Abstract: A fluid conduit element having a measurement apparatus receptacle is configured to receive a sensor unit wherein there is an insert sleeve which reaches through a receptacle gap designed in a carrier base and connects a flow channel to the sensor unit. The insert sleeve is sealed against the measurement apparatus receptacle by a sealing unit, The design is characterized by a relatively simply and operationally securely effected assembly.

Abstract: It is possible to correctly determine whether a change in the pressure or flow rate is caused by normal opening and closing operations of a check valve and to monitor in real time whether an operation of a check valve is normal or abnormal in a liquid supply device. Light is introduced in the check valve and a change in the quantity of light transmitted through or reflected by the check valve, caused by the opening and closing of the valve is detected, so that the opening and closing operations of the check valve can be directly detected. The check valve is arranged in a pipe in the liquid supply device, and a change in the pressure in the pipe is monitored on the basis of a signal from a pressure sensor and a signal which represents the opening and closing of the check valve.

Abstract: Manifold and probe assembly for use a bioprocessing vessel. The manifold has a chamber which communicates with the interior of the vessel and a plurality of ports which communicate with the chamber. Elongated sensing probes are threadedly connected to the ports with end portions of the probes extending into the chamber. Gaskets having generally annular bodies with conically inclined beveled faces are mounted on the end portions of the probes, with the beveled faces engaging conically inclined surfaces of seats in the ports and the gaskets being axially compressed and radially expanded into sealing engagement with the probes. The seating surfaces have inner and outer sections with different angles of inclination which produce greater radial expansion and tighter sealing with the probes.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for optimizing a plurality of calibration maps for an algorithm of estimation of a control quantity of an internal combustion engine, each of the maps comprising a plurality of calibration values of said control quantity estimated by said algorithm. The optimization method comprises measuring the control quantity, estimating the control quantity, and individually optimizing each calibration map based on the measured control quantity and the estimated control quantity.

Abstract: A method to determine the fuel composition of a fuel mixture from a first fuel and a second fuel for the operation of an internal combustion engine. The first and the second fuel have different combustion rates and/or different specific energy contents and the internal combustion engine has at least one pressure sensor in at least one combustion chamber, with which a temporal pressure curve and/or a pressure curve under conditions of angular synchronism is determined.

Abstract: The liquid depth sensing and identification system determines both the pressure head or depth, and therefore the quantity, of a liquid in a tank, as well as determining the characteristics of the liquid at the bottom of the probe. Two principles of operation are disclosed herein. The system may use a gas bubble collector about the outlet end of the purge tube, with the difference in height of the collector and purge tube mouths defining the very small difference in pressure head required to resolve the bubble emission characteristics produced in different liquids. Alternatively, the system incorporates a mass flow sensor capable of detecting minute changes in mass flow as bubbles are emitted from the purge tube in order to determine the type and characteristics of the liquid. The system operates using an open loop principle of operation, with no feedback provided to control the purge pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying operation of process variable transmitters in process control or monitoring systems is provided. A process variable is measured with a process variable transmitter to verify operation of the process variable transmitter by comparing the process variable with a reference. A data entry is placed in a database which indicates operation of the process variable transmitter has been verified.

Abstract: A method and system of screening or selecting a mobile phase eluent for a chromatography column is provided. A sample for chromatographic analysis or purification is combined with a solvent and passed through a membrane. A pressure measurement is taken of the sample/solvent combination in the system prior to the membrane. The pressure measurement may be compared to a second pressure and an appropriate solvent may be selected based on the relationship between the first measured pressure and the second pressure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for determining the composition of a fuel mixture from a first fuel and a second fuel or for determining the quality of a fuel for operating a combustion engine with at least one cylinder pressure sensor in at least one cylinder of the combustion engine for determining the pressure history during a combustion process and a cylinder pressure based motor regulation for regulating the load and the combustion situation of the combustion engine. It is thereby provided that the determination of the composition of the fuel mixture or the quality of the fuel takes place with the aid of regulator information of the cylinder-pressure-based motor regulation. The procedure enables the continuing determination of the composition of the fuel mixture and the quality of the fuel at cylinder-pressure-based motor regulations without additional components as for example an ethanol sensor.

