Patent ID: 6275284
Filing Date: 2001-08-14
Classification: G01F,G01P

Abstract:
An optical device that generates a signal which describes fluid flow on the basis of the motion of particles suspended in a fluid flowing through a pressurized pipe, said optical device comprising:(a) a narrow frequency light source;(b) an optical delivery system coupled to said light source, said optical delivery system including multiple optical components mounted completely within the pressurized environment of the pipe and producing at least two light beams within the interior of the pipe;(c) a collector that mounts completely within the pressurized environment of the pipe and which receives light scattered by said particles from said at least two beams;(d) a photo detector coupled to said collector, said photo detector converting said scattered light received by said collector into an electrical signal; and(e) a pressure fitting that permits optical access into the pressurized environment of the pipe.