Patents Assigned to Cidra Corporate Services, Inc
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Patent number: 8109127Abstract: A device for measurement of entrained and dissolved gas has a first module arranged in relation to a process line for providing a first signal containing information about a sensed entrained air/gas in a fluid or process mixture flowing in the process line at a process line pressure. The device features a combination of a bleed line, a second module and a third module. The bleed line is coupled to the process line for bleeding a portion of the fluid or process mixture from the process line at a bleed line pressure that is lower than the process pressure. The second module is arranged in relation to the bleed line, for providing a second signal containing information about a sensed bleed line entrained air/gas in the fluid or process mixture flowing in the bleed line.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: CiDRA Corporate Services, Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Douglas H. Loose
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Publication number: 20120017699Abstract: Techniques are provided for monitoring particle laden flows in a pipe, that include receiving signalling containing information about a parameter related to a particle laden flow in a pipe, the parameter including either (a) a sound level propagating through the particle laden flow in the pipe, or (b) a static pressure due to an acceleration of the particle laden flow in the pipe; and determining a measurement of a particle size and either a mass flow rate, or a particle-to-air mass ratio, or both the mass flow rate and the particle-to-air mass ratio, associated with the particle laden flow, based at least partly on a change in the parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: CIDRA CORPORATE SERVICES INC.Inventors: Douglas H. Loose, Daniel L. Gysling, Alex Van Der Spek
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Publication number: 20110203387Abstract: An apparatus for measuring at least one parameter associated with a fluid flowing within a pipe includes a single sheet of piezoelectric film material wrapped around at least a portion of the pipe and an array of sensors disposed at different locations on the film material. Each of the sensors provides a signal indicative of pressure within the pipe at a corresponding axial and/or circumferential location of the pipe. The sensors are selectively configurable to provide the pressure signals. The signals are processed to determine the parameter. The array of sensors is configurable in response to different criteria. The criteria includes at least one of the parameter of the fluid to be output, an input signal specifying sensors to be selected, a predetermined configuration based on the parameter to be determined, and in response to a previously determined parameter of the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: CIDRA CORPORATE SERVICES INC.Inventors: Michael A. Davis, Mark R. Fernald, Timothy J. Bailey
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Publication number: 20110208447Abstract: An apparatus for measuring at least one parameter associated with a fluid flowing within a pipe includes a single sheet of piezoelectric film material wrapped around at least a portion of the pipe and an array of sensors disposed at different locations on the film material. Each of the sensors provides a signal indicative of pressure within the pipe at a corresponding axial and/or circumferential location of the pipe. The sensors are selectively configurable to provide the pressure signals. The signals are processed to determine the parameter. The array of sensors is configurable in response to different criteria. The criteria includes at least one of the parameter of the fluid to be output, an input signal specifying sensors to be selected, a predetermined configuration based on the parameter to be determined, and in response to a previously determined parameter of the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: CIDRA CORPORATE SERVICES INC.Inventors: Michael A. DAVIS, Mark R. FERNALD, Timothy J. BAILEY
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Publication number: 20110160893Abstract: The present invention provides a new and unique processor module that features one or more modules configured to respond to one or more input signals containing information about a volumetric flow of a fluid having minerals and varying amounts of entrained gas flowing in a pipe and being processed in a processing stage of a mineral extraction processing system for extracting a mineral from ore, and also configured to provide one or more output signals containing information about operations of the processing stage of the mineral extraction processing system that is not substantially affected by the varying amounts of entrained gas in the fluid flowing in the pipe. The one or more output signals may be used to control the operations of the processing stage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2009Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: CIDRA CORPORATE SERVICES INC.Inventors: Paul Joseph Rothman, Robert J. Maron, Christian Victor O'keefe
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Publication number: 20110118998Abstract: The present invention provides a processor or signal processing module that features one or more modules configured to receive an input signal containing information about the unsteady pressures or acoustic emissions caused by a medium flowing through a pump, and also configured to provide of an output signal containing information about the performance of the pump. The information about the performance of the pump may include information about pump performance monitoring by a slip flow measurement, about predicting impeller wear, about pump impeller cavitation monitoring, about pump monitoring through acoustic emissions, about pump leak detection, about pump efficiency monitoring and about positive displacement pump monitoring.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: CIDRA CORPORATE SERVICES INC.Inventors: Douglas H. Loose, Christian Victor O'keefe, Robert J. Maron, Joseph L. Poplawski, Mike A. Davis, Mark R. Fernald, Timothy J. Bailey
