Differential-pressure-based flow meters

A flow meter, comprising:

• a flow path having an inlet portion and an outlet portion and configured to transport a fluid, the flow path having a single bend formed therein, the inlet portion and the outlet portion of the flow path being arranged substantially parallel to each other to transport the fluid in substantially opposing directions in the inlet portion and the outlet portion;
• at least one flow-restrictor element within the flow path and arranged between the inlet portion and the outlet portion of the flow path and configured to impart a pressure drop to the fluid;
• and
• at least one flow sensor arranged at a different portion where the at least one flow sensor is arranged in a direction of a fluid flow having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface of the flow sensor being configured to be in direct fluid communication with the fluid that is flowing upstream of the at least one flow-restrictor element, the second surface being configured to be in direct fluid communication with the fluid that is flowing downstream of the at least one flow-restrictor element, the flow sensor being configured to sense a differential pressure in the fluid due to the at least one flow-restrictor element.

A flow meter, comprising:

• an upstream portion flow path and a downstream portion flow path to transport a fluid, the upstream portion flow path and the downstream portion flow path being arranged substantially parallel to each other to transport the fluid in substantially opposing directions in the upstream portion flow path and the downstream portion flow path;
• a flow-sensor carrier arranged transverse to a direction of the transported fluid and between the upstream portion flow path and the downstream portion flow path;
• at least one orifice formed through the flow-sensor carrier in substantially a same direction as a direction of the fluid, the at least one orifice to provide a pressure drop between the upstream portion flow path and the downstream portion flow path;
• and
• a flow sensor formed within the flow-sensor carrier and having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface of the flow sensor being configured to be in direct fluid communication with the fluid that is flowing upstream of the flow-sensor carrier and the second surface of the flow sensor being configured to be in direct fluid communication with the fluid that is flowing downstream of the flow-sensor carrier, the flow sensor being configured to sense a differential pressure in the fluid due to the at least one orifice.