Fluid flow system having a stress relief casing

Details Fluid flow system having a stress relief casing Fluid flow system having a stress relief casing

1999-02-02

2001-09-04

Fuller, Benjamin R. (Department: 2855)

Measuring and testing

Volume or rate of flow

Element

C073S866500, C073S431000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06282951

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND
This invention relates to a fluid flow system, casing, and method and, more particularly, to such a system, casing and method designed to be used with a meter for metering flow of the fluid.
Casings are often provided in a fluid flow line for housing a component, such as a flow meter. In these arrangements, the casing is usually placed in the fluid flow path and is provided with a chamber in which the meter, or other component, is installed. Conduits are also connected to the casing by mounting plates and bolts to pass the fluid through the casing. However, the casing is subjected to stresses caused by various bending moments on the conduits, the plates and the bolts. These stresses distort the physical shape of the chamber which often interfere with the operation of the meter, or other component.
Although there have been attempts to combat these stresses by adding material to the outside of the casing in an attempt to strengthen it, this adds to the cost, size and weight of the casing and therefore is undesirable. Therefore, what is need is a casing for housing a component in a fluid flow path that is not affected by the above stresses yet is not relatively high in cost, size and weight.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly an embodiment of the present invention is directed to a fluid flow system, casing and method according to which a chamber is formed in the casing and at least one conduit is coupled to the casing so that fluid passes from the conduit and into the chamber and so that forces acting on the conduit creates stresses on the casing that causes flexure of the casing. At least one groove is formed in the wall of the casing defining the chamber, and is configured and located relative to the chamber to direct the flexure away from the wall of the casing defining the chamber.
As a result, the casing not affected by the above stresses yet is relatively inexpensive and is not bulky or heavy.


REFERENCES:
patent: 650640 (1900-05-01), Fredrick
patent: 2854848 (1958-10-01), Hood
patent: 3067612 (1962-12-01), Smith
patent: 3315694 (1967-04-01), Addison
patent: 3534603 (1970-10-01), Hook et al.
patent: 3692337 (1972-09-01), Mischel
patent: 3867840 (1975-02-01), Baatz
patent: 4026585 (1977-05-01), Berghofer
patent: 4598583 (1986-07-01), Steinhauser
patent: 4819482 (1989-04-01), Rappart et al.
patent: 5058934 (1991-10-01), Brannon
patent: 5546801 (1996-08-01), Swinson et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Fluid flow system having a stress relief casing does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Fluid flow system having a stress relief casing, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fluid flow system having a stress relief casing will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2536338