Fluid flow meter with reduced orientation sensitivity

摘要

A flow meter is adapted to measure the flow rate of a fluid flowing in the interior of a sensing conduit. The flow meter includes one sensor element disposed along the flow path of the fluid externally of the sensing conduit closer to one fluid flow port of the conduit, another sensor element disposed along the flow path of the fluid externally of the sensing conduit closer to the other fluid flow port of the conduit, an elongated structure disposed along the flow path of the fluid internally of the sensing conduit and away from the two sensor elements for reducing the fluid flow space in the sensing conduit, apparatus for heating the sensor elements, and apparatus for detecting a temperature differential between the sensor elements. The elongated structure has an end that engages the sensing conduit at a fluid flow port. The elongated structure may be a wire that is pre-bent or straight prior to its insertion into the sensing conduit, or may be a tube.