WO2013028200A1

WO2013028200A1 - Transmitter mount for a fluid flowmeter

Info

Publication number: WO2013028200A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/049166
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregory Treat Lanham; Matthew T. Crisfield; Howard Irving SOHM, Jr.
Original assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-08-25
Filing date: 2011-08-25
Publication date: 2013-02-28
Also published as: AR087625A1

Abstract

A transmitter mount (501) for coupling a sensor assembly (10) to a transmitter (20) of a fluid meter (500) is provided. The transmitter mount (501) includes a first end (502) comprising a first cross-sectional area (A₁). The transmitter mount (501) also includes a first transition section (504). The first transition section (504) extends from the first end (502) towards a second end (503) and decreases from the first cross-sectional area (A₁) to a second cross-sectional area (A₂).

Description

TRANSMITTER MOUNT FOR A FLUID FLOWMETER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments described below relate to, fluid meters, and more particularly, to an improved mount used to couple a transmitter to a sensor assembly of a fluid meter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fluid meters come in a variety of forms to provide various fluid measurements. Vibrating meters, such as for example, vibrating densitometers and Coriolis flow meters are a couple of particular types of fluid meters that are generally known in the art and used to measure mass flow and other information for materials within a conduit. Many types of fluid meters, including the above-mentioned types of fluid meters, comprise a sensor assembly and a transmitter, also referred to in the art as a meter electronics. The material within the sensor assembly may be flowing or stationary. Each type of sensor may have unique characteristics, which a meter must account for in order to achieve optimum performance.

Exemplary Coriolis flow meters are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,109,524, U.S. Patent 4,491,025, and Re. 31,450 all to J.E. Smith et al. These flow meters have one or more conduits of straight or curved configuration. Each conduit configuration in a Coriolis mass flow meter has a set of natural vibration modes, which may be of simple bending, torsional, or coupled type. Each conduit can be driven to oscillate at a preferred mode.

FIG. 1 shows a typical fluid meter 5 comprising a sensor assembly 10 that is in electrical communication with a transmitter 20. While the sensor assembly 10 is described below as comprising a portion of a Coriolis flow meter, it should be appreciated that the sensor assembly 10 could just as easily be utilized as another type of fluid meter. The sensor assembly 10 receives a flowing fluid; however, sensor assemblies of other types of fluid meters are not necessarily limited to a structure where a fluid under test is flowing. Therefore, the sensor assembly 10 may comprise a portion of a vibrating densitometer, an ultra-sonic flow meter, a magnetic volumetric flow meter, a fluid pressure sensor, etc. The fluid within the sensor assembly 10 may comprise a gas, a liquid, a gas with suspended particulates, a liquid with suspended particulates, or a combination thereof. The transmitter 20 can be in electrical communication with the sensor assembly 10 to measure one or more characteristics of a material contained within the sensor assembly 10, such as, for example, density, mass flow rate, volume flow rate, totalized mass flow, temperature, and other information.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor assembly 10 can include a pair of manifolds 102,

102', and conduits 103 A and 103B. Manifolds 102, 102' are affixed to opposing ends of the conduits 103 A and 103B. The conduits 103 A and 103B extend outwardly from the manifolds in an essentially parallel fashion. The conduits 103 A and 103B are shown exposed and not covered by a case (See FIGS. 2-6) in order to illustrate the conduits. When the sensor assembly 10 is inserted into a pipeline system (not shown) which carries the flowing material, the material enters sensor assembly 10 through the inlet manifold 102 where the total amount of material is directed to enter conduits 103 A, 103B, flows through the conduits 103 A, 103B and back into the outlet manifold 102' where it exits the sensor assembly 10.

The sensor assembly 10 can include a driver 104. The driver 104 is shown affixed to conduits 103 A, 103B in a position where the driver 104 can vibrate the conduits 103 A, 103B in a drive mode, for example. The driver 104 may comprise one of many well-known arrangements such as a coil mounted to the conduit 103 A and an opposing magnet mounted to the conduit 103B. A drive signal in the form of an alternating current can be provided by the transmitter 20, such as for example via a wire lead 110, and passed through the coil to cause both conduits 103A, 103B to oscillate about bending axes X-X and X'-X'.

