Abstract: A mass flow controller (MFC) has a standard envelope with an enclosure and a corresponding base. A pressure transducer is communicatively coupled to a process gas in a proportional inlet valve without being physically coupled to the base. The space formerly occupied by the pressure transducer is available for additional component integration, or reduction of the standard envelope size. A second pressure transducer is located remotely and shared by multiple MFCs. A relief valve can quickly relieve a P1 pressure of a P1 volume of process gas. A first laminar flow element (LFE) and a second LFE and in series high conductance valve configured in parallel to produce a wide-range MFC that maintains accuracy.

Abstract: A PCV valve that also monitors the flow of gases produced by use of a turbocharger. A spring biased plunger member is used to restrict and meter the flow of gases through the PCV valve. A nozzle member with a Venturi throat is used to allow back flow caused by use of a turbocharger. The nozzle member can be part of a module including a passageway member that can be closed by the plunger member.

Abstract: A pressure sensor having a structure in which compressible fluid is prevented from stagnating in the vicinity of a pressure-receiving surface of the pressure sensor in the interior of a pressure introducing portion is provided. In a pressure sensor including a sensor body arranged in a pressure introduction flow channel branched in a T-shape upward from a primary fluid flow channel in which fluid to be subjected to pressure measurement flows, the pressure introduction flow channel includes an inclined surface extending in a direction to increase an opening area on the side of an inlet port of the fluid on a wall surface on the downstream side in terms of the direction of flow of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection fitting for the connection of a ring with at least one consumer to a storey or rising main branch with inlet and outlet openings (2, 4) which can be connected to the branch and an intervening merge opening (34) for the ring main which is preceded in the flow direction (S) by a cross-section constriction (16). The present invention also relates to a water pipe system with at least one storey or rising main branch to which several ring mains are connected via separation and merge openings and a cross-section constriction provided between the separation and merge openings of the assigned ring main in the branch. The object of the present invention is to specify a connection fitting which leads to improved flow characteristics in the region of the ring main assigned to the connection fitting and to provide a water pipe system which fulfills the practical requirements in an improved manner.

Abstract: A control program for a positive displacement metering system measures the time required for the travel of a free piston in a cylinder of known volume to determine an average flow rate during a full stroke of the piston. The system may also measure and record the inlet and outlet pressures or the differential pressure between the fluid inlet and outlet. The control program positions a four-way valve which may function as an adjustable metering orifice in response to the measured average flow rate and/or changes in the inlet and outlet pressures to achieve the desired flow rate. At the end of each stroke, the four-way valve is repositioned to reverse fluid flow through the metering cylinder. The system may revise the valve position settings for both forward and reverse strokes based on the measured time required for a full stroke at a certain valve position. In this way, the system automatically and iteratively compensates for changes in fluid properties and fluid pressure.

Abstract: A gas dividing/supplying apparatus includes a pressure-type flow control system, a plurality of divided flow passages connected in parallel with each other and through which gas flowing from the pressure-type flow control system is divided and supplied to a process chamber, thermal-type mass flow sensors disposed in the divided flow passages, respectively, motor-operated valves disposed on a downstream side of the thermal-type mass flow sensors, respectively, and switching-type controllers that control opening and closing of the motor-operated valves, respectively, and, in the apparatus, the switching-type controllers perform switching between valve opening control for maintaining the motor-operated valves at a predetermined fixed valve opening degree based on a valve opening control command signal and divided flow control for regulating an opening degree of each of the motor-operated valves by feedback control based on a flow detection signal of the thermal-type mass flow sensor by a divided flow control com

Abstract: A pressure type flow rate control apparatus is provided wherein flow rate of fluid passing through an orifice is computed as Qc=KP1 (where K is a proportionality constant) or as Qc=KP2m (P1?P2)n (where K is a proportionality constant, m and n constants) by using orifice upstream side pressure P1 and/or orifice downstream side pressure P2. A fluid passage between the downstream side of a control valve and a fluid supply pipe of the pressure type flow rate control apparatus comprises at least 2 fluid passages in parallel, and orifices having different flow rate characteristics are provided for each of these fluid passages, wherein fluid in a small flow quantity area flows to one orifice for flow control of fluid in the small flow quantity area, while fluid in a large flow quantity area flows to the other orifice for flow control of fluid in the large flow quantity area.

