US4320665A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and means for measuring flow of a two phase fluid
Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute
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Filing: 1979-12-17
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Granted: 1982-03-23
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Expires: 1999-12-17
Abstract
Abstract A Pitot tube is provided for measuring fluid momentum in a transmission line. A signal is transmitted through the Pitot tube to the fluid, and return energy is detected to determine the gas or liquid phase of the fluid at the point of momentum measurement, thus providing a more accurate measurement of fluid flow. Two Pitot tubes may be employed to determine absolute pressure or momentum and static pressure, from which the dynamic pressure is determined. The transmitted signal may be ultrasonic, electrical, or optical.
Inventors
- 👤 David G. Cain
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 10:58
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/05; G01F1/34; G01F1/36; G01F1/40; G01F1/46; G01F1/74
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
The method of measuring flow of a two phase fluid in a transmission line comprising the steps of: determining dynamic fluid pressure within said transmission line by measuring static fluid pressure within said line with a first Pitot tube, measuring absolute fluid pressure within said line with a second Pitot tube, and determining dynamic fluid pressure of said fluid from said measured static and absolute fluid pressures, applying a signal through said second Pitot tube to said fluid, detecting any return signal in said second Pitot tube, determining the phase of said fluid from said return signal, and determining fluid flow from said dynamic fluid pressure and said fluid phase.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
110 words
The method of measuring flow of a two phase fluid in a transmission line comprising the steps of: determining dynamic fluid pressure within said transmission line by measuring static fluid pressure within said line with a first Pitot tube, measuring absolute fluid pressure within said line with a second Pitot tube, and determining dynamic fluid pressure of said fluid from said measured static and absolute fluid pressures, applying a signal through said second Pitot tube to said fluid, detecting any return signal in said second Pitot tube, determining the phase of said fluid from said return signal, and determining fluid flow from said dynamic fluid pressure and said fluid phase.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein said signal is an ultrasonic wave.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein said signal is an electrical voltage.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein said signal is an optical wave.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
76 words
Apparatus for measuring flow of a two phase fluid in a transmission line comprising a first Pitot tube and a second Pitot tube for measuring dynamic pressure within said line, means for transmitting a signal through said first Pitot tube to said fluid and for receiving any return signal to thereby establish the liquid and gas state of said fluid, and means for determining fluid flow from said measured dynamic pressure and from said fluid state.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
76 words
Apparatus for measuring flow of a two phase fluid in a transmission line comprising a first Pitot tube and a second Pitot tube for measuring dynamic pressure within said line, means for transmitting a signal through said first Pitot tube to said fluid and for receiving any return signal to thereby establish the liquid and gas state of said fluid, and means for determining fluid flow from said measured dynamic pressure and from said fluid state.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein said first Pitot tube has an open end facing in the direction of fluid flow and said second Pitot tube has an open end facing in the direction opposite to fluid flow.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein said means for transmitting a signal comprises an ultrasonic wave generator.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein said means for transmitting a signal comprises an electrical voltage source.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein said means for transmitting a signal comprises an optical wave source.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-03-22 | 1985-09-21 | 1986-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-03-22 | 1989-09-21 | 1990-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-03-22 | 1993-09-21 | 1994-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |