Abstract: A flow measuring system detects fluid flow in a subsea well. A disclosed flow measuring system may comprise a housing 12 attached over a hole 22 or riser aperture, defined within a riser 20, creating a fluid pathway. Continuous louvers 27 may span the riser aperture, filtering the flow of fluid reaching the fluid pathway. The direction and volume of flow within the fluid pathway may be measured by sensors attached to the housing. In an alternative embodiment, director plates 29 may be integrated with or integral to the louvers with the director plates influencing the flow of fluid to, within and out of the fluid pathway. The use of flow measurement sensors within the fluid pathway is also disclosed. In one embodiment, no louvers or director plates are used, thus increasing the fluid communication between the riser and housing.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method for measuring velocity of fluid flow in a channel, including: transmitting, using a transmitter, directed energy carrying a signal toward a surface of a fluid in a fluid channel so as to produce a plurality reflections from locations substantially spanning the entire width of the fluid channel; detecting, using a plurality of measurement beams, received signals from the plurality of reflections so produced; determining, based upon differences between transmitted and received signals, a plurality of localized velocities; and computing, from the plurality of localized velocities, a cross-sectional average velocity of fluid in the channel. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow metering system includes a condition monitor. For each chordal path of a plurality of chordal paths of an ultrasonic flow meter the condition monitor is configured to compute: 1) a reference chordal velocity ratio; 2) a predicted chordal velocity based on the reference chordal velocity ratio for the chordal path and measured flow velocities for all other chordal paths of the plurality of chordal paths; 3) a first estimated mean flow velocity for the ultrasonic meter, the first estimated mean flow velocity based on the predicted chordal velocity for the chordal path and the measured flow velocities for all other chordal paths of the plurality of chordal paths; and 4) for each other chordal path of the plurality of chordal paths, a predicted chordal velocity ratio based on the measured flow velocity for the other chordal path and the first estimated mean flow velocity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump which may include a native pumping mechanism to drive fluids through a functionally associated conduit, at least one native sensor to sense a physical characteristic of the fluid within the conduit and computing circuitry having a decalibration test mode to determine whether the infusion pump is decalibrated. The computing circuitry may be adapted to receive output from at least one native sensor during the decalibration test mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit (4) comprising a conduit wall defining a flow channel through which a fluid may flow and a plurality of further channels (24) through at least part of the conduit wall. Each further channel (24) comprises a first end (20) and a second end (22). The first ends (20) of the further channels (24) are spaced apart along a length of the conduit (4) and comprise openings in fluid communication with the flow channel of the conduit (4). The second ends (22) of the further channels (24) are located proximate to one another (e.g. substantially collocated) such that the distance between the second ends (22) of any two further channels (24) is smaller than the distance between the first ends (20) of those two further channels (24). Pressure sensors (26) may be coupled to the second ends (22) of the further channels, which may be closed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fast computation of fluid velocity fields in the presence of objects causing flow discontinuity are disclosed. Rigorous evaluation of perturbed velocity fields, each resulting from placing an object in a bounded space sustaining a reference velocity field, are determined for different orientations of the object with respect to a reference velocity field and different values of the magnitude of the velocity field. A velocity field is determined at selected sampling points within an enclosure surrounding the object. Pre-computed perturbed velocity fields determined for each object of a set of reference objects are stored in a computer memory. Fast real-time computation of velocity-field perturbations caused by presence of objects at arbitrary positions in a space sustaining velocity fields of different magnitudes and directions are realized using the stored pre-computed data.

