Abstract: The particle volume and particle mass production rate of particulate solids entrained in fluid flowstreams such as formation sand or fracture proppant entrained in oil and gas production flowstreams is determined by a system having a metal probe interposed in a flow conduit for transmitting acoustic emissions created by particles impacting the probe to a sensor and signal processing circuit which produces discrete signals related to the impact of each of the particles striking the probe. The volume or mass flow rate of particulates is determined from making an initial particle size distribution and particle energy distribution and comparing the initial energy distribution and/or the initial size distribution with values related to the impact energies of a predetermined number of recorded impacts. The comparison is also used to recalibrate the system to compensate for changes in flow velocity.

Abstract: A load measuring system comprising an acoustic transmitting transducer for injecting an acoustic signal into a load bearing portion of a sucker rod, and receiving transducer for detecting the signal after it passes through a known length of a sucker rod, and a time delay detector for determining the travel time and in turn, the velocity of the acoustic signal. The acoustic velocity is measured in an unloaded portion of the sucket rod to provide a zero load reference. Measurements are then taken in the loaded portion of the rod and used to indicate dynamic load on the sucker rod string.

Abstract: A pilot flame or burner apparatus for supporting a flame provided by a gaseous fuel and air mixture which is induced to flow to a flame nozzle by an eductor into which gaseous fuel is ejected and mixed with combustion air to flow through a fuel-air mixing chamber to the nozzle. Combustion air enters the eductor by way of an opening formed by a shroud and a heat exchanger member disposed concentrically around the flame nozzle and the flame supported thereby so as to preheat the air to minimize the formation of ice at the eductor inlet. Generally horizontal and vertically disposed embodiments of the apparatus are useful as flare pilots for flaring gases in oil and gas production and refining operations. The combustion air inlet may be arranged to face the same direction as the flame nozzle to minimize the effect of wind blowing against the nozzle.