Abstract: A flow meter system and method are provided for monitoring gas flow in a conduit. The flow meter system includes a plurality of components including: a sensor for sensing a flow rate of the gas flow; a communication device for transmitting information corresponding to the sensed flow rate to a remote device; an energy harvesting device for producing electrical energy from the gas flow to power operation of the communication device or other component of the flow meter system; and an energy storage device for storing electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting device.

Abstract: A method for operating an ultrasonic flowmeter includes: capturing at least one first ringing signal of a first ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic flowmeter, and detecting a first ringing debugging signal based on the at least one captured first ringing signal; emitting a first measurement signal into a medium through the first ultrasonic transducer, resulting in a first ringing measurement signal in the first ultrasonic transducer; receiving a measurement signal as a first received signal by the first ultrasonic transducer, wherein the first received signal and the first ringing measurement signal are superimposed to form a first superimposed signal; determining a first correction signal by subtracting the first ringing debugging signal from the first superposition signal; and determining the flow velocity or flow rate of the medium based on the first correction signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method for performing real-time measurements of drilling fluid in a well. A driver and a reference are monitored for responses by a measurement controller of a system for measuring fluid flow. The driver is configured as a driving electromechanical resonator for contacting the drilling fluid. The reference is configured as a reference electromechanical resonator for contacting the drilling fluid. The reference is of a similar construction as the driver and is in contact with the drilling fluid in a substantially same way. Real-time measurements are performed by the measurement controller based on information received from the driver and reference. A viscosity and density of the drilling fluid are determined based on the real-time measurements. The similar construction of the driver and reference enables mitigation of environmental sensitivities of the driver and reference, enhancing fluid property sensitivities to physical properties of the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A vehicle liquid testing system includes a liquid testing apparatus with a form factor of a dipstick. The system includes a sensor that detects a property of a fluid in a vehicle and emits a signal indicative of the property. A transmitter receives the signal from the sensor and transmits the signal. A controller receives the signal from the transmitter and compares the signal from the sensor to a threshold level to determine a condition of the fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for designing a system that measures deflection at multiple points and in various axes and how it relates to flow measurement are described. A system for continuously measuring the mass flow of a media includes one or more cartridges, one or more displacement sensing devices, and a processor. The one or more cartridges are connected serially between an inflow and outflow media pipe. The one or more displacement-sensing devices is configured to detect displacement changes of the one or more cartridges at two or more separate points on the cartridge(s) when the media flows through the cartridge(s). The processor is configured to calculate the flow of the media based on the detected displacement changes of the one or more cartridges at the one or more separate points.

Abstract: A driving device includes a tubular circulation pipe of the exhaust gas, and at least two flow rate measuring members arranged to measure an exhaust gas flow rate circulating in the tubular circulation pipe. The driving device includes at least one monobloc support, housed in the tubular circulation pipe, and bearing at least two flow rate measuring members among said at least two flow rate measuring members.

Abstract: Angular accelerometers are described, as are systems employing such accelerometers. The angular accelerometers may include a proof mass and rotational acceleration detection beams directed toward the center of the proof mass. The angular accelerometers may include sensing capabilities for angular acceleration about three orthogonal axes. The sensing regions for angular acceleration about one of the three axes may be positioned radially closer to the center of the proof mass than the sensing regions for angular acceleration about the other two axes. The proof mass may be connected to the substrate though one or more anchors.

Abstract: A device and method for imaging, measuring and identifying multiphase fluid flow in wellbores using phased array Doppler ultrasound. The device includes a radially-configured or ring-shaped ultrasound transducer that when deployed in a well in Doppler mode can measure the velocity of radially flowing fluids in the wellbore and generate a 3D image of radial flow in the wellbore, including flowback into the wellbore after fracturing operations, or flow leaving the wellbore during water injection operations. The ring-shaped ultrasound transducer can also simultaneously operate in a B-mode to generate a B-mode image of the wellbore liner upon which the Doppler image can be overlaid. The device may also include a forward facing ultrasound transducer either instead of or in place of the ring-shaped transducer for obtaining information and images on axial flow in the wellbore in Doppler mode, and the location of phase boundaries and phase locations in B-mode.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of boiler control and relates to a control method for the operation of a combustion boiler, comprising providing a predetermined upper limit (VF,max) for the flue gas velocity in at least one location of the boiler; monitoring the flue gas velocity (VF) during the combustion of fuel in said at least one location of the boiler; comparing the flue gas velocity (VF) with the predetermined upper limit (VF,max); decreasing the thermal load of the boiler if the flue gas velocity exceeds the predetermined upper limit (VF,max). The invention also relates to a control system configured to execute the control method.

Abstract: A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium are described in which a meter interface device may attempt to join a third party wireless network, in addition to a mobile transceiver network, in response to a power-up procedure or a reset procedure. Additionally, the meter interface device may simultaneously operate in multiple modes of communications. The meter interface device may select the third party wireless network based on preference information and back-off information. The meter interface device may wait a back-off period, after an unsuccessful attempt to join the third party wireless network, before re-attempting to join the third party wireless network. The meter interface device may also attach to one or multiple other networks including a fixed network.

