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System and method for bidirectional flow and controlling fluid flow in a conduit
| Details |
Inventors: Ortiz, Marcos German;
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Company (Idaho Falls, ID)
Primary Examiner: Biegel; Ronald
Assistant Examiner: Amrozowicz; Paul D.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Thorpe North & Western
A system for measuring bidirectional flow, including backflow, of fluid in a conduit. The system utilizes a structural mechanism to create a pressure differential in the conduit. Pressure sensors are positioned upstream from the mechanism, at the mechanism, and downstream from the mechanism. Data from the pressure sensors are transmitted to a microprocessor or computer, and pressure differential detected between the pressure sensors is then used to calculate the backflow. Control signals may then be generated by the microprocessor or computer to shut off valves located in the conduit, upon the occurrence of backflow, or to control flow, total material dispersed, etc. in the conduit. |
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Reference is now made to the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
1 as it might appear in use.
The normal direction of flow of fluid/material is shown by the arrows.
As depicted, the system for measuring bidirectional flow in a conduit 10 includes a rounded protrusion 12, either spherical or cylindrical.
Using a rounded protrusion has a number of advantages.
First, a rounded protrusion, such as those depicted, is less susceptible to causing an obstruction in the conduit than protrusions using sharp edges or points.
For example, in agricultural irrigation systems, there is often debris carried along with the water in the conduit.
Rounding the protrusion eliminates sharp edges which may have a tendency to catch and hold the debris.
Second, rounding the protrusion allows for more predictable and a accurate flow readings.
Abrupt or sharp edged protrusions can result in highly unpredictable effects on the fluid flow.
This, in turn, hinders obtaining predictable and accurate results in measuring fluid flow.
Rounding the protrusion results in a less abrupt and less turbulent flow, thus providing more analytically predictable results.
Yet another advantage of a rounded protrusion over a more abrupt protrusion is the reduction in associated power loss.
Although any protrusion will result in some power loss, rounding the protrusion will typically result in less power loss in comparison to more abrupt protrusion.
A series of sensors 14, 16 and 18 are disposed in the vicinity of the rounded protrusion 12.
The sensors are designed to detect pressure and might illustratively be piezoelectric pressure sensors.
Upstream pressure sensor 14 is located upstream, in terms of the normal direction of flow, from the rounded protrusion 12.
Protrusion pressure sensor 16 is disposed on protrusion 12.
Downstream pressure sensor 18 is positioned downstream, again in terms of the normal direction of flow, from the rounded protrusion 12.
Associated with upstream pressure sensor 14 is communications line 20, associated with protrusion pressure sensor 16 is communications line 22, and associated with downstream pressure sensor 18 is communications line 24
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Heart Surgery 
