Abstract: A turbine viscometer for measuring the viscosity of fluid flowing through a conduit, such as a pipe or manifold. The viscometer has a viscosity turbine positionable in the pipe or manifold. The viscosity turbine has a central portion and a plurality of blades extending therefrom such that fluid flow does not induce any rotational movement of the viscosity turbine. The viscometer also has a drive device for rotating the viscosity turbine so that fluid drag on the viscosity turbine can be measured to determine the viscosity of the fluid. In one embodiment, the drive device creates a rotational magnetic field around the viscosity turbine so that it is rotated. In a second embodiment, the drive device is a drive turbine connected to the viscosity turbine and rotated by fluid flowing through the pipe or conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to weight measurement methods and systems, and more specifically, to weight measurement methods and systems for material in a dynamic vacuum material transfer or other system utilizing differential conveying fluid pressure. The invention determines a corrected weight of a batching tank. The invention includes measuring and logging weights and pressures while the batching tank is being evacuated and determining the density of the air in the batching tank at one or more pressures. While material is being transferred into the vessel the invention measures the weight and pressure of the batching tank and calculates the corrected weight based on logged weights, logged pressures, and the density of the material added to the batching tank.

Abstract: A method for blending dry material in a plant comprises automatically controlling fluidization of the dry material, transfer of the material, or both. In various embodiments, the automatically controlling comprises optimizing an amount of time that the dry material is fluidized prior to transfer, optimizing the transfer rate of the dry material, detecting and eliminating a developing plug of the dry material, estimating the weight of the dry material in the transfer line, minimizing dribbling during transfer of the dry material, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A turbine viscometer for measuring the viscosity of fluid flowing through a conduit, such as a pipe or manifold. The viscometer has a viscosity turbine positionable in the pipe or manifold. The viscosity turbine has a central portion and a plurality of blades extending therefrom such that fluid flow does not induce any rotational movement of the viscosity turbine. The viscometer also has a drive device for rotating the viscosity turbine so that fluid drag on the viscosity turbine can be measured to determine the viscosity of the fluid. In one embodiment, the drive device creates a rotational magnetic field around the viscosity turbine so that it is rotated. In a second embodiment, the drive device is a drive turbine connected to the viscosity turbine and rotated by fluid flowing through the pipe or conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to weight measurement methods and systems, and more specifically, to weight measurement methods and systems for material in a dynamic vacuum material transfer or other system utilizing differential conveying fluid pressure. The invention determines a corrected weight of a batching tank. The invention includes measuring and logging weights and pressures while the batching tank is being evacuated and determining the density of the air in the batching tank at one or more pressures. While material is being transferred into the vessel the invention measures the weight and pressure of the batching tank and calculates the corrected weight based on logged weights, logged pressures, and the density of the material added to the batching tank.