Measuring and testing – Fluid flow direction – Using a fluid actuated alignment device
Patent
1990-12-31
1994-09-06
Chilcot, Jr., Richard E.
Measuring and testing
Fluid flow direction
Using a fluid actuated alignment device
7317005, 7386175, G01F 100
Patent
active
053437438
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a liquid flow measuring device for accurately measuring the velocity and depth of flow in rivers, channels or in pipes and closed conduits.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Flowmeters for fluids are commonly used in water, oil and gas industries for measurement of velocity of flow in pipes, canals, rivers, etc. Available types include relatively expensive and sophisticated, ultrasonic, magnetohydrodynamic and differential pressure types as well as the simpler rotational, propeller, turbine and vane type, while open channel flows are frequently gauged by chemical dilution or depth measurement related to known cross sectional form.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The asymmetrical displacement flowmeter has the advantage of simplicity and cheapness. It can be used in many different forms for measurement of flow rates in closed conduits such as pipes, open channels such as rivers, streams, etc. and for a variety of fluids. Its sensitivity, accuracy and ruggedness can be easily varied to suit site conditions. For pipe flow, it can be made in a way that its dimensions are sufficiently small to allow insertion through a tapping in existing pipes without removal of the pipe and can simultaneously measure the flow across the full width of the pipe. It may also be installed and clamped from the inside without tapping or alteration of the pipe when used in conjunction with an electronic transmitter.
For open channel flow, it can be made to measure simultaneously both velocity and depth of flow thus avoiding the necessity of knowledge of the cross sectional form and can be provided with both visual an remote means of displaying the measured information.
According to the present invention there is provided an asymmetrical displacement flowmeter comprising a streamlined body being floated or submerged in a liquid, or fluid, having a leading and a trailing end, being able to tilt about an axis close to its leading end, the body or assembly being anchored relative to the flow of the fluid via a shaft passing through the axis rotation which is maintained approximately perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow and from which a short pendulum hangs within the body or outside of the influence of stream flow and is acted on by gravity to indicate the vertical, while the velocity of flow of the fluid is indicated by the angular displacement of the body from the line of the pendulum due to asymmetric frictional forces and the restoring force of the shelf weight of the streamlined body acting on the body about the axis which results in the longitudinal body axis resting in a position near the vertical or perpendicular to the conduit axis in a vertical plane during no-flow conditions and the depth of fluid may be indicated by the angular displacement of an anchor strap of know length or extension attached to the shaft axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows a side elevation of single body flowmeter adapted for open channel flow;
FIG. 2 shows an elevation of depth measuring attachment for open channel flowmeter;
FIG. 3 shows details of depth adjustment for open channel flowmeter;
FIG. 4 shows side elevation of alternative multiple body flowmeter;
FIG. 5 shows transverse cross section of closed conduit flowmeter;
FIG. 6 shows longitudinal central cross section of closed conduit flowmeter;
FIG. 7 shows longitudinal end cross section of closed conduit flowmeter;
FIG. 8 shows transverse cross section of closed conduit folding flowmeter;
FIG. 9 shows a detail of closed conduit folding flowmeter;
FIG. 10 shows an elevation of a float supported flowmeter for open channel.
Referring to the drawings, the flowmeter may take one of six main forms as follows:
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 1, the type A flowmeter comprises a hollow body 1 consisting of a top half of convex hemispherical form releasably s
REFERENCES:
patent: 2793238 (1956-07-01), Watson
patent: 2857762 (1958-10-01), Parshall et al.
patent: 2896453 (1959-07-01), Ryan et al.
patent: 2935872 (1960-06-01), Misner
patent: 3906790 (1975-09-01), Brainard, II et al.
patent: 3986396 (1976-10-01), Raymond
patent: 4091666 (1978-05-01), Niskin
patent: 4107989 (1978-08-01), Peters
patent: 4854579 (1989-08-01), Baxter
Chilcot Jr. Richard E.
Dougherty Elizabeth L.
LandOfFree
Asymmetrical displacement flowmeter does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Asymmetrical displacement flowmeter, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Asymmetrical displacement flowmeter will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1322271