Venturi Patents (Class 73/861.63)
  • Patent number: 8230735
    Abstract: A flow rate of a fluid flowing in a tubing is determined using a flow meter. The flow meter measures a value related to the flow rate. The tubing has a valve for controlling the fluid flowing through the flow meter. The method of determination of the flow rate includes closing the valve and measuring a first zero flow rate value at a first time and a second zero flow rate value at a second time, estimating an error of the value measurement based on the first and second zero flow rate values, opening the valve and measuring value of the flowing fluid, applying an error correction to the measured value of the flowing fluid, and calculating a corrected flow rate based on the corrected value of flowing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Christian Chouzenoux, Yann Dufour, Cecile Lionnet
  • Publication number: 20120094261
    Abstract: A flow meter for a container, for monitoring the dehydration of a patient, has a sensor unit for detecting a flow through the flow meter and a control unit for recording an amount of liquid passing through during a time interval. The flow meter is an adapter for connection to a bottle or a beaker. A patient receives a warning if he should take in liquid. A base station serves for bidirectional transmission of measurement data to an external apparatus, more particularly a telemedical center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Henning Hayn, Gabor Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120085166
    Abstract: A device for measuring the physical characteristics of a flow within a pipe is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a plug attached to two or more strut assemblies, each strut assembly comprising a forward strut, a rearward strut, and a skid having an inner surface that faces the plug, and one or more sensors located on the inner surface of the skid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Edward Randall Furlong
  • Patent number: 8141432
    Abstract: A first property of a process fluid is measured using a differential pressure flowmeter. A second property of the process fluid is measured using a Coriolis flowmeter. A third property of the process fluid is determined based on the measured first property and the measured second property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade M. Mattar, Robbie Lansangan, Michael Reese
  • Patent number: 8136414
    Abstract: An improved flow meter, which has diagnostic capabilities due to the reading of total pressure head loss, calculation of corresponding flow rate and comparison with flow rates calculated from other differential pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Steven
  • Patent number: 8061219
    Abstract: A flow rate device for measuring the flow rate of a fluid flowing through a wellbore is disclosed. The flow rate device includes a differential pressure conduit, a flow restrictor insert and a differential pressure measurement device. The differential pressure conduit is locatable in the wellbore, defines an internal bore, and is adapted to include a restriction having a cross-sectional area to increase the velocity of fluid flowing through the differential pressure conduit to create a differential pressure. The differential pressure conduit defining first and second pressure measuring stations axially spaced along the differential pressure conduit. The flow restrictor insert is located in the restriction to reduce the cross-sectional area of the restriction. The flow restrictor insert defines an internal bore having a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the restriction. The flow restrictor insert also has a pressure measuring port aligned with the second pressure measuring station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Fadhel Rezgui, Gilles Roux, Robert Ingham, Jim Filas, Yves Manin, Eric Donzier
  • Patent number: 8056409
    Abstract: A new flowmeter which comprises a DP flowmeter and a volume meter in series or in hybrid integrated form. The combination of the readings from the two gives increased metering capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Steven
  • Publication number: 20110214498
    Abstract: A flow rate device for measuring the flow rate of a fluid flowing through a wellbore is disclosed. The flow rate device includes a differential pressure conduit, a flow restrictor insert and a differential pressure measurement device. The differential pressure conduit is locatable in the wellbore, defines an internal bore, and is adapted to include a restriction having a cross-sectional area to increase the velocity of fluid flowing through the differential pressure conduit to create a differential pressure. The differential pressure conduit defining first and second pressure measuring stations axially spaced along the differential pressure conduit. The flow restrictor insert is located in the restriction to reduce the cross-sectional area of the restriction. The flow restrictor insert defines an internal bore having a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the restriction. The flow restrictor insert also has a pressure measuring port aligned with the second pressure measuring station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Fadhel Rezgui, Gilles Roux, Robert Ingham, Jim Filas, Yves Manin, Eric Donzier
  • Publication number: 20110185805
    Abstract: A variable throat Venturi flow meter includes an upstream pipe section having an upstream cross-sectional area, a throat section having a variable throat cross-sectional area that is smaller than the upstream cross-sectional area, and a plurality of section-varying elements adapted to temporarily vary the throat cross-sectional area to allow a downhole tool to pass through the throat section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Gilles Roux, Céline Gabard-Cuoq, Stéphane Chareille, Pierre Mouget
  • Patent number: 7987733
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for measuring densities and flow rates of gas-liquid fluid mixtures. In the systems and methods, the fluid mixture is caused to exhibit swirling flow as it flows through a conduit that includes a constriction, a first pressure difference is measured between two vertically-spaced measurement positions in the conduit, a second pressure difference is measured between two horizontally-spaced measurement positions in the conduit, the first horizontally-spaced measurement position being at the constriction region and the second horizontally-spaced measurement position being upstream or downstream of the constriction region, and one or more of the pressure differences is used to determine a density or a flow rate of the gas-liquid fluid mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Atkinson, John Sherwood
  • Patent number: 7983856
    Abstract: A simple, passive and rugged device for measuring the flow rate of liquid. A variable area obstruction valve, a differential pressure sensor and a densitometer are combined in a single housing to provide for a highly accurate and precise measure of mass flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Eldec Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Boulanger, Bruce K. Grewell
  • Publication number: 20110138928
    Abstract: A method and system for measuring a property of a multiphase fluid comprising a mixture of at least an oil phase and a water phase travelling through a conduit, the method comprising measuring the thickness of the liquid mixture, measuring the permittivity of a portion of the multiphase fluid, combining the thickness measurement with the permittivity measurement to obtain a derived value for the permittivity of the liquid mixture, and using at least the derived permittivity of the liquid mixture and a relationship between a single phase liquid property and a corresponding two-phase property of the liquid mixture, to obtain a calculated water-to-liquid ratio of the liquid mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Cheng-gang Xie, Songming Huang
  • Publication number: 20110132104
    Abstract: An eccentric, smoothly tapered body for installation into cylindrical pipe to cause a constriction in the pipe to facilitate measuring the flow of fluid through the pipe. The body defines a flow constrictor having a smoothly tapered inner surface having a leading edge and a trailing edge and an apex therebetween. A bore extends through the flow constrictor at the apex. Pressure is measured at the bore at the apex and upstream of the flow constrictor and flow rate is calculated from the pressure differential therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: Energyneering Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Benny Benson, Jason MacKenzie
  • Patent number: 7938023
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus determine phase fractions for phases within a fluid mixture flow under a wide range of flow conditions including wet-gas flow. Appropriate flow algorithms can utilize this phase fraction information with a total flow rate of the mixture to find individual flow rates for phases, such as oil, water, and gas or gas and liquid, which can represent a combination of oil and water phases. For some embodiments, a multiphase flowmeter includes an array of spatially distributed pressure sensors configured to determine a velocity of the mixture flow and hence the total flow rate, which is applied with information from a differential pressure meter to calculate the bulk density of the fluid mixture. Further, additional speed of sound information or a water-in-liquid ratio as may be determined by spectral analysis can enable differentiation between the oil and water phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb Inc.