The sensor assembly 10 further includes a pair of pick-off sensors 105, 105' that are affixed to the conduits 103 A, 103B. According to an embodiment, the pick-off sensors 105, 105' may be electromagnetic detectors, for example, pick-off magnets and pick-off coils that produce sensor signals that represent the velocity and position of the conduits 103A, 103B. For example, the pick-off sensors 105, 105' may supply pick-off signals to the transmitter 20 via leads 111, 111'.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the motion of the conduits 103 A, 103B is proportional to certain characteristics of the flowing material, for example, the mass flow rate and the density of the material flowing through the conduits 103A, 103B. According to an embodiment, the transmitter 20 receives the pick-off signals from the pick-off sensors 105, 105'. A path 26 can provide an input and an output means that allows one or more transmitters 20 to interface with an operator. The transmitter 20 may interface with an operator using wire leads or some type of wireless communication interface, for example. The transmitter 20 can measure one or more characteristics of the fluid under test such as, for example, a phase difference, a frequency, a time delay (phase difference divided by frequency), a density, a mass flow rate, a volumetric flow rate, a totalized mass flow, a temperature, a meter verification, and other information as is generally known in the art.

For example, as material flows into the sensor assembly 10 from a connected pipeline on the inlet side of the sensor assembly 10, it is directed through the conduits 103 A, 103B, and exits the sensor assembly 10 through the outlet side of the sensor. The natural vibration modes of the vibrating material filled system are defined in part by the combined mass of the conduits and the material within the conduits.

When there is no flow through the sensor assembly, a driving force applied to the conduits 103 A, 103B by the driver 104 causes all points along the conduits 103 A, 103B to oscillate with identical phase or a small "zero offset," which is a time delay measured at zero flow. As material begins to flow through the sensor assembly, Coriolis forces cause each point along the conduit(s) to have a different phase. For example, the phase at the inlet end of the sensor lags the phase at the centralized driver position, while the phase at the outlet leads the phase at the centralized driver position. Pick-off sensors 105, 105' on the conduits 103 A, 103B produce sinusoidal signals representative of the motion of the conduits 103A, 103B. Signals output from the pick-off sensors 105, 105' are processed by the transmitter 20 to determine the phase difference between the pick- off sensors 105, 105'. The phase difference between the two or more pick-off sensors 105, 105' is proportional to the mass flow rate of the material flowing through the conduits 103 A, 103B.

The mass flow rate of the material can be determined by multiplying the phase difference by a Flow Calibration Factor (FCF). Prior to installation of the sensor assembly 10 of the fluid meter into a pipeline, the FCF is determined by a calibration process. In the calibration process, a fluid is passed through the flow conduits 103 A, 103B at a known flow rate and the relationship between the phase difference and the flow rate is calculated (i.e., the FCF). The fluid meter 5 subsequently determines a flow rate by multiplying the FCF by the phase difference of the pick-off sensors 105, 105'. In addition, other calibration factors can be taken into account in determining the flow rate.

Fluid meters, including flow meters, such as discussed above, can operate under a wide variety of environmental conditions. For example, fluid meters are capable of measuring fluid characteristics of fluids from cryogenic applications to super-heated applications. While the sensor assembly 10 may be capable of tolerating the extreme temperatures of the fluid, the transmitter 20 often contains sensitive electronics that cannot tolerate the extreme temperature conditions. Therefore, the transmitter 20 is often located away from the sensor assembly. Although the sensor assembly 10 is typically insulated, it is generally impractical to have the transmitter wrapped under insulation within the sensor assembly's case 200 (See FIG. 2). As a result numerous prior art approaches have been used to prevent the transmitter 20 from being damaged by the extreme temperatures of the fluid.

