The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 10, 1998
Filed:
Apr. 25, 1997
Ekhard Preikschat, Bellevue, WA (US);
Michael G Stern, Bothell, WA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A plug flow converting pipeline and method for creating a plug flow condition of a fluid in a pipeline or similar conduit so that a desired measurement of the fluid may be conducted. In one embodiment, the converting pipeline includes a section of pipeline with an elongated flow channel disposed therein. The flow channel acts to reduce the amount of energy stored in the fluid fibers thereby enabling them to re-flocculate and form a plug flow condition. While a sufficient length of straight pipeline may enable the fibers to re-flocculate, the flow channel provides a 'calming effect' thereby enabling the overall length of straight pipeline to be reduced. In another embodiment, the pipeline includes a T-shaped transition piece attached to the pipeline designed to create a chaotic flow condition which quickly transforms into a plug flow condition, thereby requiring a shorter length of straight pipeline.