Patent ID: 7236912
Filing Date: 2007-06-26
Classification: G01F,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for determing and/or monitoring the volume flow rate of a medium flowing in a containment, comprising the steps of: measuring signals are emitted from an ultrasonic transducer placed in a first position on the containment; receiving the measuring signals by an ultrasonic transducer placed in a second position on the containment; providing information on the basis of the measuring signals, or on the basis of measuring data obtained from the measuring signals, concerning the volume flow rate of the medium located in the containment; comparing the currently measured, actual measuring signals, or the corresponding actual measuring data with corresponding, stored, set measuring signals, or set measuring data; and issuing a report, when a deviation arises between the set measuring signals, or set measuring data, and the actual measuring signals, or actual measuring data, wherein: on the basis of the deviation, at least one of the following is recognized: the containment is not filled with the medium, the coupling of the ultrasonic transducers to the containment is defective, the damping of the measuring signals by the medium located in the containment exceeds a predetermined maximum value, an air gap between the containment and a liner on the inner surface of the containment is present, and the damping of the measuring signals in the wall of the containment exceeds a maximum, predetermined amount.