Rotary flow meter
An impeller is rotatably mounted in a housing on the lower end of a sub which is lowered by means of a wire line into a bore hole. The fluid flow in either direction within the bore hole engages and rotates helical vanes of the impeller, which in turn rotates a digital sensing device. A magnetic coupling links the impeller to the sensing device which is sealably secured within the housing. Rotation of the sensing device in one direction produces a digital output signal which is distinguishable from the output signal produced when the sensing device is rotated in the opposite direction. The digital signal is produced by the rotation of a butterfly valve between signal emitter elements and signal receiving elements coupled to a distinguishing logic circuit. The direction of flow of fluids along the bore hole is thus easily detected in a reliable, highly sensitive manner. Further, and regardless of the direction of rotation of the sensing device, a third discrete output signal is produced, which is indicative of the rate of flow of fluid within the bore hole independent of the direction of that flow. Because of the low friction operation of the meter, the threshold velocity of detectable fluid flow is extremely low.
- Assignee:
- EDB-83-013370
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4345480
- OSTI ID:
- 6681592
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 7 May 1980; Other Information: PAT-APPL-147634
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Method and apparatus for wind speed and direction measurement
Adjustable rotary vane pump
Related Subjects
42 ENGINEERING
BOREHOLES
MWD SYSTEMS
FLUID FLOW
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
DIGITAL SYSTEMS
FLOW RATE
LIGHT EMITTING DIODES
OIL WELLS
PHOTODETECTORS
ROTATION
ROTORS
SHAFTS
SIGNALS
VANES
CAVITIES
MACHINE PARTS
MOTION
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES
SEMICONDUCTOR DIODES
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production
420206 - Engineering- Mining & Drilling Equipment & Facilities- (1980-1989)