Abstract: A fluid flow tester for measuring minute volumes of fluid and for calibrating medical devices, such as intravenous infusion pumps, includes a plurality of valves and associated conduits which direct fluid from the device being tested to a transparent vertical column. A plurality of sensors, each including a light emitting diode and a light detector, are arranged along the axial length of the column at a predetermined spacing between adjacent sensors. Fluid from the device being tested is directed through the flow tester by the valves and associated conduits into the column where it rises. The meniscus of the fluid rising in the column is detected by the sensors. The sensors provide signals to a microcontroller which calculates the time that it takes for the fluid to pass each sensor. Knowing this timing and the volume of the column, the flow rate of the fluid may be calculated by the microcontroller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for determining the volumetric flow rate of milk flowing during a milking process. A cross-sectional area (Ai) of the milk flow (2) is determined at a first measuring point (3) by means of a sensor (4) which is arranged outside the flowing milk. The time (ti) required by the milk flow (2) with the determined cross-sectional are (Ai), to go from the first measuring point (3) to a second measuring point (5) which is provided downstream from the first measuring point, is measured. The flow speed (vi) is derived from the measured time (ti) and the known distance (s) between the first and second measuring points (3, 5). The volumetric flow rate (V(t)) is determined on the basis of the determined cross-sectional area (Ai) and the flow speed (vi).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of spatially integrating multiple pipeline datasets. The method involves weld matching multiple inline inspection datasets by selecting one dataset as master and designated the other datasets as slaves, then spatially slaving the weld positions in the slaves to the weld positions in the master. After the weld matching process is completed, the method repositions the other data in the slave datasets relative to the master datasets, and which itself was previously spatially fit against a centreline model.

Abstract: An open-channel flowmeter is calibrated by the use of local velocity and level characteristics existing at a given site, as measured by the flowmeter itself. Stored reference relationships that have been either theoretically or experimentally derived are compared to the velocity level relationships at any particular site so as to determine a correction factor which is valid at that site so as to modify the sensed velocity to be an accurate approximation of the average velocity under those site conditions. A local velocity signal is modified so as to make it an accurate approximation of the mean velocity for open-channel flowmeters of the level/velocity type.

Abstract: A flowmeter for measuring the volumetric discharge in an open channel makes two measurements: (1) velocity at a fixed point, and (2) fluid level. A level-discharge function which is a function of level alone is then generated in response to the measured level, and the discharge function and velocity measurement are multiplied to obtain the volumetric discharge. For more accuracy, in a conduit through which fluid is flowing, a single velocity measurement at a point has a value v.sub.s, from which is inferred the effects of velocity profile in the conduit. A flowmeter in a second embodiment makes use of this such that a level-velocity-discharge function directly produces the volumetric discharge, using inputs from the velocity and level signals. In a third embodiment, when the conduit is full, the level measurement is dispensed with, and a velocity-discharge function directly produces the volumetric discharge, using input from the velocity sensor.

Abstract: A method and means for measuring a characteristic, in particular one associated with particle size, of any of the feed, underflow or overflow streams of a hydrocyclone is provided. Information as to the flowrate and density of the feed stream as well as the angle of flare or other related variable associated with the shape of the underflow stream are fed to processing means which applies a formula or algorithm, which is usually empirically derived, to such information to provide a value of the required characteristic. The characteristic may be related to particle size, particle size distribution in any of the streams or the liquid content or the flowrates of solids or liquids in the underflow or overflow. Measurement apparatus comprising a dedicated hydrocyclone is also provided.

Abstract: A sewer flow monitoring system wherein the volume of flow is determined from the depth of fluid in a pipe together with the average velocity of flow through the pipe as determined by detecting the peak velocity from particles flowing in sewage at different velocities and then determining average velocity to be approximately 90% of the peak velocity.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of controlling the operation of a hydro-cyclone or a circuit embodying same. The method involves the measurement of a variable associated with the shape of the slurry underflow emanating from the hydro-cyclone outlet. The variable is generally the cone angle or, in effect, the radius or diameter of the conical shaped stream of slurry flowing from the outlet at a selected position below the outlet and this diameter can be measured using an arm or arms which operatively rides on the outer boundary of the slurry underflow stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining an area of a surface which is traversed and treated by an object during a unit of time is configured for use with a moveable object that has a first axis of a known length. The object is capable of movement along a second axis and the first and second axes define an angle between them which is other than 0.degree.. A signalling means includes a sensor which may be mounted in a motion-sensing relationship to the object for providing a motion signal when the object moves a distance along the second axis. The motion signal has a predetermined relationship to that distance. A timing means repetitively provides a plurality of timing signals, each sequential pair of which defines an interval of time of known duration. A computing means is coupled to the timing means and to the signalling means for receiving at least one sequential pair of timing signals and at least one motion signal.

