Abstract: A respiratory muscle strengthening device includes: a mask body which covers at least a part of the face of a user; a pressure unit which is provided at one side of the mask body to control air inhaled from the outside of the mask body; a sensor unit which is provided at one side of the mask body to measure a respiratory pattern of the user; a band part which is formed to extend from the opposite ends of the mask body and by which the mask body is brought into close contact with the face of the user; and a cover part which is detachably coupled to one side of the mask body. The cover part includes a filtering part which filters out particles in the air.

Abstract: A device for measuring lung function parameters using quiet exhalation has a flow tube with a mouthpiece end and an outlet, a shutter covering the outlet of the flow tube, a controllable latch closing and releasing the shutter, a flow sensor for measuring flow in the flow tube following release of the shutter, a pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the flow tube prior to the release of the shutter, a latch controller connected to the pressure sensor and the controllable latch, and a check valve arranged in the flow tube or the shutter for allowing inhalation while the shutter is closed so that the device can be used throughout at least one inhalation and exhalation cycle.

Abstract: A sensor unit for a fluidic cylinder having a base carrier on which a circumferential seal is formed, so that an interior of the fluidic cylinder is sealable, and having a position sensor for detecting a position of the piston, and having a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure in the interior.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing water device run time, transmitting this data via a network to a database which analyzes, records and reports the individual run times and the aggregate use over any given timeframe. Sensors used to measure device use time do not directly measure flow rate, and may sense device run time by sensing water flow, through electronic signals, vibration, etc. The sensors may be battery powered and transmit discrete data packets via radio frequency to powered node units. A system of node units communicates with a central internet gateway which uploads the data packets to a cloud-based database which organizes, analyzes, stores and reports the information. The system allocates the cost of water flowing through a common water meter to a plurality of individual units within a collection of geographically proximate units. The systems are useful in multi-unit buildings or complexes having stacked plumbing.

Abstract: An electronic device manufacturing system includes: a gas supply; a mass flow controller (MFC) coupled to the gas supply; an inlet coupled to the MFC; an outlet; a control volume serially coupled to the inlet to receive a gas flow; and a flow restrictor serially coupled to the control volume and the outlet. A controller is adapted to allow the gas supply to flow gas through the control volume and the flow restrictor to achieve a stable pressure in the control volume, terminate the gas flow from the gas supply, and measure a rate of pressure decay in the control volume over time. A process chamber is coupled to a flow path, which is coupled to the mass flow controller, the process chamber to receive one or more process chemistries via the mass flow controller.

Abstract: An airflow calibrator 10 may generally comprise an inlet 15 in fluid communication with an outlet 20 to define a flow path 30 of a fluid through the airflow calibrator 10; a face seal valve 40 in fluid communication with the inlet 15; a removable flow cell 50 in fluid communication with the face seal valve 40; a variable restrictor valve 60 in fluid communication with the removable flow cell 50; and an optical sensor array 70 to determine the airflow, i.e., flow rate, of an air sampling pump in fluid communication with the airflow calibrator. Methods of using the airflow calibrator are also described.

Abstract: A reciprocating piston pump assembly comprises a cylinder housing with two internal chambers separated by a piston. The piston is coupled with a pushrod that reciprocates back and forth between two positions. The piston's position is tracked to measure the volume of fluid passing through the pump assembly. The pump assembly has two inlets, two outlets, two inlet passages, and two outlet passages. A first valve is positioned on the pushrod at a junction between the first inlet passage and first outlet passage. A second valve is positioned on the pushrod at a junction between the second inlet passage and second outlet passage. The pushrod can be positioned in a neutral position to simultaneously close both valves.

Abstract: A device for measuring through-flow processes of fluids. The device includes an inlet, an outlet, a flow housing in which a fluid flows, a drivable displacement meter in the flow housing, a bypass line which bypasses the drivable displacement meter, a pressure difference sensor in the bypass line and in the flow housing, an evaluation and control unit which controls the drivable displacement meter based on a pressure difference existing at the pressure difference sensor, and a cooling channel in the flow housing which has a coolant flow therethrough.

