Abstract: Differential pressure measurement devices, installations and methods are disclosed, the devices including a main body and retainer. The main body is characterized by a front portion having a substantially constant curvilinear flow facing front surface, a rear portion, and a substantially constant diameter portion between the front portion and the rear portion. The rear portion includes relatively larger and smaller diameter termini. The installation of this invention is maintained in a fluid flow containing conduit and includes a pipe section affixed between sections of the conduit. The device is concentrically located in the otherwise unobstructed flow path defined by the pipe section, with the device retainer downstream of all measurement ports, and obstructs fluid flow thereat to establish annular flow therearound having predictable characteristics.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enabling measurement of a selected fluid characteristic in fluid flowing through a conduit. The device includes a body connected in the conduit having an accelerator section and a flow conditioner section within which a measuring unit such as an averaging pitot is maintained. The flow conditioner section includes a straight, substantially constant diameter conduit length selected to provide a settling distance after the accelerator section and in advance of the measuring unit sufficient to provide stabilization and linearization of the flowing fluid prior to measurement. Utilizing the device, repeatable and accurate measurement of the characteristic (flow rate for example) may be conducted over an operating range characterized by up to at least about a 25 to 1 turndown in flow with a constant flow coefficient independent of fluid flow velocity or Reynolds number.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting and removing a sensor into and from a hot tap on a fluid conveying pipeline includes a pair of parallel threaded drive rods interconnecting a sensor plate and a mounting plate which are operatively connected to the sensor and the hot tap, respectively. The drive rods are interconnected by a sprocket and chain system which rotates the opposite drive rod in reaction to rotation of either drive rod. Load indicators are installed on the drive rods to assist the operator in correctly positioning and loading the sensor in the pressurized pipeline. The drive rods are connected to the sensor plate through moveable threaded sleeves which accommodate irregularities in the drive rod.

Abstract: A tool adapted for inserting and removing pitot tubes or other sensing elements through a hot tap into a fluid conveying pipeline is mounted to the side of the hot tap. A drive tube is slidably inserted into a protective enclosing tube, with the enclosing tube being attached to the hot tap and the drive tube being attached to the sensing element. Rotation of a threaded drive shaft causes a threaded bushing connected to the drive tube to move upward and downward within the enclosing tube depending on the direction of rotation. Downward movement of the drive tube inserts the sensing element into the pipeline through the hot tap and upward movement of the drive tube removes the sensing element from the hot tap.