    Inventors: Espen S. Johansen, Omer Haldun Unalmis, John Lievois
  • Publication number: 20110100136
    Abstract: A flow rate of a fluid flowing in a tubing is determined using a flow meter. The flow meter measures a value related to the flow rate. The tubing has a valve for controlling the fluid flowing through the flow meter. The method of determination of the flow rate includes closing the valve and measuring a first zero flow rate value at a first time and a second zero flow rate value at a second time, estimating an error of the value measurement based on the first and second zero flow rate values, opening the valve and measuring value of the flowing fluid, applying an error correction to the measured value of the flowing fluid, and calculating a corrected flow rate based on the corrected value of flowing fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Christian Chouzenoux, Yann Dufour, Cécile Lionnet
  • Publication number: 20110100135
    Abstract: An insert meter can be run into an inverse venturi on wireline and make use of the existing pressure taps to allow accurate measurement of reduced flow rates that could not be accurately measured with the inverse venturi meter. The insert meter has seals and can lock into position with peripheral sealing to direct the new and lower flow rate into the throat of the insert meter that is preferably a standard venturi. The venturi devices can be in meter or eductor service and located downhole, subsea or on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Juan P. Franco, Kanti D. Lad
  • Patent number: 7934433
    Abstract: An insert meter can be run into an inverse venturi on wireline and make use of the existing pressure taps to allow accurate measurement of reduced flow rates that could not be accurately measured with the inverse venturi meter. The insert meter has seals and can lock into position with peripheral sealing to direct the new and lower flow rate into the throat of the insert meter that is preferably a standard venturi. The venturi devices can be in meter or eductor service and located downhole, subsea or on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Juan P. Franco, Kanti D. Lad
  • Publication number: 20110041622
    Abstract: Provided is a valve device into which a cone type venturi for a flow measurement and valves are integrated. According to the present invention, the venturi cone is formed in venturi path in the lower portion of the main body, and then valve path is formed thereafter. According to the present invention, efforts for adjusting heights between both of pressure taps during connecting of valves and flow measurement parts are not required and installation time and costs of installation could be decreased drastically. Also, the possibilities of leakage as well as manufacturing costs also could be reduced by integrating valves and flow measurement parts into a one-body valve device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Philip Lawrence Andrew, Bong-Ku Kim, Jin-Ho Seol, Yong-Ha Kim
  • Publication number: 20110022335
    Abstract: The invention concerns a system for real-time measurement of the instantaneous flow rate of a fluid with steady or unsteady flow in a conduit, comprising a flow member (1) for the fluid provided with at least two wall pressure taps (A,B), means (2) to measure pressure difference coupled with the two pressure taps (A,B), and programmed computing means (3) for real-time computing of flow rate by solving a nonlinear, ordinary, differential equation relating instantaneous flow rate to pressure difference, the pressure difference in said formula being positive or negative in relation to the variation in flow velocity of the fluid in the conduit and/or to the direction of flow of the fluid, characterized in that the flow member (1) comprises a filter (4) positioned between the two pressure taps (A,B) to increase pressure drop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Eric Foucault, Philippe Laurent Micheau, Philippe Szeger, Janki Laumonier
  • Publication number: 20100305880
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for measuring a flow rate of a gas/liquid flow. The method and system for measuring the flow rate include flowing a swirling gas/liquid flow separated into a gas core and a liquid outer layer through a conduit containing a constriction having a reduced conduit cross-section, measuring the differential gas core static pressure between a position upstream of the constriction and a position at the constriction, measuring a further quantity which provides the flow rate of the gas, the flow rate of the liquid, or a correlation between the flow rate of the gas and the flow rate of the liquid, and determining the flow rates of the gas and the liquid from the differential gas core static pressure and said measured further quantity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Oddie
  • Patent number: 7810401
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining fluid flow in a pipe apparatus includes a fluid nozzle in contact with the pipe having a contour without negative pressure gradients along the nozzle's surface as fluid flows through the nozzle. The apparatus includes a transit time ultrasonic flow meter employing at least one acoustic path in communication with the fluid in the pipe and disposed downstream of the nozzle. An apparatus for determining fluid flow in a pipe. The apparatus includes a fluid nozzle in contact with the pipe having a contour defined by a compound cubic. The present invention includes a transit time ultrasonic flow meter employing at least one acoustic path in communication with the fluid in the pipe and disposed downstream of the nozzle. A fluid nozzle for a pipe. A method for determining fluid flow in a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Gregor J. Brown, Donald R. Augenstein, Herbert Estrada
