the amount of the liquid chemical applied to each acre of crop land.

Abstract: Multiphase fluid flowstreams of gas, oil and water are measured by flowmeters which include an embodiment using a turbine flowmeter and a densitometer with total accuracy in the range of .+-.15%, and an embodiment using a gas-liquid separator and a Coriolis flowmeter for flowstreams of a relatively high gas-to-liquid ratio with accuracies of .+-.5% when the gas carry-over in the liquid flowstream is less than about 5%. A second alternate embodiment includes a water fraction meter, a turbine flowmeter and a densitometer for measuring flows with relatively low gas-to-liquid ratios but accurate measure of the water fraction. A meter capable of handling relatively high gas-to-liquid ratio but with residual gas in the liquid flowstream of less than 5% includes a separator, a Coriolis meter for measuring the liquid density and mass flow rate in the liquid flowstream and a densitometer and turbine flowmeter for measuring the fluid in the gas flowstream leaving the separator.

Abstract: A self-regulating apparatus and method for measuring the components of a multiphase petroleum stream includes initially stratifying an incoming petroleum stream into substantially liquid and gas streams. The initial fluid stratification allows a flow-splitting separation to occur as the streams first enter a vertical separation tube. By positioning the inflow line eccentric to the vertical separation tube, a liquid vortex is created by the incoming liquid component to further enhance the liquid/gas separation. The liquid component is then drawn off by a liquid flow line also eccentrically positioned on the vertical separator, thereby minimizing the energy dissipation of the liquid vortex. Both the gas and liquid components can then be individually measured before being recombined at a common outflow port for discharge.

Abstract: A system 100 for measuring the relative flow rates of various components in a multiphase mixture. The system includes an inlet 114 connected to a larger horizontal flow line section 118. Gas flows to a gas flow line 122 from the inlet and/or the horizontal section. Gas flow is measured in a gas flow meter 105 and liquid flow rate is measured in a flow meter 108. Optionally, two phase liquid flow is monitored with a cut meter 110.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method for measuring crude oil contained in a gas flowing in a gas line which incorporates the steps of obtaining a sample of gas from the gas line, passing the sample of gas through a selective crude oil trap, measuring the volume of the sample of gas, and measuring the volume of trapped crude oil. The selective crude oil trap includes a cooled coil and at least one cylinder filled with a fluid which is non-soluble with oil and which is preferably refrigerated. The selective crude oil trap may alternatively include a filter device which has a cylinder filled with a polymerized porous medium bound with a phenolic resin. The apparatus for carrying out the method has inlet and outlet connectors which allow the apparatus to be releasably connected to a gas flow line to obtain a sample of gas and to be disconnected and physically transported to a remote facility for completion of the testing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining flow rates of well fluid constituents on a much smaller scale than with prior art equipment. Rather than testing the total fluid stream, a sample stream portion is diverted from the total fluid stream and tested. The sample fluid stream portion is separated into its various constituents, and the mass flow rate of each constituent is determined. The total mass flow rate of the total fluid stream is measured and compared with the total mass flow rate of fluid flowing through the sample stream portion, so the total flow rate of each constituent may be calculated.

Abstract: Multi-phase flow measurement in a conduit is accomplished by generating a spin in the flowing fluids and/or entrained solids, by which the centrifugal force separates the flowing components by density. The isolated flow in the central part of the conduit is measured. The denser isolated fractions flowing against the conduit wall can be measured. An overall composite parameter can be measured. These measurements can then be mathematically solved for their individual flowing components. The flowing components re-mix downstream of the apparatus.

Abstract: The flow rate monitor includes a test line containing a chamber wherein the test line is declinated at a predetermined angle so stratification of liquid and gas will occur in the chamber. A sample stream is removed from the liquid in the chamber and provided to a separator which separates the gas from the sample stream to provide a gas output and a liquid output. The gas output and the liquid output is returned to the test line. The water cut of the liquid output is determined while the pressure of the composite petroleum stream is sensed along with the temperature. The volumetric flow rate of the composite petroleum stream is monitored and the flow rate signal is provided. The density of the composite petroleum stream is also monitored. The flow rate of all three coponents of the composite petroleum stream is determined in accordance with the temperature signal, the pressure signal, the water cut signal, the flow rate signal and the density signal.

