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US4386518A
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Apparatus and method for measuring low concentrations of high molecular weight polymers in solution
Assignee: United States Department of the Interior
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Filing: 1981-03-04
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Granted: 1983-06-07
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Expires: 2001-03-04
Abstract
Abstract A system for determining the concentration of polymers in solution by measuring a differential pressure across a section of tubing through which the solution flows, where the tubing is bent in a loop. A drag reduction can be computed from the differential pressure value and the concentration may be determined by referring to calibration data which shows the drag reduction for known concentrations of polymers.
Inventors
- 👤 Jalna R. Zatko
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 21:48
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N11/00; G01N11/02; G01N11/04; G01N11/08; G01N33/00; G01N33/18; G01N33/1826; G01N33/44; G01N33/442
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
187 words
Apparatus for measuring low concentrations of high molecular weight polymers in solution comprising: sample inlet means for receiving a polymeric solution of unknown concentration; an adjustable flow rate metering pump connected to said sample inlet means for controlling the flow rate of the sample; main flow line means for receiving the discharge of said pump; reduced flow line means having smaller diameter than that of said main flow line means and having an input end connected to the output end of said main flow line means; said reduced flow line means being straight at each end and having a single loop in the center region thereof, whereby turbulence of flow of the sample is increased; differential pressure gauge means having two measuring points, each point being connected across said loop to a differential straight portion of the reduced flow line for producing an indication of the difference in pressure of the reduced flow line means at the two measuring points; whereby the indication of the differential pressure gauge means is indicative of the percentage drag reduction of the solution and the concentration of the polymer in solution.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
187 words
Apparatus for measuring low concentrations of high molecular weight polymers in solution comprising: sample inlet means for receiving a polymeric solution of unknown concentration; an adjustable flow rate metering pump connected to said sample inlet means for controlling the flow rate of the sample; main flow line means for receiving the discharge of said pump; reduced flow line means having smaller diameter than that of said main flow line means and having an input end connected to the output end of said main flow line means; said reduced flow line means being straight at each end and having a single loop in the center region thereof, whereby turbulence of flow of the sample is increased; differential pressure gauge means having two measuring points, each point being connected across said loop to a differential straight portion of the reduced flow line for producing an indication of the difference in pressure of the reduced flow line means at the two measuring points; whereby the indication of the differential pressure gauge means is indicative of the percentage drag reduction of the solution and the concentration of the polymer in solution.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The measuring appartus of claim 1, further comprising: pressure gauge means for determining line pressure, snubber means for dampening pulsations and pressure relief valve means for preventing high pressure build up connected to the main flow line means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The measuring apparatus of claim 1 wherein the length of said loop may be varied.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of measuring low concentrations of high molecular weight polymers in solution comprising the steps of: pumping a sample of the solution, by means of an adjustable flow rate metering pump, through a main flow line and a reduced flow line having a single loop in the center region thereof, whereby turbulence of flow of the sample is increased; measuring a difference in pressure between two points on said reduced flow line, where the reduced flow line between the two points includes said loop; determining the drag reduction caused by said polymers from the pressure difference; and comparing said drag reduction value to calibration data to determine the polymer concentration.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of measuring low concentrations of high molecular weight polymers in solution comprising the steps of: pumping a sample of the solution, by means of an adjustable flow rate metering pump, through a main flow line and a reduced flow line having a single loop in the center region thereof, whereby turbulence of flow of the sample is increased; measuring a difference in pressure between two points on said reduced flow line, where the reduced flow line between the two points includes said loop; determining the drag reduction caused by said polymers from the pressure difference; and comparing said drag reduction value to calibration data to determine the polymer concentration.
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) | 1986-06-06 | 1986-12-06 | 1987-06-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-06-06 | 1990-12-06 | 1991-06-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-06-06 | 1994-12-06 | 1995-06-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |