Patent ID: 6314821
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: G01F

Abstract:
A method of monitoring the rate of fluid flow through a conduit, said method comprising the steps of:providing first, second and third pressure monitoring stations axially spaced apart along said conduit, said first, second and third pressure monitoring stations permitting the measurement of pressure thereat, disposing within the conduit bore a fluid flow restrictor insert, said fluid flow restrictor insert having a first substantially cylindrical section and a second substantially cylindrical section greater in diameter than the first substantially cyclindrical section, the first and second cylindrical sections being adapted to be disposed in said conduit bore such that the sections are parallel and the first section is located at a first bore diameter and the second section is located at a second bore diameter when the leading end of the flow restrictor insert is disposed between the first and the second pressure monitoring stations and, when the insert is in this location, the first cylindrical section is disposed substantially opposite the second pressure monitoring station and the second cylindrical section is disposed substantially opposite the third pressure monitoring station, creating annular flow by the flow restrictor insert in the vicinity of the second and the third pressure monitoring stations to provide a venturi effect thereat and measuring pressures at said first, second and third pressure monitoring stations for deriving at least two pressure differentials for use in determining the flow rate of said fluid and for determining the thickness of any scale disposed in the interior of the carrier bore.