Natural Gas Solutions North America, LLC

Dresser, Inc.

Jeff Thomas Martin

Andrew Logan Perkins

Roman Leon Artiuch

Richard Jin Yao

Jason Lee Mamaloukas

Robert Erling Fowler

Paul Stephen Hooks

Ronald Lewis Strong

Mihir Subhash Bawal

Jeffrey Raynal

Cristina Alfonso Lancelot

A gas meter is configured for diagnostics using differential pressure (DP) measurements. The configurations include executable instructions to actively manage the DP sensor. These instructions active the DP sensor only during stable flow and, where applicable, for a defined test time period. This feature manages power consumption to maintain battery life with acceptable standards or regulations.

Monitoring rotary gas meter health by analyzing differential pressure across the rotating element

Apparatus are configured to monitor lifespan of parts on a pressure regulator. These configurations may include sensors that generate signals in response to movement of parts on the pressure regulator. Processing circuitry can process the signals to identify data that corresponds to deflection of a spring inside of the pressure regulator. This data may correlate with duty cycle of a diaphragm. In one implementation, utilities can use the duty cycle to gauge useable lifespan of the diaphragm as well as other operating conditions that may prevail on the pressure regulator.

Determining diaphragm life on a pressure regulator

A sensor unit that is configured to improve the non-contact, magnetic interface on a gas meter. The configurations may include a pair of magnets that co-rotate in response to a magnet internal to the gas meter. At least one of the magnets may also move longitudinally in proximity to the internal magnet. This feature aligns the magnets with one another to ensure proper magnetic coupling with the internal magnet.

Self-locating mechanical interface for a sensor on a gas meter

A gas meter is outfit with near field communication (NFC) devices for in-situ exchange of data. The NFC devices reside in separate compartments. A first compartment houses electronics necessary to generate values for volumetric flow of material in a pipe. The gas meter includes a second compartment with an access point that allows data, including telemetry data, to transmit from the gas meter to a remote device. In operation, the NFC devices exchange data between the first compartment and the second compartment, often through a wall or barrier that prevents flow of fluid between the compartments.

Using wireless data transmission to maintain intrinsic safety of a gas meter

A flow metering apparatus comprising a temperature sensing system for use to measure temperature of fluid includes temperature measurement components and temperature sensing components in close proximity to one another and to the flow of fluid. The components can include a temperature measurement member close-coupled to a processor member, each disposed on a circuitized substrate. This configuration exposes a temperature sensor element to the same dynamic temperature conditions as the processor member, thus reducing measurement error that might manifest in response to different temperature gradients proximate the respective components. A storage memory may be used to permit the temperature sensing system to store and/or retain data that relates to calibration as a dynamic system over the entire operating range of the sensor element. The calibration data may then be accessed from the storage memory to improve accuracy and operation of the flow metering apparatus.

Temperature sensing system and flow metering apparatus comprised thereof

A test apparatus that guides an end user through visualization of a user interface on a web browser that is easy to operate for individuals with limited knowledge of the devices or test protocols for gas meters. The test apparatus may include the executable instructions having instructions that configure the processor to, receive input data from the web browser; compare the input data to data in a data table; select an entry from the data table that reflects a match between the input data and data associated with the entry in the data table; and generate a first output that defines a configuration for a user interface that renders on the web browser, the configuration representing a stage of a test initialization process to configure operating parameters on the controller to work with a meter-under-test that couples with the fluid moving unit for purposes of conducting a meter proof.

Initializing a test apparatus for proving operation of gas meters

A gas meter () and like metering systems that are configured for use underwater. The gas meter may embody a positive displacement rotary gas meter having a meter body with impellers that counter-rotate in response to material flow. The gas meter can also comprise an index unit having an electronics assembly to generate a value that equates rotation of impellers with a parameter of the material flow. The gas meter can further comprise a connective interface having a first part and a second part, one each disposed on the meter unit and the index unit, respectively, the first part and the second part coupling with one another to provide data to the electronics assembly, the data corresponding with operating conditions on the meter unit and rotation of the impellers. In one example, the first part and the second part are configured so that the meter unit and the index unit are operable underwater to generate the value.

Gas meter for submerged use

An apparatus that is configured to test operation of a gas meter. The apparatus can include a process control member with operative circuitry that provides all functionality necessary to execute the test and to analyze the resulting data. This functionality includes data processing functions and a web server to allow communication between the apparatus and a remote device via a network. In one embodiment, the operative circuitry includes a first circuitry to regulate operation of a fluid moving unit that provides fluid to a meter-under-test. The operative circuitry can also include a second circuitry to collect data from one or more sensors disposed on the meter-under-test. The operative circuitry can also have a third circuitry to perform various operations necessary to calculate, in one example, a value for an operative characteristic that relates to the accuracy of the meter-under-test.

Apparatus and methods for testing gas meters

Using wireless data transmission to maintain intrisnic safety of a gas meter

A method comprising interposing an interface device in communication with both a terminal and a meter; and using the interface device for, exchanging data with the terminal and the meter using a first protocol and a second protocol, respectively, at least one of which utilizes an RF field; identifying an originating device using the data from each of the terminal and the meter; and generating an output for use over the first protocol or the second protocol in response to the originating device.

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Spring, TX, United States of America

Jeff Thomas Martin