Patent ID: 6234016
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: G01F,G01P

Abstract:
Apparatus for determining the fluid velocity, V, of a fluid of interest, comprising:heater means in thermal communication with the fluid of interest, said heater means having a resistance that changes with temperature;heater energizing means connected to said heater means for energizing said heater means, said heater energizing means providing a transient elevated temperature condition in said heater means;at least two sensor means in thermal communication with the fluid of interest, each of the at least two sensor means spaced a different distance from said heater means, and each having a resistance that changes with temperature;time lag means for determining at least two time lag values each corresponding to the delay between said heater means and a corresponding sensor means; anddetermining means for determining the fluid velocity, v, of the fluid of interest using the at least two time lag values.