Abstract

A fluid monitoring system is disclosed that may include a piping network having, a flexible hydraulic hose having a hose length, a hose diameter a first end portion and a second end portion. In addition, the fluid monitoring system may include a first fitting coupled to the first end portion and a second fitting coupled to the second end portion. The fluid monitoring system may include an acoustic array having a first acoustic pressure sensor positioned proximate the first fitting, a second acoustic pressure sensor positioned proximate the second fitting, and an acoustic aperture that spans an aperture length between the first acoustic pressure sensor and the second acoustic pressure sensor. The fluid monitoring system may include a processing unit that determines a speed of sound of a process fluid within the piping network and within acoustic aperture using the first acoustic pressure sensor and the second acoustic pressure sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 29/024 - Analysing fluids by measuring propagation velocity or propagation time of acoustic waves
• G01N 29/14 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object using acoustic emission techniques

Abstract

Methods and systems for determining the speed at which sound propagates in a fluid within a conduit are disclosed that include positioning a first sensor and a second sensor on an external surface of the conduit, where the first and second sensors are spaced apart by a known distance along a length of the conduit. In addition, the methods and systems may include measuring a first signal generated by the first sensor in response to pressure variations within the conduit. The methods and systems may include measuring a second signal generated by the second sensor in response to pressure variations within the conduit. Moreover, the methods and systems may include calculating the speed at which sound propagates in the fluid within the conduit based on the first and second signals and the known distance between the first and second sensors.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 1/34 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by measuring pressure or differential pressure
• G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
• G01F 1/74 - Devices for measuring flow of a fluid or flow of a fluent solid material in suspension in another fluid
• G01F 1/88 - Indirect mass flowmeters, e.g. measuring volume flow and density, temperature, or pressure with differential-pressure measurement to determine the volume flow
• G01F 22/02 - Methods or apparatus for measuring volume of fluids or fluent solid material, not otherwise provided for involving measurement of pressure
• G01N 9/26 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by measuring pressure differences
• G01N 29/024 - Analysing fluids by measuring propagation velocity or propagation time of acoustic waves

Abstract

A method may include disposing an array of at least two sensors responsive to pressure perturbations within the process fluid along at least a portion of the length of a conduit and determining a first speed of sound of the process fluid associated with a first frequency range utilizing an output of the array of sensors. The method may include determining a second speed of sound of the process fluid associated with a second frequency range, where the second frequency range is at or above of a first acoustic cross mode frequency where the second frequency range is higher than the first frequency range and is lower than a bubble resonant frequency. Also, the method may include determining the parameter of the process fluid utilizing the first speed of sound of the process fluid and the second speed of sound of the process fluid in an optimization model.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 29/024 - Analysing fluids by measuring propagation velocity or propagation time of acoustic waves
• G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters
• G01F 1/90 - Indirect mass flowmeters, e.g. measuring volume flow and density, temperature, or pressure with positive-displacement meter or turbine meter to determine the volume flow
• G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
• G01N 29/44 - Processing the detected response signal

Abstract

A method may include disposing an array of at least two sensors responsive to pressure perturbations within the process fluid along at least a portion of the length of a conduit and determining a first speed of sound of the process fluid associated with a first frequency range utilizing an output of the array of sensors. The method may include determining a second speed of sound of the process fluid associated with a second frequency range, where the second frequency range is at or above of a first acoustic cross mode frequency where the second frequency range is higher than the first frequency range and is lower than a bubble resonant frequency. Also, the method may include determining the parameter of the process fluid utilizing the first speed of sound of the process fluid and the second speed of sound of the process fluid in an optimization model.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters

Abstract

A method is disclosed that may include measuring a measured fluid density of a process fluid using a vibrational frequency of a fluid-conveying flow tube of the Coriolis meter where a density of a liquid phase of the process fluid is unknown. In addition, the method may include measuring at least one of an excitation energy metric of the Coriolis meter and a vibrational amplitude metric of the Coriolis meter. The method may include determining a Coriolis Mass Flowmeter Damping (CMFD) parameter using at least one of the excitation energy metric and the vibrational amplitude metric. Moreover, the method may include determining the density of the liquid phase of the process fluid using the measured fluid density and the CMFD parameter. Systems employing such methods are further disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 9/32 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by using flow properties of fluids, e.g. flow through tubes or apertures