Abstract: A piston of an apparatus is movable within a cavity between a first position wherein a pressure port is in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber and a second position wherein the pressure port is in fluid communication with the second fluid chamber. In further examples, apparatus comprise an expansion chamber that is isolated from the first fluid chamber in a first condition and the expansion chamber is in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber in a second condition. In further examples, methods of operating an apparatus include the step (I) of applying fluid pressure to at least one of the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber, and the step (II) of determining a position of the piston within the cavity based on the applied fluid pressure.

Abstract: According to the present invention a flow meter is provided for measuring a fluid, comprising a measuring tube with a measuring piston movably arranged in said measuring tube, and elements for changing the direction of movement of the measuring piston in said measuring tube, wherein said measuring piston, when measuring, is designed to be moved in said measuring tube under the influence of said fluid. Sensor elements detect movement of the piston and the direction of movement in said measuring tube, and sensor elements detect when the piston is situated in at least one of its reversing areas before the measuring piston has reached the extreme point of the reversing area, so as to afford a substantially continuous flow detection for said fluid.

Abstract: According to the present invention a flow meter is provided for measuring a fluid, comprising a measuring tube with a measuring piston movably arranged in said measuring tube, and elements for changing the direction of movement of the measuring piston in said measuring tube, wherein said measuring piston, when measuring, is designed to be moved in said measuring tube under the influence of said fluid. Sensor elements detect movement of the piston and the direction of movement in said measuring tube, and sensor elements detect when the piston is situated in at least one of its reversing areas before the measuring piston has reached the extreme point of the reversing area, so as to afford a substantially continuous flow detection for said fluid.

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

Abstract: A fluid meter is described having certain elastically displaceable wall portions arranged to be elastically displaced in response to a pressure variation propagating into the measurement volume.

Abstract: A metering apparatus for measuring the flow of water or other fluid through a conduit. The meter comprises a measuring chamber, in which is disposed a nutating ball and disc. A unitary biaxial member, comprising a drive shaft and a spindle having a longitudinal axis offset from that of the drive shaft, couples the ball and disc to a rotating magnet. The unitary biaxial member both controls the offset of the ball and disc from horizontal, such that it nutates in response to water flow through the meter, and translates this nutation to rotation of the magnet, allowing for measurement of water volume flowing through the measuring chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining pump fillage, using data arrays of pump plunger position with respect to time and/or pump plunger load with respect to time. In this manner, well operators may be able to accurately monitor the pump fillage and control the pump accordingly.

Abstract: A metering system for measuring a flow of petroleum and LPG. In embodiments of the invention, a magnetic drive is used to couple a measuring chamber, such as a known oscillating piston system, to a register or indicator, avoiding leakage and excessive wear due to passing a shaft through the wall of the chamber.

Abstract: A fluid meter is described having multiple pistons and connecting rods that are connected to the crankshaft by one common crankpin that is radially offset from the crankshaft such that an axis through the endpoints of the yoke slot of one connecting rod forms an angle alpha with the alignment axis of the two axially aligned cylinders, and that an axis through the endpoints of the yoke slot of the other connecting rod forms another, different angle beta with said alignment axis, so that the corresponding pistons reciprocate out of phase.

Abstract: A fluid meter is described having certain elastically displaceable wall portions arranged to be elastically displaced in response to a pressure variation propagating into the measurement volume.

Abstract: A volumetric flowmeter (1) is equipped with a detachable pump unit (2), a main body casing (3) accommodating the pump unit (2), and a cover member (4). The main body casing (3) is equipped with a front side main body casing (8) accommodating the pump unit (2) and integrated with a differential pressure detector (6), and a rear side main body casing (10) connected to the front side main body casing (8) and allowing mounting therewithin of a servomotor (9) constituting a main body of a shaft driving unit (5). The pump unit (2) is inserted into a unit accommodating recess (11) of the front side main body casing (8) and is then covered with the cover member (4) to be thereby completely accommodated.

Abstract: One pressure difference detection connecting path (71) and another pressure difference detection connecting path (72) are formed so as to be arranged at a predetermined interval in a longitudinal direction. Further, the one pressure difference detection connecting path (71) is formed so as to be connected in front of a continuation center position (70) of a second inflow path (67) and a first inflow path (43). Further, the other pressure difference detection connecting path (72) is formed so as to be connected behind a continuation center position (69) of a second outflow path (66) and a first outflow path (44).