  • Publication number: 20100191481
    Abstract: An improved flow meter, which has diagnostic capabilities due to the reading of total pressure head loss, calculation of corresponding flow rate and comparison with flow rates calculated from other differential pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Steven
  • Patent number: 7730793
    Abstract: A venturi flow sensing method, system, and apparatus. A tube or chamber may be tapered from a larger to smaller diameter to create a venturi region within the tube or chamber. The venturi region causes a local increase in flow velocity. The change in velocity creates a local change in pressure which is, in turn, used to drive flow through a parallel bypass tube or chamber. Inside this bypass, a flow sensor can be located, and in some cases, a pressure sensor as well. The flow is then either exhausted back into the original tube or the bypass tube may alternatively dead end. In either case, flow can be measured without causing a significant overall pressure drop in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Jamie W. Speldrich
  • Publication number: 20100138169
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus determine phase fractions for phases within a fluid mixture flow under a wide range of flow conditions including wet-gas flow. Appropriate flow algorithms can utilize this phase fraction information with a total flow rate of the mixture to find individual flow rates for phases, such as oil, water, and gas or gas and liquid, which can represent a combination of oil and water phases. For some embodiments, a multiphase flowmeter includes an array of spatially distributed pressure sensors configured to determine a velocity of the mixture flow and hence the total flow rate, which is applied with information from a differential pressure meter to calculate the bulk density of the fluid mixture. Further, additional speed of sound information or a water-in-liquid ratio as may be determined by spectral analysis can enable differentiation between the oil and water phases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: ESPEN S. JOHANSEN, Omer Haldun Unalmis, John Lievois
  • Publication number: 20100138168
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a mass flow rate of a multi-phase fluid flowing through a conduit. The apparatus includes a differential pressure element located in the conduit, wherein a first differential pressure measurement device is in communication with the multi-phase fluid between a first and second position across the differential pressure element and is able to measure a first fluid differential pressure. A second differential pressure measurement device is in communication with the multi-phase fluid between a third and fourth position across the differential pressure element and is able to measure a second fluid differential pressure. A processor is in communication with the first and second differential pressure measurement devices, and is able to calculate the Reynolds number and discharge coefficient using the first and second fluid differential pressures. The processor is also capable of calculating the mass flow rate by using the Reynolds number and discharge coefficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Bruno Pinguet, Bernard Theron, Andrew Parry
  • Patent number: 7716994
    Abstract: A first property of a process fluid is measured using a differential pressure flowmeter. A second property of the process fluid is measured using a Coriolis flowmeter. A third property of the process fluid is determined based on the measured first property and the measured second property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade M. Mattar, Robbie Lansangan, Michael Reese
  • Patent number: 7703338
    Abstract: A flowmeter detects a differential pressure of steam as the steam passes through a conduit with a feature shaped to produce changes in velocity and pressure of the steam. Taps used to enable detection of the differential pressure extend from a wall of the conduit upward toward vertical (defined as parallel to the direction of gravitational force) in order to drain liquid water into the conduit from the tap. The differential pressure measured enables calculation of flow rate of the steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Air Liquide Large Industries U.S. LP
    Inventor: Charles Neely Harper
  • Patent number: 7658117
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a fluid within tubing disposed within a downhole wellbore. The present invention provides an inverse Venturi meter inserted within tubing with an enlarged inner diameter portion. Pressure differential is measured between the enlarged inner diameter portion and another portion of the inverse Venturi meter. Flow rate is determined from the pressure differential and the density of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard T. Jones
  • Patent number: 7654156
    Abstract: A distal tip of a fluid velocity probe generally includes at least a portion of a housing having first and second sidewalls defining a passageway therebetween, the passageway having inlet and outlet regions. The first and second sidewalls each are substantially symmetrical along an axis extending in the direction of the passageway through the center of each sidewall. The distal tip further includes a mass flow sensor disposed in the passageway between the inlet and outlet regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Aikins, Zoltán István Molnár
