Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for accurately measuring the volumetric or mass fluid flow, especially when fluid flows in a non-continuous manner using a float. A preferred embodiment comprises a tube for accumulating liquid that is periodically drained and a float confirmed within the tube that floats on the accumulating liquid. The float has magnetic properties that can be sensed so as to measure the position of the float in the tube. A controller controls a valve provided in the bottom of the tube and opens the valve so as to allow drainage of the accumulated liquid according to the positioning of the float within the tube. The valve is opened when the position of the float is in a predetermined position within the tube so that the mass or volume of the drained liquid is known.
Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for accurately measuring the volumetric or mass fluid flow, especially when fluid flows in a non-continuous manner using a float. A preferred embodiment comprises a tube for accumulating liquid that is periodically drained and a float confirmed within the tube that floats on the accumulating liquid. The float has magnetic properties that can be sensed so as to measure the position of the float in the tube. A controller controls a valve provided in the bottom of the tube and opens the valve so as to allow drainage of the accumulated liquid according to the positioning of the float within the tube. The valve is opened when the position of the float is in a predetermined position within the tube so that the mass or volume of the drained liquid is known.
Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for measuring volumetric or mass flow of fluid. The apparatus comprises a capsule that is adapted to move upwardly and downwardly within a housing and receive fluid from a tube. The apparatus further comprises force exerting means and preferably a magnetic means that is adapted to exert force on the capsule, the force is proportional to a position of the capsule within the housing. The force is measurable and controllable. A seal is provided in the capsule's bottom opening so as to fluidically block the capsule and a pin is provided so as to push aside the seal when the capsule is downwardly positioned and is filed with fluid so as to drain it. The number of times the capsule is drained in a predetermined time can be calculated so as to attain the volumetric flow rate of the fluid through the apparatus.