Abstract: A high accuracy mass flow verifier (HAMFV) which provides high measurement accuracy over a wide flow verification range with low inlet pressures is disclosed for verifying flow measurement by a fluid delivery device. The HAMFV includes a chamber defining a plurality N of inlets with upstream valves, an outlet with a downstream valve, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor configured to measure the pressure and the temperature of the fluid within the chamber, respectively. A plurality N of critical flow nozzles is located adjacent to the corresponding upstream valve. The HAMFV further includes a controller configured to activate one of the plurality N of critical flow nozzles based on the desired flow verification range and the fluid type by opening the corresponding upstream valve and closing all other upstream valves. At least two of the plurality N of critical flow nozzles have different cross-sectional areas.

Abstract: A flow sensor for determining the flow rate of a fluid therethrough. The flow sensor may include a chamber for the fluid to flow therethrough, a moveable magnet positioned within the chamber, a stationary magnet positioned about the chamber, and one or more sensors positioned about the chamber to determine the position of the moveable magnet therein.

Abstract: A positive displacement water meter includes a measuring chamber having an outlet port defined therein, wherein the outlet port includes a channel defined around the outlet port. A seal includes a planar surface and a curved surface, wherein the planar surface is substantially parallel to the curved surface, and the planar surface is situated within the channel. A meter casing includes an outlet port defined therein, wherein the meter casing receives the measuring chamber therein such that the outlet port of the measuring chamber is substantially aligned with the outlet port of the meter casing. The curved surface of the seal abuts a periphery of the outlet port of the meter casing forming a seal therewith. Due to the substantially arcuate cross section, the seal is adapted to resist the dislodging thereof from the channel during assembly of the positive displacement water meter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems, methods, and apparatus, including software implementation, useful for high-precision measurement of mass flow rate over a large range of flows by using multiple volumes, each having a different and selected size. Use of a single manometer can facilitate reduced cost, and the use of multiple chamber volumes that are sized according to sub-flow ranges within the overall range of the mass flow verifier, or a related device under test, can provide high accuracy while reducing deleterious effects of noise in the flow measurement.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for measuring volumetric or mass flow of fluid. The apparatus comprises a capsule that is adapted to move upwardly and downwardly within a housing and receive fluid from a tube. The apparatus further comprises force exerting means and preferably a magnetic means that is adapted to exert force on the capsule, the force is proportional to a position of the capsule within the housing. The force is measurable and controllable. A seal is provided in the capsule's bottom opening so as to fluidically block the capsule and a pin is provided so as to push aside the seal when the capsule is downwardly positioned and is filed with fluid so as to drain it. The number of times the capsule is drained in a predetermined time can be calculated so as to attain the volumetric flow rate of the fluid through the apparatus.

Abstract: A flow measuring apparatus of an embodiment is provided that comprises a cylinder and a piston movable in the cylinder between first and second positions. The piston divides the cylinder's interior area into first and second portions. A biasing member urges the piston toward the first position. A first fluid passageway allows fluid to bypass the piston, and a second fluid passageway is in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway and with the first portion of the cylinder. The second fluid passageway provides fluid to the first portion of the cylinder to move the piston toward the second position. A flow diverter is movable between a first flow position that allows fluid to pass through the first fluid passageway to the outlet and a second flow position that causes fluid to flow into the second flow passageway and into the first portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A wireless water flow monitoring and leak detection system and method are provided. The system includes a base station, a memory, and a central processing unit configured to control the operation of the system and to analyze stored data. A plurality of highly-sensitive wireless flow sensor nodes are each installed individually on a supply line of a water fixture in a facility having a plurality of water fixtures. The wireless flow sensor nodes can periodically read and store a data point corresponding to either a flow condition or a no flow condition occurring at the water fixture. A plurality of coordinator nodes are configured to wirelessly relay data between the plurality of wireless flow sensor nodes and the base station. The base station is configured to determine based on an analysis of the stream of data points whether a leak exists in any of the water fixtures, and if a leak is determined to exist, a maintenance alert is generated.

Abstract: A non-invasive piston-cylinder measurement system of a cylinder and a piston mounted for axial movement within the cylinder. The cylinder comprises a non-magnetic cylinder wall. A magnet is mounted within the piston. A plurality of magnetically activated switches, such as read switches, is mounted outside of the non-magnetic cylinder wall so as to be activated by piston movement. The measurement system provides a non-invasive means for measuring fluid extruded from a piston-cylinder extruder.

