Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining mass throughput of material to be conveyed through an essentially closed conveying system. In addition to a mass measuring device for determining the throughput of a flow of a conveying fluid carrying the material to be conveyed, there is provided a second measuring device for determining the mass of conveying fluid supplied to the conveying system. Subtracting the values measured results in a very accurate indication of the mass of material momentarily conveyed, without error caused by the conveying fluid.

Abstract: A flow meter of the non-moving part type comprises first and second measuring devices (1, 2) having different point characteristics and which are connected together in a series. A by-pass line (11) and valve (12) are connected in parallel with the flow meters and a third larger flow measuring device (10) is connected in series. At a given flow rate the valve opens and the third measuring device is used to measure the higher flow rates.

Abstract: For the indirect identification of the mass flow of a specimen fluid stre the specimen fluid stream is mixed with a dilution fluid stream to form an total fluid stream that is to be investigated in view of specific constituents of the specimen fluid stream. The mass flow of a specimen fluid stream is identified from the difference between the measured mass flows of the dilution fluid stream and the total fluid stream. In order to reduce the possibilities of error in the setting of a defined dilution ration, the mass flows of the dilution fluid stream and the total fluid stream are calibrated relative to one another, to which end one of the calibration measurements is not undertaken at the respective fluid stream but is separately undertaken at the specimen fluid stream.

Abstract: A flow meter is provided which employs a thermal flow sensor and a correcting flow meter, for example, a Karman vortex flow meter such that the output from the thermal flow sensor is corrected by the Karman vortex flow meter, thereby making it possible to accurately and stably measure the flow rate of fluids in a wide range even if the composition of fluids changes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for calculating the flow rate through a pumping station that has at least one pump. For each pump and for each combination of pumps on oscillator circuit is provided of which the output frequency can be adjusted. The frequency of each such circuit is adjusted to represent the pump rate for the pump or combination of pumps to which that oscillator circuit corresponds. While operating the pumping station, a totalizing device has fed to it the output frequency of that oscillator circuit which corresponds to the pump or combination of pumps which is operating at any given time, and the total in the totalizer is incremented by a given amount for each pulse encountered. Thus, the totalizer is continuously updated.

Abstract: A flowmeter measuring mass flow rate or volume flow rate or mass and volume flow rates of fluid comprises a pair of flow passages (3 and 4) and a pair of flow sensors (7 and 8) respectively measuring flow rates through the two flow passages (3 and 4). A flow obstructing member (12) at least partially obstructs at least one of the two flow passages (3 and 4), wherein a bias force acting on the flow obstructing member (12) tends to increase the degree of obstruction of the fluid flow through said at least one of the two flow passages, while the fluid dynamic force exerted on the flow obstructing member (12) by the fluid moving through the flowmeter tends to decrease the degree of obstruction of the fluid flow through said at least one of the two flow passages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the velocity of flow of a fluid, by: causing fluid to flow through a conduit section defining a monitoring region, the conduit section having an interior defining a flow path which is free of any physical obstruction that can significantly influence fluid flow in the monitoring region; propagating a beam of energy across the flow path in the monitoring region in a direction transverse to the flow path, the energy being selected such that the beam is modulated by turbulence occurring in the fluid; detecting the modulated beam at a single location in the monitoring region after the beam has traversed the flow path and generating a single electrical signal representative of the detected modulated beam; and processing the single electrical signal in a manner to provide an indication of the modulation of the beam produced by the turbulence in the fluid.

Abstract: A device for measuring multi-phase fluid flow includes first and second flow meters connected in series for measuring a first and second fluid flow and providing first and second signals indicative of the first and second fluid flow. The device further includes a flow restrictor located between the first and second flow meters and first and second pressure measurement means operatively connected to each of the flow meters. The device enables the measurement of multi-phase flow without the need for physically separating the different fluid flows.

