Abstract: A high resolution pulse count interface is situated between a positive displacement (PD) meter and a flow computer. A magnetic wheel attaches to the PD meter, with the interface using Hall Effect sensors to detect the rotation of the wheel. A pulse prediction algorithm and weighting algorithms are used to improve resolution for the flow computer to enable real time flow rate calculations.

Abstract: The specification discloses a system for mounting a communications antenna and a solar panel on an explosion-proof housing that does not require the use of conduit ports of the explosion-proof housing. More particularly, a mast couples to the housing by way of a prescribed number of threads, the mast having a circular cross-section and an internal cavity extending along its axis. Wires extending from inside the explosion-proof housing through the mast couple to the radio antenna and the solar panel. The void within the internal diameter of the mast not occupied by the wires for the radio and solar panel is filled with a sealing compound rated for explosive environments.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a bi-directional dual chamber orifice fitting comprising a body with a chamber in fluid communication with a flow bore. The fitting also comprises an orifice supported by an orifice plate carrier that is selectably disposable in the bore. In the preferred embodiment, the lower chamber includes two passageways connecting the chamber to the flow bore. One passageway is located on either side of the orifice plate. Each passageway may also be equipped with a check valve to permit flow in only one direction through the passageway. In operation, the passageway on the upstream side of the orifice would allow fluid to flow into the lower chamber while the passageway on the downstream side would prevent flow back into the flow bore.

Abstract: A system and method is configured to take a “snapshot” of data received by a meter or measurement device so that it may be later frozen or duplicated in a manner identical to that of the meter. The system includes recording a continuous stream of raw data into a format suitable for transport to a site better suited for debug and diagnosis, and replaying the data on a replay device such that time, as seen by the system, may be “frozen” at will and any instant of the stream examined.

Abstract: A method and related ultrasonic meter identify and correct for transit time errors such as peak switch errors. The method includes calculating values for a set of diagnostics from measurements of the fluid flow, including transit time measurements. Based on the values for the diagnostics, and whether and how they fall outside of their respective ranges, the meter can identify a variety of problems with the meter or fluid flow, such as whether there has been an intermittent peak switch, a permanent peak switch, or the presence of noise, velocity pulsation in the fluid flow, temperature stratification, or other problem. In the event there is a problem with the meter, the meter self-tunes in order to minimize the chances of the problem happening again.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for performing measurements in a hazardous environment. In one embodiment the system comprises: a main device and a remote device having a programmable logic device (PLD). The main device is isolated from the hazardous environment, while the remote device is located within the hazardous environment. A cable is provided to transport at least one communication signal between the main device and the remote device, and the main device uses the communication signal to configure the PLD in the remote device. The remote device may also include a switch that passes the communication signal to a configuration terminal of the PLD before the PLD is configured, and that automatically blocks the communication signal from the configuration terminal after the PLD is configured. After the PLD is configured, the main device and PLD may both employ the communication signal to communicate in accordance with a predetermined communications protocol.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating an ultrasonic flow meter to accurately estimate the average flow velocity in a pipe when the meter has at least one failed chord and one non-failed chord. The method partitions the velocity range into a number of consecutive, non-overlapping “bins,” where separate bins are maintained for each chord and each flow direction. Each bin stores a chord proportion value and, in some embodiments, a chord velocity value. The bins are initialized with pre-selected values and, during normal operation, updated, or trained, based on the measured velocities. When a chord fails, and there is at least one non-failed chord, an estimated proportion value for each non-failed chord is generated using the values stored in the bins. The estimated average flow velocity is then calculated by dividing the summation of the measured flow velocities, from the non-failed chords, by the summation of the estimated proportions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to identify peak switching errors in an ultrasonic meter and how to correct for them. The method compares transit time measurements from two chords having different lengths to establish an error value. Depending on the magnitude and sign of the error value, any peak switching error can be identified and consequently corrected.

Abstract: The invention is a gas chromatograph that includes a mechanism to heat the carrier gas to a temperature higher than that of the columns through which it flows. The carrier gas may be temperature programmed to achieve much the same results as the known technique of temperature programming the column.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for measuring the presence or degree of stratified flow in a two-phase flow is disclosed. A first speed of sound for the fluid flowing through the pipeline is measured for an ultrasonic signal that would reflect from stratified flow, if present. A second speed of sound is measured at a location that would not reflect off the stratified flow. A difference in these two measurements indicates the presence of stratified flow. The level of stratified flow can be determined based on the magnitude of the difference.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved ultrasonic transducer mount including a removable union sleeve engaged with a transducer holder sleeve on the mount. The union sleeve has an outer diameter that engages an extractor tool for removal of the transducer and transducer holder from the mount. A retaining ring holds the union sleeve in place on the outside of the transducer holder sleeve.