Abstract: A flow meter includes a meter body defining a cavity having opposing ends joined by opposed sides at corners. At least one of the corners is recessed to form a reservoir. A box frame defining a frame interior is received in the cavity for reciprocal movement between the cavity ends. A sliding block defining a circular cavity is received in the frame interior for reciprocal movement therein said frame interior. A valve disc is received in the circular cavity for rotational movement therein. The valve disc includes an eccentric hole formed therethrough. A shaft extending through the eccentric hole is rotatably fixed to the valve disc. Fluid flowing through the flow meter reciprocally moves the box frame and sliding block to rotate the valve disc and the shaft.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus (1) for determining the flow (Q) of a fluid (2). The apparatus has a hollow body (3), with an inflow (4) and an outflow (5) for the fluid (2). A magnetic sample (6) is movably arranged in the hollow body (3) and can be acted upon with a working pressure by the fluid (2). The measuring apparatus (1) further has at least one position sensor (7) to determine the position of the magnetic sample (6), an electromagnet (8) to exert a magnetic force on the magnetic sample (6), and a control device (9) for the electromagnet (8) which is connected signal-wise to the position sensor (7). The control device (9) includes regulating means (10) which control the electromagnet (8) with the aid of a signal of the position sensor (7) so that the magnetic sample (6) is held in a position (X) against the working pressure, with the magnetic sample (6) being designed and arranged such that the fluid (2) can flow through the hollow body (3) from the inflow (4) to the outflow (5).

Abstract: A reciprocating-piston type meter for measuring liquid volume comprises a meter body 2 having a measuring chamber disposed therein. In a space 11 existing between the meter body 2 and the measuring chamber 7, the meter has means 13 for creating a swirling stream of liquid and means 14 for confining particles present in the liquid.

Abstract: A portable water treatment apparatus including: a pump, a coarse filter means, an adsorbent filter means, a fine filter means, a silver ion generator downstream of the pump and in series with the adsorbent filter and control means for controlling the operation of said first silver generator whereby said silver ion generator discharges silver ions into the water at a predetermined rate and in response to a predetermined flow rate, said control means including a flow switch.

Abstract: A viscous material (sludge) pump, a method of accurately estimating output of such a pump and a method of efficiently managing such a pump. The pump can be the single or double cylinder variety. The pump is calibrated to determine a calibrated sludge-weight output of the pump in terms of a parameter defined as a “lost travel” position of the piston in the pump chamber. This position is defined in terms of the position of the piston in the chamber when the pressure in the chamber reaches a preselected reference pressure expressed in terms of a percentage of the maximum pressure reached in the chamber during a just previous discharge stroke of the piston. The lost travel parameter is used for comparison purposes to accurately estimate actual pump output based on the calibrated pump output at the calibrated value of the lost travel parameter. The pump is managed efficiently by management of the speed of the feed auger.

Abstract: A optical flow-meter device comprises an outer tubular body provided with an inlet pipe fitting and an outlet pipe fitting for a fluid, and a tubular element made of transparent plastic material, which sealingly extends inside the body between the inlet and the outlet pipe fittings. The outer tubular body has two facingly arranged side openings for the insertion of a light-emitting element, and a light-receiving element connected to an electronic flow control and digital reading unit. A light-shuttering member is axially slidable within the inner tubular element and is shaped to allow the fluid to flow and at the same time to partialize or gradually shutter the light beam between the emitter and the receiver, providing an electronic signal proportional to the fluid flow running along the inner tubular element. A biasing spring member acts on the light-shuttering member to balance the fluid thrust.

