Plural Liquid Constituent (e.g., Multiphase Liquid) Patents (Class 73/61.44)
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Patent number: 7954362Abstract: An apparatus and method to determine fractions of various phases in a multiphase fluid. The apparatus includes main body including an interior configured receive a multiphase fluid and an exterior. The apparatus senses fluid pressure of multiphase fluid received in the interior and senses a fluid temperature of the multiphase fluid. The apparatus transmits an ultrasonic wave into the fluid and detects the transmitted wave to determine its velocity and attenuation. The apparatus may adjust the determined velocity and attenuation based on the temperature and pressure of the fluid to compensate for a difference between the sensed temperature and pressure and a standard temperature and pressure. The apparatus determines a gas fraction, water fraction, and a non-water fluid fraction of the multiphase fluid based on the sensed fluid pressure, the sensed fluid temperature, and the velocity and attenuation of the ultrasonic wave in the multiphase fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Multiphase Flow International LLCInventors: Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Peter Antich, Ali Dogru, Edmond Richer, Billy Smith
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Patent number: 7934416Abstract: A method of determining whether a liquid amount and/or quality of a liquid reagent held in a reagent holding portion are/is normal or not in a microchip that includes the steps of measuring each liquid reagent held in the reagent holding portion with a first measuring portion, mixing, at least, two or more types of measured liquid reagents in a first mixing portion, and evaluating the liquid amount and/or quality of obtained liquid mixture and determining, based on the evaluation, whether or not the liquid amount and/or quality of the liquid reagents are/is normal, as well as a liquid-reagent-containing microchip are provided. A method of easily determining whether a liquid amount and/or quality of liquid reagents in a microchip are/is normal or not and a microchip in which the method can be performed are provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shun Momose
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Patent number: 7921695Abstract: For measuring the filling level of a measuring medium, including detecting multiple medium layers and interfaces between them, a multi-sensor probe can be dipped into the measuring medium and longitudinally segmented into a plurality of segments, each segment comprising a sensor for measuring a predetermined physical parameter of the surrounding medium. To provide an accurate, reliable and robust measurement of multiple medium layers a measurement model is defined for modeling signals of the sensors as a function of positions of a number of interfaces between the medium layers and the physical parameters of the medium layers. Prior distributions of the number of the interfaces, the positions of the interfaces and the physical parameters of the medium layers are defined. Based on the measurement model and the prior distributions a joint posterior distribution of the number of the interfaces and the positions of the interfaces is determined.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Siemens Milltronics Process Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Jean-René Larocque
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Patent number: 7921739Abstract: A method for in situ sampling and monitoring of a fluid flowing in a flow path, whereby the fluid is to be directed to a chamber a first valve may provide a connection between an inlet to the chamber and the flow path and a second valve may provide a connection between an outlet from the chamber and the flow path, comprising the following steps: a) opening the first valve and the second valve to let the incoming fluid flow through the inlet to the chamber and from the chamber through the outlet into the continuation of the fluid path, thereby allowing fluid to circulate through the chamber for a certain time, b) trapping the fluid in the chamber by closing the second valve and thereafter closing the first valve, c) opening a valve 9 for reducing pressure, to obtain a pressure in the chamber suitable for monitoring the fluid, d) opening an access valve 11 and leading the fluid trapped in the chamber into a monitor system wherein the fluid is analyzed, and thereby providing the data representing the fluid charaType: GrantFiled: May 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Inventors: Sølve J. Fjerdingstad, John F. Reintjes, John E. Tucker, Lawrence L. Tankersley
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Patent number: 7836755Abstract: In a solidification sensor for measuring a solidification state of a liquid with a high degree of accuracy in real time, and for making the sensor small-sized with a reduced power consumption, the solidification sensor comprises a liquid absorbing portion formed of a liquid absorbable material, a substrate coupled to the liquid absorbing portion and a strain sensor for measuring strain exerted to the substrate due to a volumetric change upon solidification of a liquid absorbed in the liquid absorbing portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiromi Shimazu, Hiroyuki Ohta, Yohei Tanno, Mari Uchida, Naoto Saito
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Patent number: 7775085Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the water, oil, and gas fractions in hydrocarbons from high water cut hydrocarbon wells. A hydrocarbon flow stream discharging from a well is subjected to hydro-separation to produce an oil-enriched fractional stream upon which water content measurements can be more accurately and reproducibly made. Calculations based on the water content of the oil-enriched fractional stream and the flow rate of at least one of the streams through the separator are conducted to determine the water content of the original stream. This provides a simple approach to measuring the water content in high water cut hydrocarbons that is real-time, accurate, and reproducible.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Phase Dynamics, Inc.Inventor: Bentley N. Scott
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Patent number: 7668688Abstract: Systems, program product, and methods to estimate and manage flowing fluid characteristics of a fluid stream flowing through a pipeline in real-time, are provided. A system can include a vertically oriented extent of a pipeline for transporting crude oil, a pair of spaced vertically apart sensors or sensor assemblies connected to a bypass line interfaced with or positioned across the vertically oriented extent of the pipeline to obtain pressure and temperature readings of the crude oil flowing through the pipeline, a controller in communication with the pair of sensors or sensor assemblies, and crude oil analysis and management program product stored in the memory of the controller and adapted to determine or estimate density, specific gravity, and API gravity of the crude oil to thereby manage flowing fluid characteristics of the crude oil.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2008Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventor: Mohammed Najim Al-Khamis
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Patent number: 7620479Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the compounding of pharmaceutical parenteral admixtures is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a computer that contains a memory for storing instructions for operating the apparatus and for controlling compounders that prepare a prescription admixture, with the memory including data relating to a plurality of the pharmaceutical components that may be transferred to prepare the prescription admixture, and data concerning the operating characteristics of the compounders that the apparatus is adapted to control. The apparatus determines the order of admixing by general rules of admixing and by categorized compatibility groups of components, so that the number of rinses that must be done are minimized.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Joseph J. Kircher, Ronald W. Czarny, Robert E. Lewis, Diane M. Nitzki-George, Joe A. Miller
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Patent number: 7596987Abstract: A flow measuring system combines a density measuring device and a device for measuring the speed of sound (SOS) propagating through the fluid flow and/or for determining the gas volume fraction (GVF) of the flow. The GVF meter measures acoustic pressures propagating through the fluids to measure the speed of sound ?mix propagating through the fluid to calculate at least gas volume fraction of the fluid and/or SOS. In response to the measured density and gas volume fraction, a processing unit determines the density of non-gaseous component of an aerated fluid flow. For three phase fluid flows, the processing unit can determine the phase fraction of the non-gaseous components of the fluid flow. The gas volume fraction (GVF) meter may include a sensing device having a plurality of strain-based or pressure sensors spaced axially along the pipe for measuring the acoustic pressures propagating through the flow.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Patrick Curry, Douglas H. Loose, Thomas E. Banach
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Publication number: 20090107218Abstract: A mobile test separator has a separator unit mounted on a wheeled trailer movable between test sites. The separator unit separates well production stream into a liquid production stream and a gas production stream. The separator unit effectively measures the amount of oil and gas in the production stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventor: Terry Lee Latham
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Patent number: 7523647Abstract: Methods for determining and validating a first phase fraction of a gravitationally-separated multiphase fluid by conducting physical and electrical property measurements on samples of the fluid. The water content of crude petroleum oil is determined after the oil and water have begun to separate into phase layers such as occurs during un-agitated holding of the crude petroleum oil. A series of measurements of electrical properties such as permittivity and physical properties such as density is collected. The density minima can be used to generate hindsight determinations of average properties, such as the dry oil phase density, which in turn can be used to increase the accuracy of the water percentage in the oil determined by the permittivity and density methods. Flow weighted averages of water percentages by each method can be used to determine and validate the water content of the crude petroleum oil.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Phase Dynamics, Inc.Inventor: Bentley N. Scott
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Publication number: 20090007642Abstract: A dialysate testing method in one embodiment includes placing electrical contacts in a dialysate flow path, measuring an electrical property of the dialysate as it flows through the flow path and past the contacts, and determining whether the dialysate has been mixed properly from the detected electrical property. A dialysate testing method in another embodiment includes flowing dialysate past a pair of electrical contacts, calculating a conductivity of the dialysate using an algorithm that takes into account a geometry of the contacts, and using the calculated conductivity to determine if the dialysate has been removed properly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicants: BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC., BAXTER HEALTHCARE S.A.Inventors: Donald Busby, Rodolfo G. Roger, Michael E. Hogard, James S. Slepicka, Mark Perry, William Chan, Richard Kienman, Angel M. Lasso
