Method and apparatus for measuring mass flow and energy content using a linear flow meter
November 18, 2011. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3777562 Method of and means for accurately measuring the calorific value of combustible gases Method of and means for accurately measuring the calorific value of combustible gases Methods of and means for accurately measuring the calorific value of combustible gases Method and apparatus for measuring and controlling volumetric flow rate of gases in a line Method of and apparatus for continually monitoring the heating value of a fuel gas using a combustibility meter Combustible gas analyzer Method and apparatus for determining total energy flow in a gas line Proportional flow sampler Channeled plug proportional flow sampler InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 793753 filed on 11/18/1991US Classes:374/36, Heat value of combustion (e.g., 'calorific value')73/196, Flow comparing73/863.03, Rate of sample flow continuously controlled73/863.61, Branched conduit374/37Having specified control of input of mixtureExaminersPrimary: Cuchlinski, William A. Jr.Assistant: Gutierrez, Diego Foreign Patent References
International ClassesG01N 025/22G01F 009/00 G01F 001/00 AbstractThe present invention is a method and apparatus for monitoring in real time the mass and energy flow rate of a gas through a pipeline. The invention determines the mass flow ratio of a pipeline gas flowing through a pipeline compared to sample gas tapped from the pipeline line when the volumetric flow of pipeline gas through the pipeline is measured by a linear flow meter. Sample gas tapped from the pipeline is flowed to a chamber having a section with a fixed volume until the pressure in the chamber section is substantially equal to the pipeline gas pressure. The sample gas is maintained at substantially the same temperature as the gas in the pipeline while the sample gas is in the chamber section. A timer measures the time interval for the sample gas to flow from the chamber section at a selected rate for a calculated pressure drop the selected rate being controlled by a flow controller. The mass flow ratio is computed using the measured time interval and a signal from the linear flow meter. The energy flow rate of the pipeline gas is determined by measuring the energy flow rate of the sample gas and relating that value to the mass flow ratio of the pipeline gas compared to the sample gas. | |