Abstract: A mass flow controller among other embodiments and method is described. The mass flow controller including a thermal mass flow sensor including at least two sensing elements coupled to a sensor tube of the mass flow controller, the thermal mass flow sensor being designed to provide a first signal indicative of flow of a gas within a first flow-rate-range and a second signal indicative of flow of the gas within a second flow-rate-range; and a control portion figured to control a valve position of the mass flow controller responsive to the first signal when the flow of the gas is within the first flow-rate-range and control the valve position of the mass flow controller responsive to the second signal when the flow of the gas is within a second flow-rate-range.

Abstract: A mass flow controller comprises: a first flow meter constructed and arranged to measured flow rate of mass through the mass flow controller; a second flow meter constructed and arranged to measure flow rate of mass through the mass flow controller; a control valve constructed and arranged so as to control the flow rate of mass through the mass flow controller in response to a control signal generated as a function of the flow rate as measured by one of the flow meters; and a system controller constructed and arranged to generate the control signal, and to provide an indication when a difference between the flow rate of mass as measured by the first flow meter and the flow rate of mass as measured by the second flow meter exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A gas pressure regulating valve capable of regulating secondary pressure of a high-pressure fuel gas to a target pressure and preventing the fuel gas from leaking. An electromagnetic pressure regulating valve is an in tank type and can cause a valve body to move to adjust an opening degree of a valve passage. A diaphragm seal and a low-pressure sealing member respectively seal both sides of a bearing member slidingly supporting the valve body. The diaphragm seal receives the secondary pressure from a pressure return chamber. A back pressure chamber connected to a primary port is formed in the valve body by a seal rod inserted in the valve body. A communication passage connected to a secondary port is formed at a side of the seal rod, and a high-pressure sealing member seals between the communication passage and the back pressure chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately measuring supply gas consumed by a particular process control component within a process control system is disclosed. Enhanced measurement accuracy is derived from measuring the consumption of the process control component in a normal operating mode of the process control system. The amount of fluid expended by one process control component is separated by a fluid control system from the amount of supply gas expended in actuating other process control components. The amount of fluid expended by each component may be determined by measuring a decrease in a fluid within a vessel having a known quantity that independently supplies supply gas to each component during its operation.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pressure regulating valve includes a valve body and causes a valve body to move by an electromagnetic proportional solenoid to adjust an opening degree of a valve passage, thereby regulating secondary pressure to target pressure. A pressure return chamber is formed in the housing, and a diaphragm seal is provided at the valve body. The diaphragm seal receives the secondary pressure of the pressure return chamber to cause the valve body to move toward a closed position. A bearing member is provided between the valve body and the housing. In a gap between the valve body and the housing, a high-pressure sealing member is provided closer to the valve passage than the bearing member, and a low-pressure sealing member is provided closer to the bearing member than the high-pressure sealing member. A buffer chamber connected to a secondary port is formed between the sealing members.

Abstract: The high-pressure output (2) of a donor container is coupled to a user system (11) by means of a main transfer tube (4) through a pilot valve (5) controllable by an auxiliary line (6) which is connected (12) to an auxiliary circuit of the system (11), extends along the main tube (15) and is fixed thereto by the reduced length thereof at several distinct points (S<SUB>i</SUB>). In such a way, the rupture or inflammable leakage of the tube (4) generates the tearing off or meting of the auxiliary line (6) in such a way that the output valve (5) is immediately closed. Said invention is particularly suitable for an inflammable gas supply to stationary plants.

Abstract: Provided is a flow control valve including a valve body including a flow path, a first poppet fixed in the valve body including an inlet through which a fluid flows in, and an outflow hole through which the fluid flows out to the flow path of the valve body, a second poppet fixed in the valve body including an outlet through which the fluid flows out, and an inflow hole through which the fluid flows in from the flow path of the valve body, a sleeve to adjust an area of the outflow hole, a spool formed to slide along an external surface of the second poppet, and bellows of which one end is coupled with the first poppet and the other end is coupled with the spool.

Abstract: In order to be able to diagnose an abnormality occurring in a flow rate control valve with high reliability, and for example, if an abnormality occurs in the flow rate control valve, quickly perform appropriate maintenance or the like, a first measured flow rate diagnostic part that, on the basis of a second measured flow rate value or a measured pressure value, diagnoses an abnormality of a first measured flow rate value, and a valve diagnostic part that, when the first measured flow rate diagnostic part diagnoses that the first measured flow rate value has no abnormality, diagnoses an abnormality of the flow rate control valve are provided.