Abstract: A catheter, particularly adapted for cardiac output determination, comprises an elongated tube of flexible material, the tube having a substantially rigid distal portion on which is disposed an ultrasonic transducer and a proximate, inflatable balloon. The ultrasonic transducer is arranged so as to direct a beam of ultrasound toward a transverse plane that bisects the balloon, and is connected by appropriate leads to a conventional Doppler circuit. With the balloon deflated, the signal from the Doppler circuit is sensed to measure blood velocity. Thereafter, the balloon is inflated so that it has a predetermined cross-sectional area in the transverse plane. The signal from the Doppler circuit is again sensed to measure blood velocity. Using a simple mathematical relationship, the effective internal cross-sectional area of the blood vessel is determined from the two measured velocities and from the predetermined cross-sectional area of the balloon when inflated.

Abstract: A feed meter for determining the feed rate of conveyed material comprising a rotatable encoded disc which rotates in proportion to the velocity of conveyed material and displaces the disc in proportion to the depth of material being conveyed, whereby a fixed detector provides an output representative of feed rate. One use of the feed meters is for controlling the application rate of additive material to conveyed material.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the flow velocity of a flow, stream or jet of molten radiation emitting material, in particular a freely falling jet of molten glass. The intensity of the radiation emitted from a limited section of the material flow is detected by means of two radiation detectors at two separate locations mutually spaced apart by a predetermined distance along the flow path of the material flow. From the output signals of the two radiation detectors all pulse-like amplitude variations having an amplitude exceeding a predetermined magnitude are discriminated. These pulse-like amplitude variations originate from randomly occurring, local, descrete, short variations in the intensity of the radiation emitted by the material flow caused by randomly occurring inhomogeneities in the material, for instance in the form of air bubbles in a jet of molten glass.

Abstract: A planar venturi is located at the discharge of an air conditioning unit to form a part of the unit and to stabilize flow. A plurality of sensor locations are provided in the diverging portion of the venturi such that a velocity sensor can be located in the sensor location appropriate for the highest range of sensor accuracy. The velocity is a measure of the volume flow which is the product of the cross section of the flow at the sensor location and the sensed velocity.

Abstract: A flow meter for detecting and recording a plurality of data points representative of the depth and velocity of liquid flow in an open container. A weighted sensor has a dimpled surface to induce turbulence at low velocities to assure a substantially linear velocity characteristic. An electromagnetic velocity transducer and a single tube bubbler are engaged to the sensor to provide data which is periodically read into a cassette recorder. A microcomputer controls timing functions with respect to the collection and recordation of data within the system.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter for measuring the flow rate of fluid conducted through a pipe, the meter including a pair of alternately-excited transducers, one being placed at an upstream and the other at a downstream pipe position. An acoustic pulse transmitted by one transducer and propagated through the fluid at an angle to the longitudinal flow axis is received by the other transducer. The time delay difference between the upstream and downstream transit times which depends on flow velocity is determined to provide a flow rate reading. Since the geometry of the pipe is a major factor in flow rate measurement, to factor-in this geometry, a third transducer or one of the pair is arranged to produce an auxiliary acoustic pulse that is propagated in a direction normal to the flow axis to produce a first echo at the interface of the inner pipe surface and the fluid on the transducer side, and to produce a second echo at the diametrically opposed side of the pipe, these echoes being received by the same transducer.

Abstract: A measurement system for the measurement of the velocity of liquid flow through a pipe wherein side-by-side ultrasonic transmitting and receiving transducers are positioned on a below liquid level area of the pipe and are oriented to transmit and receive, respectively, signals along essentially parallel paths which are essentially normal to the flow of fluid through the pipe. Modulation on a received signal is demodulated and the frequency of major signal excursions of the modulation are detected and employed as an indication of velocity of flow.