Abstract

A method is disclosed including providing a process fluid that can be described as having a plurality of components where each of the plurality of components has a respective mass fraction. In addition, the method includes providing an initial estimate of a compositional description for the plurality of components of the process fluid, measuring an ultrasonic sound speed of the process fluid, predicting a predicted sound speed of a liquid phase of the process fluid using an equation of state model, generating an error function using the ultrasonic sound speed of the process fluid and the predicted sound speed of a liquid phase of the process fluid, minimizing the error function and updating the respective mass fractions of the plurality of components and determining an optimized compositional description of the process fluid. Also disclosed are corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs configured to perform the actions of the methods.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 9/00 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity
• G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
• G01N 9/24 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by observing the transmission of wave or particle radiation through the material

Goods & Services

Flow meters

Goods & Services

Flow meters

Abstract

A system is disclosed that may include a hydraulic system including hydraulic fluid and a hydraulic reservoir, a reservoir outlet line coupled to an outlet of the hydraulic reservoir, and an outlet gas void fraction measuring device positioned on the reservoir outlet line. Moreover, the device may include a reservoir inlet line coupled to an inlet of the hydraulic reservoir and an inlet gas void fraction measuring device positioned on the reservoir inlet line. Further, the device may include one or more processors configured to determine an inlet gas void fraction using the inlet gas void fraction measuring device, determine an outlet gas void fraction using the outlet gas void fraction measuring device and to difference the inlet gas void fraction from the outlet gas void fraction to determine a differential gas void fraction. Methods directed at the use of such a system are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 1/74 - Devices for measuring flow of a fluid or flow of a fluent solid material in suspension in another fluid
• G01F 1/7082 - Measuring the time taken to traverse a fixed distance using acoustic detecting arrangements
• G01F 1/712 - Measuring the time taken to traverse a fixed distance using auto-correlation or cross-correlation detection means
• F04C 14/08 - Control of, monitoring of, or safety arrangements for, machines, pumps or pumping installations characterised by varying the rotational speed
• F15B 15/18 - Combined units comprising both motor and pump

Abstract

A fluid monitoring system is disclosed that may include a piping network having, a flexible hydraulic hose having a hose length, a hose diameter a first end portion and a second end portion. In addition, the fluid monitoring system may include a first fitting coupled to the first end portion and a second fitting coupled to the second end portion. The fluid monitoring system may include an acoustic array having a first acoustic pressure sensor positioned proximate the first fitting, a second acoustic pressure sensor positioned proximate the second fitting, and an acoustic aperture that spans an aperture length between the first acoustic pressure sensor and the second acoustic pressure sensor. The fluid monitoring system may include a processing unit that determines a speed of sound of a process fluid within the piping network and within acoustic aperture using the first acoustic pressure sensor and the second acoustic pressure sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters
• G01F 15/02 - Compensating or correcting for variations in pressure, density, or temperature
• G01N 29/024 - Analysing fluids by measuring propagation velocity or propagation time of acoustic waves

Abstract

A method is disclosed that may include measuring a measured fluid density of a process fluid using a vibrational frequency of a fluid-conveying flow tube of the Coriolis meter where a density of a liquid phase of the process fluid is unknown. In addition, the method may include measuring at least one of an excitation energy metric of the Coriolis meter and a vibrational amplitude metric of the Coriolis meter. The method may include determining a Coriolis Mass Flowmeter Damping (CMFD) parameter using at least one of the excitation energy metric and the vibrational amplitude metric. Moreover, the method may include determining the density of the liquid phase of the process fluid using the measured fluid density and the CMFD parameter. Systems employing such methods are further disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 9/32 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by using flow properties of fluids, e.g. flow through tubes or apertures
• G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters

Abstract

In some implementations, a flow measuring device may include a piping network having a region of interest, an inlet region, and outlet region, where the region of interest is configured to provide fluid communication between the inlet region and the outlet region. In addition, the flow measuring device may include a first sensor positioned within the inlet region and a second sensor positioned within the outlet region. The flow measuring device may include a processing unit that determines a speed of sound of a process fluid within the region of interest using the first sensor and the second sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 9/24 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by observing the transmission of wave or particle radiation through the material
• G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters
• G01N 29/024 - Analysing fluids by measuring propagation velocity or propagation time of acoustic waves

