K-flow Division of Kane Steel Co., Inc.

Abb K-flow Inc.

Martin Kane

Wayne Pratt

Jozsef Alesz

Zoltan Biro

Peter Salamon

Andras Kiss

Mark Perelshteyn

Zaltan Varga

Sandor Kun

Lazslo Szabo

Newton D Kelsey

Apparatus for measuring the mass flow of a fluid within a defined fluid stream including a conduit having two substantially parallel, flexible and continuous flow tubes fixedly mounted at their ends to a centrally positioned housing forming a flow splitter and a flow converger for directing the flow from the inlet and for directing the flow into the outlet between the apparatus and the fluid stream. The ends of each flow tube positioned proximal to one another and to the center of gravity formed by the shape of the flow tube. Each flow tube substantially forming a 'B' shape having a first loop, a connecting portion and a second loop. The first and second loops being symmetrical with respect to the connecting portion and extending laterally from the center of gravity at a greater distance than the displacement of the connecting portion to the center of gravity. The flow tubes being oscillated in opposing modes at the connecting portion so as to produce a measurable Coriolis reaction force by the fluid on the flow tubes. The vibration means being capable of selectively oscillating the flow tube at least one discrete resonant frequency higher than the fundamental resonance of the flow tube so as to create waves along the tube length and form nodal points which are substantially stationary with respect to the vibrating flow tube.

Mass flow measuring device

A conduit having two substantially parallel, flexible and continuous flow tubes fixedly mounted at their ends to a centrally positioned housing The ends of each flow tube positioned proximal to one another and to the center of gravity formed by the shape of the flow tube. Each flow tube substantially forming a 'B' shape having a first loop, a connecting portion and a second loop. The first and second loops being symmetrical with respect to the connecting portion and extending laterally from the center of gravity at a greater distance than the displacement of the connecting portion to the center of gravity. The flow tubes being oscillated in opposing modes at the connecting portion so as to produce a measurable Coriolis reaction force by the fluid on the flow tubes. The vibration means being capable of selectively oscillating the flow tube at least one discrete resonant frequency higher than the fundamental resonance of the flow tube so as to create waves along the tube length and form nodal points which are substantially stantionary with respect to the vibrating flow tube. The nodes form free floating flexible joints within the continuous flow tube to separate the oscillation of a portion of the flow tube partially from the fixed mounting points which are typically subject to unwanted vibrational noise.

A hydrodynamic fluid divider is provided whereby by a shunt line directs a portion of the overall flow of a defined fluid stream through a flow measuring device, such as a Coriolis mass flow meter. The proportion of the shunt line flow portion is determined by the relationship of various fluid restrictions within the shunt line and the main line of the divider. The measured flow value for the shunt line flow is utilized along with a scale-up factor to determine the overall flow through the divider. The proportional relationship of the shunt line to the overall flow permits a reduction in the size and operational requirements for the flow measuring device.

Hydrodynamic fluid divider for fluid measuring devices

A Coriolis type mass flow meter including a conduit having flexure portions which extend in the same direction and, preferably, are formed in a single plane. The flexure portions are positioned on opposite sides of the conduit driver and deflect the fluid flow away from the line defined by the input and output of the conduit so as to create an isolated deflection arm for the Coriolis reaction force. The conduit increasing the signal to noise ratio of the meter while decreasing the restrictions on the fluid flow passing through the conduit.

Dual flexures for coriolis type mass flow meters

A mass flow meter for placement in line within a pre-existing process line. The flow meter having a conduit forming a substantially free floating spiral or circular loop which is symmetrical about the axis line defined by the process line. A driving transducer extending radially from a bracket on a support beam which is positioned along the axis line and attached to the inlet and outlet end of the conduit. The driver imparting an alternating deflection to the loop which is substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow within the loop and parallel to the axis line. Sensing transducers are positioned along the periphery of the loop, displaced equidistant from the driving transducer along its circumference for determining the deflection signature of the loop. The deflection of the loop in response to the fluid reaction forces is measured without reference to a specific fixed axis or position of the loop. This acceleration signature is correlated to the mass flow rate of the fluid through the conduit.

Mass flow meter

A symmetrical mass flow meter for placement within a defined fluid stream or pre-existing pipe line which defines an axial line. The flow meter including a single conduit tube which forms two substantially symmetrical and free floating loops between the inlet and the outlet of the flow meter. The flow meter conduit directs the fluid through the first loop and crosses the axial line substantially perpendicular to this line. The second loop directs the fluid from the crossing point and returns it into the defined fluid stream. The conduit is deflected perpendicular to the direction of flow at the crossing of the axial line along the axial line. Sensors are positioned on the periphery of each loop to measure the Coriolis reaction force created by the fluid in response to the central deflection of the conduit. The reaction forces are measured without reference to a specific axis of rotation or a fixed position. External vibrational effects on the sensor measurement unrelated to the Coriolis reaction forces are physically and electronically minimized by the conduit design.

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Linwood, NJ, United States of America

Martin Kane