Abstract: A reciprocating-piston type meter for measuring liquid volume comprises a meter body 2 having a measuring chamber disposed therein. In a space 11 existing between the meter body 2 and the measuring chamber 7, the meter has means 13 for creating a swirling stream of liquid and means 14 for confining particles present in the liquid.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for determining a position of a piston contained within a hydraulic actuator as a function of a hydraulic fluid flow. The measuring device includes a bi-directional flow sensor positioned inline with the hydraulic fluid flow and a piston position module. The flow sensor is configured to produce a flow rate signal that is indicative flow rate of the hydraulic fluid flow into and out of a first cavity. The piston position module is configured to receive the flow rate signal from the flow sensor and produce a piston position signal that is indicative of the position of the piston within the hydraulic actuator as a function of the flow rate signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic flow meters comprising a floating member, made of magnetically responsive material and residing within a tubular conduit, through which the fluid flows. The flow meters are provided with a means for producing magnetic field in the conduit. A response signal is generated upon displacement of the float member within the magnetic field by the flowing fluid. Flow rate value is obtained by processing the response signal and comparing it with a calibration curve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously monitoring selected parameters of reciprocating compressor cylinders is disclosed, the apparatus includes a plurality of sensors positioned to monitor selected parameters within the cylinder on either side of the piston, with the selected parameters including pressures on each side of the piston for each cycle, temperatures of the gas entering and exiting the cylinder, and vibrations of components such as a piston shaft within the cylinder. A calculator means in close proximity to the cylinder receives the signals from the sensors and analyzes the signals for each cycle of the piston. Output signals proportional to the monitored signals are transmitted to a remotely located computer. The output signals include pressure versus volume curves for each cylinder volume, horsepower consumed by the cylinder, inlet suction and outlet discharge gas temperatures of the gases moved through the cylinder, and compression and tension stress on the piston rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method to determine the delivery rate or mass flow rate of material conveyed by a high density liquid piston pump (10) through a delivery line (24). The exact determination of the above mentioned variables is achieved by mounting the delivery cylinder (1) in a housing (30) with radial and axial slack and suspending it on at least one weighing cell (36) forming one piece with the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pulsation suppression device which is interposingly used in a liquid transporting pipe through which a chemical liquid such as a surface washing liquid for washing an IC is transported by a reciprocal pump. The pulsation suppression device of the present invention has: a bellows which partitions the interior of the device body having a sealed container-like shape, into a liquid chamber and an gas chamber; an operating rod which is reciprocated in interlock relationship with the bellows; and an extension and contraction restricting mechanism which, when the bellows extends to a predetermined value, is contacted in parallel with a closed end face of the bellows, thereby restricting further extension of the bellows. Furthermore, the pulsation suppression device of the present invention has a guide for making the reciprocal operation of the operating rod coincident with the extension and contraction directions of the bellows. The guide is made of a low-friction resin material.

Abstract: A fluid flow system and method according to which a fluid flow meter is provided that receives fluid and has an internal member that rotates in response to fluid flow through the meter. A self-contained, battery-operated sensor is disposed adjacent to, but externally of, the meter and functions to sense the rotation of the member. The sensor includes a display device that responds to the sensing of the rotation, and therefore the fluid flow through the meter, and provides a corresponding output signal. Thus, a service technician can be assured of the status of fluid flow through the system.

Abstract: A microcontroller directed circuit evaluates volume flows through fluid distribution lines. The control circuit is integrated into a modularized housing designed to retro-fit standard fluid divider valve assemblies. The modular housing includes a plunger-driven magnet positioned to actuate a reed switch in response to divider valve piston reciprocation. The control circuit evaluates the frequency of reed switch actuation pulses to derive intelligible fluid flow related data available for RAM storage or conveyance to peripheral computer devices. In a preferred embodiment, a cavitated cylindrical housing contains a control circuit and a reed switch. A plunger acts as a lever arm to transmit the lateral oscillation of a fluid control piston within a divider valve assembly to a magnetic field source within the housing.

Abstract: A line strainer for screening fluid flow in a small diameter conduit is constructed with an integral housing of clear or transparent thermoplastic polymer. A fluid flow channel through the housing center is terminated at opposite ends by sonically welded end fittings. Internally of the housing, a screen chamber is separated from a flow meter chamber by a screen support hub with flow diversion passages. The screen chamber confines a conically formed screen mesh for passing substantially all flow through the housing. The flow meter chamber has conically tapered walls that support radial fins projecting from the walls inwardly to a cylindrical void that confines the metering ball to displacement along the housing axis. A spring bearing against the metering ball resiliently biases the ball toward the flow restriction passage and against the fluid flow direction.

