Abstract: A feed-forward flow controller is designed to calculate a target valve position from a target flow. Correction is made for liquid or gas pressure drop across the valve and for the valve flow modulating member geometry. This feed-forward action may also be used to linearize a feed-back flow control loop.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pressure transmitter is provided which diagnoses the condition of a primary element and/or an impulse line which connects to a pressure sensor. A difference circuit coupled to the pressure sensor has a difference output which represents the sensed pressure minus a moving average. A calculate circuit receives the difference output and calculates a trained output of historical data obtained during an initial training time. The calculate circuit also calculates a monitor output of current data obtained during monitoring or normal operation of the transmitter. A diagnostic circuit receives the trained output and the monitor output and generates a diagnostic output indicating a current condition.

Abstract: The invention consists of a pressure transducer based air velocity sensor that has been optimized for use in metal ducts. The fluid flow velocity is determined by measuring the propagation delay of a direct path pressure wave signal transmitted through the fluid as a function of a frequency difference rather than as a phase delay measurement. This system electronically removes multi-path signals from the measured signal, thereby obviating the requirement for installation calibration.

Abstract: A precision gas flow meter that is capable of measuring small flow rates of gasses precisely in the range of 0.01 to 10 L per minute. The meter is designed to measure the gas flow in small volume increments of predetermined value, and therefore can be used to measure a gas flow that is continuous or discontinuous. The flow meter can be used to measure the gas production rates from many processes, including biological reactors, chemical reactors, and thermal-chemical reactors. The device can also be used to meter the gases that are required in small or minute volumes.

Abstract: There are basically two types of rumble strips: shoulder/center rumble strips and in-lane rumble strips. In an embodiment of the invention, there is a device that automatically identifies the type of rumble strip with which a vehicle tire is in contact with. The device may include a processor adapted to receive input indicative of a state of rotation of a first vehicle tire and input indicative of a state of rotation of a second vehicle tire when one or more of the first vehicle tire and the second vehicle tire is in contact with a rumble strip. The processor includes logic to compare the state of rotation of the first vehicle tire to the state of rotation of the second vehicle tire, and determine from the comparison, the type of rumble strip in contact with at least one of the first vehicle tire and the second vehicle tire.

Abstract: A temperature and pressure measuring circuit is provided. The circuit comprises an uncompensated pressure transducer, an analog-to-digital converter, a reference resistive device, and first and second switches. The transducer has variable resistive devices between first, second, third, and fourth bridge nodes. The analog-to-digital converter has first and second reference inputs and first and second differential inputs. When the first switch couples the first differential input and the third bridge node and the second switch couples the second differential input and a ground, a bridge voltage is measurable and a bridge resistance is ratiometrically determinable. The bridge resistance is employed to calculate a temperature. When the first switch couples the first differential input and the first bridge node and the second switch couples the second differential input and the second bridge node, a differential voltage is measurable. The differential voltage is employed to calculate a pressure.

Abstract: In one oil production operation, a fluid conduit transports a fluid from a wellhead to a floating production platform. To prevent an occurrence of formations that obstruct the flow of fluid in the fluid conduit, a forecast is made as to whether a flow assurance curve will intersect an operating curve of the fluid conduit. In the event that the operating curve and the flow assurance curve will intersect, the appropriate personnel may be alerted so that they may attempt to prevent the hydrate forming conditions from occurring in the pipe. Which personnel are alerted may be based on a level of criticality. The level of criticality may be based on an estimated time period remaining until the flow assurance curve and the operating curve will intersect.

Abstract: A process for curing a moldable compound under a plurality of curing conditions by: (1) obtaining time dependent data streams of dielectric or impedance values from a plurality of sensors distributed within a curing mold, wherein the moldable compound is a dialectric for each of the sensors; (2) determining impedance related measurements from the data streams for the plurality of sensors; (3) determining predictive and/or corrective curing actions for enhancing the curing process using the impedance related measurements for the plurality of sensors; and (4) controlling the mass production curing of parts to obtain cured parts having one or more desired properties.

Abstract: A field replaceable sensor module having a housing, that is capable of being ready connected and disconnected to a multipurpose device The housing includes one or more input ports and one or more electtical interface connectors. One or more sensors are operatively connected to the one or more input ports and attached to a surface of the housing. An electrical subsystem capable of receiving one or more signals from the one or more sensors provides one or more digitized output signals. A computer readable memory is also included to store sensor calibration data.

