Patent ID: 6598487
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: G01F

Abstract:
Flow measuring apparatus for measuring the flow of fluid through a portion of a conduit, comprising:(a) receptor means arranged transversely externally of the conduit portion, said receptor means containing a plurality of parallel spaced generally-coplanar first gland bores that extend generally radially in circumferentially spaced relation relative to the conduit portion, said gland bores being in communication with the interior of said conduit portion, and a plurality of first resilient normally-closed self-sealable tubular glands arranged in said gland bores respectively said glands containing gland passages, the spacing distance between said gland passages being a function of the cross-sectional area of the conduit portion; (b) connector means removably connected with said receptor means, said connector means including: (1) a connector body; (2) a plurality of parallel first sensing electrodes supported by said connector body, said electrodes extending longitudinally through said sealable gland passages, respectively, when said connector means is connected with said receptor means, said electrodes having first end tip portions that extend within the interior of the conduit portion for direct contact with the fluid that flows therethrough; and (3) electromagnet means mounted within said connector body for generating a magnetic field transversely across the conduit portion; and (c) flow measuring means connected with said electrodes for measuring the rate of flow through the conduit portion, said flow measuring means including: (1) signal processing means connected with said electrodes for generating a flow signal that is a function of the rate of flow of the fluid through the conduit portion; and (2) calibrating means for varying said flow signal as a function of the cross-sectional area of the conduit portion.