Abstract:
A flowmeter is provided for measuring the flow rate of liquids, particularly liquids with solids suspended therein, or corrosive liquids, by measuring a flow without any contact between the sensing elements of the flowmeter and the liquid. The flowmeter is connected to upstream piping and downstream piping. Interconnected with the upstream piping is a first expansion joint, a tapered nozzle and a second expansion joint of smaller diameter. Extending from the second expansion joint is a reversed tapered nozzle connected to the downstream piping. One or more strain gauges, or a strain gauge assembly, is interconnected with the second expansion joint. The force of flow on the tapered nozzle creates a higher velocity flow within the tapered nozzle and then an expansion thereafter. This tends to urge the expansion nozzle, and the second expansion joint connected thereto, towards the upstream piping. Such movement is measured by th7e strain gauges.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/371,458 filed Apr. 10, 2002, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention generally relates to a flowmeter for measuring the flow rate of a liquid, or a liquid with suspended solids, through a pipe system without physical contact between the liquid and the measuring elements of the flowmeter.  
           [0004]    2. Related Art  
           [0005]    There are numerous types of flowmeters for measuring the flow rate of liquid, but no suitable instrument exists for measuring the flow rate of liquid-solid suspensions or measuring the flow rate of corrosive liquids, or liquids with corrosive solids. Prior flowmeters are not suitable for such applications because the flowmeters, or portions thereof, generally make contact with the liquid, and where liquid-solid suspensions exist, or the liquid or solid is corrosive, interference is created with any internal propellers, rotors or tubing that may comprise such flowmeters. As such, when used in connection with liquid-solid suspensions, or corrosive liquids or corrosive suspended solids in the liquid, existing flowmeters accumulate solids, are corroded, or both, causing them to lose calibration, and ultimately become completely inoperable.  
           [0006]    What is desired, but has not heretofore been developed, is a flowmeter that is capable of measuring the flow rates of liquids, which may include particulate suspended solids, and wherein the liquids or solids, or both, may be corrosive. The flowmeter of the present invention accomplishes these objectives because there is no contact between the measuring elements of the flowmeter and the liquid whose flow rate is being measured.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention provides a flowmeter for measuring the flow rate of liquids or liquid-solid suspensions within a pipeline, without physical contact between the liquid or liquid-solid suspension and the measuring elements of the flowmeter. The measuring elements of the flowmeter are isolated from the liquid or liquid-solid suspension. The flowmeter can be used for measuring the flow rate of a liquid or liquid-solid suspensions wherein the liquid and/or suspended solid is corrosive. The flowmeter includes flexible couplings and a strain gauge or strain gauge assembly.  
           [0008]    The present invention relates to a flowmeter for measuring the flow rate of liquids, or liquid-solid suspensions in which liquids and/or suspended solids may be corrosive. The flow rate is measured without any physical contact between the measuring components of the flowmeter and the liquid or liquid-solid suspension. The flowmeter is connected between upstream and downstream piping. A first flexible coupling is connected to the upstream piping and is preferably the same diameter as the upstream piping. A reducing coupling and a second flexible coupling of smaller diameter is connected downstream of the first flexible coupling. Extending from the second flexible coupling is a reverse reducing coupling, followed by the downstream piping of the same diameter as the upstream piping. One or more strain gauges are interconnected with the second flexible coupling. The one or more strain gauges can be attached to one or more rigid strips which can be attached in the direction of flow to the upstream and downstream flanges of the second flexible coupling. The force of flow on the first reducing coupling creates a higher velocity flow in the outlet of the first reducing coupling and within the second flexible coupling. The resulting upstream momentum force tends to urge the first reducing coupling, and the second flexible coupling connected thereto, towards the upstream piping. Such movement is translated to the rigid strips or bolts connected across the second flexible coupling and the resulting force is measured by the one or more strain gauges attached to the rigid strips or bolts. The second reducing coupling is reversed so that its larger diameter faces downstream and is preferably the same diameter as the upstream piping. The flowing liquid or liquid-solid suspension thus expands to fill the downstream piping at the same average velocity as that in the upstream piping.  
