Non-invasive Thermal Dispersion Flow Meter with Chronometric Monitor for Fluid Leak Detection

摘要

A non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor for fluid leak detection includes a heater, an ambient temperature sensor and a flow rate sensor which are configured to sense the temperature of a fluid in a conduit, and then monitor the flow of that fluid through the conduit. The fluid flow sensor is incorporated into a Wheatstone bridge circuit which is used to provide increased sensitivity to the outputs of the sensors. Based upon the ambient temperature sensor readings, the flow rate sensor and heater may be adjusted to optimize the operation of the system to detect leaks. An alternative embodiment utilizes a single sensor and separate heater which work together to determine heat propagation times which in turn is used to calculate flow rate.

主权项

1. A non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor, comprising:
a temperature sensor; a heating element located a distance downstream from said temperature sensor, wherein heat energy created by said heating element propagates upstream towards said temperature sensor; and a controller connected to said temperature sensor and said heating element; and wherein said temperature sensor senses said heat energy created by said heating element and said controller calculates a propagation time of said heat energy from said heating element to said temperature sensor, said propagation time is a direct function of a fluid flow rate.