Abstract: A meter for determining flow rates and total volume of fluids normally mixed with a gas and delivered with a pulsating rather than a uniform flow rate, such as milk being delivered from a milking machine. The unit includes a housing having an upper, baffled, receiving chamber which initially reduces flow velocity and a second, lower chamber, having baffles or weirs for turbulence reduction prior to passage of the fluid through a particularly designed, double tapered orifice, to a measuring chamber. Within the second chamber, air and foam is separated from the milk prior to flow measurment. A plurality of electrically operated, vertically arranged probes are provided within the measuring chamber and these probes are rapidly monitored to determine the level of milk as passed through the orifice. The pulsating but relatively laminar flow causes the liquid level to oscillate between probes and the processing of the rapidly scanned probes provides data to determine the true flow rate.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining a rapid determination of the volumetric flow rate of a multi-phase fluid stream comprised of crude oil, water and gas. The gaseous component of the stream is first segregated to allow a measurement of the volumetric relationship between the respective liquid phases. Thereafter, the density of the remaining liquids is made. Translation of the values obtained by such measurements permits the system to function at a remote source of the multi-phase fluid.

Abstract: A flow meter for measuring liquid and gaseous flow rates in a mixed fluid ow has one or more helical fins (17) positioned between a cylindrical sleeve (10) and a core member (11). Centrifugal effects resulting from fluid flow though channels (29) defined between fins (17) sleeve (10) and core (11) separate liquid and gaseous phases, and the gaseous phase passes through bores (28) in the core member (11) to a central cavity (19) substantially closed at an upstream end (12). Liquid flow rate is measured in a channel (16) between the sleeve (10) and core member (11) after removal therefrom of gas, and gaseous flow is measured at an open downstream end (14) of the cavity (19). Flow rates may be measured using, for example, venturis (16,32,33,27,30,31). After measurement of the flow rates the liquid and gaseous phases are allowed to remix.

Abstract: A device for metering a liquid and a vapor flowing through a conduit generates a spin to the two-phase flow, by which the centrifugal force separates the liquid phase from the vapor phase. Next, the liquid-vapor rate and the isolated annular vapor rate are measured. These measurements can then be mathematically solved for the individual flowing components. The vapor and liquid re-mix downstream of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the continuous and reliable measurement of the yield of oil wells. The fluid from the well, consisting of mixture of oil and gas, is directed into a two-phase separator having separate outlets for gas and liquid. Within the separator, or in direct communication therewith, is a combined liquid level and pressure regulator, which comprises a float supported by the liquid, and upper and lower pressure-compensated slide valves directly mechanically connected to the float and movable vertically therewith, simultaneously progressively closing one outlet while progressively opening the other. Downstream of the pressure-compensated slide valves there are separate yield-measuring devices for the oil and gas output, and further downstream is a mixture, where the components are recombined and thoroughly mixed. A water content meter can also be provided in the flow path for the separated liquid.

Abstract: The metering assembly for a tank truck/trailer comprises a number of elements including an air eliminator vessel, legs and brackets for mounting the air eliminator vessel in a compartment of the tank truck/trailer, a pump mounted in the compartment and a fluid connection between the pump and the air eliminator vessel. A hose is also provided connected to the pump and is adapted to be inserted into an outside receptacle containing liquid for supplying or withdrawing liquid to or from the receptacle. A flow meter is fluidly coupled to the air eliminator vessel and a mounting bracket is provided for mechanically mounting the flow meter to the eliminator vessel. The flow meter has an outlet coupled to the tank of the tank truck. A strainer is provided for straining liquid pumped to or from the receptacle prior to the delivery of the liquid to or from the tank of the tank truck/trailer.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting malfunctioning of a steam trap is disclosed employing malfunction detecting means, signal generating means and signal indicating means.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring a flow rate of a gas such as a blow by gas in a reciprocating internal combustion engine in which condensable components and mists are contained are disclosed. The method for measuring the flow rate of the gas is characterized in that only after the condensable components and the mists contained in the gas to be measured have been removed from the gas the flow rate of the gas is measured. The apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a condensable components/mists removing portion, a gas flow rate measuring portion and a piping means to connect the above two portions, whereby the condensable components/mists removing portion is constituted by a column-like vessel into which the gas is introduced at its lower portion, and the gas has the mists removed by impinging upon the gas deflecting means provided within the vessel, the gas having the condensable components removed by cooling the gas to a temperature close to the atmospheric temperature.

