Flowmeter for Installation Under Pressure, Equipment for Installing the Flowmeter, and Installation Method
AssigneeCDI Meters, Inc.
InventorsRoger Dennison, Christopher Corsino
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A flowmeter of the thermal type, having a heated flow-sensing element and a temperature-sensing reference element, the elements constructed and arranged to be installed in a pressurized pipe. The flowmeter has one probe with the heated element and a separate second probe with the reference element. The probes are constructed and arranged to pass through the pipe wall in separate through-holes. There is a mounting structure such as a split ring that is adapted to be mounted to the pipe. Two valves operatively coupled to separate locations of the mounting structure, where one probe passes through each valve and into the pipe.
Claims22
A flowmeter of the thermal type, having a heated flow-sensing element and a temperature-sensing reference element, the elements constructed and arranged to be installed in a pressurized pipe, comprising:
- one probe with the heated element;
- and
- a separate second probe with the reference element;
- wherein the probes are constructed and arranged to pass through the pipe wall in separate through-holes.
A flowmeter of the thermal type, having a heated flow-sensing element and a temperature-sensing reference element, the elements constructed and arranged to be installed in a pressurized pipe, comprising:
- one probe with the heated element;
- a separate second probe with the reference element;
- wherein the probes are constructed and arranged to pass through the pipe wall in separate through-holes;
- a mechanical mounting structure that is adapted to be mounted to the pipe;
- two valves operatively coupled to separate locations of the mechanical mounting structure, where one probe passes through each valve and into the pipe;
- two mounting fittings, one coupled to each valve, where the mounting fittings comprise enlarged head structures projecting from a top surface and a central opening to receive a probe;
- wherein the probes are each part of separate probe assemblies, wherein each probe assembly comprises a base portion with a central hole in which a probe is located and two slotted holes that are constructed and arranged to engage the enlarged head structures, and a seal located in a recess and surrounding the central hole;
- a drill guide and filter assembly adapted to be releasably coupled to the mounting fitting, wherein the drill guide and filter assembly comprises a drill guide assembly with a longitudinal opening that is adapted to receive a drill bit and a filter that is fluidly coupled to the opening at a coupling location, wherein the longitudinal opening is larger below the coupling location than it is above the coupling location;
- and
- a seal between the mechanical structure and the pipe, where the seal is separated from the path of the drill by a solid barrier.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.