In-line pressure-based flow meter

摘要

The Application discloses an in-line, high capacity apparatus and method for measuring a flowable component, such as seed, grain or other material. The apparatus and method generally function by measuring the pressure applied to a rounded cap by the flowing material. In certain embodiments, the apparatus and method comprise a housing containing a sensing unit, with the housing further comprising a rounded cap in mechanical communication with a load cell. In certain exemplary embodiments, the apparatus and method also comprise a processor, wherein the sensing unit is in communication with the processor so as to measure the flow rate of material passed through the housing by measuring the pressure of the material on the rounded cap. In certain embodiments, the apparatus and method allow the user to regulate the flow rate.

主权项

1. An apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a flowable material, comprising:
a. a housing, further comprising:
i. an inlet for receiving material; andii. an outlet for exiting material; b. a sensing unit disposed within the housing and further comprising:
i. a rounded cap;ii. a load cell;iii. a top plate; andiv. a bottom plate; and c. a processor; d. a vertical gap defined between the inlet and rounded cap and comprising an overall distance; and e. an adjustment mechanism;
wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the overall distance of the vertical gap defined between the rounded cap and the inlet to adjust the flow rate and allow for creation of layers of material over the rounded cap such that only a portion of the flowable material directly contacts the rounded cap without restricting material flow;wherein the top plate and bottom plate are operationally integrated with the load cell and configured to allow for the measurement of the pressure applied to the rounded cap by way of displacement of the rounded cap relative to the bottom plate; andfurther wherein the sensing unit is in electronic communication with the processor so as to measure the flow of material passed through the housing by measuring pressure of the material on the rounded cap by way of displacement of the rounded cap.