Abstract: An instrument to measure leakage of steam which determines the operation status of a steam trap, e.g., if the steam is leaking or not, and measures the leakage rate of the steam and is devised to prevent rippling on the water surface at the primary side of a bulkhead in the instrument installed between the steam supply side and the steam trap so as to measure the quantity of steam leakage from the water level at the primary side of the bulkhead and the gas quantity passing through a passage formed in the bulkhead.

Abstract: A 3-phase flow meter comprises a pipeline containing pressure and temperature meters and a meter for measuring the density of the combined flow. A proportion of the flow is diverted through a separator which separates out the gas component from the liquid components. A density meter is provided to measure the density of the combined liquid components. The outputs of the various meters are fed to a processing circuit which outputs the volumes and masses of the three phases.

Abstract: A gas-liquid mixture consisting in particular of a petroleum product supplied to a feed pipe in a dynamic flow regime is subjected to a vortical gravity-separation process so as to form two separate streams of gas and liquid for separate measurements of their flow rates, the streams being then combined for final dynamic discharge through a common pipe.

Abstract: Fail-safe bypass monitoring system for measuring volumetric flow rates in a pipe which normally carries a relatively low pressure, low volume gas flow. The system comprises a water trap valve positioned to seal off relatively low pressure gas flow through the pipe and divert the gas flow through a flowmeter. The flowmeter receives gas flow from the pipe adjacent a first end of the water trap valve and returns gas flow to the pipe adjacent a second end of the water trap valve. The water trap valve always passes relatively high pressure gas directly through the pipe.

Abstract: A two-phase fluid is rotated around a longitudinal axis so as to generate a coaxial flow having a tubular layer (15) formed by the gaseous phase surrounded by a tubular layer (16) formed by the liquid phase. The thicknesses of the tubular layers of the liquid phase and gaseous phase, and the flow velocity of at least the liquid phase (VL) is measured. The flow of each phase can then be determined from empirical data.

Abstract: A steam trap monitor positioned downstream of a steam trap in a closed steam system includes a first sensor (the combination of a hot finger and thermocouple well) for measuring the energy of condensate and a second sensor (a cold finger) for measuring the total energy of condensate and steam in the line. The hot finger includes one or more thermocouples for detecting condensate level and energy, while the cold finger contains a liquid with a lower boiling temperature than that of water. Vapor pressure from the liquid is used to do work such as displacing a piston or bellows in providing an indication of total energy (steam+condensate) of the system. Processing means coupled to and responsive to outputs from the thermocouple well hot and cold fingers subtracts the condensate energy as measured by the hot finger and thermocouple well from the total energy as measured by the cold finger to provide an indication of the presence of steam downstream from the trap indicating that the steam trap is malfunctioning.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method monitors the gas flow rate, the liquid flow rate, and the water cut of liquid in a multi-phase petroleum stream which includes stratifying the petroleum stream by having it flow down a decline at a predetermined angle to the horizontal. The stratified stream flows into a gas trap from which the liquid exits by a liquid exit pipe which is connected to another section of the pipeline. A gas accumulator is connected to the stratifying pipe and to the gas trap and collects the gas from them. A gas exit pipe is connected to the accumulator and to the other section of the pipeline and allows the gas to flow from the accumulator to the pipeline. A gas flow rate meter is connected to the gas exit pipe and provides a signal corresponding to the gas flow rate. A liquid flow rate meter is connected to the liquid exit pipe and provides a liquid flow rate signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous measurement of the proportion of relatively non-condensable gases in a flow of mixed gases, such as geothermal steam. The apparatus is an open system which detects the proportion of relatively non-condensable gases in a sample flow continuously. The sample flow is condensed and supplied in a tube which conditions the sample flow to consist of a series of segments of condensate and segments of uncondensed gases. The sensor senses the relative volume of the condensate and the uncondensed gases. The data processing means receives the output of the sensor and calculates the proportion of non-condensable gases in the flow of mixed gases. In the preferred embodiment, the sensor optically detects the ratio of the volume of the condensate to the volume of uncondensed gases.

Abstract: A method and/or apparatus for determining the mass flow rate and the quality of steam in a flowing line. It involves directing the total flow to a liquid-vapor separator. The separated vapor and liquid have the flow of each metered and the flow of one regulated so as to hold the level of the separated liquid constant. Then, by measuring pressure and temperature of the separated flows upstream from the regulation, the mass flow rate and the quality of the steam may be determined.