Abstract: A gas purging valve is operative to be connected to piping in a Fire Protection System (FPS) and to bleed gas at a predetermined rate. The valve includes an inlet in gas flow relationship with the FPS piping and a central passage in gas flow relationship with the inlet. The valve also includes a calibrated orifice removeably disposed in the central passage, in gas flow relationship with the passage and operative to allow a maximum predetermined gas flow rate therethrough. The valve further includes an outlet in gas flow relationship with the calibrated orifice. A ball is disposed upstream of the central passage. The ball is operative to allow gas flow through the gas purging valve but operative to impede the flow of water through the gas purging valve.

Abstract: A monitor module for a turbine flow meter includes a receiver that receives a sequence of pulses sent by the turbine flow meter. A frequency identifier identifies a frequency of the pulses in the sequence of pulses and a mean identifier identifies a mean frequency of frequencies of pulses. An alert system uses the mean frequency to determine when an alert should be issued.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining a parameter of a fluid medium, e.g., an intake air mass flowing through a channel, includes at least one sensor chip situated in the channel for determining the parameter, which sensor chip is accommodated in a sensor carrier which (i) protrudes into the channel and (ii) has a leading edge situated transverse to the flow of the fluid medium. At least one vortex generator is provided, at least in the region of the leading edge, and configured for forming secondary flows in the flowing fluid medium in the region of the sensor carrier, for avoiding or reducing the entry of particles. The secondary flows extend in a plane essentially perpendicular to the main flow direction of the fluid medium, e.g., facing away from the sensor area.

Abstract: Gas flow rate measuring apparatus comprising resistive element disposed in a gas flow path, a gas flow rate detection circuit, and a gas temperature detection element or a substrate temperature detection element. The detection circuit detects a current flowing through the resistive element, or a voltage generated in response to the current to output a gas flow rate detection signal in accordance with a flow rate of gas flowing. The apparatus corrects characteristics of the gas flow rate detection signal on the basis of a temperature detection signal obtained from these elements and includes signal conversion means for correcting a characteristic bend displaced by more than a certain fixed amount from target characteristics.

Abstract: A vibration recorder for detecting leaks in a pipeline network includes a sensor operable to receive vibration signals from a pipeline network, and a communication port connected to an automatic meter reader/transmitter (“AMRT”). A processor connected to the communication port and to the sensor is programmed to process the vibration signals and to send data regarding the processed vibration signals to the AMRT using the communication port. The vibration recorder may also include metering functions, and, in some implementations, may also incorporate the functions of the AMRT.

Abstract: A field device with integrated temperature control comprises a housing, a temperature sensor, a controller and a terminal block. The housing encloses internal components of the field device. The temperature sensor and the controller are located inside the housing. The temperature sensor senses an internal temperature of the field device, and the controller controls the internal temperature by regulating heat supplied to the field device. The terminal block connects to the controller in order to regulate the heater power as a function of the internal temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the size and distribution of particles within a multiphase fluid flowing within a pipe is provided, wherein the apparatus includes at least one metering device for determining at least one of the mixture density of the fluid, the flow rate of the fluid and the dispersion of the fluid, wherein the at least one metering device generates meter data responsive to at least one of the mixture density of the fluid, the flow rate of the fluid and the dispersion of the fluid and a processing device communicated with the at least one metering device, wherein the processing device receives and processes the meter data to generate fluid information responsive to the size and distribution of the particles within the fluid.

Abstract: An air flow sensor includes a sensor element and a microcontroller, employing a PWM signal to drive the sensor element. Signals from the sensor element are processed by the microcontroller inside the sensor, resulting in continuous readings of air velocity and air temperature.

Abstract: A dipstick that measures and externally indicates the temperature and level of a fluid within a fluid reservoir. For example, in one embodiment the dipstick measures and externally indicates the oil temperature and oil level of oil within an oil reservoir of a motorcycle or other vehicle. The fluid temperature and level are indicated on an externally viewable portion of the dipstick, such as an exposed end or cap. The viewable portion indicates the fluid level when the fluid temperature is within guidelines recommended by the manufacturer or when the fluid temperature reaches a minimum threshold temperature.

Abstract: A measuring system serves for measuring a density of a medium flowing in a process line along a flow axis of the measuring system in the case of a medium which is variable as regards a thermodynamic state, especially a medium which is, at least in part, compressible. The measuring system includes at least one temperature sensor placed at a temperature measuring point, reacting primarily to a local temperature, ?, of medium flowing past, and delivering at least one temperature measurement signal influenced by the local temperature of the medium to be measured; at least one pressure sensor placed at a pressure measuring point, reacting primarily to a local, especially a static, pressure, p, of medium flowing past, and delivering at least one pressure measurement signal influenced by the local pressure, p, in the medium to be measured; as well as a measuring electronics communicating, in each case, at least at times, with the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A measuring system for measuring a density of a medium flowing in a process line along a flow axis of the measuring system in the case of a medium which is variable as regards a thermodynamic state, especially a medium which is, at least in part, compressible.