Abstract: The invention is particularly related to the measurement of the area of a blood vessel and the volume flow rate of blood in such vessels. An ultrasonic Doppler velocimeter which derives a number of velocity signals dependent on the number of different velocities in a duct is coupled by way of a limiter to a frequency-to-voltage converter which therefore has an output with one component for each velocity signal. A further frequency-to-voltage converter provides a signal dependent on the number of velocity signals and since this number depends on the duct area, the output from the further converter is a measure of this area. By using another frequency-to-voltage converter and a mean detector, a mean velocity signal is obtained which when multiplied by the area signal generates volume flow rate.

Abstract: A low power, reliable velocity transducer is particularly adapted to measure the flow of a fluid in a metallic pipe. A pair of U-shaped cores of high magnetic permeability are arranged side-by-side and surrounded by an energizing coil to provide an electromagnet of high electromagnetic energy conversion efficiency and low susceptibility to stray and shunt fields. A triad of electrodes is mounted thereon to detect a resultant electric field from the interaction of the velocity of the flow with the imposed magnetic field. Conductors engaged to the measuring electrodes effect a generally S-shaped geometry so that the signals applied to a differential amplifier to derive the E field waveforms are unencumbered by induced currents unrelated to the cross product of B and V.

Abstract: Gravity flow of liquid in sewer pipes or similar conduits is determined in the absence of a weir, flume, or similar flow-rating device by sensing the depth of the liquid in the pipe, converting such depth to the corresponding rate of flow through the pipe in accordance with a known relationship of depth to flow and without performing any mental computation, and providing a readable indication of instantaneous flow rate, and/or optionally integrating the flow rate over time, recording such flow rate and/or the integrated flow, printing out one or the other, or both, etc. Apparatus for doing so includes a pressure sensor, a depth-to-flow converter, and usually a separate indicator/recorder. Unlike systems utilizing flumes or weirs, this apparatus and this method can accommodate sludge deposited in a pipe or other conduit to be monitored.

Abstract: To measure liquid flow through channels with various cross sections, detectors of liquid level and velocity are placed in proximity to the liquid to measure flow in terms of the product of the cross sectional area of the fluid and its velocity. Adjustable switches are employed to provide input signals to the computation circuitry which are constants while the detectors provide the data signals which result from the dynamic measurements.

Abstract: In order to enable measurement of liquid flow through channels noninvasively without contact or interference with the flow through the channel, detectors of liquid level and velocity through the channel are installed above and below the channel and transmit and receive only ultrasonic signals. A flow measuring system is operated by their detectors and measures flow in terms of the product of the area through which the liquid flows and its velocity.

Abstract: A volumetric flow measuring device to measure liquid flowing in a pipe wherein a control pipe is sized for receipt in telescoping relation in the pipe and includes seal means to engage the pipe and to constrain flow through the pipe into and out of the control pipe. The control pipe is of a predetermined cross sectional area and a float member is captivated within the pipe to rise and fall depending upon the water level in the control pipe and the float includes a liquid flow velocity measuring device including a paddle wheel journaled on the float with a portion extending below it to move in response to fluid flow beneath the float and the device further includes a liquid depth measuring device to monitor the level of the float in the pipe and hence the liquid level in the pipe. The device further includes a recording device to record the level of the float in the control pipe as measured by the measuring device and, also, the flow past the float.

Abstract: A fluid flow rate meter is disclosed for measuring the flow of fluid in a partially filled conduit or channel, including an electromagnetic probe adapted for mounting in the conduit below the low water mark thereof to produce a sensed velocity signal, and a liquid height pressure transducer including an air tube having a bubble-producing opening adjacent the probe for generating a liquid height signal that modifies the sensed velocity signal to produce a resultant signal that corresponds with the average velocity of fluid flow, whereby a more accurate measurement of the rate of fluid flow is obtained. The average velocity signal is multiplied with a conduit area signal obtained from the height signal by a function generator circuit which takes into account the maximum diameter of the conduit (or maximum height of the channel). A percent flow signal is modified by a second function generator in accordance with the area of the conduit.