Abstract: A process and device are disclosed for determining by a measurement technique the flow rate of a substance conveyed by means of a thick matter piston pump (1) through a delivery pipe (22). The thought at the basis of the invention is that the filling level of the delivery cylinder, which is required for accurately determining volumetric flow, may be inferred from the variations of the pressure in the delivery pipe. Feeding pressure in the delivery pipe (22) is thus continuously or periodically measured at predetermined time intervals by means of a pressure sensor (54). The interval between successive pressure strokes, used to determined the number of frequency of strokes, as well as the filling level of the delivery cylinder, used to determine the actual delivery volume per pressure stroke, are both derived from the time-dependent amplitude characteristic of the measured delivery pressure.

Abstract: A magnetic reluctance flowmeter having a magnetic float in which a permanent magnet and soft iron pole pieces are arranged in such a manner that the resulting magnetic field passes directly through the yoke which is also made of soft iron. The shape of the yoke is such that, as the magnetic float is progressively displaced from its neutral position within the yoke, the magnetic field progressively saturates regions of the yoke causing some of this field to emanate into the space surrounding the yoke, in which locations this emanating field interacts with the magnetic field sensors in such a way as to modify the electrical signal produced by a sensing circuit.

Abstract: The metering device for supplying precisely measured amounts of any viscous or pasty substance comprises a main body (10) in which there is disposed an adjusting socket (12). A stopping pin (13), and a metering piston (17) are disposed opposite one another in the socket, thus bounding a movable metering chamber (4). The main body also contains an admission duct (14) and an ejection duct (15). By means of at least one control unit (31), the metering piston can be displaced, and actuating means (20) permit the stopping pin and the piston to be displaced simultaneously relative to the main body in order to free the access either to the admission duct or to the ejection duct. The main body, the stopping pin, and the metering piston constitute an interchangeable module.

Abstract: The present invention is a sludge pump system which includes a means for monitoring operation of a sludge pump. The sludge pump includes a material cylinder and a piston moveable in the material cylinder. A pump drive moves the piston during working cycles which include a pumping stroke and a filling stroke. A pump valve mechanism connects the material cylinder to an outlet during pumping strokes and connects the material cylinder to an inlet during filling strokes. A means for monitoring operation of the pump is provided. The means for monitoring includes a means for sensing a first parameter related to operation of the pump drive, a means for sensing a second parameter indicative of operation of the piston, and a means for determining errors in the operation of the pump based upon the first parameter and the second parameter.

Abstract: A high accuracy flowmeter for testing and calibrating flowmeters and the like, and more particularly a positive displacement flowmeter which may include a cylinder (12), a piston (10) within the cylinder (12) which makes a clearance seal with the inside of the cylinder, an encoder (40) associated with the piston, and a control valve (V) for controlling the supply of a fluid flow (A1) to be measured. The flowmeter may have an arrangement for receiving differently-sized interchangeable modules for measurement of different flow rate ranges, each module having for example a compatible piston and cylinder of a predetermined size. The flowmeter includes a channel for receiving a fluid flow so as to move the piston (10) within its cylinder (12); and a device (36, 38) including the encoder (40) for detecting movement of the piston and generating electrical signals representative of the fluid flow to be measured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high accuracy flowmeter for testing and calibrating flowmeters and the like, and more particularly to a positive displacement flowmeter which may include a cylinder (12), a piston (10) within the cylinder (12) which makes a clearance seal with the inside of the cylinder, an encoder (40) associated with the piston, and a control valve (V) for controlling the supply of a fluid flow (A1) to be measured. More generally, the flowmeter includes a channel for receiving a fluid flow so as to move the piston (10) within its enclosure (12); and a device (36, 38, 40) for detecting movement of the piston and generating electrical signals representative of the fluid flow to be measured. The movement of the piston is detected as a function of a known volume of the enclosure traversed by the piston, and a measured variable elapsed time over which the piston traverses the volume. Preferably, the flowmeter system includes a damping device (FIGS. 6A-6D) which may be mechanical, pneumatic, or fluidic.

Abstract: A system for the transport of high solids sludge includes a positive displacement pump for pumping sludge through a pipeline. The volume of sludge transported is accurately measured by determining the fill percentage by using a material flow signal, measured time intervals, hydraulic fluid pressure, or hydraulic fluid flow rate during each pumping cycle.