Abstract: A flowmeter system for receiving liquids from stationary reservoirs onto tanker vehicles, in particular milk, with a self-priming displacement pump followed by a deaerator with a venting valve mounted above a float and acted on by it, in turn followed by a flowmeter and lastly a check valve, is capable of high flow rates with nevertheless precise quantification with a simple design of the aerator.The invention provides that the inside diameter of the venting valve aperture and the outside of deaerator float obey the following relationd.sup.2 /D.sup.2 =p/cwhered=inside diameter of the venting valve apertureD=outside float diameterp=pressure in bars generated by the displacement pump for pure air conveyancec=78.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating liquid and solid contaminants from flowing gas and for separating certain liquids from other liquids. The centrifugal separator finds novel application as a flow stabilization system wherein the separator vessel is coupled into a natural gas flowline upstream of flow measurement equipment to minimize fluctuations of flowing natural gas, which may contain solid and liquid contaminants. The separator vessel defines an internal fluidic column within which is developed rapid cyclonic gas flow activity for separation of any liquid and solid contaminants from the gas. The vessel also defines a sump for accumulating and/or draining contaminants separated from the flowing natural gas in the fluidic column. An outlet extends into the vessel positioning an outlet opening to receive only gas from the cyclonic circulation of natural gas.

Abstract: The tubular flowmeter is capable of measuring two different physical parameters in a flowing mixture of liquid and gas (such as wet steam). These measurements are such that they can be used to determine the individual gas and liquid flowrates. The flowmeter comprises first means, such as an orifice plate or a twisted tape, for causing an accelerational or frictional pressure drop in the total flow. Suitable means measure such pressure drop. Downstream of the first means, is positioned means for inducing rotational motion of the total flow, to cause the mixture to separate while remaining within the same conduit into discrete liquid and gas flows. Such means may comprise a rib extending helically along the inner surface of the flowmeter. Means, such as a pitot-static tube assembly, measure a pressure head indicative of the velocity of the gas flow. Downstream from this velocity measurement device, the two phases are permitted to mix freely again, all the time remaining within the same conduit.

Abstract: A method of determining the net volume of water and oil in a flow stream, including the steps of collecting the fluid in a vessel providing a quiescent zone, venting pressure from the vessel to permit at least a portion of dissolved gas to flush from the fluid, repressuring the fluid within the vessel to a superatmospheric pressure to force any remaining entrained gas bubbles back into solution, passing the fluid from the vessel while subjected to a superatmospheric pressure through a sonic apparatus having a sonic path disposed at an angle to the flow stream to measure the upstream and downstream speed of sound transmission of the fluid, calculating from the difference in the upstream and downstream speeds of sound transmission the volume of fluid flow and from the summation of the speeds of sound transmission the fluid composition, and from these calculations the net volume of oil and water flow.

Abstract: The separator accepts both the casing annulus and tubing production streams issuing from an in situ combustion project production well. Most of the gas in the flow is first separated from the liquid and solids, by centrifugal action. This gas is removed from the separator. The remaining mixture is accumulated until a pre-determined weight is in hand, at which point the accumulated batch is dumped. The time taken to accumulate the batch is noted. Computational elements then determine the mass flow rate of the dumped mixture.The separator comprises an upright cylindrical vessel having tangential inlet means at its upper end and a dump outlet at its base. The gas-liquid-solids production mixture enters the vessel chamber through the inlet means and is spun, to form a central gas vortex and an outer, downwardly descending liquid-solids mixture. The separated gas leaves the chamber through an outlet line at the upper end of the vessel.

Abstract: A system which enables the measuring, testing and accounting for a fluid, preferably oil, as stored in a tank battery adjacent a producing oil well system. In its most basic form, the system includes a master control unit associated with a level transducer for each tank, basic sediment and water monitors for various conduits within the system, temperature sensors for each tank and the various conduits, and a data collection box for transferring data stored in the master control unit after a predetermined amount of time has transpired. Several options are available with this system and these include telemetry options for remote reporting of the various parameters of the system and various alarm and theft prevention devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring flow and/or volume of a liquid preferably milk in which the milk is passed from a passageway (3,56) through a gap (5,46) which is long vertically but narrow in width so that a pool is formed in the passageway, the height of milk in the pool being a measure of the rate of flow of the milk. The levels maintained over predetermined intervals of time are integrated to give volume measurements. Measurements of levels are made by providing a resistor (8,32) in the passageway (3,56) so that the impedance is changed according to the liquid level and measuring such impedance.

Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.