Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring volume correction in a gas pipeline using a variable volume chamber where the gas is sampled at the temperature and pressure of gas in the pipeline. A portion of a known volume of sample gas is released and a change of volume in the sample chamber is measured with respect to time, while maintaining temperature and pressure at pipeline conditions. The sample gas is then measured for molar flow rate at near base conditions, and this is used to calculate the molar density of the gas. Because the molar density of the gas has been measured at pipeline conditions, it can be multiplied by volumetric flow rate in the pipeline to provide base volumetric flow rate of the pipeline gas. A heating analyzer is provided to determine heat content of the gas, and this is multiplied by volumetric flow rate to determine energy flow rate.

Abstract: A calorimetric measuring apparatus is provided with a decomposition vessel whose interior is configured as a reaction chamber and which can be tightly sealed, the decomposition vessel being removably arranged inside a jacket, and having at least one temperature sensor for measuring the temperature reached inside the decomposition vessel. Characteristic of the measuring apparatus is that the jacket has a measuring vessel which accommodates the decomposition vessel; at least some areas of the wall zone of this measuring vessel comprise a heat-conductive material; the inner walls of this measuring vessel are spaced from the outer walls of the decomposition vessel, thereby forming an interspace in which a gaseous intermediate medium is provided; and the measuring apparatus has at least a second temperature sensor for measuring the temperature change establishing itself in the heat-conductive wall zone of the measuring vessel.

Abstract: Device for determining the Wobbe index of a first gas mixture, including a Wobbe index meter having a mixing chamber, and a feed system for supplying a first gas mixture and an oxidation gas to the mixing chamber of the Wobbe index meter. The feed system includes structure for supplying the first gas mixture to the mixing chamber via a first number of openings, structure for supplying an oxidation gas to the mixing chamber via a second number of openings, structure for keeping a constant ratio between the a quantity of first gas mixture and the a quantity of oxidation gas supplied to the mixing chamber, structure for burning the second gas mixture formed in the mixing chamber and structure for determining the oxygen content of the combustion gas obtained after combustion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for determining the heat of combustion of a material. The apparatus comprises a burner capable of producing a diffusional flame; a device for conveying a sample of the material to the burner, so that the sample is burned within the diffusional flame; and a mechanism for determining the height of the flame in the burner. The method of the invention comprises forming a diffusional flame; burning a sample of the material within the diffusional flame; determining the height of the diffusional flame which results as the sample is burned; and comparing the height determined when the sample was burned with heights determined when standards were burned, the standards having known values for their heats of combustion.

Abstract: The reaction heat sensor and control and analysis devices for measuring the concentration of reactive species in a medium includes a temperature dependent measuring resistor and a reference resistor connected in series. Both resistors, which are supplied with a constant alternating current by a constant current generator, are heated with a heating resistor. By analysis of the voltage drop at the reference resistor the heating resistor is regulated so that the temperature of the reference resistor and thus its reference resistance is kept constant. Thus it is guaranteed by control circuitry that the temperature of the measuring resistance is kept constant when no heat is generated by reaction on exposure to the medium. If a reaction occurs at the measuring resistor, the temperature of the measuring resistance changes and with it the voltage drop across the measuring resistor, which is analyzed and is a direct measure of the heat produced by the reaction.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for measuring a base condition volumetric flowrate of a pipeline gas flowing through a pipeline in which a pipeline gas flowrate is measured by a pipeline gas flowmeter; a volumetric correction ratio is derived by: measuring a sample gas flowrate of sample gas tapped from the pipeline, measuring an energy flowrate of the sample gas, measuring a heating value of the sample gas, and measuing a base condition density of the sample gas; and the base condition volumetric flowrate of the pipeline gas flowing through the pipeline is determined by adjusting the pipeline gas flowrate as measured by the pipeline gas flowmeter by the volumetric correction ratio. The temperature of the sample gas should be substantially the same as the pipeline gas in the pipeline when the sample gas flowrate is measured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a base condition volumetric flowrate of a pipeline gas flowing through a pipeline in which a pipeline gas flowrate is measured by a pipeline gas flowmeter that responds to density in a characteristic manner, a sample gas flowrate is measured by a sample gas flowmeter that responds to density in the same manner as a pipeline gas flowmeter, and a base condition sample gas volumetric flowrate is measured by measuring the base condition energy flowrate of the sample gas, measuring the base condition heating value of the sample gas and dividing the base condition energy flowrate by the base condition heating value. The measured pipeline gas flowrate through the pipeline is then adjusted by the ratio of the base condition sample gas flowrate divided by the measured flowrate of the sample gas. The temperature of the sample gas should be substantially the same as the pipeline gas in the pipeline when the sample gas flowrate is measured.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the combustion characteristics of a gaseous fuel. Wobbe index and calorific value are measured with a fast response time by maintaining a stoichiometric mixture in a mixer supplied with the gaseous fuel at a constant pressure together with ambient air. The pressure of ambient air is controlled by measuring the residual oxygen from combustion of the mix and employing variations in that measured value to control the ambient air supplied to the mixer. The control signal for the ambient air is proportional to the Wobbe index. A separate measurement of the oxygen in the stoichiometric mix provides a signal proportional to the calorific fuel value.