Abstract

A method is disclosed including providing a process fluid that can be described as having a plurality of components where each of the plurality of components has a respective mass fraction. In addition, the method includes providing an initial estimate of a compositional description for the plurality of components of the process fluid, measuring an ultrasonic sound speed of the process fluid, predicting a predicted sound speed of a liquid phase of the process fluid using an equation of state model, generating an error function using the ultrasonic sound speed of the process fluid and the predicted sound speed of a liquid phase of the process fluid, minimizing the error function and updating the respective mass fractions of the plurality of components and determining an optimized compositional description of the process fluid. Also disclosed are corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs configured to perform the actions of the methods.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 9/00 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity
• G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
• G01N 9/24 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by observing the transmission of wave or particle radiation through the material

Abstract

A method is disclosed which may include measuring a speed of sound of a process fluid by interpreting an output of an array of at least two pressure sensors. In addition, the method may include determining a damping metric associated with the at least one vibrating flow tube. The method may include utilizing the damping metric to determine a quality metric. Moreover, the method may include utilizing the quality metric to assess confidence in a gas void fraction measurement of the process fluid based at least in part on measured sound speed of the process fluid. A speed of sound augmented Coriolis meter configured to employ such methods is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 1/86 - Indirect mass flowmeters, e.g. measuring volume flow and density, temperature, or pressure
• G01F 15/02 - Compensating or correcting for variations in pressure, density, or temperature
• G01F 1/74 - Devices for measuring flow of a fluid or flow of a fluent solid material in suspension in another fluid
• G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters
• G01N 11/04 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture

Abstract

A vibrating plate densitometer system and methods are disclosed that can provide information related to the density of a fluid in a vessel. Also disclosed are apparatus and methods to determine the speed of sound of the fluid and methods for designing such apparatus. Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods to measure such parameters including the density, or the density and the entrained air, of wet concrete within a vessel. The present disclosure also provides means for maintaining accurate measurement that exploits the rotating nature of many vessels that contain concrete.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 9/00 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity
• G01N 9/24 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by observing the transmission of wave or particle radiation through the material

Abstract

A method is disclosed that may include measuring a measured fluid density of a process fluid using a vibrational frequency of a fluid-conveying flow tube of the Coriolis meter where a density of a liquid phase of the process fluid is unknown. In addition, the method may include measuring at least one of an excitation energy metric of the Coriolis meter and a vibrational amplitude metric of the Coriolis meter. The method may include determining a Coriolis Mass Flowmeter Damping (CMFD) parameter using at least one of the excitation energy metric and the vibrational amplitude metric. Moreover, the method may include determining the density of the liquid phase of the process fluid using the measured fluid density and the CMFD parameter. Systems employing such methods are further disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters
• G01F 1/86 - Indirect mass flowmeters, e.g. measuring volume flow and density, temperature, or pressure

Abstract

In some implementations, a method is disclosed that may include operating the Coriolis meter on a process fluid where the process fluid may include a liquid continuous process fluid with particles. The method may include measuring a measured speed of sound of the process fluid, deriving a first correlation input parameter from the measured speed of sound the process fluid, determining at least one correlation output parameter utilizing an optimized Coriolis correction correlation between the correlation output parameter and the first correlation input parameter and at least a second correlation input parameter. Also, the method may include where the optimized Coriolis correction correlation is determined utilizing a training data set which relates the correlation input parameters to the correlation output parameters at a plurality of operating conditions and correcting the at least one measured Coriolis output parameter utilizing the at least one correlation output parameter.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters
• G01F 25/10 - Testing or calibration of apparatus for measuring volume, volume flow or liquid level or for metering by volume of flowmeters