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Patent number: 7474969Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for determining multiphase fluid streams flowing from individual wells of a cluster of crude oil, gas and/or other fluid production wells, wherein the fluid streams produced by the individual wells are commingled and routed via a fluid separation assembly into fluid outlet conduits for transportation of at least partly separated streams of crude oil, gas and/or other fluids.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2005Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Henk Nico Jan Poulisse
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Publication number: 20080307860Abstract: A detector (1) is used distinguishing a phase from a multiphase fluid mixture. The detector comprises: an optical probe (2) for optically distinguishing one of the phases from the multiphase fluid mixture, the optical probe having a tip (20) in contact with the multiphase fluid mixture, and a detector cell (3) arranged to be coupled to a multiphase fluid mixture flowing line (L) and to the optical probe (2). The detector cell (1) further comprises: an internal flowing line (4) arranged so that the phases of the multiphase fluid mixture flowing in the internal flowing line are driven-on by capillarity effect, and a bore (5) coupled to the internal flowing line for positioning the optical probe in the detector cell so that the multiphase fluid mixture flows substantially around the tip (20) of the optical probe.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2005Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Paul Guieze, Bruno Pinguet
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Publication number: 20080248560Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of tissue processing, particularly, to the treatment of fluids used in tissue processing. In one embodiment the present invention provides for treating a tissue processing fluid comprising first processing fluid comprising a first processing fluid and a second contaminating fluid, by: gradually varying the pressure of the fluid from an initial pressure level to a first pressure level such that the fluid remains below a vaporizing point of the second contaminating fluid and, heating the fluid to at least a vaporizing temperature of the second contaminating fluid. In another embodiment, the present invention removes the second contaminating fluid from the fluid by varying at least one of the pressure and temperature of the fluid so as to allow the second contaminating fluid to vaporize. Alternatively, an embodiment of the present invention interleaves the step of removing with one or more tissue processing protocol steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2005Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventor: Michael Houston Drummond
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Publication number: 20080156079Abstract: A method of determining whether a liquid amount and/or quality of a liquid reagent held in a reagent holding portion are/is normal or not in a microchip that includes the steps of measuring each liquid reagent held in the reagent holding portion with a first measuring portion, mixing, at least, two or more types of measured liquid reagents in a first mixing portion, and evaluating the liquid amount and/or quality of obtained liquid mixture and determining, based on the evaluation, whether or not the liquid amount and/or quality of the liquid reagents are/is normal, as well as a liquid-reagent-containing microchip are provided. A method of easily determining whether a liquid amount and/or quality of liquid reagents in a microchip are/is normal or not and a microchip in which the method can be performed are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shun Momose
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Patent number: 7380439Abstract: A flow measuring system is provided that provides at least one of a compensated mass flow rate measurement and a compensated density measurement. The flow measuring system includes a gas volume fraction meter in combination with a coriolis meter. The GVF meter measures acoustic pressures propagating through the fluids to measure the speed of sound ?mix propagating through the fluid to calculate at least gas volume fraction of the fluid and/or the reduced natural frequency. For determining an improved density for the coriolis meter, the calculated gas volume fraction and/or reduced frequency is provided to a processing unit. The improved density is determined using analytically derived or empirically derived density calibration models (or formulas derived therefore), which is a function of the measured natural frequency and at least one of the determined GVF, reduced frequency and speed of sound, or any combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: CiDRA CorporationInventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Patrick Curry, Douglas H. Loose, Thomas E. Banach
