Flow matching method and system using two transducers

A method for matching the flow rate of first and second fluid flows in respective, fluidly-unconnected first and second flow paths, wherein the first flow path includes a first flow source and a first flow-rate transducer, wherein the second flow path includes a second flow source and a second flow-rate transducer, and wherein the method comprises the steps of:

• a) shutting off the second flow source;
• b) fluidly interconnecting the first and second flow paths creating an interconnected flow path which allows substantially the same flow from the first flow source to encounter the first and second flow-rate transducers;
• c) after steps a) and b), obtaining readings from the first and second flow-rate transducers for various identical values of the flow rate of the first flow source;
• d) after step c), disconnecting the fluid interconnection between the first and second flow paths;
• e) turning on the second flow source;
• f) after steps d) and e), obtaining a reading from the first flow-rate transducer and a reading from the second flow-rate transducer;
• and
• g) controlling the flow rate of the first fluid flow to match the flow rate of the second fluid flow using the readings from step f) and using the readings in step c),
• wherein the second flow source is independent of the first flow source.

A fluid flow matching system comprising:

• a) a first fluid flow path having a servo-controlled actuator which controls a property of the first fluid flow and having in series a first flow source, a first flow transducer, and a first valve;
• b) a second fluid flow path having in series a second flow source, a second valve and a second flow transducer, wherein the second flow source is independent of the first flow source;
• c) a fluid interconnection path having in series a first end, an interconnection valve, and a second end, wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path between the first valve and the first flow transducer, and wherein the second end is in fluid communication with the second fluid flow path between the second valve and the second flow transducer;
• and
• d) a computer operable for obtaining data representing readings of the first and second flow transducers for various identical values of the property of the first flow source taken with the first valve fully shut, the interconnection valve fully open, and the second valve fully shut, and controlling the servo-controlled actuator is from readings of the first and second flow transducers taken with the first valve fully open, the interconnection valve fully shut, and the second valve fully open and from the data.

A fluid flow-rate matching system comprising:

• a) a first fluid flow path having in series a first flow source, a servo-controlled valve, a first flow-rate transducer, and a first valve;
• b) a second fluid flow path having in series a second flow source, a second valve and a second flow-rate transducer, wherein the second flow source is independent of the first flow source;
• c) a fluid interconnection path having in series a first end, an interconnection valve, and a second end, wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path between the first valve and the first flow-rate transducer, and wherein the second end is in fluid communication with the second fluid flow path between the second valve and the second flow-rate transducer;
• and
• d) a computer operable for obtaining data representing readings of the first and second flow-rate transducers for various identical values of the flow rate of the first flow source taken with the first valve fully shut, the interconnection valve fully open, and the second valve fully shut, and controlling the servo-controlled valve is from readings of the first and second flow-rate transducers taken with the first valve fully open, the interconnection valve fully shut, and the second valve fully open and from the data.