Abstract: A fuel amount control system of a fuel cell includes a fuel storage unit that stores the fuel to be supplied to the anode, a diluent storage unit that stores a diluent generated as a result of the chemical reaction in the cathode, a fuel mixing unit that mixes the fuel supplied from the fuel storage unit and the diluent supplied from the diluent storage unit to supply a fuel mixture solution to the anode, a sensor located inside the fuel mixing unit, which has a various volume that depends on the concentration of the fuel in the fuel mixture solution and outputs an electrical signal according to a volume variation, and a control unit that receives the electrical signal output from the sensor and outputs electrical signals to open and close the fuel storage unit and the diluent storage unit such that the fuel mixture solution having an appropriate concentration is supplied from the fuel mixing unit to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method to determine the fuel composition of a fuel mixture from a first fuel and a second fuel for the operation of an internal combustion engine, wherein the first and the second fuel have different combustion rates and/or different specific energy contents and wherein the internal combustion engine has at least one pressure sensor in at least one combustion chamber, with which a temporal pressure curve and/or a pressure curve under conditions of angular synchronism is determined. Provision is made according to the invention for the composition of a fuel mixture to be determined from the temporal pressure curve and/or the pressure curve under conditions of angular synchronism of the gas pressure in the combustion chamber, of which there is at least one. A fuel mixture from fuels with different combustion rates exists, for example, in an alcohol-gasoline mixture. Alcohol has a faster combustion process than gasoline.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for performing off-line multi-dimensional separation and analysis of a heterogeneous biomolecular sample. The method includes separating the heterogeneous biomolecular sample into a plurality of fractions using an, at least partially, capillary isotachophoresis mechanism. The plurality of fractions are then transferred to a liquid chromatography apparatus where they are each separated into a plurality of sub-fractions. The sub-fractions are then analyzed to determine their constituent molecules.

Abstract: A probe 10,170 is provided that measures the speed of sound and/or vortical disturbances propagating in a single phase fluid flow and/or multiphase mixture to determine parameters, such as mixture quality, particle size, vapor/mass ratio, liquid/vapor ratio, mass flow rate, enthalpy and volumetric flow rate of the flow in a pipe or unconfined space, for example, using acoustic and/or dynamic pressures. The probe includes a spatial array of unsteady pressure sensors 15-18 placed at predetermined axial locations x1-xN disposed axially along a tube 14. For measuring at least one parameter of a saturated vapor/liquid mixture 12, such as steam, flowing in the tube 14. The pressure sensors 15-18 provide acoustic pressure signals P1(t)-PN(t) to a signal processing unit 30 which determines the speed of sound amix propagating through of the saturated vapor/liquid mixture 12 in the tube 14 using acoustic spatial array signal processing techniques.

Abstract: In industrial sensing applications at least one parameter of at least one fluid in a pipe 12 is measured using a spatial array of acoustic pressure sensors 14,16,18 placed at predetermined axial locations x1, x2, x3 along the pipe 12. The pressure sensors 14,16,18 provide acoustic pressure signals P1(t), P2(t), P3(t) on lines 20,22,24 which are provided to signal processing logic 60 which determines the speed of sound amix of the fluid (or mixture) in the pipe 12 using acoustic spatial array signal processing techniques with the direction of propagation of the acoustic signals along the longitudinal axis of the pipe 12. Numerous spatial array-processing techniques may be employed to determine the speed of sound amix. The speed of sound amix is provided to logic 48, which calculates the percent composition of the mixture, e.g., water fraction, or any other parameter of the mixture, or fluid, which is related to the sound speed amix. The logic 60 may also determine the Mach number Mx of the fluid.

