Abstract: A fluid flowmeter comprises a frame having a cavity that is open to one side thereof for the acceptance of a laminar flow module and open to the other side for the acceptance of sensing electronics that measure pressure drop across the module. The module comprises a plurality of plates that are spaced apart by wires and bound to one another to form a unitary assembly that facilitates exchange and replacement.

Abstract: A precision laminar flow element for use in mass and volumetric fluid flowmeters is disclosed. The flow element comprises a single or a plurality of wire-wound plates positioned in the flow path. The flow through the laminar flow element results in a pressure drop across the element that is linearly proportional to the flow rate. Pressure measurement holes are positioned at some distance from the inlet and outlet of the flow element where laminar flow is fully developed. Full scale flow rate of the flowmeter can be varied by stacking more than one wire-wound flow element, resulting in a series of instruments capable of measuring a wide range of flow. The symmetrical design of the laminar flow element enables bi-directional flow measurement.