Patent ID: 6470758
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: G01F

Abstract:
A float-type flowmeter for measuring the flow of a fluid comprisinga measuring tube through which a fluid can flow against the force of gravity; a float in said tube, said float being movable in the tube at least in the direction of the fluid flow and having a density greater than that of the fluid so that as a function of the fluid flow rate, the float will be suspended in the tube at a particular height level determined by the equilibrium between the hydrodynamic force of the fluid impinging on the float and the weight or buoyancy of the float; an acquisition unit positioned adjacent to the measuring tube for tracking the movement of the float in said tube and producing a corresponding motion signal, and a predictive evaluation unit connected to receive said motion signal, said predictive evaluation unit including means for storing an anticipated motion signal corresponding to the anticipated movement of the float and means for comparing the motion signal with the anticipated motion signal and, on the basis of deviations of the motion signal from the anticipated motion signal, providing data on the probable, expected future state of the float-type flowmeter in order to alert an user of the float-type flowmeter to an impending malfunction of the float-type flowmeter.