JPS60173418A - Small-sized flow rate checking instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to the volume measurement of fluids, and in particular to the measurement of the volume of a fluid by periodically measuring a continuous flow meter in a piping system without interrupting the liquid flow inside the piping system. 4) Concerning the miniature flowmeter used for calibration. The compact flow meter of the present invention falls within the range of flow rate meters of the type that measure the movement of a piston moving in a cylinder σ). The invention particularly focuses on accuracy, reliability,
This invention relates to a compact flow rate tester that has the unique characteristics of low maintenance, lightweight construction, low space requirements, and operational flexibility.

[Conventional technology and problems]

One type of device commonly used to verify the accuracy of continuous flow meters is known as a calibration loop. The device typically includes a long tube within which a free-moving plug or sphere is propelled by a fluid flowing through the tube. The flow rate flowing through the fluid flow loop can be calibrated by measuring the time it takes to travel to (a). This type σ) loading i
U.S. Patent No. 2,948,142, U.S. Patent No. 2,94
No. 8,143, U.S. Patent Nos. 3,423,988 and 3.668.923.

and U.S. Pat. No. 1.3.53o, 7o5. Calibration loops generally require considerable length to maintain usable accuracy. Also, the high cost of this type of equipment precludes their use except in the most urgent cases.

There is a lot of literature on how to use positive piston type flowmeters. Examples of flowmeters of this type include U.S. Pat. No. 1,586,834, U.S. Pat.
No. 92,346 and U.S. Pat. No. 4, (196,74
There is No. 7.

An example of a positive piston flow meter that can be used for calibration is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,021,703, which allows free movement in both directions inside a calibration barrel. It is equipped with a piston. The movement of this piston is
(detected by two mechanical detection switches located near each end of the calibration barrel). A considerable length of tube is required to obtain a reasonable degree of accuracy. For example, if the accuracy of the detection switch is 0.605 inches, the desired accuracy is 10.0 inches.
To produce 2% accuracy requires a length of tube of 42 feet or more. Additionally, because the detection switch projects into the calibration barrel and the ejection boat is connected to the calibration barrel, the seals on the piston wear each time they pass through the switch and the ejection boat. Since the valves must be opened and closed at the same time, additional measurement inaccuracies are introduced and significant disruption of fluid flow occurs.

A device similar to U.S. Pat. No. 3.021.703 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3.58+1,045. The difference between this device and U.S. Pat. No. 3.021.703 is that it uses an external proximity switch instead of a mechanical detection switch;
This proximity switch detects the passage of the steel strip on the piston1-
Ru. Also disclosed is a method of using a Type 40 spool valve to reduce the complexity of the valve structure.

However, this valve seal is subject to wear and leakage and is not suitable for monitoring seal integrity.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,273,375 discloses another type of flow calibrator comprising an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member with a free-moving piston disposed within the inner tubular member. This construction allows for a more articulated valve system and eliminates the need for pressure modification. However, this installation uses an external proximity switch similar to that described above, and also uses a piston h? - The life of the piston seal is greatly improved because it has to move along the ejection boat (I don't think so. Also, the movement of the piston at each end of the calibration barrel stops - I - In order to do so, special θ〕stops must be made at the edge).
Furthermore, due to its ↑ and rough structure, assembly and maintenance are difficult.
f(4σIL).

U.S. Patent Nos. 3,492,856 and 94.4]
52, No. 922 discloses that an external discharge port on the calibration barrel is not necessary (・This type of device uses a flow-through piston, and this piston θ)
A poppet valve (S) is provided in the test chamber, and the poppet valve is closed during the verification cycle. This valve requires a means such as a gas to close the valve at the beginning of the verification cycle (4). U.S. Patent No. 3,492°85
No. 6 uses an external proximity switch placed on the calibration barrel to pull the piston back by cable and drum at the end of the calibration cycle.

The piston retracting means disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,152,922 includes a rod connected to a measuring piston, and the other end of the rod is provided with a retracting piston, and the retracting piston is connected to a hydraulic cylinder. located inside. The movement of the measuring piston is detected by a proximity switch which detects the movement of the retraction piston in the hydraulic cylinder. In this calibrator, entrained solids such as gravel or sand present in the fluid being measured can become trapped between the calibration barrel and the piston seal and damage the sole of the measuring piston. If the calibrator is used in a horizontal position, the situation becomes more serious as solid particles settle along the bottom of the cylinder.

Another problem with each of the flow calibrators described above is that as a result of horizontal motion, the life of the piston seal along the bottom of the piston is reduced due to the NM of the piston.

[Object and effect of the invention]

A feature of the present invention is to provide a compact flow meter that does not have the disadvantages observed with the previously described devices.

Other features include the provision of a compact flow tester that exhibits improved accuracy and reliability, reduced space and weight requirements, simplified construction and maintenance, and flexible operation. Still another feature is to provide a compact flow f-test device that incorporates the above features and is capable of operating at high altitudes. These and other features will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description below.

The present invention also relates to flow volume measurements, and more particularly to a flow calibrator used to periodically calibrate a continuous flow meter in a pipe system without interrupting the fluid flow. It is something. The present invention σ] A flow rate tester generally measures the movement of a piston moving inside a cylinder, in which the piston has a frame number of seals, and these sols are arranged in an annular shape between the piston and the cylinder. A type of flow meter designed to form a fluid barrier within the space. In particular, the present invention relates to a miniature flow meter with means for monitoring seal integrity.

U.S. Pat. No. 973,738,153 discloses a seal monitor for a belt calibrator having a resilient ball. The hydraulic cylinder used to open and close the ball passage 4) has a seal monitor that detects the differential pressure between the surrounding fluid and the fluid in the area between the ball passage and the cylinder piston head. 4. . However, in this patent, the piston head moves sealingly along the Teston cylinder4. The seals can therefore be monitored when the piston head is at rest.

A flow meter with means for monitoring piston seal integrity is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,147. This U.S. patent discloses a measurement conduit with fluid apertures adjacent its upstream and downstream ends and mounted coaxially within an outer cylinder; a piston mounted within the conduit; a flow meter having an actuating rod projecting axially from the downstream side of the piston and having its free end passing within the downstream end of the outer/percent housing, and a piston detection switch disposed along the length of the measurement conduit; Disclosed. The piston has two soles, each sole surrounding the outer periphery of the piston to form an annular cavity between the seals. One end of the flexible outgoing pipe wound in a spiral shape around the rond is connected to a passage in fluid communication with the tubular capity, and the other end of the flexible outgoing pipe is connected to the outside of the device. When operating this tester θ], either σ)
4) Fluid leakage is detected by monitoring the internal pressure of the flexible outgoing pipe with an external connection to the flexible outgoing pipe.
．． be able to.

There are believed to be a few drawbacks associated with devices of the type described in this patent. 1st σ) Possible failure occurs when the flexible forward pipe is rotated together with the double-acting piston, leading to breakage of the flexible forward pipe after a certain period of time. A second possible drawback is that the differential pressure between the flexible incoming pipe and the equipment fluid results in collapse or rupture of the piping system. Third
A possible drawback is that it requires a pressurized source or bleed system.

In both cases, monitoring of the sol is complicated by the movement of the sol on the fluidic avacia in the measurement conduit. If seal integrity is to be dynamically monitored during verification, the flexure is stretched after the flexure is passed through the fluid aperture so that the increase or decrease in internal pressure in the flexure can be observed before the end of the verification process. Control system 67qf1 for increasing the pressure in the pipe or bleeding air. It will be essential. Additionally, no fluid leakage through the seal would be detected during pressurization or bolting.

[Summary of the invention]

One feature of the present invention is to provide a flow calibrator with means for monitoring the flow calibrator piston σ) sole integrity which overcomes many of the drawbacks of known devices.

The miniature flow rate tester of the present invention determines the flow rate by measuring the time it takes for a pusher moving through a cylinder to push out a known amount of fluid.

A small flow detector according to the present invention, a measuring cylinder,
It includes an extrusion body movably disposed along the axis of the measurement housing and means for detecting the longitudinal position of the extrusion body in the measurement housing. The no-cylinder is defined in three separate compartments, including a hollow main cylinder and its inlet and downstream parts secured to each cylinder.