FIG. 2 shows a prior art approach to separating the transmitter 20 from the sensor assembly 10. In FIG. 2, the conduits 103 A, 103B are covered by a case 200 as is generally known in the art. However, it should be appreciated that although not shown, substantially all of the remaining components are the same as discussed in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the fluid meter 5 includes a flexible conduit 201 attached to the case 200. The flexible conduit 201 may include the plurality of wires 100 that extend through the flexible conduit 201. The wires 100 extending from a first end of the flexible conduit 201 into the case 200 attach to the various electrical components of the sensor assembly 10, i.e., the driver 104 and pick-off sensors 105, 105'. The second end of the flexible conduit 201 includes an electrical coupling 202. The electrical coupling 202 is adapted to engage the transmitter 20. The flexible conduit 201 therefore allows the transmitter 20 to be spaced from the sensor assembly 10 by a predetermined distance. The distance is determined by the length of the flexible conduit 201. Often the flexible conduit 201 is approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters). Therefore, the transmitter 20 can be located away from the sensor assembly 10 so the heat from the fluid reaching the transmitter 20 is minimized. Although the flexible conduit 201 provides a good solution for minimizing heat transfer, the conduits 201 used in the prior art are typically relatively weak and susceptible to breaking, thereby rendering the fluid meter 5 useless. Also shown in FIG. 2 is a mount 203, which can aid in mounting the transmitter 20 to a separate mounting surface (not shown). Although this is beneficial in some situations, in other situations, a user may not have a suitable mounting location for the transmitter. Consequently, in some situations, it is better to mount the transmitter 20 to the sensor assembly 10 using a rigid transmitter mount.

FIG. 3 shows another prior art approach to separating the transmitter 20 from the sensor assembly 10. As shown, the transmitter 20 is coupled to a rigid transmitter mount 300, which is further coupled to the sensor assembly's case 200. The rigid transmitter mount 300 is provided to mount the transmitter 20 to the sensor assembly 10 while reducing the heat from the sensor assembly 10 that reaches the transmitter 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the transmitter 20 can include a display screen 301. The display screen 301 may display various fluid measurements and/or user menus as is generally known in the art.

The prior art transmitter mount 300 is typically around 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) long and approximately 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. The transmitter mount 300 is shown attached to the sensor assembly's case 200. The transmitter mount 300 is shown coupled to the case 200 at a first end 300a. The transmitter mount 300 extends away from the case and is coupled to the transmitter 20 at a second end 300b. The rigid transmitter mount 300 can therefore provide a mounting location for the transmitter 20. Therefore, unlike the prior art approach shown in FIG. 2, the prior art approach shown in FIG. 3 does not require an additional component to mount the transmitter 20.

The prior art transmitter mount 300 shown in FIG. 3 has an acceptable amount of heat insulation from the sensor assembly 10 to the transmitter 20. For example, during an initial test where the case 200 was at approximately 800°F (427°C), the end 300b of the transmitter mount 300, prior to reaching the wiring housing 302 of the transmitter 20, only reached approximately 248°F (120°C). In most situations, this temperature is acceptable. However, while the prior art transmitter mount 300 provided adequate heat insulation to the transmitter 20, the relatively small diameter of the transmitter mount 300 resulted in premature mechanical failure caused by the weight of the transmitter 20 and the vibrations of the sensor assembly 10 during measurements. As can be appreciated, stress at the transmitter mount/case interface becomes more localized and thus, higher as the surface area of the joint decreases. Consequently, as the diameter of the transmitter mount 300 decreases, stresses are more localized. For example, during a stress test conducted on the prior art transmitter mount 300, which was attached to an E- series Coriolis flow meter, made and sold by Micro Motion of Boulder, Colorado, the predicted Finite Element stress levels on the weld joint between the case 200 and the first end 300a of the transmitter mount 300 reached unacceptable levels during sensor assembly vibrations, i.e., the transmitter mount 300 is vibrating at its resonant frequency. In one particular test, the levels reached approximately 32,000 psi (220,632 kPa). However, other test configurations would certainly produce different results. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the precise stress experienced depends upon the particular sensor assembly used and the particular drive frequency.

In an attempt to overcome the unacceptable stress to the weld joint, another prior art approach has been to simply increase the diameter of the transmitter mount. Such an approach is shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 shows another prior art approach to separating the transmitter 20 from the sensor assembly 10 of the fluid meter 5. In FIG. 4, the transmitter 20 is coupled to the case 200 using another prior art transmitter mount 400. The prior art transmitter mount 400 is similar to the prior art transmitter mount 300 shown in FIG. 3, except the transmitter mount 400 has increased to a diameter of approximately 4 inches (10 cm) rather than the 2 inch (5 cm) diameter of the prior art transmitter mount 300. Consequently, the transmitter mount 400 substantially reduces the stress applied to the transmitter mount/case joint due to the increased surface area of the weld joint down to acceptable levels during a similar vibrational test as performed with the prior art transmitter mount 300. In one example test the levels dropped down to approximately 2,400 psi (16,547 kPa). However, the substantial increase in cross-sectional area results in significantly more heat transferred to the end of the transmitter mount 400 and likewise, the transmitter 20. The increased heat transfer to the end of the transmitter mount 400 can be appreciated based on Fourier's law, which provides: dq . dT

— K

dA dx (1) Where:

q = rate of heat flow in direction normal to surface;

A = surface area;

T = temperature;

x = distance measured normal to surface; and

k = thermal conductivity.

