Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a system for insulating a flow meter that includes a thermal tube sensor housing. The thermal tube sensor housing may include a housing cavity that holds a sensor tube, a temperature sensor, and a heater for determining a flow rate of a fluid. In some embodiments, the heater imparts thermal energy onto the sensor tube. In some embodiments, the housing cavity additionally holds an insulator for reducing leakage of the heat from the housing cavity. In still some embodiments, the insulator includes a plurality of beads and a binder material.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include systems and methods for detecting flow of a fluid. One embodiment of a system includes a flow body, a thermal tube sensor housing, and a computing device. In some embodiments, the flow body includes an inlet for receiving the fluid and an outlet for expelling the fluid, the thermal tube sensor housing includes a sensor tube that includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion, and the sensor tube is configured with a cross position where a first portion of the sensor tube crosses paths with a second portion of the sensor tube, reducing a thermo-siphoning effect.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a system for insulating a flow meter that includes a thermal tube sensor housing. The thermal tube sensor housing may include a housing cavity that holds a sensor tube, a temperature sensor, and a heater for determining a flow rate of a fluid. In some embodiments, the heater imparts thermal energy onto the sensor tube. In some embodiments, the housing cavity additionally holds an insulator for reducing leakage of the heat from the housing cavity. In still some embodiments, the insulator includes a plurality of beads and a binder material.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include systems and methods for detecting flow of a fluid. One embodiment of a system includes a flow body, a thermal tube sensor housing, and a computing device. In some embodiments, the flow body includes an inlet for receiving the fluid and an outlet for expelling the fluid, the thermal tube sensor housing includes a sensor tube that includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion, and the sensor tube is configured with a cross position where a first portion of the sensor tube crosses paths with a second portion of the sensor tube, reducing a thermo-siphoning effect.

Abstract: A wide range laminar flow element for use in differential pressure and thermal mass flowmeters is disclosed. The flow element comprises multiple rectangular channels in a single rectangular plate. The flow element contains tabs which can be selectively removed to alter the effective diameter of the flow channel. Alternatively, the laminar flow elements can be stacked to provide a larger effective diameter of the flow channel.

Abstract: An adjustable laminar flowmeter is disclosed for use in fluid flow measurement. The flowmeter comprises a plurality of paths, at least one of which has at least one dimension which is adjustable by means of an adjustment mechanism. A measuring device is located in operative relation with at least one of said paths to measure a characteristic of the flow through that path. By maintaining laminar flow, the ratio of fluid flow through the paths is linear for a wide range of flows. This allows for a simple straight-line approximation of the flow for a wide range of flow. Also, the full scale flow rate through the device is user adjustable. The symmetrical design of the flowmeter enables bi-directional flow measurement.