The main cylinder has a substantially uniform inner diameter. The extrusion body is provided with seals along its outer periphery, and these seals provide a fluid barrier when the extrusion body is placed inside the main cylinder. 4. The extruded body is inserted into either the recessed part or the downstream part. The cross-sectional area of the introduction part and the downstream part is larger than the cross-sectional area of the main cylinder, so that the fluid can sometimes flow around the extrusion body. Guide means are provided in the inlet P1 and in the downstream part to hold the extruder in axial alignment with the main cylinder when the extruder is placed in the inlet or in the downstream part. Means are provided for facilitating the movement of the extrusion body from the introduction part into the main cylinder 4) at the beginning of the cycle. Means are also provided for returning the extrudate from the downstream section to the introduction section at the end of the assay cycle.

The operation of the small flow rate tester of the present invention is a knot.

When the extrusion body is held in the introduction part by the return means, a measured fluid flow is introduced into the introduction part and then sent to the main cylinder and the downstream part. When the return means is released, the fluid flow in said aiding means and in the introduction section σ) moves the extrusion body towards the main cylinder. The guide means in the introduction part holds the extruded body in axial alignment with the main cylinder, so that
Smoothly insert the extruded body into the main cylinder. As the extrusion body enters the main cylinder, it is propelled through its interior by a measured fluid flow.

As the extrusion moves through the main cylinder, the time required for the extrusion to travel a predetermined distance corresponding to a known stroke can be measured and this time can be used to determine the web layer of the spread. The guide means in the downstream section holds the extruded body aligned in the axial direction with respect to the main cylinder when the extruded body exits the main cylinder and enters the downstream section [sigma]. On return of the extrusion body, the fluid flow passing through the housing is bypassed and return means are used to return the extrusion means from the downstream part, through the main cylinder, to its starting position in the introduction section. The miniature flow calibrator is then ready to perform the next validation cycle.

An advantage of the compact flow meter of the present invention is that when the extruder is placed in the inlet and downstream sections, the fluid flowing along the extruder cleans the seal of the extruder and deposits inside the seal. The objective is to show a tendency to remove solid substances that have been removed. This cleaning action extends the useful life of the extruder seal. other σ)
The advantage is that since the fluid flows through the entire cross-sectional area along the entire length of the main cylinder, there are no dead spots that tend to settle out suspended particles, especially when the extruder is operated in a horizontal position). . Yet another advantage is that due to the extruder's lightweight construction, there is less wear on the extruder seal and the internal surfaces of the main cylinder σ). Also, the barrel construction facilitates assembly/maintenance operations).

Present invention Q] In a specific embodiment of the small-sized drift bone analyzer,
The fluid is introduced into the introduction part of the measurement housing by means of an introduction tube. Fluid exits the measurement housing through a drain tube that communicates with a downstream portion of the measurement housing. Means for bypassing the measurement housing is provided, the means including an Ari bypass pipe connected to the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. In a preferred embodiment, an improved bypass valve is provided that has simple structure and operation. Since this bypass valve does not need to plan for a differential pressure before and after the rated internal pressure of the flow tester, this valve can be of simple poppet construction for much lower rated pressures and is therefore a normal valve. shows economic advantages over -1: Octopus' improved bypass valve has the advantage of monitoring its seal integrity without the use of an external pressure source.

In other embodiments, the extruder return means includes a hydraulic/cylinder/piston. The hydraulic piston is connected to the extrusion body by a rod or shaft that extends into the housing in axial alignment with the main cylinder. Following the verification cycle, the extrusion body is returned to its starting position by introducing pressure oil into the hydraulic cylinder. The guide means includes a rod connecting the extrusion body to the hydraulic piston and a journal bearing mounted in the wall of the housing and slidably engaged with the rod.

In other embodiments, the extrudate return means includes a hydraulic tank and a ram. 3. A ram is connected to the extrusion body so that the extrusion body is moved to a desired position by varying the pressure inside the tank.4. .

Other embodiments include an auxiliary means in the introduction of the housing that includes a river spring. The spring assists the movement of the extrudate into the main cylinder when the return means is released, thus eliminating the need for pressurized gas or oil to assist the extruder at the beginning of the verification cycle. In other particular embodiments, the differential pressure acting on the extrusion body provides a linkage means for facilitating movement of the extrusion body into the main cylinder. This differential pressure is
It arises from the difference in effective area between the flow surface and the downstream surface σ) of the extruded body that is subjected to the action of fluid pressure.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a guide means comprising an extrusion pilot projecting from one side of the extrusion and a one-way sleeve bearing suitably located in the downstream or introduction section. The axial sleeve bearing and pilot are axially aligned with the main cylinder and the sleeve is slidably engaged with the pilot.

These guide means axially align the extrusions and allow smooth entry and exit of the extrusions.

In another embodiment, the detection means comprises a rod connected to the extrusion body, a journal bearing disposed in the wall of the housing for sliding engagement with the rod, and a journal bearing disposed at the other end of the rod. It includes a detection flag and a plurality of detection switches that detect passage of the detection flag and simultaneously generate signals. Since the detection flag and detection switch are located outside the housing, very precise optical or magnetic detection switches can be used. Another advantage of the external location of the detection means is that maintenance and calibration of the miniature flow meter is greatly facilitated. Another advantage is that the sensing means is insensitive to temperature changes in the flowing fluid and there is no need to modify the sensing switch spacing due to thermal expansion.

In other embodiments, the main cylinder is beveled at both ends and the extrusion is provided with a plurality of compressible seals. When the extrudate enters the main cylinder, the sol is compressed in the circumferential direction4. . The fluid trapped in the annular space formed between the sol is also condensed. If the seals are functioning correctly, the fluid pressure trapped between the seals will be higher than the fluid in the main cylinder, and this differential pressure will not dissipate until the extruder exits the main cylinder. Thus, by comparing the pressure in the annular space between this seal to the line pressure, the integrity of the extrusion sole can be verified. Means are provided to verify the integrity of the extruder cool statically and when the extruder is in constant mode. In this way, the integrity of the extruder seal can be verified without taking the calibrator out of service. Since the integrity of the calibrator seal is quickly verified, errors due to fluid sloshing through the seal can be easily eliminated.

Another embodiment is that the miniature flow meter is operated in a vertical position and includes a deflection fired extruder seal. This particular embodiment can handle highly contaminated fluids such as crude oil.

In other embodiments, the miniature flow meter is operated in a horizontal position and is equipped with a more rigid seal that can support the extruder 1jfl. This embodiment provides a seal that can handle low lubricity fluids. The flow rate tester can also be mounted so as to be selectively placed in a horizontal or vertical position.

Optionally, means are provided for monitoring the integrity of the detector rod and extruder rod seals.

A control system is optionally provided to stratify the testing order. By using the authorization operation, various problems with the calibrator can be eliminated or identified. For example, the extruder cannot be started unless the extruder is in the starting position and the bypass valve is closed with reliable sealing integrity. After the extruder reaches the end of its stroke, the bypass valve can be opened after a predetermined time delay. As soon as the bypass valve is opened, the extrusion body is returned towards its starting position. The bypass valve is closed when the extruded body exits the upstream end of the cylinder.

This small flow calibrator can be used to calibrate a continuous flow meter connected in series with a flow calibrator.

When the extruder moves a predetermined distance inside the main cylinder, by comparing the air pulses generated from the flow rate side with the high-frequency electric pulses generated by the air flow system,
The accuracy of the consecutive +5 Kinsoku is determined. The volume of fluid extruded by the extruder is modified with respect to temperature/pressure expansion of the cylinder.

The flow rate tester of the present invention measures the flow rate by measuring the time it takes for a pusher moving in a cylinder to push out a known amount of fluid.2. ．． The present invention θ] The flow rate tester is equipped with means for monitoring the seal integrity of the extruded body.

The flow meter of the invention includes a measuring cylinder and a pusher or piston movably mounted inside the cylinder. The cylinder is filled with the fluid whose current is to be measured by the calibrator. The extrusion includes two seals and forms a fluid barrier within the cylinder when placed inside the cylinder. These sols are mechanically compressible so that when the flow meter is activated, the seal, extrusion body, and cylinder define an annular volume of compressed fluid.

