Vortex detector and flow meter
US6220103A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F1/3266
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A vortex detector comprises a generally cylindrical housing or body that defines a flow passage extending from an upstream end to a downstream end. A vortex generator disposed diametrically across the cylindrical housing near the upstream end of the cylindrical housing and oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the flow passage generates a vortex street in a fluid flowing in the flow passage. The vortex street created by the vortex generator impacts a vane located downstream of the vortex generator and connected at one end to the cylindrical housing substantially spans the flow passage diametrically and substantially parallel to the vortex generator such that vibrations or motion are generated in the vane. The end of the vane connected to the housing includes an area of reduced thickness that acts as a resilient, elastic hinged joint for the motion of the vane. Strain gauge transducers in the area of reduced thickness detect deflections or vibrations of the vane caused by the vortices and produce electric signals having amplitudes and frequencies that are related to the strengths and frequencies of the passing vortices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.