Abstract: A microbridge flow sensor includes integral bridge portions and temperature-measuring resistive elements. The bridge portions are integrally formed above the right and left openings of a substrate, respectively. The temperature-measuring resistive elements are respectively formed on the surfaces of the bridge portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the quality of steam and steam flow rate use the thrust or impact force of the steam against a device in the steam flow path and restriction data from a choke or orifice plate. The impact force can be read from a variety of devices mounted in the steam flow path and using known electrical and/or mechanical reading and recording techniques. The restriction data can be derived from measurements taken across known flow restriction devices such as an orifice plate or a choke.

Abstract: This flow meter uses two known flow responsive techniques and combines them in a unique structure and system to form an improved flow meter whose range extends from low to high flow rates. The meter comprises a flow tube with a region of reduced diameter between its inlet and outlet. A microbridge flow sensor of a suitable type known in the art, which responds to thermal changes caused by changes in the flow rate, is located in the region of reduced diameter. A post downstream of the microbridge sensor creates Karman vortices whose frequencies are a function of flow rate and which are detected through ports in the tube by a suitable detector. The output of the microbridge is linear from low flow rates to a mid range and the Karman flow meter output is linear from the mid range to high flow rates. A correction factor is applied to the thermal flow meter output.

Abstract: A flowmeter comprises a first combination of vortex generator and sensor and a second combination of vortex generator and sensor wherein the first vortex shedding frequency measured by the first combination of vortex generator and sensor is proportional to the volume flow rate of fluid and the second vortex shedding frequency measured by the second combination of vortex generator and sensor is a function of the dynamic pressure of the fluid flow; wherein the volume flow rate of the fluid is determined from the first vortex shedding frequency, while the mass flow rate is determined from a combination of the first and second vortex shedding frequencies.

Abstract: A fluid meter comprises at least three sensors each having an output dependent on a respective characteristic of the fluid to be monitored, circuitry to combine the outputs of two of the sensors to provide a measurement of mass flowrate of the fluid, and to combine the outputs of the three sensors to provide an error signal which can be used to recalibrate the measurement.

Abstract: A totalizer apparatus, used with belt scales and other flow rate measuring devices producing output signals subject to zero drift, maintains an auxiliary totalizer register during zeroing operations so that should zero flow conditions be interrupted during such an operation, a correct total can still be maintained. This enables autozeroing operations to be implemented, for which purpose a further auxiliary totalizer is used to test for an extended absence of flow before permitting initiation of an autozeroing operation. If a zeroing operation results in an apparently excessive zero correction, it is rejected and assumed that flow has restarted during the operation; the first auxiliary totalizer register is used to update a primary register.

Abstract: A double flow rate meter (1) and an apparatus for automatically feeding animals with liquid food which utilizes the flow meter (1) for establishing the amount of food consumed is disclosed. The flow rate meter (1) comprises at least two circular flow passages (2, 20), each containing a ball (11, 12) constrained to be propelled through the relevant channel by fluid proportionally to the flow velocity of the fluid. The balls (11, 12) pass respective sensors (15, 16) in the flow passages. Each flow passage (11, 12) has its own inlet conduit (3, 5) and respective outlet conduit (21, 22), the outlet conduits merging into a single, common outlet conduit (4) leading to a nipple (37) or the like food dispensing means. The flow rate meter enables controlled feeding of an animal with liquid food while medicine or another compound can be administered simultaneously and proportionally to the supplied food.

Abstract: A mass flow meter probe having an upstream tube and a downstream tube that extends into a main gas flow conduit is disclosed. The sensor for the mass flow measurement is located in the bore of a housing connecting the tubes and by incorporating the sensor into a valve that can block flow between the tubes, the mass flow meter can be calibrated in the field. The probe can be used as differential pressure device for flow measurments, when the valve is closed. A means for cleaning pressure ports is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the fluid flow rate through a fluid transmission conduit is disclosed. A first set of resistors and a second set of resistors are connected in full bridge fashion and placed in contact with a separate measurement conduit in fluid communication with the fluid transmission conduit. A signal from the measurement conduit proportional to the fluid flow rate therein is sent to a computer. The computer is operative to actuate a control valve in response to the signal. The control valve is disposed upstream from the measurement conduit inlet in the fluid transmission conduit. The computer is also enabled to perform an autocalibration routine of the flow control apparatus that a yields a control accuracy of better than 1 percent.