A first conduit is arranged parallel to the axis of the cylinder 4). One end of this conduit is connected to the extruder and its free end is accessible from outside the flow meter. The conduit has a substantially uniform diameter coaxial channel which provides fluid communication between the two halves of the furnace tube and which communicates with the interseal annular space. The assay device also includes a second conduit disposed within the channel of the first conduit. D) A second conduit is in communication with the fluid in the cylinder and is accessible from the free end of the first conduit. Means are also provided for measuring the differential pressure between the first and second conduits.

The flow rate can be determined by measuring the time it takes for the extruder to extrude a predetermined amount of fluid. Errors due to fluid leakage through the extruder sol should be easily detected. Since the annular space between the seals communicates with the first conduit,
The pressure between the seals can be monitored. Similarly, the pressure of the fluid in the cylinder is monitored by monitoring the pressure in the secondary conduit. If the sol is maintained completely, the mechanical compression of the sol will result in fluid pressure in the interseal annular space being higher than the fluid pressure in the cylinder, and this differential pressure will cause the sole to compress. It is held until released.If the seal is completely pointed, either θ)
Fluid leakage through the seal will result in a decrease in the difference FT: between this annular space and the cylinder fluid.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, an actual elliptical example of the present invention σ] will be explained with reference to the drawings.

The small flow tester shown in Figs. 1 to 4 includes an inlet pipe 1,
It includes a discharge pipe 11 in fluid communication with the housing 2 and a bypass pipe 3. The liquid enters the inlet tube 1 through the boat la, as shown by arrow A in FIG. 1, and exits the boat Ila through the outlet tube 1, as shown by arrow B in FIG. A normally closed bypass valve 4 is arranged in the bypass pipe 3 and is actuated by a bypass valve actuator 5.

The housing 2 includes an axially arranged inlet section 6, a main cylinder 9, and a downstream section ]o. Earthflow section 6 and downstream section 1
0 can be removed from the cylinder 9 using the pin 9a. The inlet 6 is in fluid communication with the inlet tube 1 and the main cylinder 9. The downstream 91) 10 is in fluid communication with the main cylinder 9 and the discharge pipe 11.

The main cylinder 9θ) has a substantially uniform inner diameter. Introduction part 6
The cross-sectional area of the downstream part 10 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the main cylinder 9.

...The movable extrusion body 7 is shown in the housing 9. Extruded seals 28 and 29 are attached to the outer periphery of the extruded body 7.
4). A shaft 8 is connected to the center of the downstream surface of the extruded body 7. The shaft 8 is inserted into a journal bearing 15 in the introduction part 6, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6,
It is connected to a hydraulic piston 16, which is slidably disposed within a hydraulic cylinder 17.

A detection rod 19 is connected to the extrusion body 7 and the introduction part 6
It extends from the journal bearing 2o through the journal bearing 2o. The detection rod 19 has a detection flag 2I at its downstream end. It is growing. The detection unit 22 includes precision detectors 23 , 2 spaced apart from each other to detect the passage of the detection flag 21 .
4 and 25. These detectors are photomicrosensor model BE-8 obtained from Omron Corporation.
It can also be an optical detector such as H3M, a magnetic detector or a linear transducer.

The downstream guide means IUa consists of an extruded body pylon 3 extending from the center of the extruded body 70) on the upper Mf plane σ), and an IJI 11 direction sleeve bearing arranged in the downstream part 17 and concentric with the pilot 13. . Main cylinder 9 in start mode
4), a compression spring 12 surrounds the shaft 8 in the introduction part 6.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the bypass valve 4 is a simple Bovent valve 60 with a frusto-conical body 60a connected to an actuator shaft 63. oh】. This Pope, seat valve 60 is valve seat 6
8, and this valve seat is arranged midway between the upstream flange 61 and the downstream flange 62 of the injection pipe 3.

Poppet 60 includes soles 64 and 65.

An annular space 66 between the seals 64 and 65 is in fluid communication with a channel 67 formed in the valve seat 68. This channel 67 is connected to a pressure drainer or pressure element 54.

As shown in FIG. 6, the shaft 8 is slidably engaged with a journal bearing 15, and the detection rod 19 is slidably engaged with a journal bearing 20. Introductory tube i
The fluid introduction boat 2 is bifurcated and the fluid is introduced into the introduction part 6.
Let it enter through 6 and 27. This structure introduces the fluid into the part 6
can be inserted longitudinally into the shaft to reduce or eliminate radial and oblique stresses on the extrusion 7 and to reduce the diameter and length of the shaft 8. Monitoring means (not shown) may be provided for monitoring the integrity of the sol in journal bearings 15 and 20.

As shown in FIG. 7, the extruded body 13 is fixed to the extruded body 7 by a nut 69. However, the pilot 13 and the shaft 8 can also be of integral construction. The pilot 13 is slidably engaged in the axial sleeve bearing 14 by a bushing 70. The sleeve bearing 14 and the pilot 13 are axially aligned inside the main cylinder 9. The sleeve bearing 14 is
A channel 71 is provided for allowing fluid to escape from the sleeve bearing 14 as the pilot 13 enters the bearing 14. Such sleeve bearing 1
The extrusion of fluid from 4 provides a slow stop mechanism that slows down the movement of the extruder 7 as it enters the downstream section IO.

The main cylinder 9 shown in FIG. 8 is chamfered at both ends so that the extruder 7 can enter smoothly. For example, for a cylinder with an internal diameter of 12.750 inches, a 4° chamfer surface that is 2 inches long will produce adequate results. The inner surface of the main cylinder 9 is lined with a corrosion-resistant material and honed to be smooth. Desirably, the cylinder 9 has a substantially uniform inner diameter to provide accurate measurements and extend the life of the extrusion seal. For example, if a cylinder with an internal diameter of 750 inches ± 0.001 mm is plated with 0-005 inch hard chrome and finished to 12 root mean square (RMS) or better, the resulting length can be measured. chosen based on the required flow rate and required accuracy.

The extruded body 7 consists of a conical part 72 and a ring part 73.

It will be readily appreciated that other shapes for this extrudate can be used. Seals 28 and 29 are prevented from falling off by retaining ring 36. An annular space 32 formed between seals 28 and 29 connects the extrusion 70 channel 5
8. To prevent thermal pressure in the annular space 32, a volume compensator 37 is in fluid communication with the extruder channel 58 by a channel 59 in the rod 19.

As shown in FIG. 10, extrusion seals 28 and 29 each include a transverse U-shaped resilient member 34 having a base 34a and within which is encased a υ-shaped metal energizer 35. ing. The elastic layer σ) material can be any typical material used for seals, such as polytetra7fluoroethylene or polybutylene, and has chemical resistance to the fluid being measured, lubricity of the fluid, and compactness during operation. 4. The flow rate tester is selected based on whether it is in a horizontal or vertical orientation.4. . The material of Energizer-35 is preferably alloy and -4-4. These seals are attached to a removably screwed retaining ring 3.
6 prevents it from slipping off the extrusion 7 and is retained by a band 33 (made of steel or aluminum). As shown in FIG.
The bases 348 of 8 and 29 can project radially outwardly beyond the ring 36. The inner lip 74 of each elastic body 34 is fired radially outwardly by an energizer 35.

FIG. 11 shows variations 28' and 291 of the extrudate sol. Its base 34a' does not project radially outwardly beyond the ring 36. However, the lip 741 is fired beyond the ring 36 by the metal energizer 351.

The volume compensator 37 has a housing 38 and an inner potted element 3.
9, an outer cup-shaped element 41, a compression spring 40 disposed concentrically around the element 50, and a 7-rule 42.

A hydraulic system 80 for implementing the present invention shown in FIG.
It consists of a hydraulic pump 43 driven by a motor 47, a lift actuator 48, and a tank 44.

Hydraulic cylinder 1 via boat 17a and line 45a
The operation of supplying or returning pressure oil to the extruder 7 is controlled by an extruder release solenoid 45 and an extruder return solenoid 46. Similarly, the bypass valve actuator 5 can be controlled 4) by a bypass closing solenoid 50 and a bypass opening solenoid 51. This hydraulic system 8
0 is prevented from overpressure by the safety valve 52, and the boat 1
71) prevents the vacuum port from being damaged.