Abstract: Transducer apparatus and related method are described for substantially simultaneously determining pressure and one other property (or property combination) of a flowing gas of varying pressure and composition. The technique utilizes several empirical algorithms for correlating the frequency and series resistance of a crystal resonator exposed to the test gas with the desired properties. The apparatus and method can be readily incorporated into an on-line heating value determination process such as that set forth in the referenced co-filed application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring in real time the mass and energy flow rate of a gas through a pipeline. The invention determines the ratio of the mass flow rate of pipeline gas flowing through a pipeline compared to the mass flow rate of sample gas tapped from the pipeline line. The invention involves tapping sample gas from the pipeline and flowing the sample gas to a capillary tube or a similar device for creating a pressure differential in a small flow. The sample gas is maintained at substantially the same temperature as the gas in the pipeline while the sample gas is in the capillary tube. The sample gas flows through the capillary tube continuously as controlled by a flow controller at a rate that is independent of the pipeline gas flow rate. A differential pressure cell measures the pressure differential of the sample gas across the capillary tube and also measures the pressure differential of the pipeline gas across an orifice in the pipeline.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the calorific value of a first combustible gas involves mixing the first combustible gas with a second combustible gas having a known calorific value and with a combustion supporting gas and burning the resulting mixture, detecting a property of the burning mixture indicative of whether the burning occurred at the stoichiometric point, adjusting the relative flow rates of the first and second combustible gases and the combustion supporting gas so that said burning occurs substantially at the stoichiometric point or at a selected offset from that point, and ascertaining the volume ratios of the gases at the adjusted flow rate to produce a value proportional to the overall calorific value of the mixture of the first and second combustible gases. Based on the foregoing, the contribution to the overall calorific value made by the second combustible gas having a known calorific value can be deleted to yield the calorific value of the first combustible gas.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for monitoring in real time the mass and energy flow rate of a gas through a pipeline. The invention determines the mass flow ratio of a pipeline gas flowing through a pipeline compared to sample gas tapped from the pipeline line when the volumetric flow of pipeline gas through the pipeline is measured by a linear flow meter. Sample gas tapped from the pipeline is flowed to a chamber having a section with a fixed volume until the pressure in the chamber section is substantially equal to the pipeline gas pressure. The sample gas is maintained at substantially the same temperature as the gas in the pipeline while the sample gas is in the chamber section. A timer measures the time interval for the sample gas to flow from the chamber section at a selected rate for a calculated pressure drop the selected rate being controlled by a flow controller. The mass flow ratio is computed using the measured time interval and a signal from the linear flow meter.

Abstract: A calorimeter comprises a laminar flow type flowmeter for measuring the volume of flow of a fuel gas as a value proportional to the difference between the pressures of the laminar flow elements and a stream pipe serially connected to the laminar flow type flowmeter to create a laminar flow therethrough. The stream pipe is provided with a heating means, a temperature sensing means for detecting the difference between the temperatures of the fuel's flow to and from the stream pipe portion heated by the heating means, and a thermal-type flowmeter for measuring a mass flow proportional to the differential temperature sensed. A computer unit calculates the outflow pressure and the volume of flow of the fuel gas in its normal state from the measured values of the absolute pressure, the differential pressure and the temperature of the fuel gas flowing into the laminar flow-type flowmeter and calculates the calorific value of the fuel gas as a value that is negatively proportional to the differential pressure.

Abstract: A gas calorimeter and method of measuring the calorific value of fuel gases in which a fixed volume of gas to be measured is burned in a controlled environment. The temperature increase of the air in the environment caused by the burning is used to determine the calorific value of the gas. The gas to be measured is intermittently supplied to the controlled environment using a base plate which has portions defining a plurality of dispersion holes in a distributed manner so that a greater number of the plurality of dispersion holes are in and around the periphery of the base plate than are in and toward the center of the base plate.

