Method and apparatus for flow control of NH3
US6694825B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F1/115
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for accurately controlling the amount of NH3 to be applied to a field by measuring the NH3 flow rate without condensing or cooling the NH3. 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 NH3 and a tool bar 30 for distributing the NH3 to the soil. After flowing through the flow meter 40,60, 130, the NH3 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 NH3 is also measured to correct for density variations. An improved variable area meter 60, 130 uses a hall effect sensor 72 and a magnet 68 mounted on a rotatable vane shaft 70 to overcome problems…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.