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Publication number: 20080121024Abstract: In a solidification sensor for measuring a solidification state of a liquid with a high degree of accuracy in real time, and for making the sensor small-sized with a reduced power consumption, the solidification sensor comprises a liquid absorbing portion formed of a liquid absorbable material, a substrate coupled to the liquid absorbing portion and a strain sensor for measuring strain exerted to the substrate due to a volumetric change upon solidification of a liquid absorbed in the liquid absorbing portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventors: Hiromi Shimazu, Hiroyuki Ohta, Yohei Tanno, Mari Uchida, Naoto Saito
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Publication number: 20080053203Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating a volume of composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component including centrifuging a separation bag containing a volume of composite liquid and a volume of gas so as to sediment at least a first component and a second component separation bag; displacing a volume of hydraulic fluid against the separation bag to cause a transfer of at least one fraction of the content of the separation bag into at least one component bag connected to the separation bag; determining the volume of hydraulic fluid displaced and determining the volume of the composite liquid or the transferred components from the determined volume of displaced hydraulic fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Applicant: GAMBRO BCT, INC.Inventors: Niclas HOGBERG, Brian M. HOLMES, Briden Ray STANTON, Lars Persson, Lars Strandberg, Peter Pihlstedt
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Patent number: 7334450Abstract: Methods of correcting on-line analyzer measurements of the content of a first component, e.g., water, in a multiple-component fluid, e.g., petroleum, are provided. The first component content measurements in a flowing multiple-component fluid may be taken using an on-line analyzer. Mixture density measurements that correspond to the first component content measurements may also be taken using a densitometer. Next, an offset value for each first component content measurement may be calculated based on the following equations: if the first component content measurement is ? a predetermined content set point, offset=slope correction factor×(the corresponding mixture density measurement?a calibration density); and ??(a) if the first component content measurement is > the predetermined content set point, offset=the offset value calculated at the predetermined content set point. ??(b) The first component content measurements may then be corrected based on the respective offset values.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Phase Dynamics, Inc.Inventor: Bentley N. Scott
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Patent number: 7328624Abstract: A probe 10,170 is provided that measures the speed of sound and/or vortical disturbances propagating in a single phase fluid flow and/or multiphase mixture to determine parameters, such as mixture quality, particle size, vapor/mass ratio, liquid/vapor ratio, mass flow rate, enthalpy and volumetric flow rate of the flow in a pipe or unconfined space, for example, using acoustic and/or dynamic pressures. The probe includes a spatial array of unsteady pressure sensors 15-18 placed at predetermined axial locations x1-xN disposed axially along a tube 14. For measuring at least one parameter of a saturated vapor/liquid mixture 12, such as steam, flowing in the tube 14. The pressure sensors 15-18 provide acoustic pressure signals P1(t)-PN(t) to a signal processing unit 30 which determines the speed of sound amix propagating through of the saturated vapor/liquid mixture 12 in the tube 14 using acoustic spatial array signal processing techniques.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: CIDRA CorporationInventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Douglas H. Loose, Thomas W. Engel, Paul F. Croteau
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Patent number: 7276916Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement of measuring conductive component content of a multiphase fluid flow and uses thereof. The claimed device comprises two coils arranged around the pipe containing the fluid to be measured, where the induced power loss in the mixture is determined, thereby determining the content of the conductive component. Alternatively, a number of coils are arranged on the outside surface of the fluid transporting pipe and the power loss or attenuation of magnetic field is determined.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Epsis ASInventor: Erling Hammer
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Patent number: 7152460Abstract: A flow measuring system is provided that provides at least one of a compensated mass flow rate measurement and a compensated density measurement. The flow measuring system includes a gas volume fraction meter in combination with a coriolis meter. The GVF meter measures acoustic pressures propagating through the fluids to measure the speed of sound ?mix propagating through the fluid to calculate at least gas volume fraction of the fluid and/or the reduced natural frequency. For determining an improved density for the coriolis meter, the calculated gas volume fraction and/or reduced frequency is provided to a processing unit. The improved density is determined using analytically derived or empirically derived density calibration models (or formulas derived therefore), which is a function of the measured natural frequency and at least one of the determined GVF, reduced frequency and speed of sound, or any combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Cidra CorporationInventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Patrick Curry, Douglas H. Loose, Thomas E. Banach
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Patent number: 7140238Abstract: Method for determining the composition of a homogeneous fluid, for example a petroleum effluent on flow, an emulsion consisting of water and oil, or a foam consisting of oil and gas. The attenuation and the phase shift of microwave beams that have traversed a fluid of unknown composition with paths of different lengths are measured (stage A). Two equations approaching the measured values are determined, the first equation giving a relation between the attenuation and the length of the path, the second equation giving a relation between the phase shift and the length of the path (stage C). Then the composition of the fluid is determined by comparing the two equations with pairs of equations stored in form of databases, each pair of equations corresponding to a fluid of known composition (stage D).Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Claude Beauducel, Yohan Bentolila, Abdelaziz Faraj, Michel Constant
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Patent number: 7135872Abstract: A method of determining the composition of a multiphase fluid, such as a flowing petroleum effluent, an emulsion of water and oil, or a foam of oil and gas is disclosed. A first part comprises determining a model expressing the attenuation and the phase shift of a microwave beam as a function of the volume fractions and the permittivities of the various phases. Then, a second part comprises determining the volume fractions of the various phases that make up a multiphase fluid by minimizing the distance between the measured attenuation and phase shift pair and the attenuation and phase shift pair given by the previously determined model.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Yohan Bentolila, Michel Constant
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Patent number: 7134320Abstract: A flow measuring system combines a density measuring device and a device for measuring the speed of sound (SOS) propagating through the fluid flow and/or for determining the gas volume fraction (GVF) of the flow. The GVF meter measures acoustic pressures propagating through the fluids to measure the speed of sound ?mix propagating through the fluid to calculate at least gas volume fraction of the fluid and/or SOS. In response to the measured density and gas volume fraction, a processing unit determines the density of non-gaseous component of an aerated fluid flow. For three phase fluid flows, the processing unit can determine the phase fraction of the non-gaseous components of the fluid flow. The gas volume fraction (GVF) meter may include a sensing device having a plurality of strain-based or pressure sensors spaced axially along the pipe for measuring the acoustic pressures propagating through the flow.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: CiDRA CorporationInventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Patrick Curry, Douglas H. Loose, Thomas E. Banach
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Patent number: 7013715Abstract: A fully automated Coriolis-based well system which can deliver accurate volumetric flow rate measurements in three phase flow. Measurements are performed according to a process including using N equations and N unknowns technique.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Chad Steele
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Patent number: 7008793Abstract: The present invention is intended to take a sample of an emulsion circulating in a line. The emulsion is momentarily diverted from the main circulation line 1 thereof to a bypass line 2. By restoring circulation of the emulsion in main line 1, an emulsion sample still present in bypass line 2 is confined under pressure. The emulsion sample is then stabilized according to a well-known method. Since the size and the distribution of the drops no longer evolve with time, the sample can be observed and analyzed after sampling. The invention more particularly applies to the field of petroleum industry and it is notably intended to take a sample of a petroleum effluent in form of an emulsion at wellheads.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Gilbert Duriez, Aurélie Mouret, Christine Noïk, Gérard Papon
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Patent number: 6975924Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the compounding of pharmaceutical parenteral admixtures is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a computer that contains a memory for storing instructions for operating the apparatus and for controlling compounders that prepare a prescription admixture, with the memory including data relating to a plurality of the pharmaceutical components that may be transferred to prepare the prescription admixture, and data concerning the operating characteristics of the compounders that the apparatus is adapted to control. The apparatus determines the order of admixing by general rules of admixing and by categorized compatibility groups of components, so that the number of rinses that must be done are minimized.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2000Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Joseph J. Kircher, Ronald W. Czarny, Robert E. Lewis, Diane M. Nitzki-George, Joe A. Miller
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Patent number: 6881381Abstract: A liquid can be marked for identification purposes with at least first and second miscible markers. The markers are mixed in the liquid so that the ratio of the concentration of the first marker to the concentration of the second marker is substantially equal to a predetermined value. Thus, by comparing the ratio of the measured concentration of the first marker to the measured concentration of the second marker with predetermined values the liquid can be uniquely identified. The detectors can be connected to a processor and control unit (22) for initiation of testing, for processing of detection signal from the detectors, and for display of readout information. Processor and control unit (22) can include a look up table (23) for storing information about marking patterns, a comparison element (35) for comparing measured values with values supplied by look up table (23), and a display (30).Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: On-Site Analysis, Inc.Inventors: William E. Asher, Richard H. Clarke, Mohammad S. Farahat
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Patent number: 6810719Abstract: A fully automated Coriolis-based well system which can deliver accurate volumetric flow rate measurements in three phase flow. Measurements are performed according to a process including using N equations and N unknowns technique.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Chad Steele
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Patent number: 6802204Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for measuring the relative proportions of oil and water in a flowing multiphase fluid includes allowing the gas, oil and water phases of the multiphase fluid at least partially to separate, diverting at least some of the separated gas phase from the flowing fluid, into a bypass conduit, through a separating module, such as the tank of a homogenizing unit, where the gas phase tends to separate and collect above a pool of fluid, and measuring the relative proportions of oil and water in the undiverted fluid. A valve is located in the bypass conduit which has an inlet leading from the upper section of the tank (where gas collects) and an outlet joining the outlet pipe leading from the homogenizing unit downstream of metering apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Framo Engineering ASInventor: Bernt Helge Torkildsen
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Publication number: 20040168506Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for studying properties, especially physical properties of a surfactant. A fluid is introduced in the form of a sample volume in another fluid which is immiscible with said fluid so that an interface is formed between the one fluid and the other fluid, at least in a partial area of a surface of the sample volume. The sample volume is configured so as to be axially symmetrical around a given defining axis, whereby the interface is formed axially symmetrically with respect to the given defining axis. The surfactant is spread across the interface to form a surface film in the area of the interface with the surfactant. Thereupon the surface film can by studied microscopically.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Detlef Knebel, Matthias Amrein
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Patent number: 6782736Abstract: A method for measuring interface levels between fluids is described, characterized in that, with the aid of a magnetic field forming means, a variable magnetic field is formed in one of the fluids whereby a counterflowing magnetic field is established, being a function of the fluid properties with respect to the portion of conducting fraction in the fluid, and conductivity of the fraction; and the properties of the mentioned fluid are registered by registering the dominating impedance, alternatively resonance frequency, of the system; and by corresponding registrations of different fluid layers at the respective height levels, and in the existing interphase layers, and thereafter by mutual comparison of the mentioned properties, one or more exsisting multiphase levels are determined. A device to carry out the method is also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Hammer ASInventor: Erling Hammer
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Publication number: 20040139791Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods, apparatus, and systems for determining void fractions of individual phase components of a multiphase mixture. The void fractions may be determined based on measured parameters of the mixture as a whole, such as differential pressure, bulk velocity of the mixture and speed of sound in the mixture. According to some embodiments, the mixture parameters may be measured using non-intrusive fiber optic based sensors. Various other parameters may also be derived from the void fractions, such as individual phase flow rates, liquid holdup and watercut parameters (for oil and gas mixtures).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventor: Espen S. Johansen
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Publication number: 20040112122Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically measuring BS&W of a hydrocarbon stream uses a Coriolis meter or densitometer to measure raw stream density, followed by separation of water and sediment from the hydrocarbon by at least one cyclonic separator, followed by measuring the density of the stream after separation. A BS&W calculator/controller processes the density measurements and produces a percentage BS&W signal. Preferably, a temperature sensor measures the temperature of the stream before or after separation and the temperature measurement is used to back-calculate volumetric flow rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2002Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventor: Kenneth A. Steward