The flow rate tester control circuit shown in FIG.
, a calibrator regulator 56 , and a printer 75 .

Control box 53 is electrically connected to detector 23 and equipped seal monitoring means, calibrator regulator 56 and hydraulic system 80. The regulator 56 is connected to the detector 24
．． , 25, continuous flow yarn 57, and electrically connected to printer 75.

The operation of the small flow meter shown in FIGS. 1 to 14 will be described below with particular reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

σ) The flow direction in the calibrator in launch mode is indicated by the solid arrow in FIG. The fluid enters the inlet tube 1 and then flows through the housing 2. During the verification cycle, fluid is prevented from flowing through the bypass pipe 3 by the normally closed bypass valve 4.

The fluid enters the inlet 6 of the housing 2, passes through the main cylinder 9 and exits the housing 2 through the outlet pipe 11.

The verification cycle is started by draining the pressure oil from the hydraulic cylinder 17 into the tank 44 as shown in σ) below.

The extrusion body 7 is assisted by the compression spring 12 into the main cylinder 9 and the fluid passes through the introduction part 6 . As the extruded body 7 enters the main cylinder 9σJ and according to 4), the fluid flows into the second
As shown in the figure, it enters the downstream section lO from the main cylinder 9 and is extruded from the housing 2 through the discharge pipe 11. Detectors 24 and 25 provide signals when detection flag 21 passes. Optionally, the extruder 7 enters the downstream section σ) after the verification cycle has finished, as shown in FIG.

Temporary bypass valve 4? By opening and applying hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic cylinder 17, the extruder 7 is returned to the starting position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the fluid enters the housing 2 through the discharge pipe 11 due to the movement of the extruder 7;
It exits through the inlet tube l.

For two or three reasons, it is desirable to arrange the discharge pipe 11 on the side of the downstream section 10. When the extruder 7 drains from the main cylinder 9, the pilot 13 of the extruder moves into the sleeve bearing 14.
into axial alignment with the main cylinder 9 of the extruder 7. The discharge of fluid from the downstream section 10 serves as a natural stop mechanism to stop the movement of the extruder 7 and does not require special stop means. However, for high flow rates, it may be desirable to have a dashpot control device at the point where the pressure oil exits the hydraulic cylinder 17. Furthermore, after the extruder 7 has entered the downstream section 10, it is not possible for this extruder to prevent the fluid from flowing out from the downstream section 10.

This is because the fluid exits radially from the downstream part. Another significant advantage is that suspended solids such as sand or gravel that may be present in the fluid are less likely to adhere to the seals 28 and 29 due to the cleaning action of the flowing fluid.

When the extruded body 7 is returned into the introduction part 6, the shaft 8 and the journal bearing 15 act as guiding means.

However, it will be readily understood that other guiding means and other extrudate return means may also be used.

The bifurcated structure of the inlet tube 1 allows the fluid to be introduced into the inlet 6 substantially longitudinally, thereby reducing the tilting stress on the extrusion body 7, which reduces the hydraulic shaft 80 diameter and weight. This is an additional reason why it is possible to do so. When the small flow tester is operated in the horizontal position, the temple 11
If the first season of 8 is small, the life of the cool will be extended. Suke 8
As a result of the reduction in the diameter of the extrusion body 7 , the pressure drop across the extrusion body 7 is reduced when the extrusion body 7 is placed in the main cylinder 9 .

When the extrusion body is placed in the introduction part 6 or the downstream part 10, it is necessary to minimize the pressure drop of the fluid flowing 4) on the side of this extrusion body 7. Therefore, the introduction part 6 and the downstream part lO
The diameter of the extruded body 7 can be substantially larger than the diameter of the extruded body 7. The conical shape of the extrusion body 7 helps to reduce this pressure differential by reducing turbulence in the fluid flowing along the extrusion body 7.

As the extrudate 7 enters the main cylinder 9, the soles 28 and 29 of the extrudate come into contact with the chamfer surfaces 30 or 31 of the cylinder 9σ) and are compressed. This increases the pressure in the annular space 32 between the extrusion seals 28 and 29, resulting in a seal that does not require conventional outer block or extraction pressurization. Another significant advantage is that there is a pressure drop across the extrudate as it moves inside the main cylinder 9σ. This is because minimal friction is generated when the seal slides against the inner surface of the main cylinder 9.

Depending on the type of fluid to be calibrated, this miniature flow calibrator can be operated in a horizontal or vertical orientation. FIG. 10 shows an extrusion seal suitable for use in a horizontally operated calibrator. As the extrusion body 7 slides inside the main cylinder 9, the gravitational force acting on the extrusion body 7 tends to pull the extrusion body towards the bottom of the main cylinder 9. If the seal cannot withstand the weight of the extrusion,
Metal-to-metal contact occurs with the undesirable result of scratching the finish of the main cylinder 9. Seals 28 and 29 thus each have a base 34a projecting from retaining ring 36. To extend the life of seals 28 and 29, they can be made of a relatively rigid sealing material such as polytetrafluoroethylene.

By using a relatively rigid sol material, this
It is possible to use the seal with fluids of low lubricity. On the other hand, the use of rigid sealing materials is not recommended for fluids with high suspended solids content. This is because there is a strong tendency for fluid substances to become embedded within the seal.

For operation of a small flow meter in a vertical position, gl
Seals 281 and 291 shown in Figure i are suitable.

Since these soles 281 and 291 do not need to support the weight of the extruded body 70, only the lip 741 is attached to the main cylinder 9.
must be in contact with the inner surface of the these sol 2
81 and 29' can be made of a relatively elastic material such as TOH. Solid particles entrained by the fluid to be measured are less likely to become embedded within these seals 281 and 291, and also to prevent solid particles entrained along the sole as the extruded body 7 enters the introduction section 6 or the downstream section 10. It has a strong tendency to be removed by flowing fluids. Seals 28' and 29' are therefore suitable for use with contaminated fluids such as crude oil.

However, soft seal materials generate high friction when used with low lubricity fluids.

The integrity of extrusion seals 28 and 29 is verified by monitoring the pressure within annular space 32. Extruded body 7'
h'' - The dynamic integrity of the seals 28 and 29 is verified if there is no pressure drop when moving from one end of the main cylinder 9 to the other. The annular space 32 can be arranged to send an electronic signal through the detector rod 19 or through the arrangement arranged in the shaft 18 of the extruder.
The annular space 32 is placed in fluid communication with an externally disposed pressure element or transducer 82 by a channel 58 communicating with a channel 59 in the annular space 32 . In addition, the seal monitoring means is one of the inventors Helmuth W Ho 77'7 Eo Yohi Herzoel Roberson, who has a common delinquent in the concurrent application.
7 - A leak detection device equipped with a light monitor 1 may include the one disclosed in the pending patent application entitled 1.

A static method of measuring seal integrity consists in soaking the extrudate 7 into the main cylinder 9 with the bypass valve 4 in the open position. In this way, the internal pressure of the annular space 32 can be observed in a static manner over a longer period of time, and the minimum time of the verification cycle is within seconds or less. 4).

In embodiments of the invention used for high flow rates,
The diameters of the main cylinder 9 and the extrusion body 7 can be made considerably large. In this case, therefore, the volume of fluid compressed in the annular space 32 is quite large, extending over several cubic centimeters or more. . Therefore, the pressure in the annular space 32σ) can become excessive. In this state (・
In order to allow expansion of the fluid body, a volume compensator 37 as shown in FIG. 12 can be provided. When the fluid in the annular space 32 is compressed, the inner sprung element 39 presses the spring 40 against the outer element 41. The fluid between the inner element 37 and the outer element 4 is forced out of the volume compensator 37, with the cooler 42 acting as a fluid barrier and the fluid compressed inside the annular space 32 being pushed out of the main cylinder 9. to prevent escape.

During launch and verification modes, the pusher release solenoid 45 shown in FIG. Close the extrusion body release solenoid 45, open the extrusion body return solenoid side 6,
By filling the hydraulic cylinder 17 with pressure oil pumped from the tank 44 by the hydraulic pump 43, the extruded body 7 is returned.4. .

