Thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor for fluid leak detection
First Claim
1. A fluid leak detector for detecting leakage in a pressurized fluid system having a closed fluid conduit, the fluid leak detector comprising:
- a first sensor disposed within said conduit and capable of sensing the ambient temperature of the fluid within said conduit;
a second sensor disposed within said conduit and responsive to a drive signal to elevate the temperature of said second sensor;
a means for generating said drive signal in communication with said second sensor to drive said second sensor to a temperature above the ambient temperature; and
a means for detecting the flow of fluid through said conduit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor for fluid leak detection includes an ambient temperature RTD sensor and a flow rate RTD sensor which are configured to sense the temperature of a fluid in a conduit, and then monitor the flow of that fluid through the conduit. The fluid flow RTD sensor is incorporated into a Wheatstone bridge circuit which is used to provide increased sensitivity to the outputs of the RTD sensors. Based upon the ambient temperature sensor readings, the flow rate RTD sensor may be adjusted to optimize the operation of the system to detect leaks, and on certain conditions, a controller may close a supply line valve to avoid flooding of a structure.
68 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A fluid leak detector for detecting leakage in a pressurized fluid system having a closed fluid conduit, the fluid leak detector comprising:
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a first sensor disposed within said conduit and capable of sensing the ambient temperature of the fluid within said conduit; a second sensor disposed within said conduit and responsive to a drive signal to elevate the temperature of said second sensor; a means for generating said drive signal in communication with said second sensor to drive said second sensor to a temperature above the ambient temperature; and a means for detecting the flow of fluid through said conduit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A device for interrupting the flow of fluid through a fluid conduit upon the detection of a leak, comprising:
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an ambient temperature RTD sensor disposed in said fluid conduit; a flow-sensing RTD sensor disposed in said fluid conduit; a controller in electrical communication with said ambient temperature RTD sensor and said flow-sensing RTD sensor, said controller sensing an ambient temperature signal from said ambient temperature RTD sensor, and generating a driving signal to drive said second RTD sensor to a temperature greater than said ambient temperature; a means for comparing the ambient temperature signal and the drive signal to a predetermined value and generating a shutoff signal in response thereto; and a valve in communication with said controller to receive a shutoff signal from said controller to close said valve in response thereto. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for detecting the flow of fluid through a conduit using an RTD disposed within said conduit, said method comprising:
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sensing a reference temperate of said fluid in said conduit using said RTD; heating said RTD to an offset temperature; calibrating said RTD at said offset temperature; determining the flow of said fluid through said conduit; comparing said flow of said fluid to a pre-determined flow value; and providing a signal if said flow of said fluid exceeds said pre-determined flow value. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A method for detecting the flow of fluid through a conduit using a first RTD and a second RTD, each said RTD disposed within said conduit, said method comprising:
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sensing a reference temperate of said fluid in said conduit using a first RTD; heating a second RTD to an offset temperature; determining the flow of said fluid through said conduit; comparing said flow of said fluid to a pre-determined flow value; and providing a leak signal if said flow of said fluid exceeds said pre-determined flow value. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30)
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Specification