Abstract: A method and system for generating an uncertainty value. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a device in fluid communication with a conduit, and a flow computer electrically coupled to the device. The flow computer is configured to generate a flow value based on parametric data, and the flow computer is configured to generate an uncertainty value of the flow value based on the parametric data and on an accuracy value received from the device.

Abstract: A transmission measuring system includes a subject for transmission measurement for outputting, in response to a start signal for measurement from a central processing unit, an output signal including information on a transmission time to be measured. An analog-digital converter converts the output signal into digital data. The central processing unit processes the digital data to obtain the transmission time required for propagating the signal through the subject. A clock signal source provides a clock signal to the central processing unit, and a variable delay unit is interposed between the clock signal source and the analog-digital converter. The central processing unit delivers a delay time control signal to the variable delay unit so that the delay time of the clock signal of the analog-digital converter may be varied with time relative to the start signal for measurement.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated systems, methods and computer program products relate to monitoring the performance of an operating gas meter by automatic and substantially continuous differential pressure (dP) measurement. Measured dP may be compared against a baseline dP characteristic to determine if the measured dP exceeds a threshold value above a baseline dP characteristic. If the threshold is exceeded, then the system may generate a signal to request repair or replacement of the meter. After installation, some embodiments collect dP data over time and/or over a range of flow rates to automatically learn a baseline dP characteristic under installation conditions. A system may switch from a default baseline dP characteristic to a learned baseline dP characteristic. Some embodiments may further correct volume or flow rate signals for line pressure and/or temperature. Further embodiments provide a passive apparatus to protect a dP sensor against transients in line pressure and/or differential pressure.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method of maintaining a historical database of information. The method describes up to eleven segments, each segment corresponding possibly to a different data logging rate in the historical database. Points, whether measured or calculated parameters, are grouped into segments based on which points may have their data logged at the same frequency. The points, in turn, contain pointers to logs, with entries in the log data corresponding to a time-stamp or tag of the segment to which the log belongs. Thus, points (and their corresponding logs) in different segments may be logged at different rates. The specification also discloses a method for dynamically resizing the historical database.

Abstract: A system for dispensing cryogenic liquid to a use device includes a bulk storage tank providing LNG to a sump containing a meter submerged in LNG. A temperature probe is also submerged in the LNG. A dispensing line is positioned between the meter and dispensing hose and includes a dispensing valve. A drain line bypasses the dispensing valve and features a check valve so that LNG trapped in the hose after dispensing is returned to the sump due to pressurization by ambient heat. A capacitance probe is submerged in the LNG in the sump and provides a dielectric that is compared by a microprocessor with the dielectric for pure methane at the same temperature to determine the purity of the LNG. An approximate linear relation between density and dielectric may be used to determine density and mass flow for the LNG from the measured dielectric.

Abstract: A method for determining the NOx mass flow at the input of an NOx storage catalytic converter in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine from operating parameters of the internal combustion engine is introduced, characterized in that the intake air temperature and the engine oil temperature are considered in the determination.

Abstract: An electronic, programmable meter register (10) includes an input section (18, 19, 30) for generating pulses in response to units of flow in a water meter, a stored control program (46), a microelectronic CPU (31) for executing the program (46) to read input pulses and to transmit output data representing units of flow volume. An output device (16) is responsive to output data from the CPU (31) to display units of flow volume, and the CPU (31) stores a programmable meter input resolution factor for a corresponding one of several meters that scales the output data that is transmitted to the output device (16). A magnet (49) is held outside the register unit (10), but in proximity to a reed switch (22) inside the sealed unit (10) to sequence the display (16) through a series of totalization, rate of flow and other screen displays. A magnetic pulse pickup (24, 18, 19) is provided to signal both forward and reverse flows.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for measurement of tensile strength of materials, especially for indirectly measuring the tensile strength of weak rock and hard soil. The probe of the measuring device comprises a cylindrical body with an expandable flexible membrane designed to apply a uniform pressure to the walls of a cavity, such as a bore hole. There is no need to cut a core specimen to a particular shape for measurement, thus making it an attractive option for measurement of weakly bonded rock and hard soil.

Abstract: Fluid flow can be measured using a multiplicity of sensors in a manner that enables acquisition of detailed information regarding the fluid flow. In particular, the invention can advantageously be used in situations in which the measured fluid flow is anticipated to be turbulent. Even more particularly, the invention can be advantageously be used to obtain measurements of fluid flow in the vicinity of an animate object (e.g., human) which can be used, together with knowledge of the characteristics of the animate object and, if relevant, of one or more objects in the vicinity of the animate object, to determine an intention of, or an effect produced by, the animate object. The invention can be used by people in interacting with a large variety of devices to effect control of those devices.

Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.

Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.