Abstract:
In the methods, systems and apparatus of the present invention, a property of a fluid in a fluidic system is monitored using a sensor interfaced with the fluidic system. In some embodiments, the interfaced sensor is formed from and includes at least one sensor subassembly interfaced with an installed unit that is either a sensor or another sensor subassembly. Likewise, the systems and apparatus of the present invention comprise a sensor or a sensor subassembly. In each case, the sensor is a flexural resonator sensor. In preferred embodiments, a flexural resonator sensor comprises a flexural resonator sensing element having a sensing surface for contacting the fluid being sensed. In operation during a sensing period, the sensing surface of a flexural resonator displaces or is displaced by at least a portion of the fluid being sensed.
Abstract:
A sensor system and method for analyzing a fluid contained within an environmental control system (100), comprising the steps of providing a system (100) including a passage for containing a thermal change fluid; placing a sensor (108) including a mechanical resonator in the passage; operating the resonator to have at least a portion thereof translate through the fluid; and monitoring the response of the resonator to the fluid in the passage. A preferred sensor includes a tuning fork resonator.
Abstract:
Particle and multi-phase system monitoring methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed. Preferred embodiments comprise one or more mechanical resonator sensing elements. In preferred embodiments a sensor or a sensor subassembly is ported to a fluidized bed vessel such as a fluidized bed polymerization reactor.
Abstract:
Fluid monitoring methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed. Preferred embodiments comprise one or more mechanical resonator sensing elements such as flexural resonator sensing elements. In preferred embodiments the sensing elements comprises one or more embedded electrodes.
Abstract:
A sensor and methods for making and using the same in which a mechanical resonator is employed, comprising a resonator portion for resonating in a fluid without the substantial generation of acoustic waves; and an electrical connection between the resonator portion for oscillating and a source of an input signal; wherein the portion for resonating, the electrical connection or both includes a base material and a performance-tuning material that is different from the base material.
Abstract:
A method for analyzing a fluid contained within a machine, comprising the steps of providing a machine system (100) including a passage (104) for containing a fluid; placing a sensor (106) including a mechanical resonator in the passage; operating the resonator to have a portion thereof translate through the fluid; and monitoring the response of the resonator to the fluid in the passage. One specific sensor includes a tuning fork resonator.