           [0009]    In one embodiment of the present invention, a strain gauge assembly is connected to flanges of the second flexible coupling. The strain gauge is tensional by movement of the second flexible coupling caused by fluid flow. The strain gauge can be supported by a plate with support legs to prevent vertical movement of same. The support legs and plate are adjustable, allowing the strain gauge assembly to be supported at desired heights. The flexible couplings can also be supported.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    Other important objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following Detailed Description of the Invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-section of a preferred embodiment the flowmeter of the present invention.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of an expansion joint with a strain gauge mounted thereon for use in the flowmeter shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the flowmeter shown in FIG. 1, using a strain gauge assembly.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 shows a detail of the mounting of the strain gauge assembly shown in FIG. 3.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]    The present invention relates to a flowmeter for measuring flow rates of liquids or liquid-solid suspensions, based on changes in the fluid momentum caused by piping cross-section changes. The present invention is suitable for measuring the flow rate of liquids, or liquid-solid suspensions in which the liquid and/or solid may be corrosive, without physical contact between the liquid or liquid-solid suspension and the measuring elements of the flowmeter.  
         [0016]    As shown in FIG. 1, a flexible coupling  14  is connected at a first end to upstream piping  12 . Such flexible couplings are known in the art, and generally comprise standard pipe fittings coupled together by a flexible material having one or more loops. Rubber, PTFE, or other suitable materials may be used. They are readily available from the piping supply industry. Flexible joints can also be made of metal. It may be desirable to use a flexible coupling that has a porous covering over the flexible material to prevent the lodging of solids in one or more loops formed by the flexible material.  
         [0017]    A wide end  18  of a tapered nozzle  16  is interconnected with the downstream end of flexible coupling  14 . Such tapered nozzles are also well known in the art. The interconnection between the flexible coupling  14  and the upstream piping  12 , as well as that between tapered nozzle  16  and flexible coupling  14 , as well as all other piping connections discussed herein, can be made by any means known in the art.  
         [0018]    The wide end  18  of tapered nozzle  16  is preferably sized in accordance with the size of the upstream piping  12 . Preferably, the tapered nozzle  16  is of circular cross-section, the upstream diameter being larger than the downstream diameter. However, the tapered nozzle  16  could be an eccentric tapered nozzle having a horizontal lower edge and a tapered upper edge.  
         [0019]    A second flexible coupling  30  is interconnected with the narrow, downstream end  20  of the tapered nozzle  16 . The second flexible coupling  30  is sized in accordance with the size of the narrow, downstream end  20  of the tapered nozzle  16 . The flexible coupling  30  has an inlet  32  and an outlet  34 . A flexible loop  36  allows the inlet  32  to move with respect to the outlet  34 . As with the first upstream flexible coupling  14 , the second flexible coupling  30  is constructed in accordance with what is known in the art.  
         [0020]    An expansion joint  40  can be used to connect the downstream end of flexible coupling  30  with downstream piping  50 . Expansion joint  40  includes an upstream narrow end  42  interconnected with the flexible coupling  30  and a wide downstream end  44  connected to downstream piping  50 . Preferably, the expansion joint  40  brings the piping size from the size reduced by the tapered nozzle  16  back up to the size of the upstream piping  12 .  
