Proximity sensor nozzle shroud with flow curtain

A gas gauge proximity sensor for sensing a difference between a reference surface standoff and a measurement surface standoff, comprising:

• a junction that divides gas input into the gas gauge proximity sensor into a reference channel and a measurement channel;
• a reference nozzle at an end of the reference channel, whereby gas exits the reference channel through the reference nozzle and travels across a reference standoff to impinge upon a reference surface;
• a measurement nozzle at an end of the reference channel, whereby gas exits the measurement channel through the measurement nozzle and travels across a measurement standoff to impinge upon a measurement surface;
• a measurement nozzle shroud affixed to said measurement nozzle, wherein said measurement nozzle shroud includes:
• a plenum inside said measurement nozzle shroud to hold the shroud gas;
• and
• a plurality of openings for emitting the shroud gas in a direction away from said measurement nozzle, wherein said plurality of openings project cones of shroud gas flow having an arrival velocity, wherein horizontal components of the gas flow arrival velocity are equal to or greater than horizontal components of cross-winds;
• and
• a measurement device coupled between the reference and measurement channels for sensing the mass flow of gas flow therebetween, whereby, the differences in standoffs between the reference and measurement surfaces can be sensed at a high sensitivity.

An apparatus for reducing an impact of cross-currents of liquid on a liquid flow emitted from a nozzle, comprising:

• a shroud substantially circumscribing the nozzle;
• a plenum inside said shroud to hold a shroud liquid;
• wherein said shroud has a plurality of openings for emitting the shroud liquid via said plenum in a direction away from the nozzle,
• wherein said plurality of openings project cones of shroud liquid flow having an arrival velocity, wherein horizontal components of the liquid flow arrival velocity are equal to or greater than horizontal components of cross-currents, whereby creating a shroud liquid curtain that prevents cross-currents from impacting liquid flow emitted from the nozzle.

An apparatus for reducing an impact of cross-winds on gas flow emitted from a nozzle, comprising:

• a shroud substantially circumscribing the nozzle;
• a plenum inside said shroud to hold a shroud gas;
• wherein said shroud has a plurality of openings for emitting the shroud gas via said plenum in a direction away from the nozzle,
• wherein said plurality of openings face outward and downward at an angle from a vertical centerline through the nozzle, whereby creating a shroud gas curtain that prevents cross-winds from impacting gas flow emitted from the nozzle.

An apparatus for reducing an impact of cross-currents of liquid on a liquid flow emitted from a nozzle, comprising:

• a shroud substantially circumscribing the nozzle;
• a plenum inside said shroud to hold a shroud liquid;
• wherein said shroud has a plurality of openings for emitting the shroud liquid via said plenum in a direction away from the nozzle,
• wherein said plurality of openings face outward and downward at an angle from a vertical centerline through the nozzle, whereby creating a shroud liquid curtain that prevents cross-currents from impacting liquid flow emitted from the nozzle.