Mass flow meter

US4733569A · kind A · utility

Assignee

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

Inventors

• Newton D. Kelsey · Dallas, US
• Martin Kane · Linwood, US
• Wayne Pratt · Scottsdale, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 16, 1985
• Grant date: Mar 29, 1988
• Expiry date: Dec 16, 2005

Classification

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

Abstract

A mass flow meter for placement in line within a pre-existing process line. The flow meter having a conduit forming a substantially free floating spiral or circular loop which is symmetrical about the axis line defined by the process line. A driving transducer extending radially from a bracket on a support beam which is positioned along the axis line and attached to the inlet and outlet end of the conduit. The driver imparting an alternating deflection to the loop which is substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow within the loop and parallel to the axis line. Sensing transducers are positioned along the periphery of the loop, displaced equidistant from the driving transducer along its circumference for determining the deflection signature of the loop. The deflection of the loop in response to the fluid reaction forces is measured without reference to a specific fixed axis or position of the loop. This acceleration signature is correlated to the mass flow rate of the fluid through the conduit.