         [0021]    One or more strain gauges  39  or a strain gauge assembly can be interconnected across the second flexible coupling  30  in the direction of flow to span the flexible loop of material  36 . Although shown in FIG. 1, this can be seen in greater detail in FIG. 2, which is an enlarged view of the second flexible coupling  30 . Preferably, the strain gauge  39  is attached to a rigid strip  38 , such as a steel strip, which itself is connected at its ends by welding, adhesive, bolts, or in any other manner known in the art, to the flexible coupling  30 . The strain gauge  39  can be mounted on the rigid strip  38  by any means known, such as by adhesive. The adhesive used for mounting the strain gauge  39  on the steel strip  38 , and for mounting the steel strip  38  on the flexible coupling  30  can be varied in accordance with what is known in the art. It is important to attach the strain gauge  39  firmly onto steel strip  38 , so that both undergo the same percentage of expansion. Any known strain gauge can be used. One such strain gauge is made by J.P. Technologies, Inc. in San Bernardino, Calif. and is sold as Model No. 125BA. It has an electrical resistance of 350 ohms. To increase sensitivity, a plurality of such gauges can be arranged in series. The gauges are small so that many can be positioned on the rigid strip. Any type of strain measuring device can be used including any electrical, mechanical or optical device. For example, an electrical device could employ a Wheatstone bridge in place of the ammeter circuitry shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0022]    Optionally, a mechanical strain gauge could be substituted for strain gauge  39 . Such a device could include a Berry-type device and a Huggenberger-type device. An optical lever, such as a Martens extensometer, could be used. Alternatives to and/or modifications of these devices are also within the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that any device capable of measuring relative displacement of ends of a flexible coupling  30  could be used to practice the invention.  
         [0023]    In operation, liquid or a liquid-solid suspension flowing through the upstream piping  12  flows through the first flexible coupling  14  and through tapered nozzle  16 . Thereafter, the liquid flows through the second flexible coupling  30 , through the expansion joint  40  and into the downstream piping  50 . The flow is constricted by the tapered nozzle  16 , causing the velocity of the flow to increase. A resulting upstream momentum force is created which urges the tapered nozzle  16  in an upstream direction, causing a compression of the first flexible coupling  14  and an expansion of the second flexible coupling  30 . The expansion of the second flexible coupling  30  is translated to the one or more strain gauges  39  through the one or more steel strips  38 .  
         [0024]    As shown in FIG. 1, the strain gauge  39  is interconnected with an electric power supply  64  (10 to 12 volts DC), in addition to a voltmeter  62  (0 to 50 millivolts DC) and an ammeter or flow indicator  66 . A flow recorder (not shown) can be interconnected with the ammeter  66  to record flow as desired. Maximum electric current reading of the ammeter  66  occurs at zero flow rate. As the flow rate increases from zero, the steel strip  38  and the strain gauge  39  are subject to tensile force, which increases the resistance of the strain gauge  39  and causes the ammeter  66  reading to decrease. Various readout devices known in the art can be utilized as desired, such as the Model 2010 Short Depth Voltage Meter, manufactured by DIGITEC of Lancaster, Pa.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 shows a flowmeter that uses a strain gauge assembly  139 . The strain gauge assembly  139  is connected to the second flexible coupling  130  by two bolts  133 , which also support and align the strain gauge assembly  139 . The strain gauge assembly  139  is also supported by a plate  137  having supports  131  extending outboard of flexible coupling  130  and down to base plate  147 . Any number of supports  131  can be used, but preferably, four supports are provided and connected to the base plate  147 . Additionally, the supports  131  can be adjustable in height, so that the position of the plate  137  can be adjusted as desired. The supports  131  and plate  137  prevent vertical movement of the strain gauge assembly  139 , which can introduce measurement errors  
         [0026]    The strain gauge assembly comprises four electrical resistors connected in a square Wheatstone bridge arrangement. A power supply is connected to the ends of the bridge, and a millivoltmeter to the other two comers. One of the four resistors is the strain gauge; stretching it causes a reading on the millivoltmeter proportional to the stress. An example of an acceptable strain gauge for use in the strain gauge assembly  139  is the Model SML strain gauge manufactured by Interface, Inc., of Scottsdale, Ariz. It has a range of 0 to 5 pounds,  