Abstract: Wire-to-water efficiency (W) of a multi-pump system is monitored and accurately determined according to the formula: ##EQU1## wherein Q is flow through the system, HS is total dynamic head across the inlet and outlet headers of the system, E is energy input to the system to drive the pump, and K is a predetermined conversion factor. The resulting efficiency determination is provided to an operator so that the pump system may be monitored.

Abstract: A flow sensor assembly particularly suited for measuring localized flow components within a region of flow which may exhibit flow components of varying velocity vector in both intensities and directions. The assembly includes a sampling conduit which confronts the localized flow and, through an entrance partitioning arrangement, develops a sampling flow therethrough representing the product of the cosine of the angle of incidence of the intercepted flow with the axis of the sensing channel. A flow sensor is positioned within the sampling flow to provide a readout of the velocity thereof. The apparatus can be mounted on a movable probe and employed to determine the intensity and direct of localized fluid flow components within larger regions of flow.

Abstract: The flowmeter comprising a first flow passage with a fixed cross section geometry and a second flow passage with a variable cross section geometry measures the volume and mass rates of fluid flow through the flowmeter as well as the density of the fluid. The variable cross section geometry of the second flow passage varies as a function of the dynamic pressure of the fluid flow and the difference in the volume or mass rate of the fluid flow between the two flow passages varies as a function of the variable cross section geometry of the second flow passasge. The volume or mass rates of the fluid flow through the two flow passages are measured and the dynamic pressure of the fluid flow is determined therefrom, whereupon the volume and mass flow rates of the fluid flow and the density of the fluid are determined from the data on the volume flow and the dynamic pressure, or from the data on the mass flow and the dynamic pressure.

Abstract: The invention is a non-intrusive system for measuring the flow rates of insulating or conducting fluids in conduits. It results from the combination of an electromagnetic flowmeter, operating with conducting fluids, and of a triboelectric noise cross-correlation flowmeter, operating with insulating fluids. The system is equipped with a non-intrusive device for measuring fluid conductivity. The electronic signal processing unit uses the conductivity value to decide which of the two sensors is providing a signal effectively representing the fluid flow rate. The electromagnetic flowmeter may use electrodes of small cross-section in contact with the fluid or, more advantageously, it may be of the capacitive type using larger section electrodes isolated from the fluid.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for controlling a ventilating apparatus wherein an adjustment selected according to patient data is changed for optimization after a work-in time period. A first simulator unit simulating the characteristic values of the ventilating apparatus and a second simulator unit simulating patient parameters taken from patient data are connected to a ventilating apparatus such that the new adjustment is processed first on the first simulator unit with unchanged adjustment of the ventilating apparatus. The resulting output values of the first simulator unit are coupled with the patient data of the second simulator unit such that the effects of the changed adjustment on the patient are derived as simulated new patient data. A switchover of the ventilating apparatus to the new adjustment can take palce by means of a control command.

Abstract: The flowmeter of the present invention comprises at least two separate flow passages wherein one of the two flow passages include a shut-off valve with an actuator and the other of the two passage includes a flow rate sensor for measuring flow rate through that flow passage. In the mode of full capacity operation, both of the two flow passages stay fully open and the flow rate through the two flow passages is determined from the flow rate sensor measuring the flow through one of the two flow passages by multiplying by a factor such as two. In the mode of reduced capacity operation, the shut-off valve shuts off one of the two flow passages and the flow rate is directly determined from the flow rate sensor.

