Patent ID: 7911591
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: G01P

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for measuring the velocity of a flowing fluid, the apparatus comprising: a probe for insertion into the fluid, the probe having an open area therein configured to allow the fluid to pass therethrough, the probe comprising: an illumination system configured to direct a pair of light beams separated by a separation distance through the open area; and, a collection system configured to collect forward scattered light from particles in the fluid which pass through the pair of light beams, and having an optical axis in common with the illumination system, the collection system comprising a reflector element configured to reflect the forward scattered light back in a direction toward the illumination system; and, an electro-optical assembly connected to the probe and configured to provide light to the illumination system and receive light collected by the collection system for measuring a lapse time in fluctuations in the forward scattered light created by particles passing through the pair of light beams and for calculating a velocity of the fluid based on the lapse time and the separation distance.