The pressure oil pump 43 is driven by a motor 47.

The flow rate of the pumped pressure oil is determined by a lift selector valve 48, which actuates a lift actuator 49 for controlling the calibrator direction. Preferably, a hydraulic system is also used to control the bypass valve with a bypass valve close button solenoid 50, a bypass valve open solenoid 51, and a bypass valve actuator 6.

The control box 53 shown in FIG. 14 makes it possible to carry out a few authorization functions. That is, bypass valve 4
The pusher 7 is not started until a signal from the bypass valve indicates that the bypass valve is closed and a signal from the bypass valve cool monitor 54 indicates that W in the bypass valve annular space 55 is higher than the line pressure. To prevent. It is also required that the detector 23 indicates 4) that the extrusion body 7 is in the introduction part 6 before closing 4) the bypass valve 4.

As the extrusion body 7 advances through the main cylinder 9, the detector flag 2] increases through the detector 24, and the detector 2
4 outputs a signal to the calibrator regulator 56.

Upon receiving this signal, the regulator 56 generates within it a series of high frequency digital pulses which are maintained until the detector flag 21 passes the detector 25 (4).
). To achieve greater accuracy, the regulator 56 measures the fractional pulses using a dual chromometry method known in the art.4. However, other σ) known methods, such as 4
Counter methods or phase-locked loop methods can be used as well.

The amount of fluid forced out is determined from the distance between the detectors 24 and 25 and the diameter of the main cylinder 9, corrected for expansion due to pressure and temperature. Detectors 23, 24
, 25 are mounted on an IIL 22 made of a material with a low coefficient of thermal expansion of 11 var, so that the distance measured between the detectors 24 and 25 is not subject to temperature or pressure corrections. Not needed. From the elapsed time and the volume determined in this way, the flow rate can be calculated 4). The flow rate is then compared to the output generated from continuous flow meter 57.

Seal monitoring means on the extruder 7, hydraulic shaft 8, and detection log 19 provide signals verifying seal integrity or indicating measurement errors due to fluid leakage through any of these seals. If desired, regulator 56 can be equipped with a printer 58 for producing hard copies of the data and calculations.

As shown in FIG. 15, by reversing the flow direction of the liquid through the assay device and replacing the inlet tube l with a discharge tube 101 extending radially outward from the downstream section 106,
The compact flow meter of the present invention can be operated for relatively high and relatively low fluid pressures. In this case, the fluid is introduced into the housing 2σ) radially rather than longitudinally. Spring 1 used to stop the movement of the extrusion body 7 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4
2 can be omitted, and the coil springs 1 and 2 can be arranged concentrically around the sleeve bearing 14.

As shown in FIG. 15, a pressure tank 120 and a ram 122 can be used in place of the cylinder 17 and shaft 8. The pressure in the pressure tank 120 can be adjusted to train the position of the extruder 7 by supplying or discharging fluid through the boat 17a. - This flow rate tester is rotatably mounted on a rack 200 by a hinge 202 4). When the left actuator 49 is actuated, the flow calibrator rotates about the hinge 202 from a horizontal position to a vertical position and the bottom fW 204
Climb on top of Kasutuba 206. The embodiment illustrated in this FIG.
Introduced from 1a? It is operated by introducing fluid into the 101a and expelling the fluid from the 101a as indicated by the arrow. In this structure, at the beginning of the verification cycle, the extrusion body 7
As well as liquid flow through.

The differential pressure acting on the extrusion body 7 causes it to enter the main cylinder 9 .

More specifically, because of the pressure isolation area due to the cross-sectional area of the ram 122 and rod 19 extending into the housing 2, the effective area of the downstream face of the extrusion body 7 is smaller than the effective area of the upstream face. That is, due to the interposition of the rod 19 and the ram 122, the total pressure acting on the downstream surface of the extruded body 7 is
The pressure acting on the larger effective area of the upstream face of 1- is reduced below. If the fluid pressure is high, this becomes an important factor for forcing the extrusion body 7 into the cylinder 9.

When the extrusion body 7 returns from the downstream section 106 to the introduction section 110, the extrusion pilot 13 engages into the 1M one-way sleeve bearing. The extrusion pilot 13 and the sleeve bearing 14 act as an intrusion guiding member 110a for holding the extrusion 7 in axial alignment with the main cylinder 9. This guide member 110a allows the extruded body 7 to smoothly move in and out between the introduction part i1o and the main cylinder 91-4.
). The spring 112 is effective for feeding the extruded body 7 into the cylinder 9, especially during low-pressure operation. Similarly, journal bearing 15 acts with ram 122 and rod 19 to form a downstream guide member.

In order to operate at ultra-high pressure, the drain from the pressure tank 120 into the solenoid (45σ) must be limited to 1 liter.4. It is desirable to flatten the differential pressure acting on the extruded body 7 by -1'41. As shown in FIG. 16, valve 20B is placed on rack 2 (on the river and connected to boat 17aK via fluid line 210). The valve 208 includes a cylindrical housing 212 having a sliding pin 214 pivotally supported at one end.
and a sliding piston 215 at the other end.

The pin 214 freely slides through the white portion of the hole 218 such that its tip 217 abuts the piston 215. pin 2
14 communicates with the downstream portion 106 via a fluid line 222 at its upper end 22 ( ). The piston 215 includes an annular sealing surface 224, and the sealing surface is in line 2.
10 is crimped onto the valve seat 226. Cool surface 224 and piston 215 are surrounded by an annular chamber 228, which is connected to tank 44 via line 45a. An upper end 229 of piston 215 communicates with an enlarged fluid chamber 230.

Fluid is selectively directed from line 210 to chamber 230 or from chamber 230 to annular chamber 228 by solenoid 232 under control of regulator 56 . When fluid is introduced into the housing 212, the piston 21
5 to the valve seat 226 and close line 2]0. Directing fluid from housing 212 to chamber 228 causes fluid to flow from line 210 along piston 215 and is controlled by the pressure within downstream section 106 .

In this way, fluid pressure can be maintained by preventing the evacuation of fluid from the pressure tank 1.20, or fluid controlled extraction can be carried out). Such unbalanced pressure is a function of the line pressure, and is caused by the difference in surface sum between the downstream and upstream surfaces of the extrusion body 7 due to the ram 122 and the rod 19.

Such compensation is achieved by increasing the area of the joint ram 122<+) which is eliminated on the downstream side of the push-up body or the piston 1
6, the dimensions are automatically adjusted by increasing the dimensions of the pin 214 and piston 215 to model the ratio of the end surface area.

In other words, the dimensions of each component are determined so as to satisfy the following formula.
By doing so, compensation will be automatically implemented.

AI A3 A2 A4 Here: #A11 is the cross section f^ of the piston 215, 'A2' 6
1 hif 214 (7)'P#lff1i coffin, Tsu A3
1 is the total area excluded on the downstream side of the extruder 7,
In the embodiment shown in the attached figure, the dough is ram】22σ) (or gloss, 1 figure σ) ￥ in the embodiment, the piston is $8)
The cross-sectional area plus the cross-sectional area of the rod 19, and 1A41 is the cross-sectional area of the end face of the ram 122, or if a piston [6 is used, A4 is equal to the cross-sectional area of this piston 56
is the end surface area of

If the valve 208 is configured according to the above relational expression, the line field in the tester will be automatically compensated for 4λ. More importantly, this compensation is essentially instantaneous. Considering that the verification cycle is on the order of a second or less, rapid compensation of unbalanced pressures is imperative.

Other points of operation in the test cycle of the actual tIa mode shown in FIG.

The flow part certifier 310 shown in FIG.
6, a relatively -I detection rod 31B, and a double-acting cylinder 320. Bypass pipe 316 is connected to introduction boat 3
an inlet pipe 322 with 24, an outlet pipe 326 with an outlet boat 328, and a bypass valve 33 () disposed between said inlet 9322 and outlet pipe 326 and normally closed;
including. Fluid from Iq11 tubing or similar (not shown) is introduced into the inlet boat 324 by 1 ffl into the calibrator:H.
(28% - returned to the plumbing system or its immortal system through the evacuation boat: (28%).