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Publication number: 20040060346Abstract: A leak detector having a multi-stage pre-concentrator, consisting of an array of heater elements which desorb analytes in a phased manner, in synch with the sample stream, to maximize sensitivity. The heater elements of the pre-concentrator are coated with adsorber material on both sides of the heater elements, i.e., top and bottom sides, and have small anchor points to minimize power dissipation. The concentrated gas mixture output of the concentrator is electronically injected into a separator, which for separates the constituents of the detected analyte-fluid and recognizing the nature or source of the analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Ulrich Bonne, Paul Bauhahn, Claudio C. Groppetti
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Patent number: 6690180Abstract: A method and sensor for determining the ratio of two components in a fluid mixture comprising a test cell in open communication with the fluid mixture and a reference cell containing a desired fluid mixture not in contact with the fluid mixture being tested, said reference and test cells having the same cell geometry. By use of a capacitance divider system, one determines the relative capacitances of said cells correlated with the dielectric constants of the respective fluid mixtures and ascertains the ratio of one component to the other component in the fluid mixture on the basis of the linear and monotonic correlation between the dielectric constant of the mixture at a given temperature and the ratio of one component to the other component. Preferably a mixture of methanol and water is tested such as for use as a feed to a reformer used in supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell. A fixed capacitor equivalent to the reference cell at a given temperature is usually substituted for the latter.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Robert N. Schwartz, Paul O. Braatz, Kevin W. Kirby
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Patent number: 6657441Abstract: A method for determining flow velocities conducts an electromagnetic signal through a fluid flowing in a delivery line and additionally conducts the electromagnetic signal in a spatially delayed manner. A velocity, a velocity profile, and a volumetric fraction of each of the components of the fluid interacting with the electromagnetic wave is determined from a Doppler shift between the original electromagnetic signal and a resulting electromagnetic signal. An apparatus for determining flow velocities is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.Inventors: Armin Gasch, Peter Riegler
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Publication number: 20030188995Abstract: A method for determination for a given oil the relative stability of a water-in-oil emulsion that will be formed by that oil with water comprises measuring for the given oil the weight percent asphaltenes (A), total acid number (TAN), and ratio of the amount of naphthenic acids in the 450+ molecular weight to 450 molecular weight range (R); calculating an emulsion stability parameter, S=A+TAN*R; and determining whether the emulsion stability parameter, S, is greater than about 3; with a value above 3 being determinative of an emulsion more stable than one with a value less than 3.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2003Publication date: October 9, 2003Inventor: Ramesh Varadaraj
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Publication number: 20030136185Abstract: A fully automated Coriolis-based well system which can deliver accurate volumetric flow rate measurements in three phase flow. Measurements are performed according to a process including using N equations and N unknowns technique.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2003Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Chad Steele
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Patent number: 6564619Abstract: A method and system of performing multiphase flow measurements. The method includes separating an incoming multiphase flow into a majority liquid component and a majority gas component. The majority liquid component comprises a water component and an oil component. The method further includes determining if the majority liquid component includes entrained gas. If the majority liquid component is substantially free from entrained gas, then the method further includes determining a water-cut of the majority liquid component, determining a density of the majority liquid component using a Coriolis flowmeter, and processing the water-cut and the density of the majority liquid component to determine a density of the oil component.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Chad Steele
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Patent number: 6557397Abstract: A process for evaluating the quality of a printing ink is provided, wherein a defined quantity of the printing ink is stirred; a force or torque to be applied during the stirring is measured, and a defined quantity of moistening agent is added to the ink at a defined point in time. A device for evaluating the quality of the printing ink is also provided with a container for the printing ink; a stirring device, with which an ink filled into the container can be stirred; a measuring device for measuring the force to be applied by the stirring device or the torque to be applied; a moistening agent supply and a control, which actuates the feed of moistening agent such that a predetermined quantity of moistening agent is introduced into the container at a defined point in time.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Maschinenfabrik WifagInventor: Robert Langsch