Therefore, Fourier's law provides that as the surface area increases, the temperature differential will decrease. Using Fourier's law in the present context, for a given length, as the diameter of the transmitter mount increases, a greater amount of heat is transferred from the sensor assembly 10 through the transmitter mount to the transmitter 20.

As a result, when the case was approximately 800°F (427°C), the end of the transmitter mount 400 reached approximately 500°F (260°C) in experimental tests. The wiring housing 302 and transmitter 20 are typically not capable of handling this extreme heat. As can be appreciated, these values are merely examples of one particular test conducted.

The prior art therefore, must make a compromise between sufficient stress relief and sufficient temperature insulation between the sensor assembly and the transmitter. Therefore, there exists a need in the art for an improved transmitter mount that provides adequate heat insulation and can withstand the vibrations of vibrating sensor assemblies. The embodiments described below provide these and other benefits and an advance in the art is achieved. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A transmitter mount for coupling a sensor assembly to a transmitter of a fluid meter is provided according to an embodiment. The transmitter mount comprises a first end comprising a first cross-sectional area. The transmitter mount further comprises a first transition section extending from the first end towards a second end. The first transition section decreases from the first cross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area. A fluid meter is provided according to an embodiment. The fluid meter comprises a sensor assembly configured to receive a fluid. The fluid meter further comprises a transmitter configured to generate one or more fluid characteristics. According to an embodiment, the fluid meter further comprises a transmitter mount coupling the sensor assembly to the transmitter. The transmitter mount comprises a first end with a first cross-sectional area and a first transition section extending from the first end towards a second end and decreasing from the first cross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area.

A method for mounting a transmitter to a sensor assembly of a fluid meter is provided according to an embodiment. The method comprises coupling a first end of a transmitter mount to the sensor assembly, wherein the first end comprises a first cross- sectional area. According to an embodiment, the method further comprises coupling a second end of the transmitter mount to the transmitter. According to an embodiment, the transmitter mount comprises a first transition section between the first end and the second end that decreases in cross-sectional area from the first cross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area.

ASPECTS

According to an aspect, a transmitter mount for coupling a sensor assembly to a transmitter of a fluid meter comprises:

a first end comprising a first cross-sectional area; and

a first transition section extending from the first end towards a second end and decreasing from the first cross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area.

Preferably, the transmitter mount further comprises a second transition section increasing from the second cross-sectional area to a third cross-sectional area ending at the second end.

Preferably, the second transition section abuts the first transition section.

Preferably, the first end is adapted to be coupled to the sensor assembly and the second end is adapted to be coupled to the transmitter.

Preferably, the first transition section is substantially conically shaped. Preferably, the transmitter mount further comprises a wire passage extending from the first end to a second end.

According to another aspect, a fluid meter comprises:

a sensor assembly configured to receive a fluid;

a transmitter configured to generate one or more fluid characteristics; and a transmitter mount coupling the sensor assembly to the transmitter and comprising a first end with a first cross-sectional area and a first transition section extending from the first end towards a second end and decreasing from the first cross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area.

Preferably, the fluid meter further comprises a second transition section extending away from the first transition section and increasing from the second cross- sectional area to a third cross-sectional area ending at the second end.

Preferably, the second transition section abuts the first transition section.

Preferably, the first end is coupled to the sensor assembly and the second end is coupled to the transmitter.

Preferably, the first transition section is substantially conically shaped.

Preferably, the fluid meter further comprises a wire passage extending through the transmitter mount from the sensor assembly to the transmitter.

Preferably, the transmitter mount is coupled to the transmitter at an end of the transition section having the second cross-sectional area.