Abstract: A flow rate measurement system and method suitable for monitoring filtrate flow in a hemodialysis apparatus, provides a pair of flow meters in series at the input of a dialyzer for producing electrical signals indicative of dialysate flow rate and a pair of flow meters in series at the output of the dialyzer for producing electrical signals indicative of dialysate plus filtrate flow rate. A computer receives the flow rate signals and is programmed to calibrate each flow meter during a calibration phase to correct for any variations in each pair to thereby produce corrective scale factors. During an operational phase of the apparatus, the program monitors the flow meters and provides an alarm if any changes between the readings of either of the pairs of flow meters occurs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling a multi-pump system is described wherein wire-to-water efficiency (W) is accurately determined according to the formulaW=(Q.times.HS/K.times.E)wherein Q is flow through the system, HS is total dynamic head across the inlet and outlet headers of the system, E is energy input to the system to drive the pump, and K is a predetermined conversion factor. The pumps of the system are selectively energized and deenergized as the efficiency W varies above and/or below efficiency setpoints so as to optimize the efficiency of the pumping system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring airflow in a duct utilizing the technique of vortex shedding include inducing the shedding of vortices at a frequency within the range of sound, sensing the sounds generated by the shedding of vortices to determine the frequency of vortex shedding, and converting the frequency of vortex shedding into information indicative of airflow measurements.

Abstract: A method for measuring local fluid flow rates in a vessel, e.g., a packed bed two-phase flow catalytic reactor, is disclosed which comprises:(a) arranging a plurality of heated thermocouple probes in the vessel at predetermined locations in the path of the fluid flow therethrough;(b) obtaining a first set of temperature readings with the probe heaters off to provide the local reactor temperature;(c) obtaining a second set of temperature readings with the probe heaters on to provide the skin temperature of the heater well;(d) using the difference between readings (b) and (c) to calculate the fluid flow rates.

Abstract: Miniature thermal fluid flow sensors of the airfoil type are made in batch form by forming the thermal fluid flow sensors on a thin sheet of material and bonding the sheet over an array of duct structures and dicing the individual sensors and duct structures apart. In one thermal flow sensor configuration, a flow heater is dispsoed inbetween first and second thermal flow sensors in heat exchanging relation therewith. A third thermal flow sensor is disposed upstream of the others out of heat exchanging relation with the heater for operation of the heater at a certain temperature above that sensed by the third sensor. In the low flow regime, flow is measured by the difference between the outputs of the first and second sensors, whereas in the high flow regime, the power required to maintain the temperature of the heater serves as a measure of the flow.

Abstract: A pulse accumulator network for receiving a plurality of pulse trains wherein each pulse train includes a plurality of pulses. The pulse accumulator network accumulates the pulses in each of the received pulse trains and the pulse accumulator network outputs each of the accumulated count of pulses in response to receiving polling signals. The pulse accumulator network is adapted to be utilized in a flow monitoring system, for example, wherein the pulse trains are flow signals indicative of the velocity of the fluid flowing through one of the monitored flowlines.

Abstract: In a steam flow line that is delivering reduced quality steam, there is a method and/or system for determining the quality. It includes the steps of flowing quality steam through a first flow restriction, and mixing a measured quantity of water with the steam, downstream from the restriction. It also includes flowing the mixture through a second flow restriction. Then, by measuring pressures and temperatures, the quality of the steam at the second flow restriction may be calculated. Where the pressure drop across the second flow restriction is very small compared to the supply line pressure, the quality of the steam downstream is essentially the same, and thus determined.

Abstract: A system for measuring the air flow into the engine over the full operating range thereof is described employing a pair of air flow measuring concepts selectively enabled dependent upon engine operation so as to accurately achieve a measurement of air flow over the full range of engine operation.

Abstract: A method for metering two-phase flow wherein the successive accelerational pressure drops across two orifice plates installed in series with correlated to obtain one or more flowrate parameters.

Abstract: The amount of air entering an engine is determined by selecting the more accurate of two airflow determination means. One means measures a parameter characterizing airflow into the engine and has an adaptive correction. Another means calculates airflow into the engine as a function of engine speed and air density and has an adaptive correction.

Abstract: An equal flow, metering and manifold system which is used to control the flow of natural gas from a single source to a single utilization device via separate metering systems for a plurality of users which can independently and separately control the operation of the single utilization device.

Abstract: A direct-heated gas-flow measuring apparatus for a passage including a plurality of film resistors, disposed within the passage, for generating heat and measuring the temperature thereof, and a feedback control circuit for controlling the heat generated by the film resistors so that the temperature of each of the film resistors is a predetermined value. The feedback control circuit generates a plurality of output signals corresponding to voltages applied to the film resistors. A mean value for the plurality of output signals is calculated as the amount of gas-flow rate.