Abstract: A calorimetry system for measurement of the heating value of coal having a combustor 24 and a mixing unit 30 wherein heat from combustion gases is transferred to air. The system has a gravimetric feeder 64 for providing coal at a measured mass feed rate; the coal including any moisture present therein. The coal is pulverized in an air-driven mill or pulverizer 14 which is fed coal from the feeder and is separated by a cyclone separator 16 into two streams; one carrying coal and air mixed together in a controlled ratio to the combustor. The air which drives the separator, together with fines of the coal and moisture is fed to an afterburner 26 of the combustor so that the thermal dynamics of the entire coal stream is involved in the heating value measurement. Instrumentatoin measures the flow rates of cooling air, primary air which carries the coal streams into the combustor and secondary combustion air as well as the mass flow rates of the coal into the combustor as measured with the gravimetric feeder.

Abstract: A calorimeter of the liquid flow type. The calorimeter includes a chamber in communication with a medium to be delivered to the chamber at a steady rate of flow. It also includes a heat exchanger having a liquid flowing therethrough at a steady rate of flow in a non-recirculating manner. The chamber is submerged within the heat exchanger and formed so as to release the heating medium from the chamber into the liquid as the liquid is flowing through the heat exchanger. The calorimeter also is capable of measuring an increase in temperature from a first point to a second point as the liquid is flowing at a steady rate through the heat exchanger. As a result, the calorimeter can measure the heating value of a heating medium at preselected intervals or continuously.

Abstract: A calorimetry system for measurement of the heating value of coal having a combustor 24 and a mixing unit 30 wherein heat from combustion gases is transferred to air. The system has a gravimetric feeder 64 for providing coal at a measured mass feed rate; the coal including any moisture present therein. The coal is pulverized in an air-driven mill or pulverizer 14 which is fed coal from the feeder and is separated by a cyclone separator 16 into two streams; one carrying coal and air mixed together in a controlled ratio to the combustor. The air which drives the separator, together with fines of the coal and moisture is fed to an afterburner 26 of the combustor so that the thermal dynamics of the entire coal stream is involved in the heating value measurement. Instrumentation measures the flow rates of cooling air, primary air which carries the coal streams into the combustor and secondary combustion air as well as the mass flow rates of the coal into the combustor as measured with the gravimetric feeder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of determining the energy content of a hydrocarbon gas mixture having a diluent gas. The dielectric constant of the hydrocarbon gas mixture and diluent gas is measured, the gas mixture is then directed through a separation column which extracts a mixture containing the diluent gas. The dielectric constant of the extracted mixture is then measured, and the energy content of the hydrocarbon gas mixture and dilute gas is calculated from the dielectric measurements. After use, the separator column and dielectric measuring cell are purged of the residual gases.

Abstract: A calorimetry systems for the continuous measurement of the heating value of coal, which provides heating value data used to control coal-fired furnaces. The system has apparatus for pulverizing the coal, a gravimetric feeder for providing pulverized coal at a measured mass feed rate, an initiating self-sustained combustion of the coal therein without the need for further supporting fuel gases. Instrumentation measures the flow rates of the cooling air, primary and secondary combustion air as well as the mass flow rates of the coal into the combustor. A computer is provided which is responsive to the measuring instruments (thermocouples and pressure gauges) for controlling the feeding of the coal and fuel gases during initiation of combustion and for computing the heating value of the coal. The computer has a memory with storage for specific heat values of the constituents of the products of combustion of various ranks of coal (bituminous, subbituminous, lignite, etc.

Abstract: A radiation probe includes an optionally cooled tube 10 with a window 22 at one end, and can be traversed across a gas turbine engine combustion chamber 20 by drive means 26. A radiation detector 28 simultaneously measures radiation intensity at a plurality of wavelengths, at each of a succession of positions during the traverse. From this data, local values of radiation levels, grey and non grey absorption coefficients, local temperature and local gas composition and soot concentration are calculated, using a recurrence formula which relates intensities at neighboring positions.