Abstract: A method for controlling liquid delivery in a processing chamber. The method includes generating an analog input (AI) signal proportional to a process variable and calculating an analog output (AO) signal based on a setpoint and a deadband. The setpoint is a target value of the process variable and the deadband is an allowable tolerance around the setpoint that determines when the control logic is activated to control the process variable. The method further includes transmitting the AO signal to a control device and adjusting the process variable proportional to the value of the AO signal.

Abstract: A monitoring method to monitor efficiency of air-blowing devices in a ventilation system. First, an optimal system curve is provided. Then, the air-blowing devices are activated with a first current frequency to obtain a first fan performance curve of the air-blowing devices according to the first current frequency and a test record. Next, first flow rates of the air-blowing devices are detected, and first system curves and efficiencies of the air-blowing devices are obtained by comparing the first flow rates with the first fan performance curve.

Abstract: Fluid analyzing apparatus includes: an advection step density analyzing unit; an advection step internal energy analyzing unit; and an advection step pressure analyzing unit. The apparatus further includes: an advection step velocity analyzing unit; a nonadvection step small perturbation analyzing unit; and a nonadvection step velocity analyzing unit. The apparatus further includes: a nonadvection step density analyzing unit; a nonadvection step internal energy analyzing unit; and an iterative calculation control unit which iterates calculation in a predetermined order.

Abstract: A feed-forward flow controller is designed to calculate a target valve position from a target flow. Correction is made for liquid or gas pressure drop across the valve and for the valve flow modulating member geometry. This feed-forward action may also be used to linearize a feed-back flow control loop.

Abstract: The process measuring device includes a flow sensor having a measuring tube, a sensor arrangement for producing a measurement signal, and an evaluation and operating circuit. The method serves to compensate for the effects of interfering potentials which are caused especially by foreign particles or air bubbles in the liquid to be measured. For this purpose, an anomaly in the waveform of the measurement signal caused at least in part by an electrical, especially pulse-shaped, interfering potential is detected by determining within a stored first data set a data group which digitally represents the anomaly. To generate an interference-free data set, the data belonging to the data group are removed from the stored first data set.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to regulate resistance in a discontinuous time hot-wire anemometer. The solution removes supply voltage dependency on the mass airflow output signal. Operating the hot-wire anemometer using discontinuous time regulation offers lower system power, but introduces an inverse supply dependent term in the associated transfer function. This effect is removed by multiplying the output signal via a supply dependent signal.

Abstract: A transducer is provided in communication with a power supply of a powered tool for detecting power consumption associated with powered and non-powered operational states and generating a power consumption signal. A measuring implementation is provided for receiving the power consumption signal and measuring intervals associated with at least one of the powered and non-powered operational states, so as to produce an operational history of the powered tool corresponding to a predetermined time period. A production counter is used for counting production units produced by the powered tool during the predetermined time period. A correlating implementation is provided for correlating the operational history with the production units, so to as generate a productivity indicator.

Abstract: A measuring transducer having a sensor (2) transforming a measured parameter, recorded by the sensor, into an electrical sensor signal (3), a signal processing unit (6), adapted to convert the sensor signal into a measurement signal (7) and to generate an error message signal (11), and a data interface (8) transmitting the measured signal and the error report signal. In order to enable error events external to the measuring transducer (1) to be recorded in a simple manner, the measuring transducer includes a control input (15) other than the data interface (8). This control input is adapted to transmit an error report signal (11) that is generated.

Abstract: A sample dispensing apparatus is realized which can detect a dispensing abnormality occurred during the sample dispensing operation regardless of the type and the extent of the abnormality. A pressure sensor is connected to a dispensing flow passage system, including a sample probe and a dispensing syringe, and a plurality of output values of the pressure sensor during the sample dispensing operation are taken in. A multi-item analysis (based on the Mahalanobis distance) is carried out by using, as items, the plurality of taken-in output values of the pressure sensor. Whether the dispensing is normally performed or not is determined by comparing an analysis result with a threshold. A highly reliable determination result is obtained in spite of variations of sensitivity of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: In a tire pressure measurement system a display indicating whether a tire (1) has an inadmissible or incorrect tire pressure and which tire (1) has inadequate tire pressure, is only activated when the driver stops to refuel. One or more sensors (6) are located near to the tank for this purpose and these identify a fuel stop.

