Abstract: A load cell in the bottom of a storage tank measures the weight of bulk material contained in the tank. The load cell has a flexible diaphragm to which the weight of the bulk material is applied. The flexible diaphragm moves down away from a neutral no-load position under the weight of the bulk material applied to it. A source of fluid under pressure is connected to a cavity in the load cell housing on a side of the diaphragm opposite the side that senses the weight of the bulk material. Fluid pressure is supplied to the cavity in an amount that causes the diaphragm to move to its neutral position, balancing the load applied to the diaphragm from the bulk material. A control valve senses when the diaphragm returns to its neutral position to interrupt fluid pressure supplied to the cavity. A pressure gauge coupled to the cavity senses the amount of fluid pressure required to balance the load. A reading is taken from the pressure gauge when the load applied to the diaphragm is balanced.

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 apparatus for measuring fluid pressures which comprises a gas-type pressure sensor and a sensor control for supplying controlled purge gas to the sensor and for receiving vent gas from the sensor. The apparatus further includes a unique pressure-reducing device operable in response to a differential gas pressure in the sensor control for creating a zone of pressure less than any other in the apparatus, which zone is placed in fluid communication with gas in the apparatus to reduce the overall pressure thereof. This permits the accurate measuring of pressure at or below atmospheric. An integral design and a retrofit design are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for admitting a cleaning agent into the vacuum line of an animal milking installation has a reservoir the lower portion of which communicates with an intake portion of the vacuum line, a metering device having a vessel which is installed in the upper portion of the reservoir, valved conduits which connect the vacuum line with a source of water and with the upper part of the vessel, a source of cleaning agent which is connected to and admits into the vessel cleaning agent when the vessel is connected to the vacuum line, a buoyant valve element which floats on the supply of cleaning agent in the vessel and seals the vessel from the vacuum line when the supply of cleaning agent in the vessel rises to a predetermined level, and a valve which allows the supply of cleaning agent to flow into the reservoir when the pressure differential between the interior of the vessel and the reservoir decreases to a predetermined value subsequent to sealing of the vacuum line from the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: A method of ascertaining the state inside a melting furnace of a radioactive waste, which method comprises: blowing a gas into a molten matter in the melting furnace by using at least two slender tubes disposed at an upper and lower points with a gap .DELTA.h between said points; detecting a back pressure difference .DELTA.P at the slender tubes to determine the density .rho. of the molten matter; and determining the level h of the molten matter in the furnace using the density .rho.. It is also possible to detect the formation of a bridge inside the furnace due to a non-molten solid matter of the waste charged into the furnace.

Abstract: A system for measuring the level of liquid stored in deep tanks or vessels that allows the use of a lightweight, relatively non-toxic, non-corrosive gauge fluid of normal column height is disclosed. The system discloses a diaphragm manometer that alters a greater pressure from the tank liquid into a lesser pressure from the gauge fluid permitting such gauge fluid to be lightweight and making it unnecessary to use high density fluids which are usually toxic, contaminating and have other undesirable handling characteristics. The device can be used for open tanks, or, with adaptations, for sealed tanks. For open tanks, the device provides two sealed chambers having two opposing diaphragms. For sealed tanks, pressure neutralizing elements are added with one device providing three sealed chambers and two diaphragms with neutralizing connectors, and another providing three sealed chambers and three diaphragms.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the presents of an interface between two fluids with a conventional interface detection apparatus, located remote from the interface, in a tube are disclosed. The apparatus and method utilize a driving fluid introduced into the tube to cause one or the other of the fluids forming the interface to flow from an end of the tube through the tube to the remote detection apparatus, permitting the latter to test the fluid in the tube to determine whether the interface is above or below the end of the tube.

Abstract: A method for detecting the depth of a liquid body. A source of pressurized gas is engaged to a weighted sensor by means of a single elongated tube. The sensor is positioned at the bottom of the liquid body. A solenoid valve, which regulates the flow of gas in the tube, is periodically opened to provide a pulse of overpressure which exits the underside of the sensor in a pressure-equalizing stream of bubbles. After a brief, predetermined settling time, a reliable pressure/depth indication is obtained from a transducer in communication with the single tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling and optionally regulating the level of liquid P.sub.2 S.sub.5 in a cooling device. To this end, an inert gas is introduced into the cooling apparatus arranged in inclined position. More particularly, the inert gas is introduced into the cooling apparatus' lower end portion through an inlet opening thereinto near a P.sub.2 S.sub.5 -feed inlet, and forced to bubble through the liquid P.sub.2 S.sub.5. The pressure difference which establishes in accordance with the P.sub.2 S.sub.5 liquid level in the device is measured and variations in the respective pressure difference are utilized for regulating the supply of liquid P.sub.2 S.sub.5 to the cooling device so as to maintain a predetermined liquid level therein.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for determining the level of slag above a metallurgical melt, especially a steel melt, and for determining a physical characteristic or property of the slag, such as its viscosity or consistency, utilizes a plurality of nozzles opening into the bath-containing vessel at different levels above the melt and supplied with inert gas. The difference in hydrostatic pressures at the nozzles can be ascertained by measurement of the pressures upstream thereof and the measured values are converted into indications of slag level and consistency.

Abstract: To measure the amount of liquid fuel in a ventilated fuel tank (1), the ventilation of the tank is stopped temporarily by a valve (7) and gas is removed from or fed into the unventilated tank through a device (12). A quantity indicative of the change in the gas state in the tank is measured after feeding in or removal of the gas to provide an indirect measurement of the amount of fuel in the tank. The gas may be removed from or fed into the tank at a constant volumetric flow rate, in which case the quantity measured will be the time taken for a predetermined alteration in the pressure of gas in the tank to occur. Alternatively, gas may be removed until a predetermined reduced pressure in the space in the tank is reached and the volume of gas removed can provide a direct or indirect measure of the amount of fuel in the tank. As a second alternative a predetermined volume of gas is removed and the alteration in pressure of the gas in the tank is measured.

Abstract: A hand-held, remote reading, liquid level measuring device, also suitable for measuring specific gravity or other parameters of the liquid, containing a supply of gauge liquid which is spill-proof in any position of the measuring device and with the measuring device becoming inoperative upon positions which would give excessive error in liquid level measurement readings. A unique combined pump check valve is also disclosed. A method is disclosed for accurately inserting a tube within the liquid to be measured so as to simulate the level measurement on a conventional dipstick.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using pressure changes to indicate volume chan in fluid level indicators or other devices with the required degree of sensitivity and accuracy is provided. A change in fluid volume is indicated by detection and display of a concurrent pressure change in a captive volume of air.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for monitoring the level of a liquid in a reservoir, especially in the situation where the liquid is a high temperature, molten material. The device operates as a static-tube differential pressure sensor and includes an open-ended tube with one end adapted for direct immersion in the liquid and with the other end being in pneumatic communication with a conventional differential pressure transducer. The meniscus of the liquid entering the tube essentially acts as a diaphragm membrane and eliminates the need for an immersible diaphragm, as conventionally used with static-tubes. The device may actuate a controller for compensating any change in the liquid level from a reference.

Abstract: A control for a liquid level regulating system including a casing which is immersed in the liquid to a depth at which control is to be effected, a loose flexible diaphragm closes the casing at the bottom and is moved in accordance with the liquid head. A plunger mounted in the casing for free vertical movement within a selected range has a disc-like foot positioned for free engagement by the diaphragm. An adjustable spring and stops are provided for setting the range of movement. Vertical movement of the plunger actuates a cam or screw to vary the setting of the control element of the level control system. This element may be the discharge outlet control. The control provides quick response and actuates the level control to effect accurate maintenance of the required liquid level in an air pressure control system or, for example, a variable resistance control in an electrical control system.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the pressure of a well fluid in a subsurface wellbore in which a first, elongated tubing is adapted to extend from the surface of the earth to a subsurface location at which the pressure is to be measured, a fluid receiving chamber is disposed on the lower end of the first tubing, a second, elongated tubing, of smaller cross-section than the first, is disposed in the first tubing with its upper end at the surface of the earth and its lower end sealed within the lower end of the first tubing or the upper end of the fluid receiving chamber and is adapted to receive a pressure transmitting fluid and to be placed in fluid communication with the fluid receiving chamber and a pressure responsive closure element closes the lower end of the first tubing, the upper end of the fluid receiving chamber or the lower end of the fluid receiving chamber and is adapted to open at a pressure above the pressure of the well fluid and permit the pressure of the well fluid to be balanced against the pressu

Abstract: In an apparatus for detecting the level of fuel oil in a tank of a vessel to control the quantity of fuel oil in the tank, a sensing pipe having a sensing hole in its lower portion is inserted into the tank and gas is continuously supplied into the sensing pipe. Hence, the pressure in the sensing pipe is continuously increased as the level of fuel oil is raised above the level of the sensing hole. When this pressure reaches a desired value, a fluid pressure response device connected to the sensing pipe is operated by the pressure to operate an alarm device, thereby to detect the level of fuel oil above the sensing hole. The pressure in the sensing pipe required to operate the alarm device can be set to a desired value.

