Symmetrical mass flow meter

US4716771A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• K-Flow Division of Kane Steel Co., Inc. · US

Inventor

• Martin Kane · Linwood, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 11, 1986
• Grant date: Jan 5, 1988
• Expiry date: Feb 11, 2006

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01F1/8486
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A symmetrical mass flow meter for placement within a defined fluid stream or pre-existing pipe line which defines an axial line. The flow meter including a single conduit tube which forms two substantially symmetrical and free floating loops between the inlet and the outlet of the flow meter. The flow meter conduit directs the fluid through the first loop and crosses the axial line substantially perpendicular to this line. The second loop directs the fluid from the crossing point and returns it into the defined fluid stream. The conduit is deflected perpendicular to the direction of flow at the crossing of the axial line along the axial line. Sensors are positioned on the periphery of each loop to measure the Coriolis reaction force created by the fluid in response to the central deflection of the conduit. The reaction forces are measured without reference to a specific axis of rotation or a fixed position. External vibrational effects on the sensor measurement unrelated to the Coriolis reaction forces are physically and electronically minimized by the conduit design.