  • Patent number: 7654155
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus determine phase fractions for phases within a fluid mixture flow under a wide range of flow conditions including wet-gas flow. Appropriate flow algorithms can utilize this phase fraction information with a total flow rate of the mixture to find individual flow rates for phases, such as oil, water, and gas or gas and liquid, which can represent a combination of oil and water phases. For some embodiments, a multiphase flowmeter includes an array of spatially distributed pressure sensors configured to determine a velocity of the mixture flow and hence the total flow rate, which is applied with information from a differential pressure meter to calculate the bulk density of the fluid mixture. Further, additional speed of sound information or a water-in-liquid ratio as may be determined by spectral analysis can enable differentiation between the oil and water phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Espen S. Johansen, Omer Haldun Unalmis, John Lievois
  • Patent number: 7624652
    Abstract: A method for determining the flow rates of a fluid comprising a multi-component mixture of a gas and at least one liquid in a pipe, the method comprising the following steps: a) the multi-component mixture flow is conditioned to create a symmetrical annular gas concentration flow condition, b) the density distribution and/or dielectric constant distribution in said symmetrical flow within a cross-section of the pipe is determined, c) a function describing the radial distribution of density and/or radial distribution of dielectric constant is determined, d) the velocity of the multi-component mixture is determined, e) the temperature and pressure are obtained, and, f) based on the knowledge of densities and/or dielectric constants of the components of the fluid mixture, and the result from the above steps a-e, the volume and/or mass flow rates of the gas and liquid components of the fluid mixture are calculated. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Multi Phase Meters AS
    Inventors: Arnstein Wee, Ingve Morten Skjaeldal
  • Patent number: 7610818
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the flow rate of bitumen froth through a pipeline is provided. A flow meter device is provided including a conduit comprising an approach section having a diameter less than the diameter of the pipeline and a venturi section having in series a converging section, a throat section and, optionally, a diverging section, the converging section of the venturi section being disposed relative to the approach section, and a means for measuring the pressure difference ?P between two points that are separate from one another in the flow direction, one point being on the approach section and the other point being on the throat section. In one embodiment, a heating means for heating the conduit is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Syncrude Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Sean R. Sanders, Jason Schaan
  • Publication number: 20090234593
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for measuring densities and flow rates of gas-liquid fluid mixtures. In the systems and methods, the fluid mixture is caused to exhibit swirling flow as it flows through a conduit that includes a constriction, a first pressure difference is measured between two vertically-spaced measurement positions in the conduit, a second pressure difference is measured between two horizontally-spaced measurement positions in the conduit, the first horizontally-spaced measurement position being at the constriction region and the second horizontally-spaced measurement position being upstream or downstream of the constriction region, and one or more of the pressure differences is used to determine a density or a flow rate of the gas-liquid fluid mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Atkinson, John Sherwood
  • Publication number: 20090211371
    Abstract: A pneumotach for measuring respiratory gas flow is provided and includes a housing defining a lumen and having a longitudinal axis; and an airfoil diametrically supported within the lumen of the housing and extending at least partially thereacross, the airfoil defining a chord axis. The chord axis may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: MERGENET MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Charles A. Lewis, Robert M. Landis, Sergei Shirokov, Sarjeet Patel, Rahul Dandu, Dharmen Patel
  • Publication number: 20090188329
    Abstract: A venturi is provided for aspirating air in a HVAC module assembly having a first HVAC module housing section including a first venturi portion. A second HVAC module housing section includes a second venturi portion. The first and second HVAC module housing sections form a HVAC mixing chamber and venturi chamber. The first venturi portion mates with the second venturi portion to cooperatively form the venturi chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Duane Mangiapane, Bryan Pepper, John Thomas
  • Patent number: 7562587
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for measuring densities and flow rates of gas-liquid fluid mixtures. In the systems and methods, the fluid mixture is caused to exhibit swirling flow as it flows through a conduit that includes a constriction, a first pressure difference is measured between two vertically-spaced measurement positions in the conduit, a second pressure difference is measured between two horizontally-spaced measurement positions in the conduit, the first horizontally-spaced measurement position being at the constriction region and the second horizontally-spaced measurement position being upstream or downstream of the constriction region, and one or more of the pressure differences is used to determine a density or a flow rate of the gas-liquid fluid mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Atkinson, John Sherwood