Abstract: A fluid flow system for continuously monitoring the flow of fluid including fluid flow conduit with an upstream side and a downstream side, sensors and fluid flow elements, with the method for analyzing the operation of a fluid flow system by determining whether the fluid flow subsystem of the main system is operating properly, inputting a sensor reading of the parameter in the fluid flow of the main system and outputting an error indication of the main system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus integrates differential pressure measurements and absolute pressure measurements to provide virtual absolute pressure measurements over a wide range of pressures on a single integrated scale.

Abstract: A sensing element for use with a controller adapted to receive input signals corresponding to the sensing element, the sensing element having: a housing defining a conduit adapted to be in fluid communication with a fluid; a pair of sensing arrays disposed within the conduit, the pair of sensing arrays being in a facing spaced relationship to define a gap disposed therebetween; a plurality of sensors disposed on the pair of sensing arrays, the plurality of sensors being adapted to sense and provide signals corresponding to a plurality of parameters of the fluid; a microprocessor adapted to receive the signals of the plurality of sensors, the microprocessor being adapted to determine at least one condition of the fluid upon receipt of the signals corresponding to the plurality of parameters of the fluid.

Abstract: A flow diagnostic system for a flow sensing element and impulse lines. A pressure transmitter coupled to the impulse lines provides digital pressure data to a control system. The control system provides the pressure data and real time clock readings to a diagnostic application. The diagnostic application calculates a difference between current pressure data and its moving average. A condition of the primary element or impulse lines is diagnosed from a current pressure data set relative to an historical data set. The diagnostic application is downloadable from an application service provider (ASP). The application can run on the control system, a remote computer or the ASP. A diagnostic report is preferably provided.

Abstract: A method and control system is disclosed that monitors the high frequency or commonly referred to as the “noise” component of a measurement signal to detect plugging conditions in fluid flow systems monitored by DP-cell based sensors. This high frequency component has contributions from the process factors like disturbances, user actions and random effects like turbulence. A test statistic ?(t) has been developed that monitors the proportion of variance introduced by process factors and random effects. By monitoring this proportion, it is possible to detect a frozen sensor that is characterized by a dramatic reduction in the variance due to process factors over a sufficiently long detection window. The method works with measurements sampled at frequencies commonly achievable in a process environment.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining fluid flow through a pressure regulator is disclosed. The pressure regulator is disposed in a fluid flow passage and has a throttling element moveable in the flow passage. A stem is attached to the throttling element. The apparatus includes a first pressure sensor for measuring pressure upstream of the throttling element, a second pressure sensor for measuring pressure downstream of the throttling element, and a travel sensor for detecting the position of the throttling element. A processor is provided which includes a stored algorithm for determining flow rate based on the measured pressure and travel values and for calibrating the pressure regulator using a temporary flow meter disposed downstream of the throttling element. A system and method is also provided for calibrating a temperature transmitter associated with the pressure regulator.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for estimating an amount of drawn air of a cylinder and a method and an apparatus for controlling the amount of drawn air, are presented. An estimated value of an amount of drawn air of the cylinder, based on intake manifold pressure, is multiplied by a value of an identification parameter obtained by an adaptive observer, to obtain a final estimated value of an amount of drawn air of the cylinder. An accurate estimated value in a transient state as well as an estimated value not oscillating in a steady state can be obtained. Accordingly, accuracy of air-fuel ratio control can be remarkably increased.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for analyzing spacecraft depressurization events. The apparatus comprises a memory configured to store information relating depressurization aperture sizes to feeding volumes and to first derivatives of pressure with respect to time; and information relating to a volume of the at least one compartment. The apparatus further comprises a processor coupled to the memory and configured to receive pressure signals and temperature signals representative of the temperature and pressure in the vessel, detect depressurization from a first derivative of pressure with respect to time calculated in response to the pressure signals, calculate a feeding volume from the compartment volumes, the pressure signals, and the temperature signals and determine a depressurization aperture size using the first derivative of pressure with respect to time responsive to detection of depressurization and the feeding volume.

