Abstract: Methods of inserting a sensor assembly into a flow pipe are disclosed. The methods may include fastening a preload nut into a hot tap housing, applying force to at least one handle connected to a stem to insert the sensor assembly into the flow pipe, and fastening a collar onto the stem. In one example, the collar is between the preload nut and the hot tap housing. And, in one example, the methods may include tightening the preload nut into the hot tap housing until the preload nut bottoms out at a hard stop.

Abstract: A magnetic insertion meter is disclosed herein. Disclosed insertion meters include in some examples, a sensor head tube cylinder having a textured front surface and at least two electrodes. Disclosed insertion meters include a textured front surface adapted to move the separation point of a fluid flowing over the sensor head tube towards the upstream surface as compared to the same sensor head tube without the textured front surface. Methods of measuring flow are also disclosed herein using example magnetic insertion meters.

Abstract: A scalable monolithic sensor assembly, controller, and methods of making and installing same are disclosed. The sensor assembly includes a sensor head sized to fully traverse the diameter of the pipe such that its electrodes sample a voltage indicative of the entire pipe flow across its diameter. An improved stem design is included that decreases insertion force and increases lateral stability of the sensor head. An improved insertion device is disclosed that provide for independent axial insertion and rotation. An improved core is disclosed that minimizes interference of magnetic fields and reduces manufacturing costs. An improved controller is disclosed that improves sensitivity.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided in which flow to be monitored actuates a device to move past a sensing electrode, causing changes of a capacitive sensing impedance in series with an impedance transformation device. The sensing electrode is at the high-impedance level of the impedance transformation device. Only a small fraction of the stray capacitance of circuit wiring, etc., which is connected at the low-impedance level of the impedance transformation device is reflected as a dulling shunt across the sensing capacitance.

Abstract: An apparatus provides flow-representing signals in response to orbiting of a body which passes a sensor and moves along a circular orbit around the flow path, the orbiting body being supported by a spindle that slants relative to the axis of the flow path.