Flow monitoring apparatus

• US 4,058,011 A
• Filed: 06/14/1976
• Issued: 11/15/1977
• Est. Priority Date: 09/05/1974
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Pro Tech, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Pro Tech, Inc.
• Inventors: Martig, Kenneth W. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ruehl, Charles A.
• Application Number:
  US05/695,545
• Time in Patent Office: 519 Days
• Field of Search: 73/194 R, 73/302, 73/215, 73/212, 73/439, 73/298, 239/273, 239/279, 239/280, 239/525, 239/530, 239/532, 248/75
• US Class Current: 73/861
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/002 wherein the flow is in an open channel
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/34 by measuring pressure or differential pressure
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/52 by measuring the height of the fluid level due to the lifting power of the fluid flow

Abstract

A method and portable apparatus for continually monitoring the flow of fluid in an open channel such as in a conduit having a known diameter, a known slope and of material having known surface characteristics. The liquid depth within the pipe is determined by means of an elongated hollow probe placed axially in the bottom of a channel containing the liquid and forcing gas under pressure there through. The measurement of the back pressure represents the depth of the liquid and enables the rapid determination of the rate of flow. It is contemplated that the portable apparatus be interconnected with a portable continual recorder such that the flow may be monitored over any given, desired, time period.

Claims

1. Portable flow-monitoring apparatus for use in a cylindrical water or sewer pipe, comprising a flexible collar-like structure adapted to fit within an open end of the pipe and contiguous with the inside wall of the pipe, having the intended upper portion of the collar-like structure separated into a pair of ends adapted to be spaced farther apart or closer together to flex the collar-like structure circumferentially, including means adjacent the respective ends and adapted to expand the collar-like structure for frictional retention in place against the inside wall of the pipe and, in contrast, to contract it for ready removal therefrom, sensor means mounted on part thereof and including a bubble outlet, and a bubble fluid conductor extending from outside the collar-like structure to the inside wall thereof and through about a semicircle in contact therewith and to the sensor means and bubble outlet.

2. In apparatus for monitoring liquid flow under open-channel conditions through a cylindrical sewer or water pipe or conduit wherein sensor means is located adjacent the invert or bed of the inside wall thereof, and including a bubble outlet, the improvement comprising a conductor for bubble fluid from the exterior to an interior location adjacent such bed, the conductor extending from the exterior to the interior along an upper portion of the pipe or conduit and then in a circumferential direction downward, confined closely adjacent such inside wall throughout its interior extent to such bed, thereby minimizing interference with such liquid flow, the apparatus including also means for applying lateral friction against such inside wall to aid in retaining such sensor means and bubble conductor in place, wherein the means fo applying lateral friction includes an expansible collar attached to the sensor means and bubble fluid conductor.

3. Flow-monitoring apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the bubble fluid conductor extends circumferentially along about half the inside perimeter of the expansible collar from its entrance thereinto from the exterior to its lowermost extend therein.

4. In apparatus for monitoring flow in an open conduit, the combination of mounting means adapted to be secured within the conduit and only along the inside wall thereof to minimize flow disturbance and having a pair of ends adjacent one another but normally spaced apart, each end carrying manually engageable means by which the ends may be positioned more closely adjacent and also adjustment means by which the ends may be spaced further apart, and hollow pressure-sensing means adapted to be supported by the mounting means to extend from the exterior into the conduit only adjacent the inside wall thereof to minimize flow disturbance and to terminate adjacent the flow bed.

5. Flow-monitoring apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the means carried by the ends extend outwardly therefrom and thereby are precluded from entering the conduit.