Method and sensor for mass flow measurement using probe heat conduction
US6487904B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F1/6888
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A mass flow sensor is disclosed comprising: a heated probe having a predetermined length for disposition in the path of mass flow; at least two first temperature measuring devices disposed at different points along the probe length for measuring temperatures of the heated probe at such points in the presence of the mass flow; a second temperature measuring device for disposition in the path of mass flow for measuring the temperature of the mass flow; and a processing unit for determining mass flow as a function of the temperature measurements of the first and second temperature measuring devices. A method of measuring mass flow is also disclosed comprising the steps of: disposing a probe of a predetermined length in the path of mass flow; heating the probe; measuring the heated probe temperature at at least two different points along its length in the presence of the mass flow; measuring the temperature of the mass flow; and determining mass flow as a function of the temperature measurements of the heated probe and mass flow. In one embodiment, the mass flow sensor includes at least three temperature measuring devices disposed in proximity to at least one probe for generating signa…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.