Apparatus and methods for measuring fluid flow parameters

Abstract

An apparatus and method for measuring fluid flow parameters operate under conditions wherein the composition of the fluid flow can change rapidly thereby changing the speed of sound within the fluid and wherein the actual flow rate can change rapidly thereby further changing the transit time of acoustic energy traversing an interrogation path within the fluid. The apparatus determines the speed of sound in the fluid and the fluid flow velocity by measuring an upstream and a downstream transit time of acoustic energy within the fluid. The fluid is typically flowing within a conduit, and the transducers for transmitting and receiving the acoustic energy are precisely and carefully installed in the conduit. The measurements also allow an estimate to be made of the average molecular weight of gases passing through the conduit and hence of the mass flow rate of a gas. The measurements are taken at a frequency sufficient to satisfy the Nyquist criterion with regard to the maximum frequencies of interest for the fluid flow parameters being measured. Special techniques are developed for enabling transducer placement in preexisting conduit arrangements wherein access to the conduit is limited.