Abstract: The flow rate control device is provided with: a fluid resistor provided on the flow channel; a pressure sensor provided in any one of an upstream side or a downstream side of the fluid resistor; a stable state judging part configured to judge, based on the measurement flow rate value or a measurement pressure value measured by the pressure sensor, whether or not a state of the fluid flowing through the flow channel is in a stable state; and an abnormality diagnosing part configured to diagnose an abnormality of the measurement flow rate value based on a variation amount of the measurement pressure value in the case where the stable state judging part judges that the state of the fluid is in a stable state.

Abstract: The flow rate control device is provided with: a fluid resistor provided on the flow channel; a pressure sensor provided in any one of an upstream side or a downstream side of the fluid resistor; a pressure calculating part configured to calculate a pressure in a side with respect to the fluid resistor where the pressure sensor is not provided; a flow rate calculating part configured to calculate a flow rate based on the measurement pressure value and a calculation pressure value calculated by the pressure calculating part; and an abnormality diagnosing part configured to diagnose an abnormality of the measurement flow rate value based on the measurement flow rate value and a calculation flow rate value.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system includes an oil control valve to control oil flow within a valvetrain. The control valve varies the flow rate to actuate an engine component from a first position to a second position based upon fluid pressure from the control valve. Varying the flow rate through the control valve includes increasing the flow rate through the control valve to increase the pressure to a first level to actuate the engine component to the first position. After the engine component is actuated, the flow rate through the control valve is maintained at a level sufficient to maintain the engine component in the first position. To actuate the engine component to the second position the flow rate through the control valve is then decreased. The fluid flow rate through the control valve is then maintained at a level sufficient to maintain the engine component in the second position.

Abstract: A pressure type flow rate control reference allows the performance of flow rate calibrations of a flow rate controller on all types of gases, including corrosive gases, at low costs, and also has excellent flow rate control accuracy. The pressure type flow rate control reference includes a pressure controller for adjusting the pressure of a calibration gas from a calibration gas supply source, a first volume provided on the downstream side of a pressure controller, a first connection mouth of an uncalibrated flow rate controller provided on the downstream side of the first volume, a reference pressure type flow rate controller connected to a second connection mouth on the downstream side of the uncalibrated flow rate controller, a second volume provided on the downstream side of a reference pressure type flow rate controller, and an evacuation device provided on the downstream side of the second volume.

Abstract: It is an objective to appropriately assure a function of limiting use of appliances that cause changes in quantities of gas used.

Abstract: A regulator unit for regulating a flap opening of a flap arranged in a mass flow line includes: an analyzer unit which is designed for providing an analysis signal on the basis of a predefined desired pressure difference and a difference between pressures upstream and downstream from the flap; a regulator which is designed for determining a trigger signal from the analysis signal according to a regulating characteristic; and a control element-regulating unit which is designed for regulating the flap opening of the flap in the mass flow line in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: A water pressure backup device has a water tank mounted between a water source and interior plumbing lines and containing an air bladder that is inflated by a battery powered compressor when water pressure is lost at the source, bladder inflation within the tank thereby providing auxiliary water pressure to the interior plumbing lines. A control unit detects when water pressure at the source is lost, and monitors air pressure in the bladder and water pressure in the tank. When water pressure is restored at the source, the control unit shuts off the compressor and opens an air pressure relief valve at the bladder.

Abstract: A low constant pressure injection molding machine forms molded parts by injecting molten thermoplastic material into a mold cavity at low constant pressures of 6,000 psi and lower. As a result, the low constant pressure injection molding machine includes a mold formed of easily machineable material that is less costly and faster to manufacture than typical injection molds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a switching valve for transmitting of fluids. In particular, disclosed herein is a switching valve for filling of gas tanks having a housing with an inlet area and an outlet portion. A check valve, a vent valve, and an inlet valve can be disposed within the housing. The vent valve and the inlet valve can be controlled by a slide that is coupled with a pivoting lever which is actuated by a control valve in a pressure controlled manner.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body, a valve element, a valve actuator, and a fluid-operated switch. The valve body defines a flow passage. The valve element is disposed at least partially within the flow passage and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The valve actuator is coupled to the valve element and is responsive to pressurized fluid supplied thereto and vented therefrom to move the valve element between the open position and the closed position, respectively. The fluid-operated switch has a first fluid inlet, a second fluid inlet, a third fluid inlet, an actuator port, and an actuator vent port. The fluid-operated switch is in fluid communication with the valve actuator and is operable to selectively supply pressurized fluid to the actuator via the actuator port, and vent the pressurized fluid from the actuator via the actuator port and the actuator vent port.

Abstract: The invention allows securing greater discharge pressure and flow rate at high revolutions of an engine in order to secure lubrication and cooling, while reducing discharge pressure and flow rate at low and medium revolutions of the engine in order to improve efficiency. The invention includes a housing; a relief valve; a valve passage; a main discharge flow channel; a main relief flow channel; an auxiliary relief flow channel; a solenoid valve mounted on the auxiliary relief flow channel; and a spring. The solenoid valve is controlled so as to switch between communication and shut-off between the auxiliary relief flow channel and the large-diameter passage section in accordance with an increase or decrease in engine revolutions, and oil in the large-diameter passage section is discharged when the shut-off is implemented.

Abstract: A control valve device develops opening/closing accuracy of a valve assembly. The valve head 310a is configured to open and close a transfer path formed in the valve housing 305 by transmitting the power to the valve assembly 310 from the power transmission member according to a pressure ratio between working fluid supplied to the first space Us and the second space Ls, respectively. The valve head has a Vickers hardness larger than a Vickers hardness of a valve seat of the transfer path to be in contact with the valve head, and a hardness difference therebetween is set to be about 200 Hv to about 300 Hv.

Abstract: A mass flow controller includes a thermal mass flow sensor in combination with a pressure sensor to provide a mass flow controller that is relatively insensitive to fluctuations in input pressure. The pressure sensor and thermal sensor respectively provide signals to an electronic controller indicating the measured inlet flow rate and the pressure within the dead volume. The electronic controller employs the measured pressure to compensate the measured inlet flow rate and to thereby produce a compensated measure of the outlet flow rate, which may be used to operate a mass flow controller control valve.

Abstract: A method includes associating a plurality of valve balancing units with a plurality of valves in a hydronic network. The method also includes adjusting a setting of at least one of the valves using at least one of the valve balancing units to balance the hydronic network. Adjusting the setting could include identifying a differential pressure across a valve and a flow rate of material through that valve. Adjusting the setting could also include comparing the identified differential pressure to a target differential pressure and/or the identified flow rate to a target flow rate. Adjusting the setting could further include instructing an actuator to adjust the setting until the identified differential pressure is within a first threshold of the target differential pressure and/or the identified flow rate is within a second threshold of the target flow rate.

Abstract: An system and method for flow control by controlling the output pressure for a liquid or a gas independently of the input pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic device comprising at least one micro-channel connected at one end to an enclosed area, characterized in that it also comprises an inlet circuit and an outlet circuit connected to the enclosed area and between which the fluid can be discharged without any contact with the micro-channel, wherein at least one of said inlet and outlet circuits can be controlled in such a way that the pressure at the end of the micro-channel can be modified independently from the pressure at the other end of the micro-channel.

Abstract: A mass flow controller includes a thermal mass flow sensor in combination with a pressure sensor to provide a mass flow controller that is relatively insensitive to fluctuations in input pressure. The pressure sensor and thermal sensor respectively provide signals to an electronic controller indicating the measured inlet flow rate and the pressure within the dead volume. The electronic controller employs the measured pressure to compensate the measured inlet flow rate and to thereby produce a compensated measure of the outlet flow rate, which may be used to operate a mass flow controller control valve.

Abstract: “SINGLE SYSTEM FOR CONTROL OF HIGH OR LOW PRESSURE GASES FLOW RATE AND VALVE FOR CONTROL OF HIGH OR LOW PRESSURE GASES”, consists essentially in a system (S), which has active control of the movement of the valve (1) ram (P) solely by the concept of measurement of the flow rate and by the difference of pressure between the input and output of said valve (1), which, based on certain preconceived parameters, opens or closes the ram (P) so as to compensate the error between the actual and programmed flow rates.

