Fluid flow monitoring system
First Claim
1. A fluid flow monitoring and evaluation system suitable measuring low volume, high pressure fluid flow in an explosive environment, comprising:
- one or more fluid flow dispensing valves operated by the pressure of the fluid being dispensed;
one or more fluid flow sensors, each associated with one of the one or more fluid flow dispensing valves for measuring the fluid flow through the corresponding dispensing valve; and
one or more fluid flow monitors, each including a microprocessor programmed to accept cycle signals from one or more of the fluid flow sensors and convert the cycle signals to fluid flow information, one or more of the fluid flow monitors including an infrared link for transmitting fluid flow data to a portable data processor device without creating a conductive path between the portable data processor device and the fluid flow monitor, thereby allowing the data to be downloaded from the fluid flow monitor to the portable computing device in an explosive environment.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A fluid flow monitoring and evaluation system providing high accuracy for fluid flow systems having low volumes and high pressure includes fluid flow sensors mounted on positive displacement dispensing valves and a fluid flow monitor that received cycle signals from the fluid flow sensors and processes the cycle signals to determine fluid flow information. Information can be downloaded in from the monitor, even in an explosion rated environment, using infra-red link or data can be transmitted, for example via satellite, for posting on the Internet. The system can include dispensing valves having single inputs and single outputs for measuring fluid dispensed at a point of use, which measurement can be compared to measurements taken at a divider block earlier in the hydraulic path to verify that fluid sent into the path was actually dispensed. A novel fluid flow sensor prevents loss of internal components, yet allows internal components to be removed for repair.
-
Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A fluid flow monitoring and evaluation system suitable measuring low volume, high pressure fluid flow in an explosive environment, comprising:
-
one or more fluid flow dispensing valves operated by the pressure of the fluid being dispensed;
one or more fluid flow sensors, each associated with one of the one or more fluid flow dispensing valves for measuring the fluid flow through the corresponding dispensing valve; and
one or more fluid flow monitors, each including a microprocessor programmed to accept cycle signals from one or more of the fluid flow sensors and convert the cycle signals to fluid flow information, one or more of the fluid flow monitors including an infrared link for transmitting fluid flow data to a portable data processor device without creating a conductive path between the portable data processor device and the fluid flow monitor, thereby allowing the data to be downloaded from the fluid flow monitor to the portable computing device in an explosive environment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A fluid flow monitoring and evaluation system suitable measuring low volume, high pressure fluid flow, comprising:
-
one or more fluid flow dispensing valves operated by the pressure of the fluid being dispensed;
one or more fluid flow sensors, each associated with one of the one or more fluid flow dispensing valves for measuring The fluid flow through the corresponding dispensing valve; and
one or more fluid flow monitors, each including a microprocessor programmed to accept cycle signals from one or more of the fluid flow sensors and convert the cycle signals to fluid flow information, one or more of the fluid flow monitors including a communications link through an earth orbiting satellite for sending fluid flow information to a computer and posting the information on the Internet. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A fluid flow monitoring and evaluation system suitable measuring low volume, high pressure fluid flow, comprising:
-
one or more fluid flow dispensing valves operated by the pressure of the fluid being dispensed;
one or more fluid flow sensors, each associated with one of the one or more fluid flow dispensing valves for measuring the fluid flow through the corresponding dispensing valve;
one or more fluid flow monitors, each including a microprocessor programmed to accept cycle signals from one or more of the fluid flow sensors and convert the cycle signals to fluid flow information, one or more of the fluid flow monitors including a communications link for sending fluid flow information to a computer and posting the information on the Internet; and
a global positioning system receiver for providing geographical location information as part of the fluid flow information.
-
-
14. A fluid flow monitoring and evaluation system suitable measuring low volume, high pressure fluid flow, comprising:
-
one or more fluid flow dispensing valves operated by the pressure of the fluid being dispensed;
one or more fluid flow sensors, each associated with one of the one or more fluid flow dispensing valves for measuring the fluid flow through the corresponding dispensing valve, the one or more fluid flow sensors including at least one positive displacement dispensing valve having a single inlet and only a single fluid outlet;
one or more fluid flow monitors, each including a microprocessor programmed to accept cycle signals from one or more of the fluid flow sensors and convert the cycle signals to fluid flow information, one or more of the fluid flow monitors including a communications link for sending fluid flow information to a computer and posting the information on the Internet.
-
-
15. A fluid flow sensor comprising:
-
a housing for mounting to a dispensing valve including a piston;
a magnet slidably positioned within the housing, the magnet coupled to the piston such that the magnet follows the motion of the piston; and
a removable insert for retaining the magnet within the housing during installation and operation, but being removable to access the magnet, the removable insert having a hole through which piston motion car be transmitted to the magnet, the housing including an internally threaded portion for mating with threads on the removable insert and an externally threaded portion for mating with threads on a dispensing valve. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
-
Specification