Abstract: A gas venting mechanism includes a valve chamber that is at least partially filled with a liquid. At the top of the chamber, an outlet valve allows the gas to escape but retains the liquid. Air is admitted to the chamber through an inlet valve that prevents backflow of the liquid into a passage by which the gas is supplied. The chamber is transparent so that the venting of gas can be verified by observation. A piston that reduces the effective volume of the chamber facilitates testing of the chamber for leakage of the liquid. The venting mechanism can be advantageously combined with a degasser in an aircraft hydraulic system.

Abstract: A pressure-responsive instrument such as an indicator or recorder for use with a bubbler type of sensing probe for monitoring liquid depth or flow in a sewer pipe or the like. The instrument housing contains means for regulating the rate of bubble release to such probe and also contains means for diverting the bubble release temporarily to an adjacent bubble rate test location. The same housing also preferably carries a manifold for supporting bubble fluid containers and means for regulating the resulting bubble fluid pressure in the manifold, for connection to such probe.

Abstract: A level indicator for monitoring liquid contained in a reservoir. The indicator comprises a tubular probe which has one end immersed in the liquid and the other end connected to an inlet orifice to a gas-filled chamber in a housing. The gas-filled chamber is connected to a liquid column manometer and an external gas reserve. A valve is located in the inlet orifice to control communication between the gas filled chamber and the probe. A venting duct controls the development of a pressure drop in the gas-filled chamber to establish a permanent connection between the gas reserve and probe irrespective of the position occupied by the valve.

Abstract: A controller at a monitor location generates interrogate signals which are transmitted over a telephone line to a transmitting unit associated with a plurality of underground gasoline storage tanks. The transmitting unit responds to the interrogate signals to selectively couple pressure sensing lines to a pressure sensing transducer. Each line extends into a different one of the storage tanks and provides a pressure which is proportional to the depth of the liquid in the corresponding tank. As each line is coupled to the transducer in sequence, the transducer provides an output voltage corresponding to the sensed pressure. The output voltage controls a transmitter of the transmitting unit which generates an audio signal related in frequency to the sensed pressure, and the frequency signal is transmitted over the telephone line to the controller which detects and decodes the frequency signal and controls a display unit to provide a visual display of the liquid level in the selected tank.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring liquid flow in an open pipe or conduit wherein sensor means is located adjacent the invert or bed at the inside thereof and the depth of liquid is determined by the bubbler method. To minimize interferences with the liquid flow the bubble fluid is conducted from the exterior along the inside wall and to the vicinity of the flow bed in the pipe or conduit. The sensor means and the bubble fluid conductor are retainable in place by supporting means adapted to be expanded into secure frictional engagement with the inside wall of the pipe or conduit. The flow is determined by releasing the bubble fluid bubble-wise against the static pressure of the overlying liquid, sensing such pressure, indicating it in terms of liquid depth, and converting depth to flow by conventional methods.

Abstract: A probe adapted to fit in an open end of a sewer or water conduit is provided with a weir plate and with a bubble tube for sensing the depth of flow over the weir plate and, thus, determining the flow rate. A V-notch weir plate is made up of two like pieces flexibly joined at their apex, thereby enabling the probe to be compressed for ease of insertion into the open end and to be expanded therewithin for frictional retention against the inside wall of the conduit, to which the probe conforms. Except for the weir plate itself all parts of the probe lie along the wall for minimum disturbance of the flow. A gasket seals the weir plate to the inside wall of the conduit. A fisheye level on the probe facilitates vertical positioning of the weir plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a fluid line pressure monitor insertable in a pipe line having a pressure side and a vent side. The monitor comprises a pair of strip members joined along their longitudinal edges and the ends of the monitor being passed over the ends of a break in the pipe line. The inside of the strip members is subjected to the pressure of the fluid being passed through the pipe and the outside of the strips being subjected to the hydrostatic pressure in a receptacle or pressure within a chamber which is pressurized from a source to be monitored. The strips may be both of an elastomeric material or a flexible metallic material or a combination of one elastomeric material and one flexible metallic material so long as the two strips are fused along their longitudinal length and fit snugly about the ends of a pipe through which a fluid flow passes from a pressure side to a vent side.

Abstract: Liquid flow in an open channel is monitored by sensing pressure of overlying liquid as depth thereof, transmitting changes in the sensed depth to means for characterizing depth as flow, and indicating the liquid flow so characterized. The pressure sensing and the transmittal of changes in sensed depth are accomplished pneumatically, via a bubbler tube and bellows plus self-balancing cam-and-valve means for controlling rotation of an air motor.