Abstract: A relief valve in particular for relieving the super-atmospheric pressure in a tank for combustible liquids and comprising a pilot valve unit (6) with an inlet opening (9) and an outlet opening (10). By a predetermined, adjustable super-atmospheric pressure in the tank, the pilot valve unit (6) opens and allows a gas flow from the inlet opening (9) to the outlet opening (10), which on the one hand boosts the valve to open quickly and, on the other, entails that a chamber (15) is evacuated of gas. The chamber (15) is closed by a membrane (3) which controls a valve body (2) towards or away from a valve seat (1) to the effect that it is possible to allow or block a flow of gas between a space (13) and a relief passage (5). According to the invention the relief passage (5) is open towards the open via an excess-pressure valve (11), and the outlet opening (10) of the pilot valve unit (6) is connected to the relief passage (5).

Abstract: Apparatus and a control system for monitoring (preferably digitally) and/or controlling pressure to a pneumatic load such as a proportional fluid control valve and using a measurement input from a fluid measurement device that responds to a flow rate, the liquid measurement input being used to control the pressure to the pneumatic load so that pneumatic load may be increased or decreased (to proportionally open or close the pneumatic valve) to change the flow rate of the fluid to a desired rate. The pneumatic load can also be adjusted (to proportionally open or close the pneumatic valve) to accommodate changes in temperature and viscosity of a fluid.

Abstract: A device for metering and controlling fluid flow includes a variable orifice and is configured to use a pressure sensor. The device includes a fluid flow conduit having at least one planar inner wall that extends along a portion of the fluid flow conduit length, and an element having a linear edge configured to mate with the at least one planar inner wall of the fluid flow conduit. The element is movable in a direction transverse to an axis of the conduit between an open position wherein fluid flows through the conduit and a closed position wherein the element substantially shuts off fluid flow in the conduit.

Abstract: A mass flow controller includes a thermal mass flow sensor in combination with a pressure sensor to provide a mass flow controller that is relatively insensitive to fluctuations in input pressure. The pressure sensor and thermal sensor respectively provide signals to an electronic controller indicating the measured inlet flow rate and the pressure within the dead volume. The electronic controller employs the measured pressure to compensate the measured inlet flow rate and to thereby produce a compensated measure of the outlet flow rate, which may be used to operate a mass flow controller control valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for attitude insensitive flow devices. The system can include a flow device having a processor and a computer readable medium accessible by the processor that stores a set of computer instructions executable by the processor. The computer instructions can include instructions executable to receive an orientation signal, receive a sensed flow signal, and determine a flow through the flow device based on the sensed flow signal and the orientation signal.

Abstract: A fluid supply monitoring system includes a housing, a shutoff valve, and a flow sensor. The shutoff valve is positioned within said housing and selectively blocks a fluid flow through the housing. The flow sensor is positioned downstream from said shutoff valve within said housing and is operable to generate a magnetic field across the fluid flow to generate real time fluid flow data.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a volume flow control system, in particular, for air conditioning systems and ventilation systems, for adjusting a butterfly valve that is pivotably disposed inside a flow channel, comprises a differential pressure sensor for measuring a differential pressure that prevails in the flow channel, a control unit that adjusts the butterfly valve in dependence on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor for adjusting a desired volume flow in the flow channel, and means for adjusting control parameters, wherein the means comprise a first switch for selecting one of a plurality of control parameters, and a second switch for adjusting the value of the respectively selected control parameter.

Abstract: A vapor delivery system for delivering a steady flow of sublimated vapor to a vacuum chamber comprises a vaporizer of solid material, a mechanical throttling valve, and a pressure gauge, followed by a vapor conduit to the vacuum chamber. The vapor flow rate is determined by both the temperature of the vaporizer and the setting of the conductance of the mechanical throttle valve located between the vaporizer and the vacuum chamber. The temperature of the vaporizer is determined by closed-loop control to a set-point temperature. The mechanical throttle valve is electrically controlled, e.g. the valve position is under closed-loop control to the output of the pressure gauge. In this way the vapor flow rate can be generally proportional to the pressure gauge output. All surfaces exposed to the vapor from the vaporizer to the vacuum chamber are heated to prevent condensation. A gate valve and a rotary butterfly valve are shown acting as the upstream throttling valve.

Abstract: A device for metering and controlling fluid flow includes a variable orifice and is configured to use a pressure sensor. The device includes a fluid flow conduit having at least one planar inner wall that extends along a portion of the fluid flow conduit length, and an element having a linear edge configured to mate with the at least one planar inner wall of the fluid flow conduit. The element is movable in a direction transverse to an axis of the conduit between an open position wherein fluid flows through the conduit and a closed position wherein the element substantially shuts off fluid flow in the conduit.

