Calibrationless rotating Lorentz-force flowmeters for low flow rate applications

Hvasta, M. G.; Dudt, D.; Fisher, A. E.; Kolemen, E.

doi:10.1088/1361-6501/aac3b5

Calibrationless rotating Lorentz-force flowmeters for low flow rate applications

Journal Article · Tue May 29 00:00:00 EDT 2018 · Measurement Science and Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6501/aac3b5· OSTI ID:1459562

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Princeton Univ., Princeton, NJ (United States)

A 'weighted magnetic bearing' has been developed to improve the performance of rotating Lorentz-force flowmeters (RLFFs). Experiments have shown that the new bearing reduces frictional losses within a double-sided, disc-style RLFF to negligible levels. Operating such an RLFF under 'frictionless' conditions provides two major benefits. First, the steady-state velocity of the RLFF magnets matches the average velocity of the flowing liquid at low flow rates. This enables an RLFF to make accurate volumetric flow measurements without any calibration or prior knowledge of the fluid properties. Second, due to minimized frictional losses, an RLFF is able to measure low flow rates that cannot be detected when conventional, high-friction bearings are used. As a result, this paper provides a brief background on RLFFs, gives a detailed description of weighted magnetic bearings, and compares experimental RLFF data to measurements taken with a commercially available flowmeter.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC02-09CH11466

OSTI ID:: 1459562

Journal Information:: Measurement Science and Technology, Journal Name: Measurement Science and Technology Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 29; ISSN 0957-0233

Publisher:: IOP PublishingCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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