Abstract: The disclosed orbital ball flow detectors include a photoelectric ball sensor applicable to both axial-flow and toroidal forms, wherein reflection occurs at the ball. Also disclosed are photoelectric ball sensors of both the transmission and reflection types in which the light path extends through pellucid material of the passage means that forms a track against which the ball bears as it orbits. There may be a swirl in the flow pattern of the fluid; and then multiple pairs of orbital ball flow detectors, each carrying part of the total flow and having mutually opposite orbit directions, provide improved accuracy.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying air velocity control apparatus comprising multiple pneumatic lifts including multiple cyclones, at least one manifold, and multiple pneumatic conduits intercommunicating the cyclones with the manifold and having a structure defining a venturi with a venturi inlet side and a venturi throat. Multiple sets of a first, second, and a third 2-way valve for each of the pneumatic lift are provided. The first 2-way valve pneumatically communicates with a pneumatic actuator and with a controller, and the second 2-way valve pneumatically communicates with the venturi inlet side and the controller; and the third 2-way valve pneumatically communicates with the venturi throat and the controller for detecting the pneumatic flow rate through the pneumatic conduit. A sequencer is provided for mechanically engaging at least one set of 2-way valve at any given time. A method for controlling the pneumatic velocity in a multiple lift pneumatic conveying air velocity control apparatus.

Abstract: The amount of air entering an engine is determined by selecting the more accurate of two airflow determination means. One means measures a parameter characterizing airflow into the engine. Another means calculates airflow into the engine as a function of engine speed and air density.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled apparatus monitors a plurality of flow meters for computing and displaying the flow rates detected by each flow meter, the total volumes accumulated through each flow meter, the sum of the current flow rates for the flow meters, and the sum of the total volumes for the flow meters. The information from which the computations are made and the system operating parameters are transferred to a non-volatile memory in response to electronic means for detecting when a power outage or interruption occurs.

Abstract: A method for metering two-phase flow wherein the successive accelerational pressure drops across an orifice plate and across a venturi coupled in series with the orifice plate are correlated to obtain one or more flow-rate parameter.

Abstract: The tubular flowmeter is capable of measuring two different physical parameters in a flowing mixture of liquid and gas (such as wet steam). These measurements are such that they can be used to determine the individual gas and liquid flowrates. The flowmeter comprises first means, such as an orifice plate or a twisted tape, for causing an accelerational or frictional pressure drop in the total flow. Suitable means measure such pressure drop. Downstream of the first means, is positioned means for inducing rotational motion of the total flow, to cause the mixture to separate while remaining within the same conduit into discrete liquid and gas flows. Such means may comprise a rib extending helically along the inner surface of the flowmeter. Means, such as a pitot-static tube assembly, measure a pressure head indicative of the velocity of the gas flow. Downstream from this velocity measurement device, the two phases are permitted to mix freely again, all the time remaining within the same conduit.

Abstract: A flowmeter particularly adapted for measuring the mass flow rate of a mixture of pulverized coal and air. An orifice flowmeter is located in a conduit carrying the mixture, and a reaction mass flowmeter is connected to the conduit either upstream or downstream of the orifice flowmeter. The reaction mass flowmeter includes inner and outer elbows with the inner elbow fixed at one end and free at the other, with a load cell mounted thereon to measure the reaction force caused by the change of direction of the mixture as it transits the elbow.

Abstract: An inexpensive flow meter with a special arrangement of a minimum of transducers always provides an accurate measure of flow of the fluid in a conduit irrespective of the condition of the fluid. Mode control switching circuitry including fluid condition detecting means selectively energizes one or two transmitters in the transducers each of which then feeds a beam of ultrasonic waves to the fluid. Receiver means in the transducers selectively receives both the transmission (transit) mode waves and the reflection (Doppler-shifted) mode waves in accordance with the current condition of the fluid. In one embodiment, the beam of ultrasonic waves uses a single path of travel extending from a transmitter and a receiver while in another embodiment, it uses dual parallel paths extending from two transducers and two receivers.