Abstract: In a hydraulic system for an automatic transmission, a method for automatically draining fluid from an oil cooler and related hydraulic lines when power is off to prevent fluid leakage, escape and outflow when they are disconnected from the system. A control system includes a source of relatively high pressure when power is on, an oil cooler, fluid circuit lines for supplying transmission oil to the cooler, a source of low pressure for containing fluid, such as an oil sump, and a valve hydraulically connected to the circuit, high pressure source, and low pressure source, the valve having a first state at which a hydraulic connection through the valve between the circuit and the source of low pressure is closed when power is on, and a second state at which a hydraulic connection through the valve between the circuit and the low pressure source is open when power is off.

Abstract: A level control system for controlling the thickness of a work material in a slurry form cast upon a moving belt includes a fluid reservoir disposed above the belt, a sensor lens assembly for sensing the slurry height within such reservoir, and a control valve for adding slurry to the reservoir. A lens disposed near the moving belt and above the reservoir is coupled by fiber optics to a remote sensor amplifier for detecting the height of the slurry. A control circuit responsive to the light sensor regulates the flow rate of the slurry through the control valve.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling at least one valve, in response to a detected leak in the system including the valve. An activation signal is generated which opens the valve briefly for flushing purposes and closes it again, or moves the valve ball at great speed onto the valve seat.

Abstract: A pressure support system that includes a first housing member and a second housing member. The first housing member has a first plurality of cavities defined therein, and the second housing member has a second plurality of cavities defined therein. The first and second plurality of cavities cooperate to define (a) a first chamber adapted to receive a first component of the pressure support system, (b) a second chamber adapted to receive a second component of the pressure support system, and (c) a first conduit connecting the first component and the second in fluid communication when the first and second housing members are assembled. A fastening system secures the first and second housing members in an assembled relation.

Abstract: A water supply shut off system includes a water pressure delay device which delays the transmission of any apparent change in water pressure between the input and the output side of the valve to the control input of the valve. This delay allows the input and output pressures to have a chance to generally equalize without falsely tripping the device. The water supply shut off system can also include a thermal expansion/contraction device that allows thermal expansion and contraction of a fluid medium, such as water, when the shut off device is used with a device to be protected such as a hot water heater.

Abstract: A valve for controlling temperature and for water balancing in a zone in a water based heating/cooling system. The valve comprises a housing having a water inlet port and a water outlet port. An internal wall with an opening is positioned between the ports so that when the opening is closed, water flow through the housing from the inlet port to the outlet port is prevented. A plug having predetermined flow rate characteristics is releasably secured in a receptacle in the housing. The plug is constructed and positioned to move with respect to the opening, between open and closed positions, respectively permitting and preventing the flow of water through the housing. A pressure tap is positioned in the housing on the inlet port side of the wall and another pressure tap is positioned in the housing on the outlet side of the wall. The taps, during operation of the valve, permit a determination of the pressure differential between the inlet port and outlet port when the valve is in open position.

Abstract: A bypass for an exhaust system for a utility vehicle, such as a combine, that, when substantially closed, provides maximum noise attenuation for road transport, i.e., relatively high back pressure, and then, when substantially open, would provide a reduced flow restriction, i.e., relatively low back pressure, for full power, field operation. A bypass flow path in an exhaust pipe is located upstream of a primary muffler. A diaphragm can be provided to manipulate a damper which acts to close the exhaust flow to the primary muffler and open the bypass to an exhaust pipe to effectively bypass the primary muffler.

Abstract: Plunger lift operations are difficult to optimize due to lack of knowledge of tubing pressure, casing pressure, bottom-hole pressure, liquid accumulation in the tubing and location of the plunger. Monitoring the plunger position in the tubing helps the operator (or controller) to optimize the removal of liquids and gas from the well. The plunger position can be tracked from the surface by monitoring acoustic signals generated as the plunger falls down the tubing. When the plunger passes by a tubing collar recess, an acoustic pulse is generated that travels up the gas within the tubing. The acoustic pulses are monitored at the surface, and are converted to an electrical signal by a microphone. The signal is digitized, and the digitized data is stored in a computer. Software processes this data along with the tubing and casing pressure data to display plunger depth, plunger velocity and well pressures vs. time.