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Publication number: 20110056298Abstract: The present invention provides new techniques for non-invasive and real-time measurement of the velocity profile of slurry flow in horizontal pipes, as well as the measurement and trending of pipe wear on slurry lines. In the first case, this information can be used to determine the approach and onset of solid deposition on the bottom of the pipe. Having this information in real time can enable operation at lower velocities or higher solids concentration or both while avoiding solids deposition or plugging and their associated operational costs. In the second case, the present invention uses a permanently or semi-permanently installed ring of conformable ultrasonic transducers clamped onto the outside of the pipe. These transducers are used to measure the thickness of the pipe under their respective locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: CIDRA CORPORATE SERVICES INC.Inventors: Christian Victor O'keefe, Robert J. Maron, Mark R. Fernald, Timothy J. Bailey, Alex M. Van der Spek, Michael A. Davis, John V. Viega
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Patent number: 7895903Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining at least one characteristic of a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided and includes at least one sensing device. The at least one sensing device includes a first sensor segment having a first segment polarity and being associated with a first outer portion of the pipe and a second sensor segment having a second segment polarity and being associated with a second outer portion of the pipe, wherein the first sensor segment and the second sensor segment generate sensor data responsive to the fluid flowing within the pipe. The apparatus further includes a processing device communicated with the at least one sensing device, wherein the processing device receives the sensor data and processes the sensor data to determine the at least one characteristic of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: CiDRA Corporate Services, Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Bailey, Mark R. Fernald
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Publication number: 20110036439Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe featuring an inner core; an outer pipe wall; and measurement instrumentation configured or arranged between the inner core and outer pipe wall, and also configured to respond to one or more process variables related to media flowing in the pipe and to provide a signal containing information about the one or more process variables. The pipe may include a pipe liner configured inside the outer pipe wall, where the measurement instrumentation in configured on the inside of the pipe liner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: CIDRA CORPORATE SERVICES INC.Inventor: Mark R. Fernald
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Patent number: 7882750Abstract: An apparatus for measuring at least one parameter associated with a fluid flowing within a pipe includes a single sheet of piezoelectric film material wrapped around at least a portion of the pipe and an array of sensors disposed at different locations on the film material. Each of the sensors provides a signal indicative of pressure within the pipe at a corresponding axial and/or circumferential location of the pipe. The sensors are selectively configurable to provide the pressure signals. The signals are processed to determine the parameter. The array of sensors is configurable in response to different criteria. The criteria includes at least one of the parameter of the fluid to be output, an input signal specifying sensors to be selected, a predetermined configuration based on the parameter to be determined, and in response to a previously determined parameter of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Cidra Corporate Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Davis, Mark R. Fernald, Timothy J. Bailey
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Publication number: 20100332154Abstract: A method for determining one or more fluid flow parameters for a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided. The fluid is a mixture of solid particles and gas. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a meter operable to determine the velocity of the fluid flow through the pipe, which meter is substantially insensitive to the particulate/gas mass ratio of the fluid flow; b) determining the velocity of the fluid flow within the pipe using the meter; and c) determining a particulate/gas mass ratio using a density value for the gas within the flow and the determined fluid flow velocity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: CIDRA CORPORATE SERVICES INC.Inventors: Daniel L. GYSLING, Douglas H. LOOSE
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Patent number: 7810400Abstract: A method for determining one or more fluid flow parameters for a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided. The fluid is a mixture of solid particles and gas. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a meter operable to determine the velocity of the fluid flow through the pipe, which meter is substantially insensitive to the particulate/gas mass ratio of the fluid flow; b) determining the velocity of the fluid flow within the pipe using the meter; and c) determining a particulate/gas mass ratio using a density value for the gas within the flow and the determined fluid flow velocity.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: CiDRA Corporate Services Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Douglas H. Loose
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Publication number: 20100138170Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining at least one characteristic of a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided and includes at least one sensing device. The at least one sensing device includes a first sensor segment having a first segment polarity and being associated with a first outer portion of the pipe and a second sensor segment having a second segment polarity and being associated with a second outer portion of the pipe, wherein the first sensor segment and the second sensor segment generate sensor data responsive to the fluid flowing within the pipe. The apparatus further includes a processing device communicated with the at least one sensing device, wherein the processing device receives the sensor data and processes the sensor data to determine the at least one characteristic of the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: CIDRA CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Timothy J. BAILEY, Mark R. FERNALD