Abstract: An apparatus for dosing lubricant into a compressed air flow includes a lubricant container, a pneumatically operated lubricant pump, an injection channel, a non-return valve interposed between the outlet of the pump and the injection channel, and an electronic sensor cooperating with or coupled to the non-return valve so that the sensor emits an electrical signal responsive and corresponding to the stroke travel of the non-return valve. When the pump carries out a lubricant injection cycle, the pressurized lubricant pushes open the non-return valve, flows into the injection channel and from there into a main channel through which compressed air flows. The travel of the valve is sensed by the sensor, and the sensor signal indicates whether the lubricant injection was proper or faulty, e.g. if the proper amount of lubricant was injected.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pressure transmitter is provided which diagnoses the condition of a primary element and/or an impulse line which connects to a pressure sensor. A difference circuit coupled to the pressure sensor has a difference output which represents the sensed pressure minus a moving average. A calculate circuit receives the difference output and calculates a trained output of historical data obtained during an initial training time. The calculate circuit also calculates a monitor output of current data obtained during monitoring or normal operation of the transmitter. A diagnostic circuit receives the trained output and the monitor output and generates a diagnostic output indicating a current condition.

Abstract: In improvements to the Fluid Energy Pulse Test System, apparatus and methods regulate high-pressure, high-fluid-flow-rate energy pulses to generate temperature-controlled transient, ramp, constant-steady-state, and periodic-steady-state fluid-pressure and fluid-flow-rate test data and sound data for evaluating fluid control devices. Transient, ramp, and constant-steady-state performance curves describe dynamic operating characteristics of tested devices. Transient and constant-steady-state pressures and flow rates are precisely defined and compared. Constant fluid conductance is represented by transverse lines on performance graphs. Constant- and periodic-steady-state pressures and flow rates are achieved in less than two seconds. Temperature sensitivity of fluid control devices is determined. Fluid-pressure and fluid-flow-rate data correlated with sound data create audio-visual representations. Three-dimensional amplitude-frequency-time sound signatures are displayed graphically.

Abstract: A method for determining if deterioration in structural integrity of a pressure vessel, having both sensor and oscillator affixed to or embedded in said exterior surface thereof. An electrical current is provided to the oscillator so as to cause said oscillator to oscillate and produce a mechanical disturbance to the exterior surface and cause a detectable natural frequency response of said pressure vessel. The resultant natural frequency response is detected and recorded. After a period of elapsed time, the natural frequency response is again obtained. It is compared with the recorded natural frequency response first obtained, and if there be a difference therebetween, such as a shift in the frequencies at which the natural resonances occur, or a decrease or increase in the amplitude of one or more of the natural frequency resonances, then a flag is raised. An apparatus for determining if deterioration in structural integrity of a pressure vessel, and a pressure vessel, is further disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a failure diagnostic system for an atmospheric pressure detecting device, which is capable of rationally determining whether that device has failed or not and is capable of improving the diagnostic accuracy. The failure diagnostic system is comprised of an atmospheric pressure sensor for detecting an atmospheric pressure of the air taken into an engine; a condition determination section for determining that conditions required for determining that the atmospheric pressure sensor has failed are satisfied if the number of operations, in each of which the engine continuously operates for a predetermined period of time, has exceeded a predetermined number; and a failure diagnosis section for determining that the atmospheric pressure sensor has failed if a variation in the atmospheric pressure over a period of time equivalent to that predetermined number is equal to or less than a predetermined value and the required conditions have been satisfied.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the pressurization performance of a cable network, such as a telecommnunications cable network, including monitoring a plurality of pressurization sensors, monitoring a plurality of pressurization alarms, receiving data related to the plurality of pressurization sensors and the plurality of pressurization alarms, and generating an index. The index taking into account the number of pressurization sensors monitored during a predetermined period of time, the number of pressurization sensors which are inoperable during the predetermined period of time, and the number of pressurization alarms which are tripped during the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A system for measuring plasma electon densities (e.g., in the range of 1010 to 1012 cm−3) and for controlling a plasma generator (240). Measurement of the plasma density is essential if plasma-assisted processes, such depositions or etches, are to be adequately controlled using a feedback control. Both the plasma measurement method and system generate a control voltage that in turn controls the plasma generator (240) to maintain the plasma electron density at a pre-selected value. The system utilizes a frequency stabilization system to lock the frequency of a local oscillator (100) to the resonant frequency of an open microwave resonator (245) when the resonant frequency changes due to the introduction of a plasma within the open resonator. The amplified output voltage of a second microwave discriminator may be used to control a plasma generator (240).

