Mass flow measuring device

Abstract

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.