Abstract: A float valve on the bottom of a submerged purging tube in a liquid storage tank detects water in the bottom of the tank below a liquid therein of a lesser specific gravity. When such water or other heavier liquid is detected by the float valve, the purging orifice leading to the purging tube is closed and further pressurizing of the purging tube will result in an associated gage registering the presence of water in the tank.

Abstract: The weight of the slag floating on a steel bath is determined by multiplying the surface area of the slag by the pressure head at the slag-steel interface. The pressure head is determined by a method including passing a gas through a tubular member that is lowered through the slag and into the steel.

Abstract: A liquid level gauge or like meter designed to provide a reading of prolonged duration, is operated by means of a push-button which, upon depression by exertion of a push on its head, activates the basic sensor element of the meter which controls its index. The latter is located inside the push-button, under the head thereof which protects it against shocks and soil; it can be viewed through this head which is of transparent material. The index has a section which is carried by the transparent head of the push-button and is movable therewith. The required prolonged duration readability of the index is available after release of the push-button head.

Abstract: A stilling device, especially useful in large water or sewer pipes or conduits having overhead access openings, is provided in tubular T-shape. The base of the T conveniently comprises a plurality of telescoping sections adapted to be secured together at given extended length. Openings through one side of the T base in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the T facilitate equalization of liquid level inside with the surrounding level when immersed in a water or sewer pipe or conduit. The cross-bar of the T aids retention of the stilling device in place.

Abstract: An improved method for determining the liquid level in a petroleum thermal cracking reactor by injecting oil into the reactor at a predetermined rate not less than 5 cm/sec and measuring the liquid pressure at the point of injection and calculating the liquid level from the measured pressure.

Abstract: Liquid levels in remote underground bulk storage tanks are read and logged at a convenient location, such as in the office of a service station. A single liquid level gage within a sturdy tamper-proof housing is connected with a select valve which communicates through tubes with the bottom portions of the remote underground tanks. Atmospheric air is pumped simultaneously to the bottom of a selected tank through said valve and to a bellows compression chamber of said gage.

Abstract: A variable-span pressure gauge adapted to be calibrated over a wide pressure range, depending upon particular installation requirements relating to the size of the tank and type of liquid to be stored therein, and wherein the pressure to be measured is introduced through a pressure fitting to a pressure chamber defined by a diaphragm having a force bar mounted thereto, the force bar being arranged to engage a flexible lever so as to be moved with the movement of the diaphragm. A second spring lever is caused to flex with the first lever in an adjusting ratio by means of an adjustable span-slider bar and screw member disposed therebetween, through which the gauge pointer is calibrated.

Abstract: A method and portable apparatus for continually monitoring the flow of fluid in an open channel such as in a conduit having a known diameter, a known slope and of material having known surface characteristics. The liquid depth within the pipe is determined by means of an elongated hollow probe placed axially in the bottom of a channel containing the liquid and forcing gas under pressure there through. The measurement of the back pressure represents the depth of the liquid and enables the rapid determination of the rate of flow. It is contemplated that the portable apparatus be interconnected with a portable continual recorder such that the flow may be monitored over any given, desired, time period.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method which will furnish to an operator drilling an oil well, critical information relative to drilling fluid conditions in portions of and/or in the total fluid circulation system; such information as fluid densities, both in-flow and out-flow, volume in each fluid pit and/or total volume in the entire system, together with a continuous indication of whether there have been gains or losses of drilling fluids. This invention obtains this information more accurately than present methods known to the art, and further with the added feature that no moving part or parts need come into physical contact with the drilling fluids.

Abstract: A probe adapted to fit in an open end of a sewer or water conduit is provided with a weir plate and with a bubble tube for sensing the depth of flow over the weir plate and, thus, determining the flow rate. A V-notch weir plate is made up of two like pieces flexibly joined at their apex, thereby enabling the probe to be compressed for ease of insertion into the open end and to be expanded therewithin for frictional retention against the inside wall of the conduit, to which the probe conforms. Except for the weir plate itself all parts of the probe lie along the wall for minimum disturbance of the flow.

