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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Feasibility and analysis of fluidic-type devices in gas-flow measurements. Final report, March 1986-March 1987

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7180694

An investigation into the feasibility of using fluidic oscillators as residential gas meters was conducted. The initial studies have shown that the fluidic-type meter will operate with both laminar and turbulent internal flows. This means it is feasible to design a meter that can operate over the required range of 0.25 cfh to 200 cfh. Changes in the shape of the internal passages have a major effect on the performance characteristics of the meter. By properly designing these passage ways it would be possible to adjust the meter to have a linear calibration over its entire range of operation. Flow visualization and pressure measurements were made on a fluidic-type flow meter (originally designed by Wright in Australia). The objective of the studies was to understand the basic fluid-dynamic processes at play, especially at the low flow rates where the meter stops operating. By making systematic changes to the internal passages in the meter, it has been possible to determine the sensitivity of the calibration to the various components of the meter.

Research Organization:
Illinois Inst. of Tech., Chicago (USA). Fluid Dynamics Center
OSTI ID:
7180694
Report Number(s):
PB-88-205836/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English