Methods and devices for determination of differential parameters associated with fluid flow within a conduit

A method for determining a parameter associated with a flow of a fluid located within a fluid conduit, the method comprising:

• providing at least a first and a second sensing elements comprising an assembly of nanoparticles being in electric contact with conductive electrodes;
• wherein the first sensing element contacts a first position on an exterior of the fluid conduit and the second sensing element contacts a second position on the exterior of the fluid conduit;
• measuring an electrical signal of the first and the second sensing elements;
• wherein the electrical signal is responsive to at least one of pressure and temperature;
• and
• determining, based on a difference between the electrical signals of the first and the second sensing elements, said parameter,
• wherein the first and the second sensing elements are:
• printed on the exterior of the fluid conduit;
• provided on a substrate, wherein the substrate is adhered to the exterior of the fluid conduit;
• or
• attached to an inner surface of a clamping device,
• wherein the first and the second sensing elements are connected to a mutual time monitoring system and wherein said difference between the electrical signals of the first and the second sensing elements is a time related difference between the occurrence of a change in the measured electrical signals of the first and the second sensing elements,
• wherein said parameter is indicative of a pressure wave velocity, wherein (A) the fluid conduit comprises a valve and a pipe fluidly connected with the valve, wherein the fluid flows from the valve to the pipe, wherein the first position is located on the pipe in a close proximity to the valve and the second position is located on the pipe at a distance of at least about 10 cm from the first position or (B) the fluid conduit comprises a first pipe and a second pipe fluidly connected through a valve, wherein the first position is located on the first pipe in close proximity to the valve and the second position is located on the second pipe at a distance of at least about 5 cm from the valve, and
• wherein the method further comprises:
• providing a third sensing element comprising an assembly of nanoparticles being in electric contact with conductive electrodes;
• wherein the third sensing element contacts a third position on an exterior of the fluid conduit;
• measuring an electrical signal of the third sensing element, wherein the electrical signal is responsive to at least one of pressure and temperature;
• and
• determining, based on a difference between the electrical signals of the first, the second, and the third sensing elements, said parameter.