  • Publication number: 20090139347
    Abstract: A venturi flow sensing method, system, and apparatus. A tube or chamber may be tapered from a larger to smaller diameter to create a venturi region within the tube or chamber. The venturi region causes a local increase in flow velocity. The change in velocity creates a local change in pressure which is, in turn, used to drive flow through a parallel bypass tube or chamber. Inside this bypass, a flow sensor can be located, and in some cases, a pressure sensor as well. The flow is then either exhausted back into the original tube or the bypass tube may alternatively dead end. In either case, flow can be measured without causing a significant overall pressure drop in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: JAMIE W. SPELDRICH
  • Publication number: 20090114038
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for measuring densities and flow rates of gas-liquid fluid mixtures. In the systems and methods, the fluid mixture is caused to exhibit swirling flow as it flows through a conduit that includes a constriction, a first pressure difference is measured between two vertically-spaced measurement positions in the conduit, a second pressure difference is measured between two horizontally-spaced measurement positions in the conduit, the first horizontally-spaced measurement position being at the constriction region and the second horizontally-spaced measurement position being upstream or downstream of the constriction region, and one or more of the pressure differences is used to determine a density or a flow rate of the gas-liquid fluid mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ian Atkinson, John Sherwood
  • Publication number: 20090099794
    Abstract: A simple, passive and rugged device for measuring the flow rate of liquid. A variable area obstruction valve, a differential pressure sensor and a densitometer are combined in a single housing to provide for a highly accurate and precise measure of mass flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: HYDRO-AIRE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael P. Boulanger, Bruce K. Grewell
  • Publication number: 20090064795
    Abstract: A flowmeter detects a differential pressure of steam as the steam passes through a conduit with a feature shaped to produce changes in velocity and pressure of the steam. Taps used to enable detection of the differential pressure extend from a wall of the conduit upward toward vertical (defined as parallel to the direction of gravitational force) in order to drain liquid water into the conduit from the tap. The differential pressure measured enables calculation of flow rate of the steam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Charles Neely Harper
  • Patent number: 7472608
    Abstract: An industrial pressure transmitter, for use in industrial process control systems, comprises a differential pressure sensor and an integrated process connector connected to the differential pressure sensor. A process fluid flow duct extends through the process connector and receives an industrial process fluid. A primary element is positioned in the process fluid flow duct for producing a pressure differential in the process fluid across the primary element. The differential pressure sensor is connected to the process fluid flow duct to sense the pressure differential across the primary element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hedtke
  • Publication number: 20090000390
    Abstract: A flow rate measuring method for a multiphase fluid mixture FM flowing into a line LN, the fluid mixture FM comprising at least a first and a second phase, the method comprising the steps of: passing the fluid mixture through a Venturi tube in which the fluid mixture is subjected to a pressure drop, continuously measuring by means of said Venturi tube permanently installed on the line a differential pressure across the Venturi tube ?Pv and a line pressure of the fluid mixture in the line Pi, punctually measuring at a determined instant by means of a second measuring device removably installed on the line at least one measured parameter of the fluid mixture correlated to the first phase quantity relatively to the second phase quantity, continuously determining at least one estimated parameter of the fluid mixture correlated to the first phase quantity relatively to the second phase quantity based on the punctually measured parameter and an extrapolating scheme, and determining at least one phase flow rate base
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Nora Duhanyan, Gilles Roux
  • Publication number: 20090000393
    Abstract: There is provided a differential pressure (dP) measurement device for use in flow measurement comprising a first microwave resonator (1) having a flexible or yieldable part or member (4) deformable or yieldable when subject to a differential pressure in such a way as to alter a resonant frequency of said resonator, and an electronic unit (12, 14) which is coupled to said resonator (1), and where said electronic unit is adapted to produce an output depending on a resonant frequency of said resonator (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Ebbe Gustaf Nyfors, Per Hassel Sorensen
  • Patent number: 7461537
