Abstract:
A pressure differential flowmeter for respiratory flow measurement having enhanced signal processing. The non-linear nature of the signal generated by the differential pressure transducer is accommodated over a wide range of flows via a bank of amplifiers having differing gains, while baseline drift is compensated for by a combined analog and digital auto-referencing technique.
Abstract:
A flow meter including a variable area obstruction which is mounted in a conduit. Inputs to a differential pressure transducer are positioned in the conduit on opposite sides of the obstruction to measure fluid pressure differential across the obstruction. In one embodiment, a sleeve is secured within the conduit thereof substantially separated from the conduit so as to prevent fluid condensation on the sleeve, and to create a dead end pocket between the conduit and the sleeve for collecting liquids from the conduit end preventing them from contacting the obstruction. The variable area obstruction comprises an elastic membrane that includes first, second and third leaves which extend into the flow stream and are compliant to fluid flow so that an increase in flow rate increases the deflection of the leaves and increases the through flow area through the obstruction. The first leaf is secured at a fixed end adjacent a first portion of the interior surface of the conduit and extends in a first direction to a free end preferably positioned adjacent a second portion of the interior surface of the conduit opposite the first portion. The second and third leaves are located adjacent opposite sides of the first leaf and extend from their fixed ends toward their free ends in directions which are generally opposite to the first direction.
Abstract:
A retractor tool adapted to insert and retrieve sensing, measuring or control devices in high pressure containers, such as a pipeline, through an access valve and stuffing box without interrupting the fluid flow within the vessel or relieving the pressure. The tool is connected to the stuffing box by a clamshell clamp which utilizes the threaded rod of the apparatus at its hinge axis. The measuring device is inserted or retracted by the operation of a thrust coupling on the retractor threaded rod. Translational movement is imparted to the thrust coupling by means of a handle nut. The retractor tool can be attached to both hex stuffing boxes and cylindrical stuffing boxes.
Abstract:
A device for sensing fluid flow comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet and defining a fluid flow channel between the inlet and the outlet, a first member disposed in the fluid flow channel and including at least one rigid portion, and a second member disposed in the fluid flow channel upstream from the first member and including at least one flexible portion, the flexible portion being elastically flexible between an initial position spaced from the rigid portion and defining a first effective flow area and a final position adjacent the rigid portion and defining a second effective flow area which exceeds the first effective flow area. The device includes pressure passages including a linking arrangement for conveying pressures to a pressure transducer from upstream and downstream of the second member, the pressure measurements being correlated to a fluid flow rate. The link arrangement protects the transducer from pressure surges. The pressure transducer may be disposed in the housing.
Abstract:
A flow-meter having a sliding lamina interposed between two chambers and movable to vary the flow therethrough in response to deviations in the pressure difference between the chambers to maintain a constant preset pressure difference for accurate measurement of instantaneous flow rates over a wide range. A cam surface relates linear variation in flow rates to non-linear variation in the area of the opening for fluid passage.
Abstract:
A perforated-plate type straightener adapted to be fitted in a cylindrical pipe across the passage of a fluid flowing through the pipe, comprising a perforated plate having a plurality of round holes which are the same in diameter and so provided that the distances between the adjacent holes are short in the axial center of the pipe and are gradually longer near the surrounding wall.
Abstract:
An arrangement for tapping a tube having a liquid flowing therethrough comprising in combination an elongated chamber adapted to be disposed alongside the outer wall of a tube to be tapped, having an extended wall adapted to rest next to said outer tube wall and a plurality of apertures adjacent said extended wall, a tap bore duct extending from said chamber at right angles thereto including an outer retaining ring towards the outer end of said bore for securing the elongated chamber to said tube outer wall, and a small ridge within said bore, narrowing the flow stream into said chamber.
Abstract:
An improved air balancing hood collects air discharged to atmosphere from air diffusers, grilles, etc., such as those used in typical heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, in a convergent collection chamber which terminates in an airstraightening neck of known cross-section to eliminate turbulence and thereby achieve substantially laminar air flow for delivery to flow measuring instrumentation. The volume of air passing through the diffuser is directly measured by total pressure measuring means assembled to the hood and calibrated in flow rate units.