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Publication number: 20100107727Abstract: A device for measurement of entrained and dissolved gas has a first module arranged in relation to a process line for providing a first signal containing information about a sensed entrained air/gas in a fluid or process mixture flowing in the process line at a process line pressure. The device features a combination of a bleed line, a second module and a third module. The bleed line is coupled to the process line for bleeding a portion of the fluid or process mixture from the process line at a bleed line pressure that is lower than the process pressure. The second module is arranged in relation to the bleed line, for providing a second signal containing information about a sensed bleed line entrained air/gas in the fluid or process mixture flowing in the bleed line.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: CiDRA Corporate Services, Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. GYSLING, Douglas H. LOOSE
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Patent number: 7673524Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining at least one characteristic of a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided and includes at least one sensing device. The at least one sensing device includes a first sensor segment having a first segment polarity and being associated with a first outer portion of the pipe and a second sensor segment having a second segment polarity and being associated with a second outer portion of the pipe, wherein the first sensor segment and the second sensor segment generate sensor data responsive to the fluid flowing within the pipe. The apparatus further includes a processing device communicated with the at least one sensing device, wherein the processing device receives the sensor data and processes the sensor data to determine the at least one characteristic of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: CiDRA Corporate Services, IncInventors: Timothy J. Bailey, Mark Fernald
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Patent number: 7657392Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the size and distribution of particles within a multiphase fluid flowing within a pipe is provided, wherein the apparatus includes at least one metering device for determining at least one of the mixture density of the fluid, the flow rate of the fluid and the dispersion of the fluid, wherein the at least one metering device generates meter data responsive to at least one of the mixture density of the fluid, the flow rate of the fluid and the dispersion of the fluid and a processing device communicated with the at least one metering device, wherein the processing device receives and processes the meter data to generate fluid information responsive to the size and distribution of the particles within the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Cidra Corporate Services, Inc.Inventor: Daniel L. Gysling
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Patent number: 7623976Abstract: A system of one or more configurable flowmeters allows an individual, locally or remotely, to selectively activate one or more functions of the flowmeters. The individual is capable of selecting which parameter of the process flow that the flowmeter is to measure, thereby effectively providing latent functions that may be selectively brought on line or shut off. The system may also allow an individual, locally or remotely, to selectively activate one or more latent flowmeters in the system. The system may be a distributed control system (DCS), which receives input signals from conventional meters and devices in the process flow and provides control signals to one or more devices in the flow process. The system may also provide a method of flowmeter selection and billing.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: CiDRA Corporate Services, Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Alan D. Kersey, F. Kevin Didden
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Patent number: 7617716Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring total gas content of a fluid flowing through a process line. The apparatus comprises a bleed line in fluid communication with the process line for bleeding a portion of the fluid from the process line at a bleed line pressure that is lower than the process line pressure. A speed of sound propagating through the fluid in the bleed line is determined and is, in turn, used to determine a gas volume fraction of the fluid in the bleed line. In one aspect, the total gas content of the fluid flowing through the process line is calculated as a function of the gas volume fraction of the fluid in the bleed line and a velocity of the fluid in the bleed line. In another aspect, the velocity of the fluid in the bleed line is adjusted to be approximately equal to a predetermined velocity. In yet another aspect, dissolved gas in the process fluid 13 is released before the gas content measurement point by applying a high intensity ultrasonic field to the fluid 13.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2007Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: CiDRA Corporate Services, Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Douglas H. Loose
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Patent number: 7571633Abstract: A device for measurement of entrained and dissolved gas has a first module arranged in relation to a process line for providing a first signal containing information about a sensed entrained air/gas in a fluid or process mixture flowing in the process line at a process line pressure. The device features a combination of a bleed line, a second module and a third module. The bleed line is coupled to the process line for bleeding a portion of the fluid or process mixture from the process line at a bleed line pressure that is lower than the process pressure. The second module is arranged in relation to the bleed line, for providing a second signal containing information about a sensed bleed line entrained air/gas in the fluid or process mixture flowing in the bleed line.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: CiDRA Corporate Services, Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Douglas H. Loose
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Patent number: 7503227Abstract: An apparatus for measuring velocity of a fluid passing through a pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a spatial array of sensors having at least two sensors disposed at different axial locations along the pipe, wherein the sensors provide at least one signal indicative of a stochastic parameter associated with a characteristic of the fluid, wherein the characteristic includes at least one of unsteady temperature, density, consistency, transparency, conductivity, capacitance, resistivity, and inductance. A signal processor is also provided, wherein the signal processor is configured to receive the at least one signal and determine the velocity of the fluid using the at least one signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Cidra Corporate Services, IncInventors: Michael Davis, Timothy Bailey, Mark Fernald, Alan Kersey, Christian O'Keefe