Abstract: A pressure measurement system particularly suited to use in boreholes uses a pressure source at the surface to supply a test fluid through a small tube to a large downhole chamber having a fluid port on its bottom side. The test fluid displaces borehole fluid from the chamber after which the pressure of the test fluid is measured at the surface, thereby indicating the pressure of the borehole fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for exact measurement of pressures by means of level or pressure measuring equipment of the bubble tube type. The equipment comprises a bubble tube, a source of pressure, a pressure transducer, and valves which are controlled by a sequence switch means. The invention is characterized in that immediately prior to taking a measurement the source of pressure is connected to the bubble tube for expelling possible liquid therein and in that the source of pressure is then disconnected from the bubble tube. The pressure transducer is connected to the bubble tube during a measuring interval of short duration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and device for measuring the level and the specific gravity of a liquid e.g. liquified methane, contained in large-capacity tanks.The installation comprises two hydrostatic probes for spray a neutral gas into the tank, the first probe emerging near the bottom of the tank and the second slightly below the maximum filling level, a pressure differential/electric voltage transducer each of whose two inputs is connected to a hydrostatic probe, a system for numerically displaying the level and the specific gravity of the liquid contained in the tank, at least one pick-up capable of transmitting a signal when the liquid reaches the predetermined level in the tank, and a device for adjusting the value of the specific gravity of the liquid when the liquid reaches the predetermined level in the tank.

Abstract: A level-sensitive system responsive to the level of liquid in a container is provided. A level-sensitive device, e.g. a gauge or pressure switch, is connected by a line to a lower portion of the container. Gas, specifically air, is supplied to the line under pressure sufficient to enable the gas to pass slowly into the container and to bubble upwardly, thereby keeping the liquid out of the line and away from the level-sensitive device. The flow of the gas is sufficiently slow that it does not affect the operation of the level-sensitive device. A liquid such as water also can be supplied to the line under pressure to flow into the container. The quantity of the water is also maintained small enough so as not to affect the operation of the level-sensitive device. The water is effective to prevent growth of fungus or the like in the liquid of the container which otherwise can form adjacent the line leading into the container and block the line after a period of time.

Abstract: A level indicator using an indirect method of measuring a gas pressure in order to check the level of a liquid such as the lubricant contained in the crankcase of an internal combustion engine. The level indicator includes preferably a liquid column gas-pressure gauge formed of a straight measuring tube having one end immersed in the barometric liquid contained in a reservoir, and an electrical heating resistance is located in the enclosure of the reservoir above the barometric liquid. The enclosure communicates with a tubular probe immersed in the liquid whose level is to be checked. Voltage applied to the resistance generates heat which as a result of the thermal expansion of the gas causes the gas-pressure in the enclosure to become sufficient for causing the gas to bubble in the liquid, so that the gas-pressure which is read off the pressure gauge is representative of the depth at which the probe is immersed.

Abstract: A flow control system includes two bubbler tubes installed at different levels within a tank containing such as radioactive liquid. As the tank is depleted, a differential pressure transmitter monitors pressure differences imparted by the two bubbler tubes at a remote, shielded location during uniform time intervals. At the end of each uniform interval, balance pots containing a dense liquid are valved together to equalize the pressures. The resulting sawtooth-shaped signal generated by the differential pressure transmitter is compared with a second sawtooth signal representing the desired flow rate during each time interval. Variations in the two signals are employed by a control instrument to regulate flow rate.

Abstract: A pneumatic liquid level sensing apparatus for marine tankers has a dip tube which by having air or gas applied to it bubbles into the liquid in a tank and produces a back pressure corresponding to the depth of the tube in the liquid, a pressure responsive valve device responsive to the back pressure relays a signal to a remote indicator and the provision of a balance pipe above the surface of the tanker liquid connected to a balancing input of the valve device enables the output of the valve device to be independent of the value of the air or gas pressure in the tank.

Abstract: Liquid level responsive apparatus is provided which includes a tube having a lower terminal end immersed in the liquid in a container uncovered when the liquid level is below the terminal end for discharge of air from the tube, the tube having a small electric motor driven air pump supplying air thereto, the tube having a pressure tap connected to one side of a diaphragm for normally maintaining the diaphragm in one control position, the diaphragm being collapsible to another control position, the tube having a vent of predetermined size for limited venting of air from the tube while the diaphragm is maintained in its one control position. The diaphragm can control a microswitch which in turn can control any desired operation such as shut-off of delivery. A plurality of tubes can be connected in parallel with their terminal ends in different liquid containers.

Abstract: A method and portable apparatus for continually monitoring the flow of fluid in an open channel, such as in a conduit, having a known diameter, a known slope and of material having known surface characteristics. The liquid depth within the pipe is determined by means of an elongated hollow probe placed axially in the bottom of a channel containing the liquid and forcing gas under pressure there through. The measurement of the back pressure represents the depth of the liquid and enables the rapid determination of the rate of flow. It is contemplated that the portable apparatus be interconnected with a portable continual recorder such that the flow may be monitored over any given, desired, time period.