Non-metallic flow-through electrodeless conductivity sensor with leak and temperature detection

US7279903B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Invensys Systems, Inc. · US

Inventors

• John Kevin Quackenbush · Bridgewater, US
• Michael M. Bower · Wareham, US
• Stephen B. Talutis · Milton, US
• Donald S. McKinlay · Wareham, US
• Daniel G. Tower, III · Wrentham, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 5, 2007
• Grant date: Oct 9, 2007
• Expiry date: Jan 5, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N27/023
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A non metallic flow through electrodeless conductivity sensor is provided with a conduit having primary and secondary process fluid flow paths to form a fluid loop. At least one drive and one sense toroid surround the conduit on the fluid loop. Voltage supplied to the drive toroid induces a current in the sense toroid via the fluid loop to eliminate any need for metallic electrodes in contact with the process fluid. At least one additional drive and/or sense toroid is disposed on the fluid loop to enhance induction. Optionally one or more sense coils are disposed about the conduit outside of the fluid loop to cancel out stray electrical noise. An optional conductor disposed along the conduit detects any fluid leakage through changes in resistance thereof. A temperature detector is supported within an electrically non-conductive holder extending into the fluid flow path, so that the detector is free from physical contact with the fluid. An optional enclosure is provided with ports to enable a user to purge any gas permeating the conduit walls.