Cylinder 320 is typically a hydraulic cylinder and includes a double-acting piston 332 having a first piston rod 334 inserted into extrusion housing 312 through a suitable seal 336. More specifically, a distal end 338 of piston rod 334 is secured to extrusion body 314. Therefore, the oil flows into the cylinder 326 due to the action of the oil/sweat system 32.
σ) When the piston 332 is moved in and out of the σ), the piston 332 is caused to move, causing a corresponding movement of the extrusion body 314.
. However, in place of cylinder 32 (J) and piston 3320, a pressure tank and hydraulic ram (not shown) may be used if desired.

The sensing rod 318 extends through a seal 340 of the extrusion housing 312 and out of the housing 312 from its inner end 342 secured to the extrusion 314 .

It slidably extends to an outer end 344. In this manner, reciprocating movement of pusher 314 within housing 312 results in telescopic movement of rod 318 relative to seal 340. A position detector 343 is arranged along the rod 31B. This detector 343 can take any conventional form, but is conveniently an optical or magnetic position sensing means, and includes a flag or other indicator 345 placed along the rod 318. , rod 3
18 by a suitable sensing element 347 placed on the rod 349. In this way, the position of the sensing rod 318 relative to the housing 312 can be determined and the position of the extrusion body 314 relative to the housing 312 can be monitored by the electrical unit 323, which includes a computer and an electronic timer.

The extruder housing 312 includes a pair of enlarged chambers 346 , 348 at each end of the cylinder 350 . chamber 3
48 communicates with the exhaust pipe 326, and the chamber 346 communicates with the inlet pipe 322. These chambers 346 and 348
When the extruded body 314 is placed inside,
The interior dimensions are sufficient to allow fluid to flow unimpeded around the extrudate.

The extruded body 314 has elastic annular seals 352 and 3 on its outer periphery.
54, these seals are compressed when the extrusion body 314 is placed inside the cylinder 350 as shown in FIG. Such compression is achieved by chamfer surfaces 356 and 358 provided with pressure at each end of cylinder 350 adjacent to respective chambers 348 and 346.
be done. When seals 352 and 354 are engaged with cylinder 350, an annular space 360 is defined between them, the extrusion body, and cylinder 350. This space 360 communicates with the interior of rod 318 by a radial passageway 362.

As shown in FIG. 18, seals 352 and 354 are o-shaped and positioned so that their inwardly directed projections 351 are bent by the inner surface of cylinder 350. As shown in FIG.

Inside each seal 352 and 354, there is a type 0 fly spring member 3.
53 pieces are sandwiched by an annular band 355, and this annular band 355 is sandwiched by an upright column portion 357 of the extruded body. Further, the soles 352 and 354 are detachably arranged on the extrusion body 314 by a guide member 359 held by a screw 361.

The extruded body 314 has a coil spring 371 inside the cylinder 350.
pushed by. This spring 371 is connected to the chamber 346
It encloses a flexible bearing sleeve 375 within.

The sleeve 375 is configured to receive the tapered protruding piston 373 to guide and axially align the piston rod 334 within the chamber 346.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to a particular construction of extrusion 314, housing 312, and bypass conduit 316, it is contemplated that the present invention may be applied to a variety of flow meter constructions, including those described above. You will understand that.

Detection rod 318 includes a relatively rigid first tube 346 defined therein and a relatively rigid second tube 366 held concentrically within the first tube.

The first tube 364 is defined by the inner wall of the rod 318, the outer wall of the second tube 366, and seals 368 at each end of the rod 318. While the first tube 364 is sealed at both ends, the second tube 366 is sealed at its innermost end 364.
It is open at 70 and communicates with the interior of the housing 312 and preferably with the upstream side of the extrusion body 314 . The first tube 364 has a passage 36 at the midpoint of its length.
5 communicates with a passage 362, which communicates with the space 360 of said seal. The outer end 372 of the second tube 366 is connected to a pressure sensor 374 mounted on the detection rod 318, and the outer end 375 of the first tube 364 is connected to a pressure sensor 374 mounted on the detection rod 318.
communicates with passageway 376, which in turn communicates with transducer 374 via tube 377. Now the 19th
Illustratively, transducer 374 is a differential pressure sensor with its low pressure port 378 in communication with second tube 366 and its high pressure port l' 380 in communication with first tube 364.

Sensor 374 includes an externally mounted, generally circular, rotating indicator 382 having a pie-shaped cutout 384 cut out therein. Figures 17 and 19
As shown in FIG. 20 and FIG.
86 detects the rotational position of indicator 3820 in alignment with the position of pressure sensor 374 at the end of the verification cycle. Position sensor 386 can take various forms, such as an optical or magnetic position sensor or a linear transducer. If an optical system is used, as is the case in the illustrated embodiment, mutually opposing light sources 39, as shown in FIG.
1 and a photoreceptor 395 are mounted in a type 0 housing 393 that straddles the display 382. Alternatively, sensor 374 can be configured to provide a continuous electrical signal proportional to the differential pressure sensed.

As shown in FIG. 19, the pressure sensor 374 includes a tubular body 388, which includes an axial hole 389, a magnetic piston 390, a histone seal 392, and a range spring 394.
, and a cylindrical rotating magnet 396. Axial hole 38
Attachment members 398 and 400 are screwed into each end of the 9, and a thorough passage 402 is provided within these openings. Magnetic piston 390+'l! , a magnet 404 and a tip-shaped piston element 406 configured to slide along bore 389 . A spring 394 connects the piston element 4 between the pair of stacked spacers 408 and the mounting member 400.
060) Held internally. Boats 378 and 380
When the magnet 404 is moved along the hole 389 due to the difference in thickness between the two, the rotating magnet 396 held in the transverse direction 71.4100] is rotated. This σ) rotation rotates the display 382 by about 180 degrees and places it in the position shown in FIG.

Sensor 374 is available from Orange Research, Inc., Milford, Conn. 4) It can be made by modifying a piston-type sensor. Only L,
It will be readily appreciated that other types of differential sweat sensors may also be used, such as the rotating diaphragm sensors or the convolution diaphragm sensors available from Orange Research.

When the small flow part' tester 310 operates, when the fluid whose flow rate is to be measured flows into the tester 3, the extruder 314 moves between two predetermined positions Vt in the cylinder 350, and this distance is The electric unit 323 quantifies the time required to move the . To elaborate further,
The fluid introduced from the introduction boat 324 moves the extruder 3]4 from the right side to the left side in FIG. 1, from the chamber 346 to the chamber 348. This causes the detection rod 318 to further exit the housing 312. A position sensing element 347 arranged along the sensing rod 318 detects the cut and final positions of this rod and these indications are used to control an electronic counter (not shown) in the electrical unit 323. The flow rate can be measured based on the time it takes the extruder 314 to travel a predetermined length.

The normally closed poppet valve 330 and cylinder 32 are used to switch the calibrator 310 between measurement mode and retraction mode.
0 is used. More specifically, when the poppet valve 330 is in its open position, pressure oil flows into the cylinder 3.
20 and returns extrudate 314 from chamber 348 to chamber 346. Piston 332 and poppet valve 3
The position of 30 is controlled by a hydraulic system 321.

As the extrusion body 314 enters the cylinder 350, it is compressed by the extrusion body seals 352 and 354 and the chamfer surfaces 356 and 358 of the cartridge 350. If the integrity of these seals 352 and 354 is intact, as these seals are compressed, space 360
The pressure inside increases. Because this annular space 360 is in fluid communication with the high pressure port 380 of the differential pressure sensor 374, the magnetic piston 390 moves to compress the range spring 394). This movement of piston 390 causes rotary grinding stone 396 and display 5382 to rotate. Movement of indicator 382 is then detected by its position sensor 386, indicating that seals 352 and 354 are actuated. When extruder 314 is placed in chamber 346 or 348, or if there is a seal leak, the differential pressure will be zero and indicator 382 will not be moved.

When the differential pressure is equalized, the spring 394 causes the piston 390 to
Return to its cut position. Therefore, the cutout 384 of the indicator is placed on the upper side, and the light emitted from the light source 391 is detected by the photoreceptor 395.

