Purging method
US5425390A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 6, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/86413
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
To measure flow rates, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path is changed by inserting a multiple position gate into the flow path and altering the position of the gate to maintain the head of liquid constant with a reduced flow cross section. The position of the multiple position gate is correlated with the depth as measured with a bubbler to provide an indication of flow rate. To purge the bubbler line, a purge tank is located near the bubbler line. At timed periods or as manually initiated the controller causes an increase in pressure in accumulator portion of the purge tank. When a predetermined pressure is reached, a purge valve in the purge tank opens, rapidly allowing a burst of air at a substantial pressure and velocity to flow through the bubbler line to remove any material adhering to the bubbler outlet port. For this purpose, the purge tank acts as an accumulator until the pressure in the tank against the effective area of the inner portion of a purge valve element overcomes the resisting force of a spring, at which time the valve element moves slightly, permitting air to flow over a larger area of the valve element. This increases the area receiving the accumulator a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.