According to another aspect, a method for mounting a transmitter to a sensor assembly of a fluid meter comprises:

coupling a first end of a transmitter mount to the sensor assembly, wherein the first end comprises a first cross-sectional area; and

coupling a second end of the transmitter mount to the transmitter, wherein the transmitter mount comprises a first transition section between the first end and the second end that decreases in cross-sectional area from the first cross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area.

Preferably, the method further comprises a step of extending one or more wire leads between the sensor assembly and the transmitter through a wire passage formed through the transmitter mount. Preferably, the transmitter mount further comprises a second transition section extending from the first transition section and ending at the second end that increases from the second cross-sectional area to a third cross-sectional area.

Preferably, the first transition section is substantially conically shaped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a fluid meter.

FIG. 2 shows the fluid meter with a prior art transmitter coupling.

FIG. 3 shows the fluid meter with a prior art transmitter mount.

FIG. 4 shows the fluid meter with another prior art transmitter mount.

FIG. 5 shows the fluid meter according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the transmitter mount according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 5 - 6 and the following description depict specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of embodiments of a support member. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from these examples that fall within the scope of the present description. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the fluid meter. As a result, the embodiments described below are not limited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 5 shows a fluid meter 500 according to an embodiment. The fluid meter

500 comprises a sensor assembly 10 and the transmitter 20. According to an embodiment, the sensor assembly 10 and transmitter 20 can comprise components similar to the components shown in FIG. 1. Thus, similar components share similar reference numbers. As discussed above, the sensor assembly 10 can receive a fluid while the transmitter 20 can generate one or more fluid measurements and transmit the fluid measurements to a user or an external component (not shown) as is generally known in the art. The fluid within the sensor assembly 10 may be flowing or stationary. According to an embodiment, the transmitter 20 can be coupled to the sensor assembly 10 using a transmitter mount 501. According to the embodiment shown, the transmitter mount 501 is coupled to the case 200 of the sensor assembly 10 at a first end 502 and is coupled to the transmitter 20 at a second end 503. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the transmitter mount 501 can be coupled to other components of the sensor assembly 10. The transmitter mount 501 may be coupled to the sensor assembly 10 and the transmitter 20 according to well-known techniques, such as welding, brazing, bonding, adhesives, etc. Although welding the components is the most widely used technique, the present embodiment should in no way be limited to welding.

According to an embodiment, the transmitter mount 501 can provide a rigid mount for the transmitter 20. In other words, the transmitter mount 501 can secure the transmitter 20 in place with respect to the sensor assembly 10. However, in other embodiments, the transmitter mount 501 may be at least partially flexible. According to an embodiment, the transmitter mount 501 can additionally provide an enclosed pathway for the wires 100 extending between the sensor assembly 10 and the transmitter 20 as is generally known in the art. As discussed above, the wires 100 may comprise electrical communication paths to/from the driver 104 and pick-off sensors 105, 105' illustrated in FIG. 1 as well as an optional temperature sensor (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 6, which shows an enlarged view of the transmitter mount 501, it can be seen that the first end 502 of the transmitter mount 501 comprises a first outer diameter According to an embodiment, the first outer diameter is approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm). The first outer diameter Dj at the first end 502 of the transmitter mount 501 creates a first cross-sectional area A_t. While diameters are used to describe a relative size of the transmitter mount 501 due to the cylindrical shape of the transmitter mount 501 shown, it should be appreciated that the first end 502 comprises a first cross- sectional area A_t that may be formed by shapes other than cylindrical.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the transmitter mount 501 is generally hollow with an inner diameter di creating a wire passage 510 (shown in dashed lines) that allows the wires to extend between the sensor assembly 10 and the transmitter 20. Therefore, the cross-sectional area A_t referred to in the present application can refer to the cross-sectional area determined based solely on the first outer diameter D_l5 Di²

wherein A_x = π—, or may refer to the cross-sectional area created when the inner

D ^ d ^

diameter di is accounted for, wherein A_x = π—— π— .