For optimum reliability, Ft is set such that the indicator position sensor 386 detects the rotating indicator 382 at a position corresponding to the end of the verification cycle σ as shown in FIG. In this way, any seal rupture during an entire verification cycle will occur at the position sensor 386 at the insertion point of the sensing rod 318 corresponding to the end of the verification cycle.
is displayed by failing to detect the presence of rotation indicator 382. However, in a few uses, it may be necessary to further increase the reliability of this meaning. In these applications, indicator 382 and sensor 386 can be replaced with a continuous indicator that provides a continuous electrical output to indicate seal integrity. This is detection rod 3
18 or pressure sensor 374, etc.

A static method of verifying seal integrity is the bypass valve 33.
The extrusion body 314 is delivered into the interior of the cylinder 350 while the extrusion body 314 is kept open. In that case, the pressure in the annular space 360 can be observed over an extended period of time. This method is also effective since the verification cycle time is 3 seconds or less.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure downstream of the extruder 314 is compared to the pressure between the 7-rules 352 and 354, but it is also useful to measure the upstream pressure. Also, while a concentric arrangement of conduits 364 and 366 is preferred, a pair of separate parallel conduits could be used. Also, although rotary indicator 382 would be preferred, various other indicators.

A sensor 382 and a position detector may also be used.

The seal integrity 1 viewing means of the present invention has many advantages. This seal monitoring means has a small number of moving parts, and the conduits 364, 366 can be made of a rigid material that is not susceptible to breakage or breakage. By arranging the differential pressure measuring means in W-contact with the free end of the conduit, the seal monitoring means can be completely self-contained. In that case, the seal monitoring means can move Ntt+ along with the cool being monitored. At the same time, the differential pressure measuring means can be accessed from the outside of the compact flow section calibrator and can be maintained in the barrel 4 without disassembling the calibrator or removing the extrusion.

This cool monitoring means can be completely self-contained and does not require a double block/bleed system on an external pressurization source.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the small flow rate calibrator according to the present invention at the starting position, FIG. 2 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the small flow rate calibrator during the verification cycle, and FIG. 3 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the small flow rate calibrator according to the present invention. 4 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of this small flow rate tester in extruder return mode, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the bypass valve shown in FIG. 1. , FIG. 6 is an end view taken along line 6--6 of FIGS. 1 to 4, FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the downstream guide means shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the extrusion shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of the extrusion taken along line 9-9 of FIG. FIG. 11 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of the extruded seal; FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of the volume compensator shown in FIG. 8; FIG. 13 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of the extruded sole; 14 is a block diagram of a suitable hydraulic system for operating the flow rate tester of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the wholesale control thread used in the flow rate tester of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a suitable hydraulic system for operating the flow rate tester of the present invention. FIG. 16 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the ultra-high pressure control valve used for the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, FIG. FIG. 18 is a side view showing a partial cross section of another embodiment of the small flow rate tester of the present invention; FIG.
Figure 9 is an enlarged sectional view of the sensor provided at the end of the detection rod in Figure 17, and Figure 20 is the 3 (J-3) in Figure 19.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the 0 line. ■...Introduction pipe, 2...Housing, 3...Bypass pipe, 4...Bypass valve, 5...Actuator,
6... Introduction part, 7... Extruded body, 8... Shaft (piston rod), 9... Main/linda, 10... Downstream part,
12... Spring, 13... Pilot, 14... Bearing journal, 15... Journal, 16... Piston, 17... Hydraulic cylinder, 19... Detection port/end, 20...・Journal, 21...Detection flag,
22... detection unit, 23, 24, 25...
Accuracy detector, 28, 29... Extruded body seal, 32
...Space, 37...Volume compensator, 60...Poppet valve, 61, 62...Flange, 63...Actuator, 64.65...Seal, 66...Space, 67...・Channel, 101...Discharge pipe, 111...Introduction pipe, 110...
・Introduction part, 112... Compression spring, 120... Sweater tank (casing), 122... Ram, 200...
Rack, 202... Hinge, 2()8... Valve, 21
5...Valve piston, 214...Bin, 31°...
Small flow section tester, 350...Cylinder, 314...
Extruded body, 345... Position sensor, 352, 354...
... Seal, 360... Space, 364... Rabbit,
l Conduit, 366...Second conduit, 374...Difference H: sensor, 3911...Magnetic piston, 388...Housing, 396...Rotating magnet, 382...Display disk, 391... - Light source, 395...photoreceptor. Applicant's agent Kiyoshi Inomata List - 6 - Text 5 [4-30 Continued from page 1 Priority claim 61984 August 15 [Phase] United States (US)
@6, [Phase] August 16, 198 [Phase] United States (US)
■6.Procedure? flj, u-e book (method) 1986
March l! Manabu Shiga, Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office 1 Case Description Patent R' [Application No. 226028/2] Name of the invention Compact flow rate tester 3 Person making the amendment Case and relationship Patent applicant Smith, Meter, Inn] - Borre ~ Note 4 Agent February 6, 1980 [” (Delivery port: January 26, 1980) 6 Details subject to amendment pl 7 Contents of amendment

