THERMAL PULSE FLOW METER

摘要

An apparatus and method are disclosed for using a thermally active device as a flow meter. The flow meter may have an extremely low mass, rapid response time, and use minimal energy. The flow meter may be located near a flow-side surface of a conduit wall, flush with the surface of a wall, or within a boundary layer of a flow in a conduit. In these locations, the device may present virtually no obstruction to the flow. In certain embodiments, the device may use a resistance temperature device (RTD) heated by a known current, and then tested for resistance at a comparatively much lower (nominally zero) value. A flow rate may be calculated as a function of temperature measurements taken at different steady-state conditions. Flow rates may be so measured at any desired frequency, including very infrequently, such as seconds, minutes, or days apart.