Abstract: Techniques for measuring a density of a liquid within a fluid that includes both a liquid and a gas are described. A pressure of the fluid oscillates according to a time-varying function, which causes a density of the fluid also to oscillate according to the same time-varying function. A resulting pressure signal and density signal are analyzed to extract at least a first and second pressure value and at least a first and second density value, where the first pressure and density values occur at a first time, and the second pressure and density values occur at a second time. Then, the liquid density is calculated from the first and second pressure and density values. As a result, the liquid density may be calculated quickly and easily, with a minimum of effort on the part of an operator, and without requiring disruption of other measurement processes associated with the flowtube.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring at least one parameter associated with a fluid flowing within a pipe includes a spatial array of pressure sensors disposed at different axial locations x1. . . xN along the pipe. Each of the pressure sensors provides a pressure signal P(t) indicative of unsteady pressure within the pipe at a corresponding axial location of the pipe. A signal processor receives the pressure signals from each of the pressure sensors and determines the parameter of the fluid using pressure signals from selected ones of the pressure sensors. By selecting different pressure sensors, the signal processor can configure the array to meet different criteria. In one embodiment, the array of pressure sensors may be formed on a single sheet of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) that is wrapped around at least a portion of an outer surface of the pipe. This arrangement allows a large number of pressure sensors to be quickly and economically installed.

Abstract: Techniques for measuring a density of a liquid within a fluid that includes both a liquid and a gas are described. A pressure of the fluid oscillates according to a time-varying function, which causes a density of the fluid also to oscillate according to the same time-varying function. A resulting pressure signal and density signal are analyzed to extract at least a first and second pressure value and at least a first and second density value, where the first pressure and density values occur at a first time, and the second pressure and density values occur at a second time. Then, the liquid density is calculated from the first and second pressure and density values. As a result, the liquid density may be calculated quickly and easily, with a minimum of effort on the part of an operator, and without requiring disruption of other measurement processes associated with the flowtube.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of particles, such as sand, flowing within a fluid in a conduit is disclosed. At least two optical sensors measure pressure variations propagating through the fluid. These pressure variations are caused by acoustic noise generated by typical background noises of the well production environment and from sand particles flowing within the fluid. If the acoustics are sufficiently energetic with respect to other disturbances, the signals provided by the sensors will form an acoustic ridge on a k? plot, where each data point represents the power of the acoustic wave corresponding to that particular wave number and temporal frequency. A sand metric then compares the average power of the data points forming the acoustic ridge to the average power of the data points falling outside of the acoustic ridge. The result of this comparison allows one to determine whether particles are present within the fluid.

Abstract: In industrial sensing applications at least one parameter of at least one fluid in a pipe 12 is measured using a spatial array of acoustic pressure sensors 14,16,18 placed at predetermined axial locations x1, x2, x3 along the pipe 12. The pressure sensors 14,16,18 provide acoustic pressure signals P1(t), P2(t), P3(t) on lines 20,22,24 which are provided to signal processing logic 60 which determines the speed of sound amix of the fluid (or mixture) in the pipe 12 using acoustic spatial array signal processing techniques with the direction of propagation of the acoustic signals along the longitudinal axis of the pipe 12. Numerous spatial array-processing techniques may be employed to determine the speed of sound amix. The speed of sound amix is provided to logic 48, which calculates the percent composition of the mixture, e.g., water fraction, or any other parameter of the mixture, or fluid, which is related to the sound speed amix. The logic 60 may also determine the Mach number Mx of the fluid.

Abstract: A side-hole optical cane for measuring pressure and/or temperature is disclosed. The side-hole cane has a light guiding core containing a sensor and a cladding containing symmetrical side-holes extending substantially parallel to the core. The side-holes cause an asymmetric stress across the core of the sensor creating a birefringent sensor. The sensor, preferably a Bragg grating, reflects a first and second wavelength each associated with orthogonal polarization vectors, wherein the degree of separation between the two is proportional to the pressure exerted on the core. The side-hole cane structure self-compensates and is insensitive to temperature variations when used as a pressure sensor, because temperature induces an equal shift in both the first and second wavelengths. Furthermore, the magnitude of these shifts can be monitored to deduce temperature, hence providing the side-hole cane additional temperature sensing capability that is unaffected by pressure.

Abstract: A dual-phase level monitoring (DPLM) instrument that provides continuous signals that enables determination of the location of the top surface of the lighter of two immiscible fluids (the product) and the hydrostatic pressure below the total fluid column of both immiscible fluids. By knowing the fluid specific gravities, the output signals are processed to yield the location of the air/product and liquid/liquid interfaces, and the depth of the lighter phase. The instrument is intended for use in groundwater monitoring wells with a light non-aqueous phase liquid (product) and tanks or vessels with dual-phase liquids and level monitoring and/or control issues. The DPLM instrument includes a first pressure transducer situated beneath the surface of the liquid with a greater specific gravity, which will typically be ground water. A level element with a float selected so as to be buoyant and float on the surface of the lighter fluid is positioned above the first pressure transducer.