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. (a) a fluid introduction tube; (b) a jetting ring comprising: (1) a main cylinder having a substantially uniform inner diameter and an inlet end and a downstream end; (Ill m) an inlet having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the main cylinder, and an inlet portion in fluid communication with the inlet tube and the inlet end of the main cylinder; , a downstream section in fluid communication with the downstream end of the main cylinder; (C) a discharge pipe in fluid communication with the downstream section;
@@self)・An extruded body movably arranged inside the housing, which has an upstream surface, a downstream surface, and an introduction end of the cylinder when the extruded body is placed inside the main cylinder. a sealing means for forming a fluid barrier between the part and the downstream end; (θ) radiation of the extrudate when the extrudate is ored into the introduction part; (f) downstream guide means for limiting radial movement of the extrusion body when the extrusion body is disposed within the lower offshore section; (gl means for detecting the longitudinal position of the extruded body inside the housing at a predetermined position; (hl means for returning the extruded body from the downstream part to the introduction part; (1) the introduction pipe and the a bypass tube in fluid communication with the discharge tube; (jl) disposed within the bypass tube and opened to place the calibrator in extruder return mode and closed to place the calibrator in force or assay mode; a bypass valve. 2. The compact flow rate tester according to claim 1, further comprising: (k) when the extrusion body is in the main cylinder, the /- of the extrusion body; 3. The introduction section guide means is (1) axially connected to the upstream face of the extrusion body, and the extrusion body is in the downstream section. (11) a shaft having a length sufficient to protrude from the introducer when the introducer is being delivered to the shaft; (11) the introducer being axially aligned with and slidably engaged with the shaft; 4. In the small-sized oil quantity tester according to claim 3, the extrusion body returning means as described in +>ii is , (1) a hydraulic cylinder coaxially disposed with the shaft and having a substantially uniform inner diameter; (11) a hydraulic cylinder coaxially connected with the shaft and having a substantially uniform inner diameter;
A compact flow system comprising an oilfield piston movably disposed within a cylinder, and a hydraulic source for returning the extrusion body by pressurizing the hydraulic cylinder. 5. Claim 4. In a small flow device according to
The said suppressor from the introduction part? +-A compact flow meter including launching means for facilitating movement into said main Zolinda. 6. A small flow section tester according to claim DI, wherein the starting means includes a spring arranged in the introduction part θ), the spring being aligned with the shaft and the eyelid 1. 76 above] The flow guiding means includes: m ni + extrusion body σ) downstream, an extrusion body pilot extending axially from the surface; A compact flow meter according to claim 1, comprising aligned axial sleeves. (1) a main cylinder having a uniform internal diameter and a chamfered inlet end and a downstream end; (11) said main cylinder; an inlet having an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of the cylinder and in fluid communication with the inlet tube and the inlet end of the main cylinder to communicate fluid substantially longitudinally through the main cylinder; a downstream portion having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter and in fluid communication with the downstream end of the main cylinder; 10) a discharge tube in fluid communication with the downstream portion for discharging the body in a substantially radial direction; ) an extrusion body movably disposed within the housing, the extrusion body having an upstream face, a downstream face, and an inlet end of the main cylinder when the extrusion body is disposed inside the main cylinder; (8) sealing means forming a fluid barrier between the extrusion body and the downstream end; (8) restricting radial movement of the extrusion body when the extrusion body is disposed within the introduction section; (1) axially connected to the upstream surface of the extrusion body and extending beyond the introduction part when the extrusion body is inserted into the downstream part; a barb 1 having a sufficient length to protrude; and (11) a journal bearing which is MiJ, f# in said introduction part, is axially aligned with said shaft, and is slidably engaged with said barb 1. (1) an introduction section guide means comprising; downstream guide means comprising: an extrusion pilot projecting axially from a downstream face of the extrusion; (gl means for detecting the longitudinal position of the extruded body in the housing at a predetermined position; fhl means for returning the extruded body from the downstream part to the introduction part, (1) in the axial direction with respect to the axis; a hydraulic cylinder having an aligned and substantially uniform internal diameter; (Ill) a hydraulic piston coupled axially to said shaft and movably disposed within said hydraulic cylinder; and (lli) by pressurizing said hydraulic cylinder; extruder return means including a hydraulic source for returning the piston; (1) a bypass pipe in fluid communication with the inlet pipe and the discharge pipe; (k) a bypass valve that is opened to place the calibrator in the calibration mode or closed to place the calibrator in the calibration mode; (k) the integrity of the sealing means of the extrusion body when it is in the main cylinder (e) launch means for promoting movement of the extruder from the inlet into the main cylinder when fluid enters the main cylinder. 9.7 In a device for determining the flow rate by measuring the time it takes for an extruder moving in a ring to extrude a known amount of fluid, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and an oil in the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are provided. a bypass pipe in communication with the body, the valve being disposed inside the bypass pipe and having a constant differential pressure between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe that is substantially smaller than the rated internal pressure of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. A device equipped with 10. The valve comprises: a valve seat; a poppet capable of engaging the valve seat to provide a fluid barrier between the inlet tube and the outlet tube; the poppet engaging the valve seat; and means for disengaging from the valve seat. 1], the poppet includes a first seal and a second seal disposed about its outer periphery, the seals forming a current space when the poppet is engaged with the valve seat. Section equipment. 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said valve seat has a channel formed therein, said channel being accessible from the outside, and said channel being in fluid communication with said annular space. I, the bypass tube being substantially perpendicular to the outlet tube, and the engagement/disengagement means including an actuator shaft axially connected to the poppet and extending through the outlet tube. 10. The apparatus of claim 10. A housing comprising: (1) a main cylinder having a substantially uniform inner diameter; (11) a main cylinder having a substantially uniform inner diameter; an inlet having an inner diameter and in fluid communication with an inlet end of the inlet tube and the main cylinder θ; and an inlet having an inner diameter greater than an inner diameter of the main cylinder and in fluid communication with a downstream end of the main cylinder. (C) a discharge pipe communicating with the downstream part, and cd)
an extrusion body movably disposed within the housing, the extrusion body having an upstream face, a downstream face, and the Chinese end and the downstream end when the extrusion body is disposed inside the main cylinder; (θ) a longitudinal position of the extrusion in the housing;
;! 0: means for detecting (at a predetermined position);
means for returning the extrudate from the downstream section to the introduction section; (g) a bypass tube in fluid communication with the introduction tube and the exhaust tube; A bypass valve that is opened to put it in the return mode and closed to put it in the test mode; k) extruder launching means for promoting inward movement, k) means for generating a higher pressure on the upstream face of the extruder than at said downstream face of the extruder; . 15. The high pressure generating means includes a shaft axially connected to the downstream face of the extrusion body, the shaft being axially connected to the downstream face of the extrusion body when the extrusion body is placed in the introduction part. Claim 14 having a length sufficient to extend beyond
Compact flow rate tester by term. 1G, including an introduction section guide means for axially aligning and holding the extrusion body when the extrusion body is disposed in the introduction section, the introduction section guide means: (a) the extrusion body; (b) an axial sleeve disposed within the introduction section and axially aligned with the extrusion pilot. A small flow rate tester by 17. The means for returning the extruded body from the downstream section to the introducing section comprises: (al) a casing arranged axially with respect to the axis and having a substantially uniform inner diameter; (bj) with respect to the axis; a double-acting member coupled in the axial direction and movably disposed within the casing; (e) a hydraulic source for returning the multiple-m-one member by applying pressure to the casing; A compact flow rate tester according to claim 15, comprising: 18. A second shaft extending axially within the cylinder, the second shaft having a measuring means at the position of the extrudate. A miniature flow rate tester according to claim 17, comprising: a means mounted on said shaft for measuring the position of said extrusion body; 20. A small flow rate tester according to claim 19, which includes means provided inside the @11 for monitoring the integrity of the sealing means of the extrusion body. 2]. 18. A miniature flow meter according to claim 17, including means for compensating for high pressure against a downstream surface therein. 22. Said compensating means selectively retains fluid within said hydraulic cylinder. , or a valve configured to regulate fluid flow from said hydraulic cylinder. 23. iiJ. Claim 14 is mounted so as to pivot between the
Compact flow rate tester by term. 24. A cylinder having a substantially uniform inner diameter and a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a piston movable within said cylinder as a fluid barrier; and means for moving and detecting said piston along said cylinder. , a casing, a fluid actuator including a member that moves back inside the casing at a free end and is connected to a piston m1 at the other end, and a fluid source for feeding and discharging fluid 4 into the inside of the casing; a valve for controlling fluid flow from the casing, the valve controlling the fluid flow from the casing to 9J! a valve piston arranged to control a valve piston, and a vial engaged at one end with the valve piston and in fluid communication with the interior of the cylinder at the other end, the valve piston and vial being arranged to control the flow of fluid from the casing. The flow rate is the piston σ
) A flow meter sized to substantially equalize the pressure applied on both sides and to control the flow rate produced on said member. 25. The ratio of the cross-sectional dimension of said valve piston to the cross-sectional axis of said bottle is the cross-sectional area of said member plus the cross-section of another element connected to said piston and extending parallel to said member inside said cylinder. 25. The flow rate tester of claim 24, which is substantially equal to the ratio of the area to the cross-sectional area of the free end of said member. 26° a measuring cylinder having a substantially uniform inner diameter and filled during operation with a fluid to be measured; and a pusher body movably disposed inside said cylinder, wherein a fluid barrier is provided inside said cylinder. an extrusion having first and twenty-seventh ring means forming an annular body, said sealing means being compressible and forming an annular volume of compressed fluid defined by said sealing means, said extrusion body and said cylinder; a first conduit having one end secured to the extrusion and communicating with the annular volume and having a second end accessible from outside the cylinder; 4) a second conduit affixed to the extrusion body and in communication with the fluid in the cylinder, the second end being accessible from outside the cylinder; and the second ends of the first and second conduits; σ) means placed outside said cylinder for measuring the differential pressure between the parts. 27. One of the above-mentioned passage pipes is concentrically inserted into the other, and the above-mentioned ? 1 (Claim 26 θ in which the second means is installed on the pipe) A flow rate tester. 28. Said? 1ll15'r? The means includes a magnetic piston and a housing, the magnetic piston being movable within the housing, the housing including a magnet movable by the movement of the magnetic piston in the housing, and the magnet being movable outside the housing. 28. The flow rate tester according to claim 27, further comprising a display portion, and said measuring means further comprising position sensing means for detecting movement of said display portion. 29. Said position sensing means are actuated only at the end of the stroke of said extruder; 4. The flow rate tester according to claim 28, configured as follows. 30. The flow rate tester according to claim 28, wherein said display means is a disk having a cut-out portion. 31. The flow rate tester according to claim 3θ, wherein the position sensing means according to iii) comprises an optical position sensor. 32. The flow rate tester according to claim 27, comprising means disposed on the cylinder for detecting the load of the extruded body by detecting the positions of the first conduit and the second conduit. . 33. The flow rate tester according to claim 27, wherein the measuring means includes a difference W sensor. 34. A flow rate tester according to claim 27, wherein said outer conduit is rigid and said housing includes sealing means for sealing the portion of said outer conduit that projects from said housing. 35. The flow meter of claim 26, wherein said conduit is relatively machinable and is configured to be telescopically inserted through said housing in a sealing manner.