Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Acoustic flowmeters and methods of using the same
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Application No.: US15469735Application Date: 2017-03-27
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Publication No.: US10650931B2Publication Date: 2020-05-12
- Inventor: Eric P. Loewen , James P. Sineath , Dean D. Molinaro , William C. Dawn , William J. Garcia , Oscar L. Meek , Patrick K. Day
- Applicant: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
- Applicant Address: US NC Wilmington
- Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
- Current Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
- Current Assignee Address: US NC Wilmington
- Agency: Ryan Alley IP
- Main IPC: G21C17/032
- IPC: G21C17/032 ; G21C17/10 ; G01F1/66 ; G21C13/02 ; G01F1/32

Abstract:
Vibration-based flowmeters are useable in inaccessible nuclear reactor spaces. Flowmeters include an extension that blocks fluid flow in a path and a detector that detects vibrations caused by vortex shedding in the fluid flow around the extension. The detected frequency of the vibrations determines the flow rate. A Strouhal number may be used to calculate the flow speed using extension surface diameter and detected vortex shedding frequency. Several extensions may cover a range of frequencies and flow speeds. Pipe-organ-type flowmeters include a passage with an opening constricted, and subsequent widening section. An extension and outlet that create turbulence in the flow at the outlet create a standing wave and vibration in the extension and/or entire flowmeter. A flow rate of the fluid through the flowmeter can be calculated using length of the passage and/or known properties of the fluid. Multiple, flowmeters of customized physical properties and types are useable together.
Public/Granted literature
- US20180277267A1 ACOUSTIC FLOWMETERS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME Public/Granted day:2018-09-27
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