Method and apparatus for flow control of NH.sub.3
US6067917A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F1/115
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for accurately controlling the amount of NH.sub.3 to be applied to a field by measuring the NH.sub.3 flow rate without condensing or cooling the NH.sub.3. The system includes a control station 12 on the vehicle with a tachometer 12A or a GPS system for providing a vehicle speed signal to a control panel 13. The control panel includes a toggle switch 17 for adjusting the opening or closing of a valve 52 in the flow line to regulate the flow through the system, although the control panel alternatively may automatically control the valve 52. The vehicle transports a tank 20 containing liquid NH.sub.3 and a tool bar 30 for distributing the NH.sub.3 to the soil. After flowing through the flow meter 40, 60, 130, the NH.sub.3 is conducted to the soil through a series of hoses, fittings, a distributor, and tubing. The flow meter transmits a signal to the control panel, which is converted to a corrected flow rate signal in response to a fixed value vaporization correction factor. The temperature of the NH.sub.3 is also measured to correct for density variations. An improved variable area meter 60, 130 uses a hall effect sensor 72 and a …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.