Abstract: A timed gas metering and distribution system provides a point of use metering and an individual remote meter readout capability in a branched-line gas distribution system, such as in a multi-unit apartment building. In such a system, a single main gas line enters the building and has branches of minimal length extending to a gas-fueled appliance, e.g., a heater, in each unit. Each heater has a fixed orifice in its gas line, to provide a specified fixed gas flow rate at a constant line pressure and an electrical pressure switch in its manifold to detect pressure changes and actuate an electrical circuit upon operation of the heater. The circuit transmits an electrical signal to a timing meter located remotely of the unit for convenient reading. One embodiment uses a direct current electrical circuit and a digitally controlled analog run-time meter. A second embodiment uses an oscillator low frequency pulsing circuit, shift register, and digital counter.

Abstract: A flow metering device of the type operative for producing a pressure differential comprises a shaped tubular member having sequentially disposed inlet, converging, and throat sections, and a downstream diverging section for energy recovery. Inner annular recesses, preferably having substantially sharp leading edges, are provided in the interior of the device in or adjacent the inlet and throat sections, and pressure taps for sensing the fluid pressures in the inlet and throat sections communicate with the interior of the device through the recesses. The taps are preferably positioned adjacent the leading edges of the respective recesses so that they are shielded from the direct flow of fluid in the device to provide true static pressure readings which are unaffected by the configurations of the inner ends of the taps. Accordingly, highly accurate operations can be effected with the device using bench calibrated discharge coefficients.

Abstract: A procedure and means for lubricating the bearings in equipment comprising a plurality of oil-lubricated bearings (7). The oil is conducted to each bearing separately through a volumetric meter (4) which meters the oil quantity going to the bearing. The oil is conducted to a unit (14) comprising a plurality of volumetric meters (4), where it is distributed through a branching tube (2-3) comprised in the unit to each meter. A signal proportional to the flow passing through each meter can be conducted electrically further to a monitoring point.

Abstract: A bidirectional fluid flow indicator comprising a housing having a fluid inlet and fluid outlet, first and second separated fluid passageways intermediate said inlet and said outlet, a vane pivotally secured across one of said first channel, a second vane pivotally secured across the opposite end of said second channel, an indicator secured to said vanes for rotation therewith whereby said flow meter indicates the fluid is flowing from said inlet toward said outlet when said second vane is displaced and indicates fluid flow from said outlet toward said inlet when said first vane is pivotally displaced by the fluid flow.

Abstract: Transient change in heat flux due to ultrasmall variation in flow conditions (say from no-flow to flow) within a series of relief flowlines to pinpoint sources of plant upset, is achieved by carefully positioning (in each flowline closely adjacent to an associated relief valve) a transducer-meter for sensing transient heat flux from a selected location completely exterior of the line; and recording in sequence: (i) a base line signal indicative of a no-flow, steady state condition at each selected location along the flowline, and (ii) a transient signal indicative of a flow condition. Both types of signals are generated by a plurality of thermocouples (a thermopile) attached to each flowline in a heat flux sensing relationship that takes into account the type of fluid being monitored and the temperature gradient existing across the relief valve.

Abstract: An open-channel liquid flowmeter which is not disabled by submergence of the primary device measures flowrate using both critical-flow and velocity-area techniques and compares results to determine the conditions of flow. The device then selects the method offering the greatest probability of accuracy at that moment and computes flow using the selected method.

Abstract: A device for measuring fuel flow to a power plant such as a turbo fan engine with a very high degree of accuracy, for example, .+-.0.5%. A tubular flow loop having quick disconnect fittings for detachably connecting the loop between the aircraft fuel system outlet and the engine fuel inlet is disclosed. Two specially calibrated mass flow transmitters are arranged in series, each preceded by a straight section of piping having a preferred given length to diameter ratio. Preceding each of the two straight pipe sections is a honeycomb flow straightener and three in-series perforated plates for removing any effects of upstream flow characteristics from the transmitters.