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Publication number: 20030056577Abstract: A sensor cell measures a component of a two-component liquid mixture. A control apparatus controls a concentration of the component in the mixture. The control apparatus can be applied to an etching system for etching a silicon nitride layer. The sensor cell contains a sample inlet for feeding the mixture, a sample drain, a vapor outlet, an apparatus for setting a temperature of the liquid mixture to a temperature below the boiling point, a heating element for elevating the temperature of the liquid mixture to a temperature above the boiling point, and a device for calculating the concentration of the component based on a temperature of the liquid versus temperature of the heating element characteristics. The concentration of the component can be assessed by determining a point at which a slope of the temperature of the liquid versus temperature of the heating element characteristics is changed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Stefan Ottow, Ronald Hoyer, Hans Ulrich Stiehl
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Publication number: 20020144542Abstract: A method and system for liquefaction monitoring of a gas in a gas piping system in which pressure and temperature information about the gas is gathered and the liquefaction status of the gas is determined and reported.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventors: Gavin D. Hartigan, David L. Ruppert, Henry S. Hui
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Patent number: 6412555Abstract: System and method for controlling fluid flows in one or more oil and/or gas wells in a geological formation, the wells each comprising a production tube, the formation containing a water-containing volume with a higher water level, comprising: one or more measuring devices, each mounted in relation to a chosen zone of a well for measuring the distance to the water level in the zone, one or more valve devices comprised in the production tubes for regulating the fluid flow from the surrounding formation to the production tube, one or more control units connected to each of the valves for regulating then on the basis of the measured distance or distances.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Kongsberg Offshore A.S.Inventors: Vidar Sten-Halvorsen, Einar Stølen
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Publication number: 20020033043Abstract: A method and system of performing multiphase flow measurements. The method includes separating an incoming multiphase flow into a majority liquid component and a majority gas component. The majority liquid component comprises a water component and an oil component. The method further includes determining if the majority liquid component includes entrained gas. If the majority liquid component is substantially free from entrained gas, then the method further includes determining a water cut of the majority liquid component, determining a density of the majority liquid component using a Coriolis flowmeter, and processing the water cut and the density of the majority liquid component to determine a density of the oil component.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Chad Steele
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Patent number: 6347884Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for determining the temperature stability of a water-hydrocarbon emulsion capable of phase separation by monitoring the weight variations of a gravimetric sensor part of which is immersed in said mixture. The method consists in a first step of cooling or heating the emulsion to a predetermined temperature; and a second step during which the emulsion is maintained at this temperature, the time-dependent variation curve of said weight in time enabling the determination of the solid mass collected and the separation speed into two phases by determining the slope of this curve, the stability of the emulsion being obtained by comparison with reference emulsions known to be stable.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: Elf Antar FranceInventors: Yan Faure, Jean-Marie Letoffe, Philippe Schulz
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Patent number: 6343516Abstract: A system is provided for improved flow measurement in a multiphase fluid stream in an oilfield environment. A sampling probe is provided which draws fluid samples at different radial locations across a diameter or a chord of a cross sectional plane of a multiphase fluid flow line. Properties of these samples are measured by a multiphase flow metering system separately, and are then used to determine in a more accurate manner the fluid flow characteristics radially across the multiphase fluid flow line.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1998Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventor: John D. Marrelli
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Patent number: 6335959Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the phase volume fractions for a multiphase oil well effluent is disclosed. The apparatus measures multiple energy gamma ray attenuations through the effluent mixture, and the method determines the phase volume fractions from these measurements when the mixture is under inhomogeneous flow conditions. The apparatus includes a pipe section with a Venturi through which the mixture flows. A source of radiation transmits rays at two or more energy levels through the mixture. A solid state detector measures the transmitted attenuation count rates. A low absorption window of a truncated cone shape is preferably incorporated in lieu of the pipe wall in the area of the detector. The method comprises measuring ray attenuation, in the two-energy example, at one high energy emission line, to differentiate between the gas and liquid components, and at a relatively lower energy emission line, to differentiate between the oil and water phases within the liquid component.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2000Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Daniel Industries, Inc.Inventors: Frank Joseph Lynch, Gary John Miller