Abstract: A system for determining a leak rate of a device during an adiabatic cooling phase is provided. The system includes a leak rate training system receiving leak rate calibration data, such as pressure data or mass flow data for a device having a known leakage rate. The leak rate training system generates an adiabatic cooling model from the leak rate calibration data, such as by solving a finite difference equation for one or more unknown process variables that are dependent on the adiabatic cooling parameters of the device. The system further includes a leak rate detection system receiving the adiabatic cooling model and leak rate data and determining a leak rate component of the leak rate data using the adiabatic cooling model, such as by using the variable values determined through solving the finite difference model to interpolate between the leak rate calibration data that was gathered using known leakage rates.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to monitor and analyze the performance of a hydrocarbon-processing unit such as pipestill or hydrocracker unit. The invention includes the steps of collecting historical data relating to the hydrocarbon processing unit, from a process history database, validating the historical data, correcting the data performing a workup to determine the output measurements for the hydrocarbon processing unit, and storing the results of the workup in the process history database.

Abstract: A flow measurement module is adapted to operate in conjunction with a control valve assembly to measure a flow rate of a fluid though a flow passage regulated by the control valve assembly. The flow measurement module is communicatively coupled to an intelligent positioner within the control valve assembly to receive data pertaining to the position of the throttling element within the flow passage. The position of the throttling element is used to identify at least one associated valve sizing coefficient. The flow measurement module determines the flow rate of the fluid through the flow passage based on a sensed upstream pressure, a sensed downstream pressure and the valve sizing coefficient associated with the position of the throttling element within the flow passage.

Abstract: A fault identification system for intake system sensors according to the invention includes a throttle position sensor (TPS), a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, and a mass airflow (MAF) sensor. A diagnostic controller is coupled to the TPS, the MAP sensor and the MAF sensor. The diagnostic controller implements a throttle model, a first intake model and a second intake model and correctly identifies faults in the TPS, the MAP sensor and the MAF sensor. The throttle model generates a mass airflow estimate. The first intake model generates a first MAP estimate. The second intake model generates a second MAP estimate. The diagnostic controller applies residual calculations on outputs of the throttle model, the first intake model and the second intake model. The diagnostic controller applies a first order lag filter on the residual calculations. The diagnostic controller accesses a truth table to identify faults in the TPS, the MAP sensor and the MAF sensor.

Abstract: Pipelines are controlled by specifying operations along them. Control specifies sequential control values defining operations at each station to control the pipeline state. The time-dependent state is determinable by software calculations using continuous measurements along the pipeline. Forecasted deliveries dictate that the current pipeline state must change by future time (T). Control sequences are determined at pipeline stations to exercise optimum pipeline control while achieving predetermined goals from the current state to a sustainable target state which supports future deliveries by simulating current pipeline states through time interval T, while satisfying time-dependent forecast deliveries. An initial computable control set is iteratively improved and evaluated by computing the gradient of pipeline operational cost, costs of missing target(s), and costs of violating constraints by solving an adjoint problem each time the simulation is made.

