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Non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor for fluid leak detection

  • US 9,146,172 B2
  • Filed: 01/03/2012
  • Issued: 09/29/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/03/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A fluid leak detector for detecting leakage in a pressurized fluid system having a closed fluid conduit having an upstream portion and a downstream portion where fluid flows from the upstream portion toward the downstream portion, the fluid leak detector having a means for detecting the flow of fluid through said conduit comprising:

  • a first sensor in thermal communication with the outside of said conduit and capable of sensing an ambient temperature of the fluid within said conduit, wherein said first sensor includes a first temperature sensing element;

    a second sensor in thermal communication with the outside of said conduit, wherein said second sensor includes a second temperature sensing element and a heater thermally coupled to the second sensing element;

    an adjustable Wheatstone bridge circuit consisting of the first and second temperature sensing elements and having a first output and a second output;

    a servo amplifier configured to drive the heater consisting of;

    a first input in electrical communication with the first output of the bridge circuit;

    a second input in electrical communication with the second output of the bridge circuit; and

    a power transistor having an output in electrical communication with the heater;

    an adjustable comparator consisting of;

    an input connected to the output of the power transistor; and

    an output;

    wherein the power transistor drives the heater in response to the difference in temperature between the first temperature sensing element and the second temperature sensing element; and

    wherein the adjustable comparator is configured to change state when the output of the power transistor exceeds a threshold, andwherein said first sensor is positionable at any location along said closed fluid conduit and said second sensor is positionable downstream from said first sensor.

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