Abstract: A method for determining parameters for the viscosity or temperature of a brake fluid of a vehicle by way of a predetermined pressure build-up within time limits in at least one defined section of a brake circuit and for detecting a pressure in the said section and/or a time which is required for the build-up of the said pressure.

Abstract: At least one parameter of at least one fluid in a pipe is measured using a spatial array of acoustic pressure sensors placed at predetermined axial locations along the pipe 12. The pressure sensors provide acoustic pressure signals, which are provided to a signal processing system that determines the speed of sound amix of the fluid (or mixture) in the pipe 12 using acoustic spatial array signal processing techniques. Numerous spatial array processing techniques may be employed to determine the speed of sound amix. The speed of sound amix is provided to another logic system that calculates the percent composition of the mixture, e.g., water fraction, or any other parameter of the mixture or fluid which is related to the sound speed amix. The signal processing system may also determine the Mach number Mx of the fluid. The acoustic pressure signals measured are lower frequency (and longer wavelength) signals than those used for ultrasonic flow meters, and thus are more tolerant to inhomogeneities in the flow.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of particles, such as sand, flowing within a fluid in a conduit is disclosed. At least two optical sensors measure pressure variations propagating through the fluid. These pressure variations are caused by acoustic noise generated by typical background noises of the well production environment and from sand particles flowing within the fluid. If the acoustics are sufficiently energetic with respect to other disturbances, the signals provided by the sensors will form an acoustic ridge on a k? plot, where each data point represents the power of the acoustic wave corresponding to that particular wave number and temporal frequency. A sand metric then compares the average power of the data points forming the acoustic ridge to the average power of the data points falling outside of the acoustic ridge. The result of this comparison allows one to determine whether particles are present within the fluid.

Abstract: An oil content measuring device measures the oil content of a refrigerant in a supercritical or a vapor phase state. A refrigeration system uses the oil content measuring device. The oil content measuring device has an electrostatic capacity measuring device for measuring an electrostatic capacity of the refrigerant containing a refrigerating machine oil, a density measuring device for measuring a density of at least one of the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil, a computing device for performing a computation on correlation characteristics between the electrostatic capacity and an oil content which indicates the ratio of the amount of the refrigerating machine oil to the amount of the refrigerant containing the refrigerating machine oil, using the density measured by the density measuring device. An oil content determining device determines an oil content at the measuring time from an electrostatic capacity using the correlation characteristics obtained by the computing device.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for determining one or more characteristics of a sample fluid, and a method to determine the one or more characteristic of the sample fluid, are provided. In particular, a first assembly is contained within a particular housing, and a second assembly is positioned externally from the particular housing. The first assembly includes a first sensor which may be adapted to obtain first data associated with a first characteristic of the sample fluid, and a particular electrical assembly which is electrically coupled to the first sensor, and may be adapted to determine the first characteristic of the sample fluid as a function of the first data. The second assembly includes a second sensor which may be adapted to obtain second data associated with a second characteristic of the sample fluid.

Abstract: The grade of oil used in a machine or apparatus can be determined by determining a temperature and pressure within an oil supply and determining the oil grade in response to determining the temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the concentrations of the components of a fluid are described, which can be used to measure the concentrations of the components continuously in real time and to monitor a high pressure gas, and is suitably used for in-line monitoring. In the method and the apparatus, a fluid sample is conducted through a measuring tube, wherein the measuring tube has a small aperture with a constant diameter in a fluid flow path. The pressure difference (P1−P2) between the upstream and the downstream of the small aperture and the flow rate at the downstream of the small aperture are measured to determine the concentrations of the components of the fluid.

Abstract: In a method for determining the alcohol concentration in the alcohol/water mixture of fuel cells that are operated with this mixture, in particular for direct methanol fuel cells, the alcohol/water mixture is pumped through a constriction. The differential pressure between the entry to and exit from the constriction and, if appropriate, the flow velocity of the mixture through the constriction are measured, and the alcohol concentration is determined therefrom.

