Abstract: A method comprises providing at least two fluid flow channels of different sizes wherein each contain a temperature sensitive resistance fluid flow sensor. An electronic controller is provided with the electrical information from the temperature sensitive resistance fluid flow sensor. The electronic controller is provided with a data base including at least the calibration data between fluid flow rate and the electrical information from the resistance sensor and the designated fluid flow rates at which each of the flow channels other than the smallest that could be opened or closed. Next, the fluid whose flow rate is to be measured is caused to flow through the smallest flow channel. Then the electronic controller compares the flow rate through the smallest flow channel with the designated flow rate for the smallest channel and opens the next larger flow channel to fluid flow if the designated flow rate is exceeded or closes such flow channel if such designated flow rate is not exceeded.

Abstract: A method for analyzing various components in a natural gas pipeline with the aid of a computer controlled gas chromatograph comprising the steps of: (a) providing the computer control unit with a data base for operating the gas chromatograph including at least: (1) periodically causing a sample of the natural gas to be supplied to the gas chromatograph; (2) operating the gas chromatograph to analyze the various components in the natural gas stream; (3) computing the amount of the various components in the natural gas stream; and (4) reporting the amount of components in the natural gas stream.

Abstract: A portable machine for testing protective coatings which have been applied to pipes or the like comprising a portable frame adapted to be hand-held by testing personnel. A pair of elongated arms extend from the portable frame and have pipe shoes on one end thereof adapted to embrace the pipe so that the portable frame will be maintained at a predetermined distance from the pipe during the testing operation. A cutting blade is provided for severing the protective coating from the pipe and has an elongated flexible member connected thereto. A power assembly is secured to the frame and is operatively connected to the elongated flexible member to cause the elongated flexible member and the cutting blade to be moved towards the support to sever the protective coating from the pipe. A force read-out device is connected to the power assembly for indicating the amount of force required to sever the protective coating from the pipe.