    Abstract: A device and method for calibration of a mass flow sensor (14) employs a flow channel and a holder for the mass flow sensor in the flow channel. An adjustable throttle device is provided between the holder and a connection to a pump during a calibrating operation to operate on the basis of a predetermined time/displacement profile by means of a control device. During operation of the pump, the throttle device generates a supercritical flow with which a flowing medium has the speed of sound in the narrowest cross section of the throttle device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rudolf Bierl, Manfred Schweimeier
  • Patent number: 7451663
    Abstract: A flow meter tube is provided having improved performance in the measurement of the flow rate of erosive material. The internal wall surface of the flow meter tube has a smooth erosion-resistant coating thereon to protect the flow meter wall from erosion by the erosive fluid flowing there through. The coating has a Rockwell C hardness of 56 to 70 and a surface roughness of less than or equal to 250 microinches rms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas W. Kimball, Chad A. Juliot
  • Publication number: 20080264182
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a fluid within tubing utilize probes to measure a differential pressure of the fluid along a section of the tubing. Various calculations utilize this pressure differential to determine the flow rate of the fluid. For example, determining the flow rate for the fluid may include calculating the flow rate utilizing the differential pressure measured within an equation related to at least one of friction loss through the tubing, elevation head loss through the tubing, and/or head loss through the tubing due to a change in direction of fluid flow through the tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Richard T. Jones, Matthew J. Patterson
  • Patent number: 7437951
    Abstract: A flowmeter is provided that comprises a leadframe assembly (140) and a body (144) disposed at least partially around the leadframe assembly (140). The body (144) has a flow passage therethrough that comprises a first channel (178) having a first port (166), a second channel (180) having a second port (168), and a flow altering element (182) disposed within the second channel (180). First and second pressure sensors (174 and 176) are disposed within the body (144) and coupled to the leadframe assembly (140) for measuring a first pressure within the first channel (178) and a second pressure within the second channel (180), respectively. An integrated circuit (155), which is coupled to the leadframe assembly (140), to the first pressure sensor (174), and to the second pressure sensor (176), is configured to determine the rate of flow through the flow passage from the first pressure and the second pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. McDonald, David J. Monk
  • Patent number: 7434479
    Abstract: An arrangement (10) for the determination of the mass flow and of the gas/liquid ratio in a multiphase mixture during conveying includes—in the conveying direction (9)—a first venturi nozzle (5.1), a pump (1) and, after the pump, a second venturi nozzle (5.2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Sulzer Pumpen AG
    Inventor: Johann Gülich
  • Publication number: 20080245158
    Abstract: An industrial pressure transmitter, for use in industrial process control systems, comprises a differential pressure sensor and an integrated process connector connected to the differential pressure sensor. A process fluid flow duct extends through the process connector and receives an industrial process fluid. A primary element is positioned in the process fluid flow duct for producing a pressure differential in the process fluid across the primary element. The differential pressure sensor is connected to the process fluid flow duct to sense the pressure differential across the primary element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hedtke
  • Publication number: 20080216587
    Abstract: A flow meter for measuring the volume of fluid flowing through the meter includes an inner cylindrical tube through which the fluid flows and an outer cylindrical tube tending over the inner cylindrical tube. The outer cylindrical tube is radially spaced from the cylindrical inner tube to provide an annular cylindrical space between the inner cylindrical tube and the outer cylindrical tube. A seal between the inner cylindrical tube and the outer cylindrical tube closes the annular cylindrical space adjacent ends of the annular cylindrical space. The inner cylindrical tube further defines at least one opening in a wall of the inner cylindrical tube to balance the fluid pressure in the annular cylindrical space with the pressure in the inner cylindrical tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Joel David Bell
  • Patent number: 5122323
    Abstract: A method for rapidly forming composites by rotating an alterable male mold to wrap a plurality of continuous and intermittent layers of uncured laminate around the male mold when in a closed position and allowing the male mold to be moved into a female mold and to thereafter sever all layers on the male mold into an open position which thereafter transfers the resin matrix composite to a female mold which shapes the composite in a desired configuration and thereafter heat cures the composite lay-up material while being subjected to a vacuum. A second embodiment of the invention uses a non-rotatable male mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: Fletcher R. Sullivan, Sr.