According to an embodiment, the transmitter mount 501 includes a first transition section 504 that extends away from the sensor assembly 10 towards the second end 503. The first transition section 504 is shown comprising a conical shape, decreasing in cross-sectional size with increasing distance away from the first end 502. The conical shape of the first transition section 504 can decrease the stress as there is no abrupt change in the cross-sectional size. The first transition section 504 reduces in size from the first outer diameter D_l to at least a second outer diameter D₂, which is less than According to an embodiment, the second outer diameter D₂ is approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). The first transition section 504 may extend all the way to the second end 503 or may stop short of the second end 503. The reduction in the outer diameter from Di to D₂ results in the cross-sectional area reducing from Ai to A₂, wherein A₂ is less than A^ As with the first cross-sectional area A_l5 the area A₂ may be dependent upon the thickness of the transmitter mount 501.

According to the embodiment shown, the transmitter mount 501 is thicker at the first diameter Di than at the second diameter D₂ resulting in a substantially constant inner diameter di as shown. According to another embodiment, the thickness of the transmitter mount 501 remains substantially constant throughout its length wherein the inner diameter changes substantially consistently with the change in the outer diameter, i.e., the cross-section of the wire passage 510 increases as the outer diameter increases.

In some embodiments, the transmitter mount 501 includes a second transition section 505. According to the embodiment shown, the second transition section 505 can comprise a conical shape that increases in cross-sectional size as the distance from the first end 502 increases. As with the first transition section 504, the conical shape of the second transition section 505 can decrease the stress by eliminating a sudden change in the cross-sectional area. According to an embodiment, the second transition section 505 can extend between the first transition section 504 and the second end 302. The second transition section 505 may abut the first transition section 504 or there may be a space between the first and second transition sections 504, 505. According to an embodiment, the space (not shown) between the first and second transition sections 504, 505 may comprise the second cross-sectional area A₂. The separation of the first and second transition sections 504, 505 may increase the heat insulating characteristics of the transmitter mount 501, for example.

According to an embodiment, the second transition section 505 can increase in cross-sectional size from the second outer diameter D₂ to a third outer diameter D₃. More specifically, the transition section 505 can increase to the third diameter D₃ in order to substantially match the cross-sectional area of the wiring housing 302. The third diameter D₃ is shown as being greater than the second diameter D₂. According to an embodiment, the third diameter D₃ is approximately 4 inches (10 cm). As can be appreciated, the third outer diameter D₃ results in a third cross-sectional area, A₃.

The wiring housing 302 can store excess wiring, for example. According to an embodiment, the wiring housing 302 may comprise a portion of the transmitter mount 501. According to another embodiment, the wiring housing 302 may comprise a portion of the transmitter 20. According to yet another embodiment, the wiring housing 302 may comprise a separate component that is inserted between the transmitter mount 501 and the transmitter 20.

In other embodiments, the second transition section 505 may be omitted and the transmitter mount 501 may decrease to the second outer diameter D₂ without increasing to the third outer diameter D₃, i.e., the second end 503 will comprise the second outer diameter D₂. However, increasing to the third diameter D₃ can help reduce the stress applied between the transmitter mount/wiring housing interface.

It should be appreciated that the above-mentioned dimensions are merely examples and should in no way limit the scope of the present embodiment. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize alternative dimensions that are suitable based on the intended application and operating conditions.

As can be appreciated, with the transmitter mount 501 being coupled to the sensor assembly 10 at a first end 502 comprising a first cross-sectional area A_l5 the transmitter mount 501 of the present embodiment reduces localized stress experienced at the transmitter mount/sensor assembly interface. For example, during a stress test similar to the stress tests described above with the prior art transmitter mounts, the localized stress is well within a safe operating range. For example, in one test, the localized stress was approximately 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa). Although this is slightly higher than the stress experienced by the prior art transmitter mount 400, in most situations, this amount of stress is acceptable. In the event that a user or manufacturer wishes to lower the stress, the first outer diameter D_! can simply be increased. Therefore, the particular stress values provided are merely for illustrative purposes.

According to an embodiment, the transmitter mount 501 is also capable of adequately reducing the heat transferred to the transmitter 20 from the sensor assembly 10. The decreased heat transfer is attributable to the reduction in outer diameter of the transmitter mount 501 as the transmitter mount 501 extends away from the sensor assembly 10. For example, in an example heat test where the case 200 was approximately 800°F (427°C), the temperature of the transmitter mount 501 at the second end 503 only reached approximately 289°F (143°C). The transmitter mount 501 tested was formed from stainless steel; however, other materials may be used that would alter the temperature performance. Therefore, the particular values obtained should in no way limit the scope of the present embodiment. The transmitter mount 501 of the presently described embodiments therefore does not have to make a tradeoff between stress performance and temperature performance. Rather, the unique shape of the transmitter mount 501 allows the transmitter mount 501 to reduce the stress experienced at the sensor assembly/transmitter mount interface as well as reduce the temperature conducted from the sensor assembly 10 to the transmitter 20.