Abstract: A method and device 15 is provided for a quick, accurate and on-line determination of heats of combustion of gaseous hydrocarbons. First, the amount of oxygen in the carrier stream air is sensed by oxygen sensing system 20. Second, three individual volumetric flow rates of oxygen, carrier stream air, and hydrocarbon test gas are introduced into burner 19. The hydrocarbon test gas is fed into burner 19 at a volumetric flow rate n measured by flowmeter 18. Third, the amount of oxygen in the resulting combustion products is sensed by oxygen sensing system 20. Fourth, the volumetric flow rate of oxygen is adjusted until the amount of oxygen in the combustion product equals the amount of oxygen previously sensed in the carrier stream air. This equalizing volumetric flow rate is m and is measured by flowmeter 16. The heat of combustion of the hydrocarbon test gas is then determined from the ratio m/n.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the heating value of a fuel gas stream of variable composition utilizes a housing of high thermal conductivity defining a small volume combustion chamber, and filled with a bed of highly thermally conductive particles surrounding an electrical-resistance heater. The heater maintains the internal temperature of the chamber above the combustion point of the fuel gas, to totally combust the enclosed sample. The bed of particles transmits the heating effects of the combustion to the housing. A temperature sensor attached to the housing communicates with a feedback controller which acts to maintain the housing temperature constant, by appropriately adjusting the electrical energy supplied to the heater. Means are provided to correlate changes in the electrical energy to the heating content of the fuel sample.

Abstract: The apparatus materializing the method of determining the content of combustibles in the products of fuel combustion incorporates an oven with an electric heater connected into the load circuit of a controllable voltage source. The oven is provided with a pipe for introducing a sample of the end products of fuel combustion and with pipes for admitting an oxidizing agent and removing the end products of combustion of the combustibles. The sample is heated in the presence of the oxidizing agent to a temperature equal to or higher than the fire point of the combustibles present in the sample which, consequently, burn down. The temperature during the process of combustion is maintained constant with the aid of a temperature controller having its input connected to a temperature transducer located in the oven and its output connected to the output of the controllable voltage source.

Abstract: A calorific content analyzer for determining the calorific content of a combustible gas while compensating the analysis of the calorific content for fuel entrained oxygen. The gas is combusted to achieve substantially stoichiometric combustion by varying the air/fuel ratio supplied to a combustion chamber by a rotary valve which is speed controlled in response to a sensing of oxygen in the combustion products. A first measurement of the calorific content of the fuel gas is made using a normal operation of the analyzer and a second measurement is made using a known amount of air added by the rotary valve to the combustible gas stream. The true air/fuel ratio and the calorific content of the fuel gas is then computed using a predetermined relationship among the system variables.

Abstract: A bomb-type conduction calorimeter consists of a bomb separated from a substantially infinite heat sink by several heat flow detecting elements. The bomb is enclosed by an inner copper box having a cylindrical interior and a polygonal exterior. The inner copper box is enclosed by an outer copper box having a polygonal interior. The heat flow detecting means may be several thermopiles in contact with the inner and outer polygonal surfaces. The infinite heat sink may be a constant temperature water bath. Heat flow directly from the test substance is measured, as opposed to the heat flow dissipated to the environment of the bomb. The calorific values determined are independent of the amount of water in the water bath.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously measuring the heating power of a fuel gas comprises a calorimeter containing a vertical cell whose lower part accomodates a burner. The burner and the cell are respectively fed with fuel gas and with combustion air at a predetermined pressure and feed rate. The calorimeter has an external wall defining an annular vertical space with a wall of the cell. A dividing wall parallel to the external wall divides the annular space into concentric enclosures having a thickness which is small as compared with their length and circumferential size. The enclosures contain a same measurement gas and are operatively associated in a differential gas thermometer arrangement.

Abstract: A calorimeter and method of obtaining the calorific value of a test gas comprises a pair of constant flow pumps one for supplying air at known volumetric flow and the other for supplying a test gas at known volumetric flow. The known volumetric flow of air is maintained at a level sufficient to provide enough oxygen to fully burn all oxidizable components of the test gas. The air and test gas are mixed and catalytically burned in a heated block and the combustion products are thereafter supplied to an electrochemical oxygen measuring cell which measures the remaining oxygen in the mixture. A circuit arrangement is utilized to obtain a value proportional to the difference between the remaining oxygen and original amount of oxygen which value is proportional to the amount of oxygen utilized and in turn proportional to calorific value of the test gas.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the combustion-less measurement and/or regulation of the feeding of quantities of heat to gas combustion devices, particularly natural-gas combustion devices. A fuel gas or a partial stream of the fuel gas is fed through a fuel gas line containing at least one flow resistor which produces a laminar flow and a pressure drop. The gas volume flow and/or the pressure drop over at least one flow resistor is measured by a volume flow metering device and a difference pressure regulator, respectively, the pressure drops and/or volume flows which are not measured being maintained constant. A device compensates for the influence of temperature on the system is compensated. The measured value(s) in accordance with the formula described in the specificationf (H)=a+b.multidot.n.sup.c .multidot..rho..sup.dis a measure of the heat content of the flowing gas and results in a signal which serves for measurement and/or regulation.