         [0027]    The base plate  147  also supports fixed supports  145 , which extend upward to the upstream flange of flexible coupling  114  and the downstream flange of flexible coupling  130 . An adjustable support  141  extends upward from base plate  147  to the downstream flange of flexible coupling  114  and the upstream flange of flexible coupling  130 . Additionally, bolts  151  can be provided to allow adjustment of the height of support  141 . Frictionless surfaces  149  (created by PTFE tape, machined graphite, etc.) are preferably used where the flexible couplings  114  and  130  rest on support  141 . The horizontal movement of the flexible couplings during operation is only a few thousandths of an inch, but any friction could cause error. Importantly, the base plate  147 , fixed supports  145 , adjustable support  141 , frictionless surfaces  149 , and adjustment screws  151  can also be used with the embodiment of the flowmeter shown in FIG. 1. The base plate  147  and the supports extending therefrom, including support  141  and plate  137 , serve to prevent sagging or other vertical movement, which could skew the strain gauge or strain gauge assembly reading. Further, the adjustments can be utilized to zero out the strain gauge or strain gauge assembly prior to making measurements, so that the strain gauge measures no strain.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 4 shows a detail of the mounting of the strain gauge assembly shown in FIG. 3. The strain gauge  139  is interconnected with and supported over the flexible coupling  130  by bolts or rods  133 . The bolts  133  can be connected to the flanges of the flexible couplings  130  by any acceptable hardware, such as L-shaped brackets or screws. The bolts  133  can be interconnected with the stain gauge  139  by threadable engagement. The plate  137  provides vertical support for the strain gauge  139 . Preferably, the supports  131  allow for adjustments to the height of the plate  137 . Any number of supports  131  can be provided. Further, any configuration for supporting the strain gauge  139  is considered within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0029]    Importantly, the present invention allows for the flow of liquid in a pipe system to be measured without any contact between a measuring device and the liquid. Rather, the present invention takes advantage of the effect of the increased fluid velocity on flexible couplings when flowing through a tapered nozzle. This reaction can be measured by means of a strain gauge and correlated directly to flow rate. As such, the present invention has great applicability to liquids having solids suspended therein and/or corrosive liquids and/or solids which judgmentally affect existing flowmeters by solid accumulations, loss of calibrations, and ultimately lead to complete inoperability. Indeed, to prevent erosion or corrosion of the tapered nozzle, a lining of rubber, PTFE, or other material resistant to flow conditions can be utilized.  
         [0030]    It should be pointed out that, in another aspect of the present invention, a spring can be used instead of the strain gauge and the movement of the spring can be measured. If a spring is used instead of the strain gauge, it could be interconnected directly with the second expansion joint rather than by attachment to a steel strip.  
         [0031]    There is a limit to the internal pressure at which the meter can operate; this is imposed by the maximum allowable internal pressure of the flexible couplings. This information can be obtained from the manufacturer of the couplings. It should be noted that temperature could have an effect on the reading through thermal expansion or contraction. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide insulation or a compensating device for thermal expansion. Also, the flowmeter of the present invention could be used with any size pipe. Currently, flexible couplings of the type used for practicing the invention are available in diameters up to 24 inches.  
         [0032]    The momentum force for a given flow rate can be calculated using the following Newton&#39;s equation for one-dimensional flow in a horizontal closed conduit:  
           F=ρQ ( V   1   −V   2 )/ G   c   (1) 
         [0033]    where F=momentum force (pounds of force in horizontal direction), ρ=fluid density (pounds per cubic foot), Q=volumetric flow rate (cubic feet per second), V 1 =upstream velocity (feet per second), V 2 =downstream velocity (feet per second), and G c =gravitational constant (foot-pounds mass/pounds force times seconds squared).  
         [0034]    The present invention was calibrated using known weights of 6 to 36 ounces (0.375 to 2.25 pounds). Results from four trials (weight versus millivolt output) were extremely consistent, giving a range of 1.9 to 11.3 millivolts output. Applying the relationship set forth in Equation 1 to the results of the trials using the flowmeter of the present invention, the following results were obtained:  
                                             TABLE 1                           Calculated               Measured Flow   Force   Meter Reading   Force Corresponding to       Rate (GPM)   (Pounds)   (Millivolts)   Meter Reading (Pounds)                                12.1   0.20   1.12   0.25       8.76   0.102   0.54   0.11       4.09   0.020   0.08   0.030                  
 
         [0035]    Like any other type of flowmeter, the flowmeter of the present invention should be calibrated under actual conditions to be used.  
         [0036]    Having thus described the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is not intended to limit the spirit and scope thereof What is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.