Abstract: A system and method of fluid analysis in a hydrocarbon borehole is disclosed. Acoustic energy is emitted into the production fluid downhole at a level which causes a phase transition in the fluid. The pressure associated with the phase transition is determined using the level of emitted acoustic energy. Advantageously, the determination of the phase transition pressure need not rely on mechanical means to substantially alter the volume of a sample of the fluid. An acoustic transducer can be installed either semi-permanently or permanently downhole in the well. The bubble point or the dew point can be detected. In the case of bubble point detection, the bubbles in the fluid can be detected by sensing variations in impedance of the acoustic transducer, and the level of emitted acoustic energy can determined by measuring the electrical energy used to drive the transducer. A control system for a hydrocarbon well is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for determining the alcohol concentration in the alcohol/water mixture of fuel cells that are operated with this mixture, in particular for direct methanol fuel cells, the alcohol/water mixture is pumped through a constriction. The differential pressure between the entry to and exit from the constriction and, if appropriate, the flow velocity of the mixture through the constriction are measured, and the alcohol concentration is determined therefrom.

Abstract: At least one parameter of at least one fluid in a pipe 12 is measured using a spatial array of acoustic pressure sensors 14,16,18 placed at predetermined axial locations x1,x2,x3 along the pipe 12. The pressure sensors 14,16,18 provide acoustic pressure signals P1(t), P2(t), P3(t) on lines 20,22,24 which are provided to signal processing logic 60 which determines the speed of sound amix of the fluid (or mixture) in the pipe 12 using acoustic spatial array signal processing techniques with the direction of propagation of the acoustic signals along the longitudinal axis of the pipe 12. Numerous spatial array processing techniques may be employed to determined the speed of sound amix. The speed of sound amix is provided to logic 48 which calculates the percent composition of the mixture, e.g., water fraction, or any other parameter of the mixture or fluid which is related to the sound speed amix. The logic 60 may also determine the Mach number Mx of the fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the formation and dissociation of gas hydrates in a fluid. The apparatus used comprises a piezoelectric crystal sensor and a signal analyzer. The crystal sensor has a deposition surface in contact with the fluid. Under a range of pressures and or temperatures the resonant frequency or an electrical parameter dependent on the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric sensor is measured. There is a step change in the resonant frequency which occurs upon the formation or dissociation of a clathrate hydrate on the deposition surface, so that the formation or dissociation of said clathrate hydrate may be detected.

Abstract: A multiphase flowmeter (30) is mounted on the piping via which a multiphase fluid flows out from a hydrocarbon well, so as to measure the flow rates of the various phases of the fluid. A back-pressure valve (34) is placed in the piping downstream from the flowmeter (30) so as to enable the pressure in the flowmeter to be adjusted, whereby the flow conditions of the fluid in the flowmeter (30) can be made compatible with the measurement domain of the flowmeter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a microsensor for measurement of transport coefficients like diffusivity or flow velocity. The microsensor has a reservoir provided with a mouth and a transducer. The transducer has a tip placed in the mouth, which can be provided with a membrane or insert. The reservoir contains one or more gases or one or more liquid-dissolved substances intended for the diffusion through the mouth into an area or field of a medium outside the mouth of the reservoir. The transducer measures the partial pressure of the gas or the concentration of the liquid-dissolved substance in the mouth, whereby transport coefficients of diffusivity or flow velocity are determined. Preferably, the gradient of the partial pressure or the concentration is determined.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the dew point or bubble point phase transition in fluid. The apparatus used comprises a piezoelectric crystal sensor and a signal analyser. The phase transition of the fluid is measured by monitoring, directly or indirectly, change in the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric crystal sensor while said one of the temperature and pressure is varied, so as to detect a substantial change in said resonant frequency and/or in the rate of change in resonant frequency with change in the varying one of the temperature and pressure.

Abstract: An improved method of fluid analysis in the borehole of a well. A fluid sampling tool is fitted with a pumpout module that can be used to draw fluids from the formation, circulate them through the instrument, and then expel this fluid to the borehole. It has been determined that certain measurements would be most valuable to implement down hole, such as the formation fluid bubble point and dew point. Accurate bubble point and dew point measurements are made by forming bubbles or a liquid drop in a measured sample, and detecting same.