Abstract

A method is disclosed including providing a process fluid that can be described as having a plurality of components where each of the plurality of components has a respective mass fraction. In addition, the method includes providing an initial estimate of a compositional description for the plurality of components of the process fluid, measuring an ultrasonic sound speed of the process fluid, predicting a predicted sound speed of a liquid phase of the process fluid using an equation of state model, generating an error function using the ultrasonic sound speed of the process fluid and the predicted sound speed of a liquid phase of the process fluid, minimizing the error function and updating the respective mass fractions of the plurality of components and determining an optimized compositional description of the process fluid. Also disclosed are corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs configured to perform the actions of the methods.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters
• G01F 1/74 - Devices for measuring flow of a fluid or flow of a fluent solid material in suspension in another fluid
• G01N 11/04 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture

Abstract

A flow measuring device capable of measuring at least parameters of a multiphase flow and to quantify an effect of decoupling on an interpretation of the parameters based on at least one characteristic of the multiphase fluid is disclosed. The flow measuring system includes various augmentations and enhancements to a Coriolis meter. The flow measuring system is capable of determining decoupling parameters that can be used to improve the output of a Coriolis meter. A method of retrofitting a Coriolis meter is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters
• G01N 9/32 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by using flow properties of fluids, e.g. flow through tubes or apertures

Goods & Services

Gas flow monitors

Abstract

In some implementations, a flow measuring device may include a piping network having a region of interest, an inlet region, and outlet region, where the region of interest is configured to provide fluid communication between the inlet region and the outlet region. In addition, the flow measuring device may include a first sensor positioned within the inlet region and a second sensor positioned within the outlet region. The flow measuring device may include a processing unit that determines a speed of sound of a process fluid within the region of interest using the first sensor and the second sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 29/02 - Analysing fluids
• G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
• G01F 1/7082 - Measuring the time taken to traverse a fixed distance using acoustic detecting arrangements
• G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters

Abstract

A vibrating plate densitometer system and methods are disclosed that can provide information related to the density of a fluid in a vessel. Also disclosed are apparatus and methods to determine the speed of sound of the fluid and methods for designing such apparatus. Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods to measure such parameters including the density, or the density and the entrained air, of wet concrete within a vessel. The present disclosure also provides means for maintaining accurate measurement that exploits the rotating nature of many vessels that contain concrete.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 29/024 - Analysing fluids by measuring propagation velocity or propagation time of acoustic waves
• G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
• G01N 9/36 - Analysing materials by measuring the density or specific gravity, e.g. determining quantity of moisture
• G01N 29/028 - Analysing fluids by measuring mechanical or acoustic impedance
• G01N 9/26 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by measuring pressure differences

Abstract

A flow measuring device capable of measuring at least parameters of a multiphase flow and to quantify an effect of decoupling on an interpretation of the parameters based on at least one characteristic of the multiphase fluid is disclosed. The flow measuring system includes various augmentations and enhancements to a Coriolis meter. The flow measuring system is capable of determining decoupling parameters that can be used to improve the output of a Coriolis meter. A method of retrofitting a Coriolis meter is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters
• G01F 1/74 - Devices for measuring flow of a fluid or flow of a fluent solid material in suspension in another fluid
• G01F 1/76 - Devices for measuring mass flow of a fluid or a fluent solid material
• G01F 1/78 - Direct mass flowmeters
• G01N 11/04 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture

Abstract

In accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for determining parameters for, and application of, models that correct for the effects of fluid inhomogeneity and compressibility on the ability of Coriolis meters to accurately measure the mass flow and/or density of a process fluid on a continuous basis is disclosed. Example embodiments mitigate the effect of multiphase fluid conditions on a Coriolis meter.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters

Abstract

A vibrating plate densitometer system and methods are disclosed that can provide information related to the density of a fluid in a vessel. Also disclosed are apparatus and methods to determine the speed of sound of the fluid and methods for designing such apparatus. Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods to measure such parameters including the density, or the density and the entrained air, of wet concrete within a vessel. The present disclosure also provides means for maintaining accurate measurement that exploits the rotating nature of many vessels that contain concrete.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 9/26 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by measuring pressure differences
• G01N 9/36 - Analysing materials by measuring the density or specific gravity, e.g. determining quantity of moisture
• G01N 29/024 - Analysing fluids by measuring propagation velocity or propagation time of acoustic waves
• G01N 29/028 - Analysing fluids by measuring mechanical or acoustic impedance