Patent ID: 6241383
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: G01K

Abstract:
A monitoring apparatus for measuring heat transfer between a selected one of two heat transfer surfaces at a first temperature and a flowing fluid at a second temperature which is different from the first temperature, the flowing fluid in contact with said heat transfer surfaces, said monitoring apparatus comprising:a flow sensor for measuring a flow rate of said flowing fluid;a source of electric power;two sensing elements in contact with said flowing fluid, each of the two sensing elements comprising a respective one of the two heat transfer surfaces in contact with said flowing fluid, each of the sensing elements further comprising a respective electric heater, each of the two sensing elements adapted to selectively sense a respective heat exchange function between the respective heat transfer surface and said flowing fluid when the respective electric heater is connected to the source of electric power, each of the two sensing elements adapted to sense the second temperature when the respective heater is not connected to the source of electric power;an electrical connection to at least one of the two sensing elements, the electrical connection adapted to pass an electric current through said flowing fluid to cause electrolysis; anda system responsive to said flow sensor and said two sensing elements for determining the amount of heat transferred from said selected surface to said flowing fluid.