Abstract: An acoustic device that places existing components in a damping pattern after transmitting an acoustic signal. In one embodiment, the device comprises a transistor bridge and an acoustic transducer. The transistor bridge is coupled between two predetermined voltages having a voltage difference, and the acoustic transducer is coupled between the arms of the transistor bridge. The transistor bridge enters a damping configuration after applying an excitation pattern to the acoustic transducer. In the damping configuration, the input terminals of the transistor bridge are preferably grounded. In applying the excitation pattern, the transistor bridge preferably applies the voltage difference to the acoustic transducer in alternate polarities. In a preferred embodiment, the acoustic transducer includes a transformer having a primary winding coupled between the arms of the transistor bridge, and further includes a piezoelectric crystal coupled to a secondary winding of the transformer.

Abstract: A measurement system is described that includes a flow conditioner for performing the dual functions of conditioning the flow stream and acting as a check meter to the primary meter. Various flow stream characteristics are calculated from the measured differential pressure across the flow conditioner. These calculated values are compared to measurements made by the primary meter for the purpose of identifying performance or accuracy problems in the measurement equipment.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph with multiple valves is disclosed. An embodiment of the multi-valve gas chromatograph includes multiple valves, multiple thermal conductivity detectors (TCD's), and a manifold. This allows separation and measurement of a gas sample in one compact integrated unit. The unit is particularly desirable because the solenoids associated with the valves are attached directly to the underneath of the manifold, thus eliminating the need for tubing between the solenoids and the valves. Other features may also be present. For example, a leak free multi-valve block may include a first temperature zone heating the valves and detectors and a second temperature zone heating the columns. The leak free feature may be achieved by placement of tightening screws through the center of each valve. Carrier gas insertion areas may be provided in the multi-valve block to improve performance.

Abstract: A novel gas chromatograph includes suitably located backpressure restrictors. In a preferred embodiment, each backpressure restrictor consists of capillary tubing with a pressure drop across it controlled to be less than or slightly greater than 0.528. One embodiment places the backpressure restrictor upstream of an initial stream switching valve and downstream of sample pre-heat coil. Another embodiment places the backpressure restrictor downstream of the gas chromatograph's measurement element and its carrier pre-heat coil. In each case, only a controlled and predictable flow rate is achieved, both regulating the flow rate through the system and back pressuring fluid to remain in the respective pre-heat coils to achieve ideal temperature.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter is disclosed that detects the speed, amount, and composition of a two-phase flow travelling through it. One or more ultrasonic paths corresponding to ultrasonic transducers are positioned to detect the velocity and speed of sound through one phase of the two-phase flow. A second ultrasonic path is positioned to travel through the one phase of the two-phase flow, but to reflect off the interface between of interface of the two phases. A third ultrasonic path is positioned to travel through the second phase of the two-phase flow, but once again reflects off the interface between the two phases. The information of transit times for ultrasonic signals along these ultrasonic paths provides the speed of the two-phase flows, the amount of the two-phase flows, and the compositions of the two-phase flows. A quality assurance check ensures that the measurements are accurate.

Abstract: A novel stream switching system includes a unitary housing having a common stream path for a multitude of fluid streams from, for example, a process pipeline. A set of solenoids or other switches attached to the housing directly controls the flow of each fluid stream. Preferably, the solenoids are default-closed, low dead-volume solenoids that, unlike conventional low dead volume solenoids, are closed if not supplied with electricity. These solenoids are adapted to the wide temperature ranges encountered in the pipeline environment by increasing the voltage applied to the solenoids. The housing also preferably includes a pre-heat region to warm the sample to a desired temperature.

Abstract: A silencer for use with ultrasonic meters to reduce stray ultrasonic noise that could cause measurement inaccuracies. The silencer comprises a tubular body having at least two baffles spaced apart from one another. The baffles are preferably formed of an open-cell, reticulated metal foam material that absorbs noise in the ultrasonic range of frequencies under high-pressure operating conditions. The silencer is a reasonable flow conditioner and can be mounted directly to the meter without disturbing the flow. The silencer reduces the level of ultrasonic stray noise by absorption. Ultrasonic noise waves are partially reflected between the baffles and along their length as the waves move between baffles. With each reflection, the baffle material absorbs energy that is lost by friction in the pores of the foam material. Through this process of the ultrasonic waves being reflected and the noise being incrementally absorbed, the energy of the ultrasonic wave is attenuated.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for measuring the degree of stratified flow in a two-phase flow is disclosed. Alternate embodiments include a single transducer level detector and a multiple transducer level detector. Further, these level detectors may be either integrated into or used in conjunction with an ultrasonic flow meter, or may be used in conjunction with some other meter that determines speed of sound for the flowing gas.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph with multiple valves is disclosed. An embodiment of the multi-valve gas chromatograph includes multiple valves, multiple thermal conductivity detectors (TCD's), and a manifold. This allows separation and measurement of a gas sample in one compact integrated unit. The unit is particularly desirable because the solenoids associated with the valves are attached directly to the underneath of the manifold, thus eliminating the need for tubing between the solenoids and the valves. Other features may also be present. For example, a leak free multi-valve block may include a first temperature zone heating the valves and detectors and a second temperature zone heating the columns. The leak free feature may be achieved by placement of tightening screws through the center of each valve. Carrier gas insertion areas may be provided in the multi-valve block to improve performance.