The detailed descriptions of the above embodiments are not exhaustive descriptions of all embodiments contemplated by the inventors to be within the scope of the present description. Indeed, persons skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above-described embodiments may variously be combined or eliminated to create further embodiments, and such further embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of the present description. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the above-described embodiments may be combined in whole or in part to create additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of the present description.

Thus, although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the transmitter mount are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present description, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings provided herein can be applied to other fluid meters, and not just to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying figures. Accordingly, the scope of the embodiments should be determined from the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A transmitter mount (501) for coupling a sensor assembly (10) to a transmitter (20) of a fluid meter (500), comprising:

a first end (502) comprising a first cross-sectional area (A^; and

a first transition section (504) extending from the first end (502) towards a second end (503) and decreasing from the first cross-sectional area (A ) to a second cross-sectional area (A₂).

2. The transmitter mount (501) of claim 1 , further comprising a second transition section (505) increasing from the second cross-sectional area (A₂) to a third cross- sectional area (A₃) ending at the second end (503).

3. The transmitter mount (501) of claim 2, wherein the second transition section (505) abuts the first transition section (504).

4. The transmitter mount (501) of claim 1 , wherein the first end (502) is adapted to be coupled to the sensor assembly (10) and the second end (503) is adapted to be coupled to the transmitter (20).

5. The transmitter mount (501) of claim 1 , wherein the first transition section (504) is substantially conically shaped.

6. The transmitter mount (501) of claim 1 , further comprising a wire passage (510) extending from the first end (502) to a second end (503).

7. A fluid meter (500), comprising:

a sensor assembly (10) configured to receive a fluid;

a transmitter (20) configured to generate one or more fluid characteristics; and a transmitter mount (501) coupling the sensor assembly (10) to the transmitter (20) and comprising a first end (502) with a first cross-sectional area (A ) and a first transition section (504) extending from the first end (502) towards a second end (503) and decreasing from the first cross-sectional area (A ) to a second cross-sectional area (A₂).

8. The fluid meter (500) of claim 7, further comprising a second transition section (505) extending away from the first transition section (504) and increasing from the second cross- sectional area (A₂) to a third cross-sectional area (A₃) ending at the second end (503).

9. The fluid meter (500) of claim 8, wherein the second transition section (505) abuts the first transition section (504).

10. The fluid meter (500) of claim 7, wherein the first end (502) is coupled to the sensor assembly (10) and the second end (503) is coupled to the transmitter (20).

1 1. The fluid meter (500) of claim 7, wherein the first transition section (504) is substantially conically shaped.

12. The fluid meter (500) of claim 7, further comprising a wire passage (510) extending through the transmitter mount (501 ) from the sensor assembly (10) to the transmitter (20).

13. The fluid meter (500) of claim 7, wherein the transmitter mount (501) is coupled to the transmitter (20) at an end of the transition section (504) having the second cross- sectional area (A₂).

14. A method for mounting a transmitter (20) to a sensor assembly (10) of meter (500), comprising: coupling a first end (502) of a transmitter mount (501) to the sensor assembly (10), wherein the first end (502) comprises a first cross-sectional area (AO; and

coupling a second end (503) of the transmitter mount (501) to the transmitter (20), wherein the transmitter mount (501) comprises a first transition section (504) between the first end (502) and the second end (503) that decreases in cross-sectional area from the first cross-sectional area (AO to a second cross-sectional area (A₂).

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising a step of extending one or more wire leads between the sensor assembly (10) and the transmitter (20) through a wire passage (510) formed through the transmitter mount (501).

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the transmitter mount (501) further comprises a second transition section (505) extending from the first transition section (504) and ending at the second end (503) that increases from the second cross-sectional area (A₂) to a third cross-sectional area (A₃).

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first transition section (504) is substantially conically shaped.