Systems and methods for non-disruptive estimation and control of fluid flow rates

US12346138B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC · US

Inventors

• Jerry W. Nicholson · Wilmington, US
• Gregory Alexander Natsui · Schenectady, US
• Giridhar Jothiprasad · Clifton Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 5, 2024
• Grant date: Jul 1, 2025
• Expiry date: Mar 21, 2044

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/7761
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Systems and methods provide flow rate measuring and control of drives, like fluid circulators, using non-disruptive sensors giving fluid pressures, temperature, density, pressure drop, etc. at or across the drive. Using these sensor outputs, drive operation, and a relationship of coefficients based on the same, the mass flow rate can be calculated. The sensors may be fully outside the conduit or at its inner surface on either side of the circulator with no other change. Fluid flow does not have to be redirected or interacted with, enhancing fluid flow efficiency and system life. Example systems can be installed on existing or new drives requiring only small conduit changes to verify or establish mass flow rates for drive operation.