Pressure balanced drag turbine mass flow meter

Patent · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:864231

Dacus, Michael W ^[1]; Cole, Jack H ^[2]

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1. Gilbert, AR
2. Fayetteville, AR

The density of the fluid flowing through a tubular member may be measured by a device comprising a rotor assembly suspended within the tubular member, a fluid bearing medium for the rotor assembly shaft, independent fluid flow lines to each bearing chamber, and a scheme for detection of any difference between the upstream and downstream bearing fluid pressures. The rotor assembly reacts to fluid flow both by rotation and axial displacement; therefore concurrent measurements may be made of the velocity of blade rotation and also bearing pressure changes, where the pressure changes may be equated to the fluid momentum flux imparted to the rotor blades. From these parameters the flow velocity and density of the fluid may be deduced.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4333355
• OSTI ID: 864231
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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