Abstract: A method is described for monitoring wheel speeds, having the following steps: determining the wheel speeds, determining the wheel having the maximum wheel speed, determining the wheel having the minimum wheel speed, determining the differential speed between the maximum wheel speed and the minimum wheel speed, and comparing the differential speed to a threshold value, if the differential speed is greater than a threshold value, the wheel having the maximum wheel speed being registered as the fastest wheel and the wheel having the minimum wheel speed being registered as the slowest wheel, in event of a change of the wheel speeds, so that another with wheel is the fastest wheel and/or another wheel is the slowest wheel, the fastest wheel being registered and the slowest wheel being registered and a logical status being established from the registered values and the instantaneous values. A device for monitoring wheel speeds in accordance with the above method is also described.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a pump that is subject to variations in flow rate based on inlet pressure variations, such as a peristaltic pump found in medical instruments. The pressure at the inlet of the pump is measured and recorded during prior uses of the pump. A mean or average inlet pressure is derived from the measurements, either directly or indirectly from the measurements of using regression techniques, as a way of forecasting the inlet pressure during the next use of the pump. The pump is then calibrated at an inlet pressure that is set or adjusted to match the mean or average inlet pressure. The calibration is thus accurately performed for the pump, and is independent of the absolute accuracy of the inlet pressure sensor.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant device for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter diagnosing the condition of its primary element or impulse lines connecting to a differential pressure sensor. A difference circuit coupled to the differential pressure sensor has a difference output representing the sensed differential pressure minus a moving average. A calculate circuit receives the difference output and calculates a trained output of historical data obtained during an initial training time. The calculate circuit also calculates a monitor output of current data obtained during monitoring or normal operation of the fluid flow meter. A diagnostic circuit receives the trained output and the monitor put and generates a diagnostic output indicating a current condition of the primary element and impulse lines.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling operation of a compressor in a device is disclosed. The system includes a line voltage measurement circuit which measures the difference in voltage between a first line voltage and a second line voltage being applied to the device, and a controller having means for storing a first and second threshold voltage, a comparator having an output for comparing the voltage difference to the first and second threshold voltages, and compressor control means for controlling operation of the compressor based on the output of the comparator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing diagnostics in a pneumatic control loop for a control valve. Pressure and displacement sensors normally provided with a positioner are used to detect operating parameters of the control loop. A processor is programmed to receive feedback from the sensors and generate fault signals according to a logic sub-routine. The logic sub-routine may include calculating mass flow of control fluid through spool valve outlet ports and comparing other operating parameters of the control fluid to detect leaks and blockages in the control loop. Once a fault is detected, the location of the root cause of the fault may be identified by characterizing operating parameters of the control loop at the time of the fault.

Abstract: A flow meter is installed in a supply line of compressed air connected with air-driven devices in a compressed air circuit and measures a flow rate of compressed air in the supply line. A monitor computer receives measured flow rate data from the flow meter. The monitor computer includes an operational state identifying means for identifying a current operational state of the air-driven devices from a plurality of categorized operational states of the air-driven devices. The monitor computer further includes an air leakage determining means for determining a level of leakage of compressed air in the compressed air circuit through comparison of the measured flow rate data with a corresponding one of a plurality of master flow rates, which corresponds to the current operational state of the air-driven devices identified by the operational state identifying means.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a hand held, battery operated water current velocity measuring device designed for use with contact closure water current meters. The apparatus differentiates and amplifies incoming DC signals generated by the current meter into both AC and DC signals, which are then sent to a microprocessor. The microprocessor, using operations research processing, samples and evaluates both signals to determine if a contact closure has occurred (e.g., when the current meter has completed a revolution) and to distinguish an actual contact from external voltage or spurious noise pulses. Once the microprocessor has verified the occurrence of a contact closure, the microprocessor alerts the operator to the contact closure. The information may be transmitted via FM band radio frequency to one or more appropriately tuned FM radios.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant mechanism for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A flow measurement module is adapted to operate in conjunction with a control valve assembly to measure a flow rate of a fluid though a flow passage regulated by the control valve assembly. The flow measurement module is communicatively coupled to an intelligent positioner within the control valve assembly to receive data pertaining to the position of the throttling element within the flow passage. The position of the throttling element is used to identify at least one associated valve sizing coefficient. The flow measurement module determines the flow rate of the fluid through the flow passage based on a sensed upstream pressure, a sensed downstream pressure and the valve sizing coefficient associated with the position of the throttling element within the flow passage.

Abstract: The Fluid Energy Pulse Test System [FEPTS] comprises apparatus and methods, using high-pressure, high-fluid-flow-rate or low-pressure-low-fluid-flow-rate energy pulses in tests to collect data for the evaluation of transient, ramp, steady state, or near steady state dynamic performance characteristics of fluid control devices and fluid systems. Positively increasing and negatively decreasing energy pulses can be generated independently or concurrently during a test. Effects of one or more energy pulses on the dynamic operation of a tested device or system are controlled by the selection of energy pulse variables, including pulse number, pulse type, pulse strength, pulse delay, pulse duration, pulse frequency, and pulse delivery (either an explosive delivery up to at least 243.84 meters per second, or a slow delivery at greater than zero meters per second).